We were cleaning out the garage last weekend and my 11 year old asked why we have this thing (2 stage) since we never use it. Couldn't argue. But as soon as I unload it I am guessing we get record snowy winters!
Snowblower
- Thread starter dcorbatt
- Start date
I have this one --> Snow Joe Hybrid Single Stage
It's electric or battery powered (rechargeable). No gas or oil to deal with. Works great for what it is supposed to do . . . as long as you have reasonable expectations.
It works fine up to about 8 inches at a time. Last year only used 1 time. If we have a bigger storm, I can clear the drive part way through the storm and do about 5-6 inches at a time. I figure for one of the rare slobberknockers (ie, if we get 14" in less than 12 hours), which only happens maybe once every two years, I will call in the snow plow.
Single stage seems fine for 95% of urban/suburban driveways 95% of the time. Not intended for a 200' long driveway in the country, obviously.
It's electric or battery powered (rechargeable). No gas or oil to deal with. Works great for what it is supposed to do . . . as long as you have reasonable expectations.
It works fine up to about 8 inches at a time. Last year only used 1 time. If we have a bigger storm, I can clear the drive part way through the storm and do about 5-6 inches at a time. I figure for one of the rare slobberknockers (ie, if we get 14" in less than 12 hours), which only happens maybe once every two years, I will call in the snow plow.
Single stage seems fine for 95% of urban/suburban driveways 95% of the time. Not intended for a 200' long driveway in the country, obviously.
Live in Waukee and have had a 2 stage for 8 years and I wouldn't go with a single stage. I didn't use my snowblower once last year because I'll shovel if we have a couple inches plus the snow we got last year was the wet heavy crap and either single, double or quintuple(if that's a word) won't work well in most cases in wet heavy snow... but when we get more I'm usually bailing the guys out that went with the single stage in the lower part of their driveway. The biggest reason I won't go to a single stage is if we get a 5" snow during the evening and night and you don't get the snow moved at dark thirty before the snowplows are out, the snow they will push into your driveway gets heavy and packed and if you have a single stage you'll be shoveling that stuff. With a nice sized self propelled 2 stage snowblower you can tackle those piles like a boss. Then a couple days after the snow I go out and blow the snow all the way back to the curb so there isn't as much snow to get plowed back in to my drive. Try doing that with a single stage pusher. And the person that told you you can't get as close to the cement with a two stage clearly doesn't know how to adjust the scraper bar so it cleans correctly.
My opinion only but my 8hp 27" snowblower might be overkill 75% of the time but it keeps me from cursing out the city plows when I don't have to scoop that stuff of my driveway. Plus it makes me feel like a MAN!!!!
My opinion only but my 8hp 27" snowblower might be overkill 75% of the time but it keeps me from cursing out the city plows when I don't have to scoop that stuff of my driveway. Plus it makes me feel like a MAN!!!!
First house in MN with short driveway in the 'burbs = "Snow Plow" shovel (you need one of these at a bare minimum, 40" is good sized)
House #2 & #3 in DSM both had long driveways going right between 2 houses = I bought a big Toro single stage after shoveling for during 2006. This was when DSM got a lot of snow. Never had a problem unless it was the big wet 8" snow and I couldn't get out there early to clear it half way through.
Houses in KC and in Colorado - sold the snowblower to one of the neighbors in DSM. Kids do it now.
House #2 & #3 in DSM both had long driveways going right between 2 houses = I bought a big Toro single stage after shoveling for during 2006. This was when DSM got a lot of snow. Never had a problem unless it was the big wet 8" snow and I couldn't get out there early to clear it half way through.
Houses in KC and in Colorado - sold the snowblower to one of the neighbors in DSM. Kids do it now.
Attachments
A good snowblower is an insurance policy. If you don't have one, you are guaranteed to get dumped on. If you have one it doesn't seem to snow as much.
Not even a question, buy a 2 stage. Last year was a mild winter, we are due to get some snow.
Not even a question, buy a 2 stage. Last year was a mild winter, we are due to get some snow.
