•  Are Single-stage Snowthrowers good? It depends on how much snow you get at one time, the type of snow you get, and how far you want to throw the snow. Single-stage snowthrowers work best on 2-8 inches of snow. If you regularly get more than that single-stage snow throwers can be hard to use. Good single-stage snowthrowers will work on all types of snow. the better models will throw “normal” snow 15-25 feet so they will throw the snow off your single and two-car driveways. They will not throw heavy/wet snow or slush very far – usually only a few feet. If you normally get drifting you will want a two-stage snow blower to throw the snow farther away from your driveway so you don’t get deeper and deeper drifts as the winter progresses.
• Are single-stage snowthrowers self-propelled? The correct answer is no. Some single-stage snowthrower augers are designed so they will pull the snow thrower through the snow as it clears the snow. This feature is called “auger-assist.” This feature works best if there are 4-6 inches or more snow. On most models with rubber paddles when you lift up on the handles the auger will touch the ground and this will also help to pull the snow thrower through the snow.
• Can I use a single-stage snowthrower on a gravel driveway? Single-stage snowthrowers and designed to clear the snow right down to the pavement so they will pick up rocks and throw them. Since the gravel driveway is rough they are also very hard to push. They also don’t work on grass and dirt for the same reasons. If you want to clear a path out to the shed or clear a patch of lawn for your dogs you really need a two-stage snow blower for the task.
• Can single-stage snowthrowers break ice?  Can single-stage snowthrowers remove ice? Not really. It will not clear a sheet of ice off your driveway. Single-stage snow throwers generally have a plastic scraper behind the auger. This scraper has about the same clearing power as a poly snow shovel. What that means is if you throw salt or sand on the ice and the sun has a chance to melt the ice in places down to the pavement a single-stage snow thrower will be able to bust through the ice layer and scrape some of it up and throw it off your driveway.
• Can you use a single-stage snowthrower on slush? Yes, single-stage snowthrowers grab the slush and in one motion throw it out the chute. The good ones have the auger housing designed like a funnel so the slush doesn’t catch inside and plug the snowthrower. Be Aware – even the best will only throw slush a few feet.
• How much does a single-stage snowthrower weigh? A small 18-inch gas-powered single-stage snowthrower weighs about 60 lbs, a normal size 21-22 inch weighs about 90 lbs., and a larger 24 inch weighs about 130 lbs.
• How much is a decent single-stage snowthrower? Good gas-powered single-stage snowthrower are not cheap. A small 18-inch costs about $450, a normal size 21-22 inch costs about $650, and a larger 24-inch costs about $850.
• Is an electric or gas single-stage snowthrowers better? In general, gas single stage snowthrowers are better than cordless electric and much better than corded electric. There are two cordless electric snow blowers for the fall of 2019 that are better than about half of the single-stage snow blowers on the market. The Best Cordless Electric Snowblower For You! Fall 2019
• What brand makes the best single-stage snowthrowers? It depends on the website reviewing the products, owner reviews, and other factors. In general, Toro has the best overall reputation although Honda, Ariens, Troy-Bilt and Briggs & Stratton all have one or two models that rate well with review sites and owners.

Fuel & Oil Questions About Single-Stage Snowthrowers.

• 

  Do Not Use Fuel From This Pump In Your Snow Blower!

   Can I use regular gas in my single-stage snowthrower? Yes, the engine is designed for regular unleaded 87 Octane fuel with up to 10% E10 ethanol. DO NOT use fuel from a pump labeled E15 or higher ethanol. It will ruin your engine and void your warranty.

