A single-stage snow blower has a simple design. It is useful for clearing light to moderate snow. An auger, designed as a corkscrew, and a chute make up the system. The auger rotates so that it breaks the snow, picks it up, and pushes it back towards the chute in a single motion. Someone aims the chute in the desired direction.Â
It throws the snow that way. You should only use single-stage snow blowers on paved surfaces. They position their auger above the ground. The auger can scrape any irregularity in gravel surfaces. This will damage both the surface and the auger. They should use their augers to touch the ground. So, they almost always come with rubber tips to protect the surface.
Single-stage snow blowers lack self-propulsion. You must push and maneuver them using your hands. But this means they are straightforward tools. They need a few adjustments. This can be useful if you want simplicity, not fancy features.
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Get Free EstimateTwo-stage snow blowers are more complex. But, they are faster and can throw snow farther. A two-stage snow blower has an extra fan-type impeller behind the auger. That’s why it’s called a “two-stage” blower.” The auger works like that of a single-stage snow blower. But, an impeller here speeds up the snow’s passage through the chute. This significantly speeds up the clearing process. The impeller speeds up the process. It also increases the throw range. A faster, more powerful machine can handle tougher surfaces and heavier snow than a single-stage snow blower.
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When it comes to choosing the best two stage snow blower, Ariens is one brand that instantly comes to mind. There is a reason they are called “King of Snow.” They keep proving themselves worthy of this title. Their model “Ariens Deluxe 28” is often praised as one of the best options on the market. It has a high-performance engine, adjustable skid shoes for gravel, and a wide clearing width. We also have prestigious brands, like Honda and Toro, that offer their two-stage models.
Both types of machines are designed to clear snow from areas that need it. However, they differ in their function, intended use, and maintenance. Some of these differences may seem unclear. Others are more obvious. A single-stage and a two-stage snow blower differ in these ways:
Working Mechanism: In a single-stage snow blower, the auger picks up and guides the snow through the chute. They also exclusively need to be propelled manually without any mechanical assistance. On the other hand, two-stage snow blowers feature a combination of an auger and an impeller. The auger picks up the snow and pushes it to the impeller. Then, the impeller blows it out of the chute. This speeds up the clearing process. They often have self-propulsion and separate gears for forward and backward movement.
The high-end models of both single-stage and two-stage snow blowers have some add-ons. They include heated grips, headlights, dash-mounted chute rotation, and electric starters.
Size and Maneuverability: Single-stage models should be small, 20 to 24 inches wide. Hence they are believed to have greater maneuverability. Two stage snow blowers come in bigger sizes, usually larger than 24 inches. They also weigh more as compared to single stage models. They are less maneuverable. Assisted motion and gear adjustments help a bit.
Ground Clearance: Single stage models pick the snow up right from the surface. Their auger is designed to touch the surface. So, they clear the ground down to it. This also means that they ideally need to be used on smooth and paved surfaces only. Their augers are generally covered in rubber to protect the surface.
Two-stage snow blower augers are slightly lifted above the ground. They do not touch the surface. So, they can be used on various terrains, like gravel, grass, and dusty areas. They usually come with all-metal augers. They leave a thin layer of ice on the surface. Most of the time, it melts away with a bit of sunlight. Sometimes, the leftover layer of ice must be removed with shovels or snow melts.
Clearing Width: Single-stage snow blowers usually have a 21-24 inch width. Two stage models enjoy a wider clearing capacity that can go up to 30 inches wide. The economical factor in both types of models also affects their clearing capacity. Higher-end models tend to clear more than lower-end ones of the same blower type.
Maximum Depth Handling: Single-stage models usually handle snow up to 10 inches deep. Manufacturers design two-stage snow blowers for deep snow, 18-20 inches. They can handle depths of up to 24 inches in some cases.
Single-stage snow blowers can throw snow up to 36 feet. Two-stage models have much longer throws. This gives them an edge over single-stage models. They can clear larger areas and throw snow over a nearby wall. Their maximum throw can range up to 50 feet, or more in some cases.
Most users find single-stage models simpler to use. They are light and have exceptional maneuverability. Two-stage snow blowers are bigger and heavier. But features like self-propulsion and power steering make them easy to use. It all comes down to personal preferences. It’s about what people think is easier for them.
There are many pros and cons of 1 single and double stages
Weight and Maneuverability: Single stage snow blowers are on the lighter side of weight and are easy to maneuver, making them desirable for use in small areas.
Affordability: Single stage models are usually less expensive as compared to their two stage counterparts.
Simplicity: Simple design of the working components essentially means less fuss to deal with, making maintenance easier and cheaper.
Ideal for moderate weather conditions: They perform best in regions that receive light to moderate snowfall. Their working capacity allows them to clear out up to 10 inches of snow.
