“Winter is Coming”, I think you have heard that famous line from the series Game of Thrones. We are not going to talk about that film but we’re going to talk about snow blowers.
Moving that huge pile of snow is really cumbersome and you need a machine to ease that work for you. Manually shoving off that snow pile will surely hurt your back. Better choose a good two-stage snow blower that will help you with this task.
Here, we’re going to show a simple and complete guide in choosing the best two-stage snow blowers for 2020. We will look into the essential features and factors you need to consider before buying.
We also included a comparison chart and an in-depth product review for the top 10 best two-stage snow blowers for 2020. This will save you some time from hovering over hundred of units in the market.
More…
Best Two-Stage Snow Blower (January 2022) : Top 10 Picks & Reviews
| MODEL | PRICE | OVERALL |
| PowerSmart DB7624E | check price | |
| Husqvarna ST227P | check price | |
| Ariens ST28DLE | check price | |
| Poulan Pro PR241 | check price | |
| Husqvarna ST224 | check price | |
| Honda HSS928AAT | check price | None |
| Yardmax YB6270 | check price | |
| Briggs & Stratton 1696619 | check price | |
| Briggs & Stratton 208cc | check price | |
| Champion 224cc | check price |
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Here are the important features and factors you need to consider in choosing the best two-stage snow blowers that will suit your need and budget.
1. Types
• Single-stage snow blowers:
- Lightest and easiest to operate
- Suitable for clearing snow depth of 8 inches
- It can be powered in three ways: corded electric, cordless electric, and gasoline-fueled. The gasoline-fueled type gives the greatest power and work duration compared to the other types.
• Two-stage snow blowers:
- Ideal for clearing larger areas
- Its wheels are capable of moving on rocky terrain
- These are gas fueled types which can handle snow depths greater than 8 inches
- The auger collects the snow and pushes it towards the impeller which then shoots it out through a chute.
• Three-stage snow blowers:
- Gas-fueled type
- The same operation as the two-stage snow blower
- It has an accelerator which moves faster than the auger
2. Electric Starter and Engine
Modern units are convenient to use for they have a push button electric starter. Meanwhile, some units still stick to the traditional recoil starter type.
For the engine, it can be a gas type or electric-driven. For the gas type, you need to have a higher cc or cubic centimeter rating. Whereas for electric engines, it must be of higher amperage rating to ensure sufficient power.
3. Clearing Width and Intake Height
It is better if the width in front of the auger is wider so that you’ll clear more area. Likewise, a higher intake height ensures your snow blower can take out higher piles of snow.
4. Single-Hand Operation
A snow blower that can be operated using one-hand is great for the other hand can do adjustment things while the machine is moving.
5. Scraper blade
It is located at the bottom part of the auger housing. This serves to protect the auger housing and shove off snow missed by the auger.
6. Skid Shoes
These are spacers attached to both sides of the auger housing. It slides along the terrain and ensures smooth movement of the snow blower. They provide enough vertical clearance between the auger housing and the ground.
7. Speed Adjustment
If the unit has a speed adjustment knob or button, that gives you more versatility for work. If the engine is strong, then you increase speed in order to clear larger areas in a shorter time.
8. Power Steering
This is convenient when you are clearing several curved pathways at home.
9. Tires
Larger tires with rough treads are better for snow blowers because it gives more power to move over uneven terrains, better traction, and easier rotation.
10. Chute Control
Remotely controlling the direction of the chute using a joystick in the driver’s control panel gives added convenience.
11. Engine Stop Switch
This is a safety feature to prevent any accidental start-ups done by children. It prevents the engine from starting unless the safety key is inserted.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers reviews
1. PowerSmart DB7624E 212cc 2-stage snow blower
check price on amazon
Tools included:
- Engine: 212 cc
- Clearing width: 24”
- Intake height: 21”
- Power steering: yes
- Chute: remote control
| pros | cons |
| • Powerful engine | • Nothing so far |
| • Affordable price | ? |
| • Quick maintenance | ? |
| • Very easy to assemble | ? |
| • Smooth power steering | ? |
| • Smooth chute remote control | ? |
Best Choice
This snow blower is easy to assemble. After assembling, you need to lubricate it and fill up the gas tank. It turns using an electric starter. This unit provides sufficient power which is best paired with the power assist for making turns. You would love the 6-speed for forwarding to reverse of this machine. Great power steering and chute remote control system.
2. Husqvarna ST227P 254cc 2-stage snow blower
check price on amazon
Tools included:
- Engine: 254 cc
- Clearing width: 27”
- Intake height: —
- Power steering: yes
- Chute: remote control
| pros | cons |
| • Power steering | • Some parts are made from hard plastic which still works perfectly fine |
| • Adjustable skid shoes | ? |
| • Friction-disc transmission | ? |
| • Durable auger and impeller | ? |
Extra Smooth Operation
This snow blower comes with an easy to understood manual which makes it easy for assembling. This beast can take down at a minimum 2 feet snow pile like butter. The friction-disc transmission and power steering feature of the blower makes it run smoothly despite the uneven terrain. Likewise, the auger and impeller work perfectly fine.
Some parts are made from hard plastic but durable enough to work.
3. Ariens ST28DLE 2-stage snow blower
check price on amazon
Tools included:
- Engine: 306 cc
- Clearing width: 28”
- Intake height: —
- Power steering: yes
- Chute: remote control
| pros | cons |
| • Strong engine | • Some parts are made from hard plastic |
| • Durable impeller | ? |
| • Wide clearing width | ? |
| • Tall auger housing | ? |
Strong Engine Power
This blower provides great work output with its 306 cc engine which can take up to 55 feet snow pile. Its 28″ clearing width can take move around 72 tons of snow per hour. The auger housing is amazing tall enough to take up to 55 feet of a snow pile. Added features such as power steering, skid shoes, and chute remote control makes the whole job convenient.
