Winter is just around the corner, which means it’s time to think about snow. If you’re someone who is routinely shoveling your driveway, then you might want to think about purchasing a snow blower to prepare for winter’s arrival and make those snow days just a little bit easier.
Troy-Bilt® is here to help with an ultimate Snow Blower Buying Guide, a comprehensive look at everything you need to know when deciding how to choose a snow blower that meets your needs. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind.
First, you always want to match the right snow blower to your situation because it’s imperative to make sure you don’t have too little, or too much, power. Unlike other outdoor power equipment, a snow blower’s effectiveness is impacted by the amount of snow. Be sure to get acclimated with different snow blower sizes to determine which model matches your area’s average snowfall so your machine works at its optimal pace. Single-stage units work best for up to 6 inches of snow, two-stage models work great for up to 12 inches, and three-stage units can handle up to 18 inches of snowfall. Knowing the difference between a single-stage versus two-stage snow blower can help potentially save you money and time during the snowy months.
Second, the size of your driveway plays an important factor. If you have a small driveway that’s easy to clear in an area without a lot of snowfall, then a single-stage unit should suffice. However, if your driveway is longer and/or wider or you’re clearing more than 6 inches of snow, then consider a two-stage or three-stage model.
Finally, don’t forget to take into account what type of surface you will be clearing. If you’re going up and down an uneven surface, then consider a unit with a track drive for superior traction. If you’re using a snow blower for a gravel or cracked driveway, then consider a model with adjustable skid shoes so you can change the auger height and avoid scooping up debris. Snow blower skid shoes also come in handy if you’re worried about scratching your paved surface with a two-stage or three-stage unit, but keep in mind that Troy-Bilt has multiple single-stage models that utilize rubberized auger paddles, which won’t cause damage to the surface.
In addition to our snow blower buyer’s guide, our snow blower selector tool is a great starting point because it will help pair you with the right model and type of snow blower to best meet your needs. For more information on the various Troy-Bilt units, check out this blog detailing the key differences between single-stage, two-stage and three-stage units along with some safety tips.
Whatever model of snow blower you decide to purchase, Troy-Bilt is here to help make clearing snow easier so you can get back to enjoying the best winter has to offer.