Cannot be used on unpaved surfaces: Their auger is meant to clear light snow all the way to the ground. This renders them ineffective for use on gravel or dirt as it would get picked by the auger and will cause trouble for the machinery.
Low Capacity: They are typically designed for handling snows less than 10 inches thick. It means they are not very useful in regions that are prone to receiving heavier amounts of snowfall.
Shorter Throwing Distance: Single stage snow blowers have relatively shorter throws, and can typically expel snow to a maximum distance of 36 feet.
Capacity to handle heavy snowfalls: Two-stage snow blowers can clear heavy ice. People know them to be effective for snow as deep as 22-24 inches.
Effective on uneven surfaces: They lift their augers from the ground. So, they are ideal for unpaved and gravel surfaces.
Greater Throwing Distance: The impeller boosts the blower’s throwing power. It can throw snow up to 50 feet or even more.
Powerful Engines: Two-stage snow blowers often have more powerful engines than single-stage ones. The presence of this extra power allows them to cut through packed snow and even ice.
More weight and less maneuverability: Bigger engines and wider surface clearance demand two stage snow blowers to be bigger and bulkier in size. This ultimately results in them being heavier and less maneuverable than their single stage counterparts.
More expensive: Two-stage models usually cost more than single-stage blowers
More complex: With a greater complexity of the moving parts, two-stage snow blowers are more prone to clogging, particularly when they are operated in wet and slushy snow. Consequently, they end up requiring more maintenance and upkeep as compared to single-stage models
The main advantage of a single-stage snow blower lies in its simplicity and ease of use. It saves homeowners from the fuss of heavy maintenance activities. It is a great tool for small areas with light to moderate snow. Its high maneuverability and small size make it easy to store in tight spaces, like garages and sheds. They are less expensive compared to their two-stage and three-stage counterparts.
If you live in an area that gets heavy snow, you need a two-stage snow blower. This means frequent snowfalls of over 10 inches. If you have a large driveway, lawn, or parking space that needs clearing, you will have to look for a two-stage model.
They are also essential for uneven tlandscapesrrains, like gravel. Their adjustable skid shoes let them adapt to different surfaces. They won’t pick up rocks, grass, dust, or debris.
Manufacturers design single-stage snow blowers to handle snow with a depth of up to 10 inches. For anything deeper than 10 inches, you will have to look for a two-stage alternative.
Single-stage snow blowers are for light to moderate snow (8-10 inches deep). Engineers designed two-stage models to work in more severe weather conditions. Engineers design them for areas that receive heavy snowfalls (as deep as 20 inches or more).
Single-stage snow blowers are simple in design and operation. So, they are usually low-maintenance machines. But, they have shorter lifespans, especially with frequent use or heavy snow. Their augers rub the ground without interruption. So, they wear out faster. This reduces the machine’s durability.
Two-stage models need more maintenance. Their design is more complex. But they are much more durable. Designers create them to last a long time. Adjustable skid shoes keep their augers from touching the ground. An impeller reduces wear on the auger, increasing its lifespan.
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Single stage snow blowers are lighter and smaller. They maneuver very well and can fit into tight spaces. They usually weigh between 50 and 100 pounds. Two-stage snow blowers are larger and can weigh up to 200 pounds. This is a major drawback for maneuverability. But their self-propelling features help to balance out this drawback.
Primary considerations for the choice of snow blower type might include:
Amount of Snow: Single stage models are considered ideal for handling light and moderate snows of up to 10 inches of depth. For heavier snows, home owners should consider two stage snow blowers.
Type of Surface: Single stage snow blowers are good for use on smooth, even, paved, and less inclined surfaces. Their two stage counterparts should be considered when your desired surface that needs to be cleaned is uneven, irregular, rough, or highly inclined.
Economical Factor: Some homeowners might be interested in considering the price tags of these machines before making any final decision. Single stage snow blower models typically cost less than two stage ones.
Storage Space: space might be an important factor to consider before making any purchases. Single stage snow blowers, being smaller in size, are easier to store and take up less storage space as compared to their two stage counterparts.
A three-stage snow blower is the most advanced type of snow blower, featuring two augers. The second auger speeds up the snow removal process. It is an extra accelerator in the throwing mechanism. An impeller follows the accelerator like in any two-stage model. The accelerator breaks up ice and packs snow. So, it is best for very heavy or wet snow.
Few companies produce three stage snow blower models. You can rarely find them in the market, and they can be quite expensive.
Three-stage snow blowers are often more expensive as compared to two-stage models. They are for snows of great weight. Their mechanism works faster. Their accelerator can move at ten times the speed of a two-stage model’s impeller. This greatly speeds up the clearing process. They are particularly sought for use in areas that receive wet and heavy snowfalls. They are perfect for use on inclines and can handle all sorts of paved or unpaved surfaces. They are expensive, heavy, and less maneuverable.
In summary, know the pros and cons of each type. This will help you decide and keep your property clear of snow in the winter.
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