Yep...this. Have a Craftsmen 26" 2-Stage w/Electric Start. Laughs at 6" snows and easily chews up the snow wall that the plows leave at the end of the drive. Have only used it 5 times over the past 3 years. But, we have 200 feet of sidewalk (large corner lot) and a triple driveway, so it is a great insurance policy.
Maintenance question -
For those of you that are using "kids" to move snow, what kind of maintenance is required to keep them working? I never had much luck getting them started after a snow storm.
For those of you that are using "kids" to move snow, what kind of maintenance is required to keep them working? I never had much luck getting them started after a snow storm.
Did you sell it? How much are you selling it for? Last year I shoveled snow and was not fun at all. Just spent on a smoker recently so I doubt my wife would allow me to spend much money again on equipment/tools. So a second hand might what I need right now.
I gave up on that avenue long ago.
Everybody in my family, outside my daughter who only has a school permit and could ride with her brother or mom to school, has a 4 wheel drive vehicle. Safety valve incase I don't get snow moved quic enough.
I used this last year to clear my neighbors drive when they were on vacation. Pulled it out of their garage, It's a "Snow Boss" and was thinking I need to get one of these.
BTW, at 66 I am a little worried about some of you that have to have a huge 2-stage snow chucker because you cannot shovel the plow pile at the end of your driveway
BTW, at 66 I am a little worried about some of you that have to have a huge 2-stage snow chucker because you cannot shovel the plow pile at the end of your driveway
Depends on how long of a driveway you have. Mine is 12'X100' with an incline, if its more than 3", it takes forever with a scoop. I have a toro 2 stage and it is a beast, its a 826 and can handle 14" of wet snow and have never run out of power. I never had to use the toro last year.
If its light and fluffy, the best tool is a leaf blower. No joke. I use my leaf blower more in winter than any other time. I go over the driveway and side walks after the scoop and toro, gets it down to bare concrete.
< 1", leaf blower (light n fluffy)
1-3", scoop doesn't take to long.
> 3", I get out the two stage blower
If you have a short driveway, a single stage and leaf blower would have you set for 90% of the situations. Even if its a smaller 5hp-24", it would outwork a single stage and would be a good compromise. When you do get the once in a few years snow dump, you'll be glad you have it. If you do get a single stage, make sure you get a 4-stroke. Many of the older ones are 2 stroke, not sure about newer ones. Don't bother with an electric one.
If its light and fluffy, the best tool is a leaf blower. No joke. I use my leaf blower more in winter than any other time. I go over the driveway and side walks after the scoop and toro, gets it down to bare concrete.
< 1", leaf blower (light n fluffy)
1-3", scoop doesn't take to long.
> 3", I get out the two stage blower
If you have a short driveway, a single stage and leaf blower would have you set for 90% of the situations. Even if its a smaller 5hp-24", it would outwork a single stage and would be a good compromise. When you do get the once in a few years snow dump, you'll be glad you have it. If you do get a single stage, make sure you get a 4-stroke. Many of the older ones are 2 stroke, not sure about newer ones. Don't bother with an electric one.
Last edited:
Agree with CycloneDaddy. Will a 2-stage handle deeper snow? Yes. But you rarely, rarely need it to. Worst-case with a single-stage is you might have to over the deep stuff twice.
Honestly, I didn't even get mine out last year. Now that I think of it, I'm not really sure where it is!
Honestly, I didn't even get mine out last year. Now that I think of it, I'm not really sure where it is!
I like the two stage because sometimes it does snow 8 inches. Single stage is okay for most jobs. Absolutely stay away from a two cycle snow blower. They are just temperamental after the first few years if you don't run them out of gas at the end of the season. I see a dozen of those a year sitting out on the curb for free because they won't start.
You should probably pull it out and test start it. Full disclosure: I have not done mine yet. It's easier to troubleshoot and test start when it's 40 or 50 out and not around zero. I may or may not have learned that the hard way.
We've had so little snow the last 3-4 years that some years the only "run" for the 2-stage is the test fire.