While looking for the right snow blower for Bend winters, ensure you consider the following factors so that you can get the snow blower you want. Note that each snowblower type is available in different widths.
1. Size of the Area that Requires Clearing
Single-stage units are suitable for small driveways while a two- or three-stage unit is suitable for driveways at least 60 feet long.
2. The Kind of Snow that Requires Clearing
Light snow can be handled by single-stage units. The two-stage unit has an impeller which assists in preventing clogging in the heavy and wet snow. It also has serrated augers that penetrate hard-packed ice or snow. Three-stage units help in moving heavier and wetter snow in a short time.
3. The Type of Terrain
Models which are push-propelled and auger-assisted are ideal for level surfaces. On the other hand, wheels which are engine driven are suitable for the sloped terrain. Tire chains can be used with particular models for enhancing traction in all conditions.
Types of Snow Blowers
The major snow blower types include single-stage gas, three-stage gas, single-stage electric, and two-stage gas. Since your regular snow-clearing job can be handled by more than one of these types, consider the benefits of each.
1. Single Stage
These types of snow blowers are lighter in weight and easier to handle in comparison to two- or three-stage snow blowers. These blowers are ideal for clearing snowfall of at most 8 inches in mid-sized areas. The snow is directed via a discharge chute by an auger. The auger can contact the surface to offer limited forward-driven action despite wheels lacking an engine-driven feature. Single-stage blowers are suitable for areas you won’t pick up gravel or rocks like paved surfaces because auger contacts the surface.
i. Corded Electric
These single-stage snow blowers begin with a button’s push and require less maintenance than a gas model. They are typically more compact and lighter in comparison to gas models. However, they need an extension cord that stays flexible even when the weather is cold. Select a compatible extension cord according to the instructions of the manufacturer.
ii. Cordless Electric
This is a single-stage snow blower that features a push-button to start, and maintenance is low. It is more compact and lighter. Additionally, it does not require a power cord, unlike other electric snow blowers.
iii. Gas
This single-stage snow blower lacks a power cord, and for that reason, it is mobile. It also has greater intake heights and available clearing widths than electric models.
2. Two-stage Snow Blowers
These snow blowers are gas models and can handle snowfalls of over 8 inches. They are ideal for clearing large areas. Their wheels have an engine-driven feature which reduces fatigue of the operator in addition to better handling of uneven terrain. An impeller fan discharges the snow via a chute after collection of the snow by an auger. This double-stage process moves snow farther and faster than single-stage blowers. Some models have skid shoes which assist in elevation of the auger to be able to use the blower on unpaved surfaces.
3. Three-stage Snow Blowers
These models have a gas feature, and they can handle a lot of snow in a short time. When it comes to operation, it resembles the two-stage snow blower. Additionally, it has an accelerator, which has ten times the speed of the augers to help in clearing heavy snow quicker than a two-stage snow blower.
Features of a Snow Blower
In addition to looking for a snow blower that suits your needs, ensure the features of the blower suits these needs. The most features are found in three- and two-stage snow blowers.
• An electric starter
• A powerful gasoline engine
• Clearing width and intake height
• Single-hand operation
• Speed controls
• Power steering
• Large tires
• Treads or tracks
• A remote chute control
• A joystick chute control
• A deflection extension or extended chute
• Drift cutters
• A headlight
• Heated handgrips
Conclusion
Once you have considered the area requiring clearing, the type of snow, the type of terrain, and your budget, you can then choose the model with the features that suit your needs. Happy snow blowing!
Ben was born and raised in Bend, Oregon. Because of that, he is really enthusiastic about the outdoors and just loves every activity associated such as rock climbing, rafting, and skiing.