• Are single-stage snowthrowers 2 or 4 cycle? All single-stage snow throwers sold in the U.S. in the last 10 years are 4 cycle. No need for a separate gas can.
• Is it bad to run a single-stage snowthrower engine with the choke on? No. Small engines without EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) don’t have carburetors that automatically adjust the fuel ratio for different temperatures and altitudes. So, you need to do this by adjusting the choke lever.
• Why is my single-stage snowthrower sputtering? Adjust the choke lever until the engine smooths out. After the engine warms up you may have to further adjust the choke.  Small engines without EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) don’t have carburetors that automatically adjust the fuel ratio for different temperatures and altitudes. So, you need to do this by adjusting the choke lever.
• Can I use SAE 30 instead of 5w30 in my single-stage snowthrower? SAE 30 engine oil is thicker than 5W30 and it will make the engine hard to pull over and hard to start in cold weather. Rule of thumb: Below 32 degrees use 5W30.
• How many cc is a 5.5 hp engine? Around 208cc. Horsepower ratings are no longer used with small engines in the U.S. There are too many factors that go into determining the actual horsepower of an engine, let alone, the fact we use three different government standards to measure HP for small engines.
• How many horsepower is 208cc? Somewhere around 5 HP. Horsepower ratings are no longer used with small engines in the U.S. There are too many factors that go into determining the actual horsepower of an engine, let alone, the fact we use three different government standards to measure HP for small engines.
• How many horsepower is a single-stage snowthrower CC? 136cc around 3 HP, 179cc around 4 HP, 208cc around 5.5 HP and 250cc around 7-8 HP. Horsepower ratings are no longer used with small engines in the U.S. There are too many factors that go into determining the actual horsepower of an engine, let alone, the fact we use three different government standards to measure HP for small engines.

If you are not quite sure what snow blower you need please check out these articles:

• The Best Snow Blower For 2019
• Buying A New Snow Blower FAQS,
•  What Is The Best Snow Blower For Me? – All Your Questions Answered Here!
•  13 Snow Blower Features And Myths That Matter
• 5 Best Commercial Snow Blowers 2019

By The Way – All Opinions are Mine.

Keeping up with snow blowers is almost a full-time job and I take finding the best snow blower for you very seriously. The U.S. manufactures currently sell about 400 different models made here in the U.S. alone. In addition, there are always another dozen or so foreign manufactures trying to wedge their way into your pocketbook. By the way – a quality $500 two-stage snow blower no longer exists. The base regular price is now $699.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please assume that if I send you to a retailer to purchase a product that I will make a small commission from that sale. FTC disclosure: **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

The post 17 Common Questions About Single-Stage Snowthrowers appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

1. 3 stage snow blowers are not better than competing 2-stage snow blowers – they are just different. Every U.S. manufacturer tries to make the best snow blower for the price and or the best snow blower for certain buyers. Because of that, there have been many different designs over the years.
2. Cub Cadet/MTD advertises the 3-stage to be better than a 2-stage but when you read the fine print the claim is against their own 2-stage snow blowers – not other brands. In fact, MTD now offers 2-stage heavy-duty snow blowers with more capacity. So, feel free to ask in the comments below if a 3-stage or 2-stage is the best choice for you.
3. Consumer Reports rates 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers separately. Just because they list 3-stage snow blowers at the top of the page that does not mean they are better – use the number ratings they post to get an accurate assessment of their viewpoint. In fact, CR now rates six 2-stage snow blowers equal or better to the 3-stage models. One other item to note about CR reviews – Their ratings are based on the models they have tested – not all of the snow blowers on the market.
4. All 3-stage snow blowers currently sold in the U.S. and Canada are made by MTD. MTD sells them under various names including Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Columbia, and other names. 3-stage Craftsman (Sears), Craftsman Professional (Sears) and Craftsman at Lowes (owned by Stanley, Black & Decker) are also made by MTD.
5. Is the 3X snowblower durable? Yes, When maintained properly, kept inside and sized properly for the amount of snow you have to clear and the size of your property a Cub Cadet snowblower will last many years. All Cub Cadet snowblowers are designed to break shear pins instead of tearing up more expensive parts if it hits something that may damage the machine so make sure you have extra on hand. You may break a few until you get used to your machine and the obstructions you have. (The hard one to replace on the 3-stage snow blowers is the shear pin on the back auger flite. (The propeller behind the gearbox.) Before you go out and clear snow the first time please figure out how that hole lines up with the front shear pin so you can easily replace that pin if you break it.

If you are not quite sure what snow blower you need please check out these articles:

• The Best Snow Blower For 2019
• Buying A New Snow Blower FAQS,
•  What Is The Best Snow Blower For Me? – All Your Questions Answered Here!
•  13 Snow Blower Features And Myths That Matter
• 5 Best Commercial Snow Blowers 2019

By The Way – All Opinions are Mine.

Keeping up with snow blowers is almost a full-time job and I take finding the best snow blower for you very seriously. The U.S. manufactures currently sell about 400 different models made here in the U.S. alone. In addition, there are always another dozen or so foreign manufactures trying to wedge their way into your pocketbook. By the way – a quality $500 two-stage snow blower no longer exists. The base regular price is now $699.

