Choosing a Snow Blower That is Right for You

When you're choosing a snow blower, how do you know which type is best for your driveway and region? Before buying a snow blower, learn how single-stage, 2-stage, and 3-stage units differ and which is best for your snow removal needs.

As you consider purchasing a snow blower, and the number of snow thrower options available, our experts offer suggestions to help you with your selection.

Understanding Your Options

Currently, there are three categories of snow throwers: single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage. Single-stage snow throwers have an auger that collects snow and throws it out of the discharge chute in one motion. Two-stage snow throwers first collect snow into the main input with augers, which feed the snow into an impeller which throws it up and out of the discharge chute. A three-stage snow thrower incorporates the use of an induction accelerator which spins ten times faster than the augers. With the help of the augers, the accelerator continuously shoots snow, chopped up ice, and slush back toward the impeller. The impeller throws the snow up and out of the chute.

Considerations - Amount of Snow, Area to Be Cleared

The primary factors to consider when buying a snow thrower are the typical amount of snowfall your for your region and the size of the area you'll be clearing. Single-stage snow throwers are designed for small accumulations of light, fluffy snow (up to 6 inches) on smaller driveways and sidewalks (20-40 feet). By design, single-stage snow throwers are lighter, easier to maneuver, and don't require much space to store when not in use. Depending on the selected size of the auger housing and engine, two-stage snow throwers can handle anything from light-to-moderate snowfall on small driveways or larger amounts of snow (12 inches) on medium-sized driveways. Two-stage snow throwers typically feature snow tires; the combination of tire tread and drive system powers through snow and allows better handling on inclines. Skid shoes allow two-stage auger housings to be lifted off the clearing surface which makes them better suited for gravel driveways. Two-stage snow throwers usually have more features available, such as self-propelled drive systems, joystick chute controls and heated hand grips.

Three-stage snow throwers offer more clearing power than either single-stage or two-stage snow throwers. A three-stage snow thrower is ideal for heavy, wet snowfall (18 inches or more) and long driveways. Most three-stage snow throwers offer the same features as are available on two-stage units. And, much like two-stage snow throwers, three-stage machines can be heavy and take up more space when stored.

Shop snow throwers on www.mtdparts.com to view a wide selection of dependable machines to fit your requirements. We have what you need -- whether it is a smaller-single stage to clear your walkway or a powerful three-stage unit to blast through ice and snow at the end of your driveway.

Fix equipment issues quickly

When you need parts for your snow blower or other equipment, you can use the MTD Genuine Parts Part Finder to find the correct one. Common parts include:

The MTD Genuine Parts Knowledge Center provides do-it-yourself instructions for performing many basic maintenance items, including replacing spark plugs, drive and auger belts, and engine oil. If you find your machine has a bigger problem, use our service locator to find a qualified MTD service provider in your area.