Besides that, Some parts are made from hard plastic.
4. Poulan Pro PR241 208cc 2-stage snow blower
check price on amazon
Tools included:
- Engine: 208 cc
- Clearing width: 24”
- Intake height: 23”
- Power steering: yes
- Chute: remote control
| pros | cons |
| • Sufficient power | • Only one speed for reverse action |
| • Remote control chute | ? |
| • Effective power steering | ? |
| • Durable auger and impeller | ? |
Great Snowthrower
It takes around 10 to 15 minutes to completely assemble this unit. Starting it up was quick and you will be using an electric starter. For a minimum, it can flawlessly take out 18” of snow in the way. You would love how it catapults the snow into pieces in the air.
It would have been better if the blower included two speeds for reverse – one for accelerating and one for slowing down.
5. Husqvarna ST224 208cc 2-stage snow blower
check price on amazon
Tools included:
- Engine: 208 cc
- Clearing width: 24”
- Intake height: —
- Power steering: yes
- Chute: remote control
| pros | cons |
| • Strong engine | • Some parts are made from plastic |
| • Electric starter | ? |
| • Heated handle grips | ? |
| • Powerful auger and impeller | ? |
Amazon’s Choice
The metal housing of the blower is tough and smooth. The engine provides sufficient power for removing snow like butter in the way. At a minimum, it can handle very wet snow 6 inches high. The skid shoes are adjustable and make your ride smoother despite the uneven terrain. The built-in friction-disc transmission and huge tires make it effortlessly go over those bumps in the way.
Besides that, Some parts are made from hard plastic.
6. Honda Power HSS928AAT 2-stage snow blower
check price on amazon
Tools included:
- Engine: 270 cc
- Clearing width: 28”
- Intake height: —
- Power steering: yes
- Chute: remote control
| pros | cons |
| • Larger impeller | • The slightly higher upfront cost |
| • Reliable engine | ? |
| • Adjustable auger height | ? |
| • Quick start even at colder temperatures | ? |
Quick start in Cold Weather
Worry-free with this machine because it has a quick start system despite cold weather. The engine provides decent power to the auger and impeller to flawlessly take piles of snow within the clearing width. The larger size of the impeller gives it a better advantage in effortlessly taking larger piles of snow. Buttons and adjustments are easy to understand and operate.
A small problem is the slightly higher upfront cost.
7. Yardmax YB6270 2-stage snow blower
check price on amazon
Tools included:
- Engine: 208 cc
- Clearing width: 24”
- Intake height: 21”
- Power steering: yes
- Chute: easy manual cranking
| pros | cons |
| • Throttle | • Skid shoes |
| • Metal chute | ? |
| • Decent engine | ? |
| • Durable metal housing | ? |
Best Budget
The overall body construction of the blower is tough and rugged. Engine sound is pretty strong which means it has enough power to do its main purpose. The variable speed is a plus factor for work versatility. You have two options for starting the machine: push button quick electric start and the recoil starter. Likewise, the power is strong enough to throw the snow to a higher altitude.
Unfortunately, the skid shoes seem to be not adjustable.
8. Briggs & Stratton 1696619 250cc 2-stage snow blower
check price on amazon
Tools included:
- Engine: 250 cc
- Clearing width: 27”
- Intake height: 20”
- Power steering: yes
- Chute: remote control
| pros | cons |
| • Powerful engine | • Some experienced defective parts but were managed by the customer service |
| • Variable speed | ? |
| • Push button electric start | ? |
| • Friction disc drive system for smoother run | ? |
Bigger Jobs
The assembling of the machine is not that bad because of the manual. In terms of strength, this beast really takes on its specified work. Their much torque to take on large piles of snow like butter. Likewise, it has a reversible skid shoe which makes plowing snow effortlessly. Power steering features make it much convenient for the user.
Better check everything and report to customer service for any concern.
9. Briggs & Stratton 208cc 2-stage snow blower
check price on amazon
Tools included:
- Engine: 208 cc
- Clearing width: 24”
- Intake height: 20”
- Power steering: yes
- Chute: remote control
| pros | cons |
| • Variable speed | • Electric starter sometimes fail |
| • Great engine torque | ? |
| • Reversible skid shoes | ? |
| • Durable auger and impeller | ? |
The engine of the blower makes enough torque to suck in the snow without a problem and throws it up via impeller. The unit can run smoothly despite the road bumps and snow with the friction disc drive system of the blower. This one accompanied with power steering makes the ride enjoyable. Likewise, the skid shoes are reversible making it easy to maneuver at difficult conditions.
Else, some experienced some problems with the electric starter.
10. Champion 224cc 2-stage snow blower
check price on amazon
Tools included:
- Engine: 224 cc
- Clearing width: 24”
- Intake height: 21”
- Power steering: yes
- Chute: adjustable – manual
| pros | cons |
| • Metal chute | • Loose cables |
| • Rugged auger | ? |
| • Tough impeller | ? |
| • Variable speed | ? |
| • Decent engine torque | ? |
Amazingly, there is no problem with the electric starter for this blower. The auger and impeller can effectively take on at a minimum 9” snow pile without any hassle. The 6 forward and 2 reverse speed options make it more versatile for work. The overall construction of the blower is rugged and decent. Definitely worth the time and affordable price.
There instances when the speed cable loosens but manageable.