The post Are 3 Stage Snow Blowers Better? appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

This article has been updated:  9 Best Cheap 2-Stage Snow Blowers 2018-2019

Nov 2014.

You looked at my article of the under $600 snow blowers and they just don’t have the features you want.

In this article I will go through the U.S. 24 inch snow blowers that sell for over $600 and give you the features and differences between them. I will give you my un-biased opinion on the snow blower based on repair history, service and features.  If you want an in-depth review of a particular model look in the right-hand column and select my full review.

by: Paul Sikkema

I will tell you that if I could line up all the 24 inch snow blowers in a row and go over the features one-by-one most of you would buy a machine in this category. Those snow blowers have the most features that make your task easy, yet are affordable to buy and own.

There are over 30 different models of 24 inch snow blowers. I have broken the model down to these groups: $600 and less, $600 and over.

(Prices are listed prices on the retailer or manufacture websites. Actual price may vary. Data here is from manufacture’s websites.) All engines have electric start except as noted. All snow blowers have 4-way chute except as noted.

The Worst in this price group: Craftsman/Ace 98536

The Best Value in this Group: Craftsman 88173.

Best all around Snow  blower: Ariens Compact Track 24 followed closely by Ariens Deluxe ST24LE, Cub Cadet 524SWE and Toro 724 OE.

If you didn’t know, John Deere is out of the walk behind snow blower business. Also, Snapper/Simplicity is transitioning to a dealer only product. They are pulling out of the big box stores but there are dealers selling them on the internet.  It looks like Briggs will continue to sell at retailers but will primarily use the Murray name. You may also find 24 inch snowblowers with names like Poulan Pro (Husqvarna), Powerland  (Chinese), and Power Smart (Chinese). There is not enough data on these product and their service network for me to recommend these snow blowers to anyone at this time. If you find a 24 inch snow blower brand not listed here leave a comment below and I’ll check the snow blower and manufacture out.

Craftsman Model 88173

Sold By: Sears

Craftsman 88173

Price: $689
Engine:  208cc Brand: PowerMore
Tires: 13×4 These tires are small compared to the others in this group.
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Top mounted remote chute (I like this chute control!) No remote deflector control
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: 3 or 5 yrs with in-home service.
Service: Through Sears
Overall Quality/Value: Best Value!
My Opinion: For many of you this is the machine that will get the job done. It is a great value for the price. It will work well for your driveway and sidewalks. It comes with the non-marring poly skid shoes but it does lack some major features that others in this price group have. It has small tires and does not have a 4-way chute. The chute is also a “hanging chute” and will not freeze up like the older chutes that rest on the impeller housing. The tires are better than those in the Under $600 range but you will find them lacking if you want to go off hard surfaces to blow snow.

The 88173 through Sears also has the best protection plan of all the 24 inch snow blowers sold. Why? because it includes wear and tear, in-home service and fuel related problems. For around $250 you can purchase with the machine a program that will keep the machine trouble free for 5 years! It won’t start next fall, it has a flat tire, you use it enough that you wear out the belts, you ignore it and a bearing or transmission part goes bad, that is all covered.  And you never have to take it anywhere. Just call 1-800-4MY-HOME and the tech comes right to your home and repairs the snow blower.

Find out more by clicking on this link:  Craftsman 24″ 208cc Dual-Stage Snow Blower 13″ x 4″ X-Trac tires

Cub Cadet Model 524 and 524SWE

Sold By: Home Depot, Tractor Supply and Servicing Dealers.

Cub Cadet 524SWE

Price: $799
Engine:  208 cc Brand: Cub Cadet/PowerMore
Tires: 15 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Remote 4-way, forehand control
Intake: 21
Warranty: 3 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: up to 4 years extended warranty through Home Depot
Service: Through Cub Cadet Authorized Serving Dealers
Overall Quality/Value: Better
My Opinion: The 524 SWE is is the lowest priced 24 in snow blower with power steering.  This snow blower is a good value because it has all the features and power steering! If you are small and have a hard time using a snow blower this is one to seriously look at. By just pulling on the handle mounted triggers this snow blower turns itself. It has larger tires than the Craftsman 88173 making it a good choice for many people. The 524 WE is the same machine without power steering.

Husqvarna 961930096 208cc 2-Stage Electric Start Snow Thrower, 24-Inch

Sold By: Amazon.com and Servicing Dealers. 

