Which Snow Blower is Best For You?
Now that winter has arrived, it’s time to make sure you’re ready and that you have all the equipment you need to handle the upcoming inclement weather. No one wants to be caught unprepared by a heavy snowfall that blocks their driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, patios, and the roads in front of their homes or businesses. If you want to avoid hefting a shovel this winter, why not purchase a snow blower? Below, you’ll find some useful information on the various types of snow blowers you can choose from so you can make the right purchasing decision.
Which Style Do You Want?
When it comes to snow blowers, you’ve got four main types to choose from: electric, single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage. Each type of blower is designed to suit a unique snow-removal situation, so it’s important to think carefully about your options.
Electric Models
An electric snow blower is ideal for clearing smaller amounts of snow around your home. These compact snow blowers can handle anything under a foot of snow and they’re great for clearing decks and steps in particular. You don’t need to do much to maintain an electric model since it mainly just needs to be plugged in (or charged, if it’s a battery-operated model). Lightweight and compact, electric snow blowers are great for those who don’t need too much power or heft to clear away dry, fluffy snow.
Single-Stage Models
Need a little more power in your snow blower? A single-stage model can handle up to a foot and a half of light and wet snow. It can even handle small inclines! The name of this model comes from the fact that it only throws the snow once, using an auger to scoop it up and propel it out of the chute again. These small gas-powered models are still easy to handle and pretty compact.
Two-Stage Models
This powerful type of blower tosses the snow twice using an impeller between the auger and discharge chute. Two-stage models don’t clog up easily in heavier snows, and they can also handle 18” or more of wet snow. The sturdy design gives you great handling, too.
Three-Stage Models
Those who want the highest degree of efficiency from their snow-removal equipment will do well to select a three-stage snow blower. This type of blower uses two augers to scoop up the snow towards an accelerator that chops it up before pushing it through the impeller and out the chute. These models can handle two feet of snow easily!
Stop by FMI Equipment in Spokane Valley to check out our selection of new snow blowers and other power equipment. We can also assist you with financing options. FMI Equipment serves the Inland Northwest including Western Montana, North Idaho, Eastern Washington and even Northeast Oregon.