Six practical tips for choosing a snow blower from someone who built them

Taylor Clemons at ZDNET, who spent several years building and refurbishing snow blowers at MTD Products, outlines six tips to help buyers choose the right snow blower for their needs. Clemons breaks down four main model types: single-stage machines use one auger and are compact for light snow; two-stage models add a secondary screw to throw snow and are the most popular — 24-inch variants often cost under $1,000; three-stage blowers use three augers and can handle heavy snow and ice, with some models able to throw snow long distances; and powered shovels are small, handheld units suited to stoops and walkways.

On tub size, most brands offer 24-, 26-, 28-, and 30-inch options; larger tubs are typically commercial or designed as attachments for riding mowers, such as the John Deere 100 Series and some Husqvarna electric lift models. Clemons notes that overall clearing power depends more on the augers than tub width, and mower-attachment units trade engine maintenance for quicker clearing but can be fiddly to set up.

When choosing fuel type, gas models require regular engine maintenance but are reliable in cold weather and now often include electric starts, while battery-powered machines run cleaner, avoid gasoline storage, and have closed much of the power gap — battery models are preferable where emissions rules apply.

Key Topics

Tech, Snow Blower, Mtd Products, Dewalt, John Deere, Husqvarna