Price: $799
Engine:  208 c Brand: Husqvarna/LCT
Tires: 16 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Steel, Remote Chute, Remote Deflector
Intake: 23
Warranty: 2 years
Service: Husqvarna authorized Servicing Dealer
Overall Quality/Value: Better.
My Opinion:   This is my personal favorite of the machines listed here. Why? The fit and finish is great. New high intensity LED lighting, wrap around handles, huge tires, all make this one of the best values in the 24 in size. I have a great local dealer who is second to none in service after the sale.

I not only clear my driveway, but I also clear a large spot out in the backyard for my dogs. The Husqvarna 924HV has the largest tires and it will easily clear snow off my lawn. I also like the wrap around handles. If you have ever been trying to maneuver in close quarters and gotten your coat caught in the handles you will understand why wrap around handles are great!

Find out more by clicking on this link: Husqvarna 961930096 208cc 2-Stage Electric Start Snow Thrower, 24-Inch

Simplicity/Snapper Model I924E, M924E 

Sold By: Tyler Tool (Snapper) & Local Dealers

Snapper M924E

Price: $899
Engine:  205 cc Brand: B&S
Tires:15 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Metal 2 way steel chute
Intake: 19
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: NA
Service: Local Simplicity Dealer
Overall Quality/Value: Good
My Opinion: The Simplicity and Snapper are different than the other brands. They have a lower intake height, all steel construction and only use Briggs & Stratton engines. They are good dependable machines but I feel the retail price is too high for what you get. The quality and features are comparable to the $679 Craftsman 888173 listed above.  If your local dealer sells these for less than the retail price don’t be afraid to buy one.

Toro Model 724 OE 37770 

Sold By: Home Depot

Toro 724

Price: $899
Engine:  205 cc Brand: B&S
Tires: 15 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Poly 2-Way chute on Home Depot Model
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Local Servicing Dealer
Overall Quality/Value: Good
My Opinion: Toro has finally gotten in the game with this snow blower.  They have always had very high quality machines, but this is the first model in a long time specifically for the homeowner. When blowing heavy snow the patented snow metering system only allows so much snow into the impeller reducing plugging. Fit and finish is great. The 2 way chute is easy to operate and the deflector does not ride up like the MTD build machines.

Ariens Compact 24 

Sold By: Home Depot and Authorized Dealers

Compact 24

Price: $799
Engine:  208 cc Brand: Ariens AX
Tires: 13 x 4
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Metal 2 – way
Intake: 21
Warranty: 3 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Authorized Dealers
Overall Quality/Value:
My Opinion: The Craftsman 88173 listed above at $679 is a better buy.

Find out more by clicking on this link: Ariens Compact 24
Ariens Deluxe Model ST24LE 921031

Sold By: Home Depot and Authorized Dealers

Deluxe 24

Price: $929
Engine:  254 cc Brand: Ariens AX
Tires: 15 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: 4 Way metal chute
Intake: 21
Warranty: 3 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service:
Overall Quality/Value: Better
My Opinion: Don’t confuse this model with the Ariens Compact 24. This high quality Ariens machine features one of the largest motors in the 24 in class. It has a 14 in impeller which is larger than all the other brands and will move more snow. If you live in a snow belt, but have a small driveway this is the snow blower to buy.

Find out more by clicking on this link: Ariens Deluxe 24

Ariens Compact Track 24 920022 

Sold By: Home Depot and Authorized Dealers

Ariens Compact Track 24 in

Price: $799
Engine:  208 cc Brand: Ariens AX
Tires: 13 x 4
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Metal 2 – way
Intake: 21
Warranty: 3 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Authorized Dealers
Overall Quality/Value:
My Opinion: It’s simple, track drive models have more traction. They will push through heavy dense snow. They will bust through that snow plow drift at the end of your driveway. They will move on that soft gravel drive without tearing it up. Track drives are expensive but this one is worth every penny if you want the best traction in a small snow blower.

Find out more by clicking on this link: Ariens Compact Track 24 in. Electric Start Gas Snow Blower 920022

Ariens Model Platinum ST24DLE 921017

Sold By: Home Depot and Authorized Dealers

Platinum 24

Price: $1249
Engine: 291 cc Brand: Ariens AX
Tires: 15 x 5
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector: remote 4-way, steel
Intake: 21
Warranty: 3 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Authorized Service Centers
Overall Quality/Value: Best
My Opinion: This is one of the best 24 in snow blowers. Ariens does not use trigger controlled power steering, instead they use automatic traction control. This system automatically releases one wheel when you turn the snow blower. The larger 14 in impeller will throw snow farther than most of the other units. If you live in a snow belt and want all of the best features this is the machine for you!

