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Snow Blower

Three vs. Two Stage Snow Blowers: Powerful How-to Snow Removal Made Easy

Multi-stage snow blowers are excellent for moderate to heavy snowfalls. Three and two stage snow blowers are both suitable for commercial and residential use. If you are unsure about buying one of the two, this article will help you.

If you don’t want to shovel the snow yourself don’t worry our trusty snowplow operator will clear your driveway! EDEN is just a Call away

Here, we have listed the detailed differences between two and three state snow blowers, along with their individual pros and cons. 

Comparing 2-stage vs. 3-stage Snow Blowers

Let’s take a detailed look at the comparison between 2-stage and 3-stage snow blowers, along with their pros and cons:

3-Stage Snow Blower

Features:

  • Maintenance = Professional-level
  • Snow removal depth = over 16 inches
  • Engine size = Largest
  • Tossing distance = 50 feet

Pros:

  • Sensitive accelerator for faster work
  • Less cleanup with efficient design 
  • Work completed in half the time
  • Works in heavy snowfall and tough conditions

Cons:

  • Leaves a thin layer of snow behind
  • Requires commercial-level maintenance 
  • Commercial-grade price tag
  • Heavier and harder to maneuver in tight spots
  • Higher fuel consumption can increase operating costs

2-Stage Snow Blower

Features:

  • Maintenance = Professional
  • Snow removal depth = over 16 inches 
  • Engine size = Variable
  • Tossing distance = 20 to 50 feet

Pros:

  • Versatile size range for varying requirements
  • Ideal for gravel and concrete surfaces
  • Auger and gear-driven versions available 
  • Efficient for commercial and residential use alike

Cons:

  • Gas engine needs frequent maintenance
  • Noisy engine 

Tips to buy the Best Snow Blower for your needs

Before you decide to buy a snow blower, it is advisable to know what to look for in an ideal tool. Besides the stages, there are other relevant criteria that matter when buying a snow blower, such as:

Type/Stage

Besides the electric and hybrid versions, you can find 3 types of gas snow blowers in the market – single-stage, dual-stage (two-stage) and three-stage. Here are some of their main features:

  • Single-stage snow blowers are lightest and have the smallest intake. They can clear small amounts of snow per pass and are also priced low. This type of snow blower is also the easiest to use\maneuver.
  • Two-stage snow blowers pack more power than single-stage blowers, as they have additional auger. This helps dual-stage snow blowers to pull the machine effortlessly through heavy snow. It has a larger engine and more features too.
  • Three-stage snow blowers are the biggest in size and pack more power too. They have the largest engine/motor along with advanced features, more augers, wider intake, etc. 

Most homeowners can use the single-stage snow blower model to clear their driveways and sidewalks in winter. If you have a large-sized property, then you may need to get a two-stage snow blower. Three-stage snow blowers are usually required by business owners with storefront and parking lot. 

If you have a considerably-sized residential property that experiences frequent snowfall, then you may find the three-stage snow blower to be the best choice.

Shovel/Intake size

The size of the shovel or scoop on the snow blower is crucial. It helps to decide how much snow the machine can take in and throw at a time. Snow blowers usually have a range of 18 inches to 28 inches wide. Still, snow blower intakes are available in almost any size you may need.

Tire Size and Tire Type

The type and size of tires on the snow blower also makes a big difference. The height, width and type of tread on the snow blower tires are crucial factors to consider before buying one. These factors determine how hard or easy it will be for the snow blower to move through slippery ice and heavy, wet snow

If you have a home with a small walkway or narrow driveway, then you can work easily with a snow blower that has 12-inch tires. On the other hand, for commercial snow clearing you will require a snow blower with at least 15-inch wheels. In addition, you can also choose to buy snow blowers with snowshoes or tracks, instead of wheels.

Snow Throwing Range

The distance to which a snow blower can toss the snow is another factor to consider. A snow blower which tosses the snow a few feet is not practical. Still, you don’t want your snow blower to have a significantly large snow tossing range as it may end up throwing the snow over on to your neighbor’s property. Choose a snow blower which has a tossing range more in line with your smaller property and narrower driveways.

Chute Type

The discharge chute is another aspect to consider before buying a snow blower. This determines how easy the chute is to turn or readjust the angle and direction of tossed snow. Snow blowers with chutes that can rotate 180-degrees and remote control functions are more desirable.

Fuel Type

Gasoline is not the only fuel that snow blowers run on. Today, you can buy electric-powered snow blowers that are more reliable and powerful. Else, you can also buy a hybrid version which uses a combination of gasoline and electricity to run.

Additional Accessories/Features

There are numerous features and accessories that matter when considering buying a snow blower. Some of these features include:

  • LED Headlights
  • Windshield or cabin add-on
  • Cup-holder in dashboard
  • Power-steering 
  • Treads or snowshoes
  • Heated controls and steering

Make sure to choose a snow blower which has features that are useful to you. If you buy a fully-loaded version which is more suited for commercial use, then you may end up paying more than you plan.

Cost

The price tag on a snow blower is another important factor that most people consider before buying one. However, the final decision usually comes down to your budget. If you have a tight budget, then a two-stage snow blower is recommended. Some of the three-stage snow blowers today are also priced at an affordable range and offer extra features and utility than others. 

Conclusion

The biggest difference between two-stage and three-stage snow blowers is that the latter has more parts, such as belts, cutting augers, impellers, etc. along with a larger engine. These usually have a greater tossing distance and bigger tires too. Make sure to decide the type of snow blower for you according to the size of your property and specific requirements. 

If you don’t want to shovel the snow yourself don’t worry our trusty snowplow operator will clear your driveway! EDEN is just a Call away