gas snow blowers advantages and disadvantages

For significant snowfalls and larger needs, or for hilly areas and wet snow, electric snow blowers are ineffective. For snowfalls above 4 inches their limitations are evident… Electric snow blowers are for small clearing jobs…

Two classes of gas snow blowers

Manufacturers are offering two basic types of gas snow blowers: single-stage and two-stage snow blowers. The best type depends on your needs, that is, depends on the volume and type of snow you use to deal with, and also on the type of area you need to clear (hilly or flat, with or without gravel).

In general, single-stage snow blowers are best for light-duty jobs and paved surfaces (without gravel), while the two-stage blowers are better for heavier clearing snow jobs and for either gravel or pavement.

Obviously there is also a huge difference in prices; single-stage blowers are much less expensive: you can find many models for some few hundred dollars ($300-$600), while the prices of most powerful double-stage gas blowers are well above the $1,000… Snow Blowers, Power Output & Safety
Be careful when buying and using gas snow blowers, mainly the more powerful units. They are a cause of thousands of injuries (mainly finger injuries, but also many amputations). See: Consumer Product Safety Commission…

Single-stage gas snow blowers

One Stage Snow Blower Single stage gas snow blowers are small-to-midsize models. They are in general more powerful than single-stage electrics, but they aren't much more powerful…

Single-stage blowers can be a good choice for flat driveways and walks, but only for snow levels below 8 inches. They can be relatively easy to handle (though less than electrics), but like electric models they aren't suitable for gravel paths.

They clear a larger swath than electric models (20- to 22-inches wide), but are also a poor choice for hilly areas (they tend to pull sideways in such cases).

Contrary to single-stage electrics, they require regular maintenance.

Two-stage gas snow blowers

Two-stage gas snow blowers are propelled by engine-driven wheels.

They are more powerful, and the only good solution for average and large clearing snow jobs (levels above eight inches). They have a typical larger swath (28- to 30-inches), and deal well with hilly areas or with gravel grounds.

But they also have significant disadvantages: they're heavy, expensive (typically above $1,000), and require high-maintenance and storage space…

Four cycle vs. two cycle blowers

Most two-stage snow blowers have four-stroke engines, which is crucial for energy efficiency. New two-stage models also come with overhead-valve engines, for a cleaner burning.

The best brands and the best customer reviews on gas snow blowers

For customer reviews and ratings in Amazon, see: Gas Snow Throwers