Find out more by clicking on this link: Ariens Platinum 24

Husqvarna Model ST324P

Sold By: Authorized Dealers

Husqvarna 11524E

Price: $1399
Engine: 254 cc Brand: LCT
Tires: 16 x 5
Speeds: Hydrostatic
Chute & Deflector: remote 4- way steel
Intake: 23
Warranty: 2-5 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Authorized Service Centers
Overall Quality/Value: Best
My Opinion: This is one of the best 24 in snow blowers. Trigger controlled power steering, hydrostatic drive, huge engine and hand warmers make this the best snow blower on the market. The high speed 14 in cast iron impeller will throw snow farther than most of the other units. If you live in a snow belt and want all of the best features this is the machine for you!

The post The Best 24 inch Snow Blowers $600 to $1500 appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

This article has been updated. Please go here: 9 Best Cheap 2-Stage Snow Blowers 2018-2019

Average snowfall 4 to 6 inches. If you regularly get more than 6-inch snows or more than 60 inches a year. Look at snow blowers that cost more than $600.

But there are about 30 different 24-inch snow blowers on the market with prices ranging from $499 to over $2500! How do you choose which one to buy?

In this article, I will go through the snow blowers that sell for less than $600 and give you the features and differences between them. Every Brand has an “economy” model, Craftsman has the 88172, Ariens the Snow-Tek, MTD the Yard Machines, B&S the Murray, Husqvarna has the Poulan Pro. No frills, basic machines. I will give you my unbiased opinion on the snow blower based on repair history, service and features. No links to buy, no sales pitches, just the facts.  This will help you decide which snow blower is best for you. If you want an in-depth review of a particular model look in the right-hand column and select my full review.

I will tell you that if I could line up all the snow blowers in a row and go over the features one-by-one most of you would buy a machine in the $600-$900 categories. Those snow blowers have the most features that make your task as easy as possible yet affordable.

I have broken the models down to $600 and less, $600-$1500 and over $1500. (Prices are listed prices on the retailer or manufacturer websites. Actual price may vary.)

Go Here For The $600-$1500 Snow Blowers: $600-$1500

All engines have electric start except as noted.

Under $600 Snow Blowers

The Worst in this price group: Snow Devil. The Best in this Group:
Craftsman Model 88172. The Troy-Bilt at Lowes, Snow-Tek at Home Depot and Yard Machines at WalMart are also good values.

Craftsman 24″ 179cc Dual-Stage Snowblower 13″ x 4″ X-Trac tires Craftsman Model 88172
Sold by: Sears 

Price: Around: $599
Engine: 179 cc Brand: Craftsman (Powermore)
Tires:  Small tires but much better than Murray, Snow Devil and PowerSmart
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse, no single hand chute control
Chute & Deflector: Impeller mounted, 2-way chute.
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: 3 or 5 year in-home service.
Service: Through Sears.
Overall Quality/Value: Good. Works well for 6-inch snows. Tires are a little small for cleaning the snow off the yard for your dogs. Good quality motor! Poly skid shoes don’t mar your drive or sidewalk.
My Opinion: If getting it serviced is your biggest concern this is the best snow blower for you. This is similar to last year’s Model 88957 without single-hand controls. The 88957 has been the “standard” inexpensive snow blower for a few years now. It is a good machine for the price. The Craftsman has the smallest engine, but it is powerful enough for 6 to 9-inch snowfalls. I rate it the highest in this group because has the best service network available. With this Craftsman, you can purchase the optional 5-year protection plan that includes in-home service, gas related issues (it won’t start) and wear and tear repairs. No other brand or retailer has this available.

Sno-Tek (Ariens Economy) Model: 920402

 Price $599
Engine: 208 cc Brand: LCT This is the better LCT motor
Tires:  Many people complain about these “cheap, no traction tires” going flat all the time.
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse, has interlocking controls
Chute & Deflector: Top mounted Chute and remote deflector! Best of the under $600 class!
Intake: 20
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: Through Home Depot
Service: Authorized Servicing Dealer
Overall Quality/Value: Good. At $599 it is a good value if your local dealer wants over $700 there are better machines in the $700 range. If you shop at Home Depot, this is a very good snow blower for the money but be sure you understand the repair process if your machine needs work. It lacks the features and durability of the Ariens brand but if you get 4-6 inch snows most of the time you’ll be happy with this machine.
My Opinion: If you do not want a Craftsman this is my first choice from this list. This snow blower is made by Ariens and is very comparable in features and quality to the Craftsman and Troy-Bilt.

Poulan Pro 961920067 179cc 2-Stage Snow Thrower, 24-Inch

 Price $599
Engine: 208 cc Brand: LCT This is the better LCT motor
Tires:  Small tires but much better than Murray, Snow Devil and PowerSmart
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse, has interlocking controls
Chute & Deflector: Top mounted Chute and remote deflector! Best of the under $600 class!
Intake: 22
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan:
Service: Authorized Servicing Dealer
Overall Quality/Value: Good. At $599 it is a good value, if your local dealer wants over $700 there are better machines in the $700 range. The price includes free shipping.
My Opinion: If you do not want a Craftsman this is my second choice from this list. This snow blower is made by Husqvarna and is very comparable in features and quality to the Craftsman and Sno-Tek.

Troy-Bilt 179cc 24-in Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower 31AS62N2711

Price: $599
Engine: 179 cc Brand: Troy-Bilt (Powermore)
Tires:  Small tires but much better than Murray, Snow Devil and PowerSmart
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse, no single hand control
Chute & Deflector: Impeller mounted, 2-way chute.
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: 2 or 4 year
Service: Through Sears.
Overall Quality/Value: Good. Steel skid shoes. Works well for 6 inch snows. Tires are a little small for cleaning the snow off the yard for your dogs. Good quality motor!
My Opinion: This machine is very similar to the Craftsman 88172. Since it is under $800 it does not qualify for home repair so if you have a problem you will have to get it to the servicing dealer. If you are a Lowes customer this is a good basic machine. Because of the service issue I will always recommend the Craftsman 88172 or Ariens Sno-Tek instead of this one.

Yard Machines 31AS62EE700 24-Inch 179cc OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Two Stage Snow Thrower With Electric Start, Yard Machines/MTD Model: Varies Sold By: WalMart, Amazon and others 

Price: $599
Engine: 208 cc Brand: PowerMore
Tires:  Many people complain about these “cheap, no traction tires” going flat all the time.
Speeds: 6 forward 2 reverse
Chute & Deflector:
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: WalMart now has a 3 year protection plan. It claims to cover all repairs so I am assuming it does not cover wear and tear items like belts or fuel related issues. If anyone has used this plans feel free to comment at the end of this article.
Service: Many WalMart customers complain about getting warranty repairs done.
Overall Quality/Value: Good. Works well for 6 inch snows. Tires are a little small for cleaning the snow off the yard for your dogs. Good quality motor!
My Opinion: This snow blower is very similar to the Craftsman and Troy-Bilt machines.  This snow blower’s biggest downfall if the service. Many WalMart customers complain about getting warranty repairs done. You will have to haul your snow blower to a repair shop to get it serviced or repaired.

Snow Devil Model DB7651

Price: $499
Engine: 208 cc Brand: LCT
Tires:  Many people complain about these “cheap, no traction tires” going flat all the time.
Speeds: 4 forward 1 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Impeller mounted 2-way remote chute.
Intake: 20
Warranty: 1 year limited
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: None
Service: Unknown
Overall Quality/Value: Poor. Thinnest metal, very little reinforcements. Small tires, LCT engine is not the same quality as the more expensive LCT motors on other brands.
My Opinion: I am listing this snow blower because some Menard’s stores still carry it. My biggest concern is repairs. Amerisun, the importer of this snow blower does have a network of repair centers but none of them carry parts. Buyer beware on this machine. It is made as cheaply as possible. If it breaks it may be a while before you get parts or service. This machine is 100% made and assembled in China.

Power Smart 208cc 24-in Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower DB7659-24
PowerSmart

208cc LCT Gas Powered Compact 2-Stage Snow Thrower with Electric Start, 24-Inch
Price:$549.00 to $699
Engine: 208 cc Brand: LCT
Tires:  Many people complain about these “cheap, no traction tires” going flat all the time.
Speeds: 4 forward 1 reverse
Chute & Deflector:
Intake: 21
Warranty: 2 year limited
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: None
Service: Through Power Smart
Overall Quality/Value: Thin metal, very little reinforcements. Small tires, LCT engine is not the same quality as the more expensive LCT motors on other brands.
My Opinion: This is another China snow blower but the company that is importing them is alive and well. I have talked to them and parts are readily available through their website. They are slowly building a repair network. Be CAREFUL! The price is too good to be true. By the time you pay shipping the name brands listed here are all less money. I don’t know how you go about getting repairs or warranty work done at this time.

Murray 1695979 24-Inch 205cc Briggs & Stratton 800 Snow Series Gas Powered Two Stage Snow Thrower With Electric Start

Engine: 163 to 205 cc Brand: Briggs & Stratton
Price: Around $589 to 895
Tires:  Many people complain about these “cheap, no traction tires” going flat all the time.
Speeds: single speed/no reverse or 3 forward 1 reverse
Chute & Deflector: Manual no remote
Intake: 20
Warranty: 2 years
Optional Warranty/Protection Plan: Depends on retailer
Service: ?
Overall Quality/Value: Good small tires, single speed or no electric starter, smallest motor of all the 24 in models.
My Opinion: This model varies from retailer to retailer. Some of these do not come with electric start. This is a value snow blower made by Briggs & Stratton. It is the cheapest snow blower you can buy with a B&S motor. The retailer will tell you where to get it serviced.

The post 24 inch Snow Blowers under $600 – Which is the Best? Craftsman, Snow-Tek, Murray, Poulan Pro, Yard Machines, MTD, Troy-Bilt, Power Smart appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

Single stage, 2 stage, auger, paddle, impeller, disk drive? What does it all mean? There are many types and sizes of snowblowers on the market and for most it is a difficult task to select the best snow thrower for themselves. I want you to find the snow blower that is right for you. Not what I think is the best, BUT what is best for you.

I am going to spend a few minutes and give a you a complete explanation but first here is a video of the two different types in action. The Toro single stage is one of the best “paddle” types on the market.  It is what I use to compare all of the other single stage snow throwers.  The Ariens is a “typical” two-stage snowblower.  The 24 inch size is about what you need for a 2 car driveway 60 to 100 foot long.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI-AFIA56yo

Did you notice how far each one threw the snow?  The single stage will usually throw the snow 5 to 20 feet.  The two-stage will usually blow the snow 20 to 40 feet.  This all depends on how heavy the snow is of course.

So what does that mean to you?

– Up here in Wisconsin I usually get a couple 15 to 18 inch snows and a dozen or so 2 to 8 inchers.

– I have an old 24 inch, 5 hp, two-stage and my neighbor has a 21 inch, single stage.

– Both of our driveways are about 16 by 60 feet.

-At the end of the season my neighbor usually has mounds of snow along his driveway higher than his pickup and I usually have mounds less than waist high. Because his snow thrower won’t throw the snow as far as mine he ends up with larger piles.  In fact last year we had two record snows and he had to get a skid-steer to move the piles of snow because his snow thrower wouldn’t throw the snow over the existing mounds.

Now don’t get me wrong, single stage throwers may be just the right snow thrower for you.  When I owned the landscaping company in northern Illinois I had single stage Toro’s in all of the plow trucks.  They are light, powerful and could clean a sidewalk faster than two men with a shovel.

So here are two more videos. The first one shows a single stage snowthrower moving about 4 inches of snow. The second shows an older 2-stage (like the snow blower I own) moving about 10 inches of snow.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WS1-17FkIxo Toro

What I recommend!

If you live south of Interstate 80 and regularly get snows in your area of less than 4 inches a single stage snow thrower may work for you. All of the single-stage snow throwers on the market are about 21 inches in width. None of them pull themselves. You have to push them like a lawnmower. Most of them will throw the snow 5 to 15 feet.

If you regularly get 6 to 14 inches of snow at a time or you don’t want huge piles of snow along your driveway a two-stage snow blower is a must. These come in many sizes (power) and widths. A 24 inch, 179cc (5 hp) works adequately for a 16 X 60 foot driveway. Larger, longer driveways can use larger snow blowers.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qWe06v8eo6k

KFS 170 M2

I thought I’d throw in one last video for you “Tim the Toolman” types. This one will work well at 25 MPH!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daYN3MjxtbQ

The post Single Stage – Two Stage Snow Blower, What’s The Difference? appeared first on MovingSnow.com.