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Snow Removal: Put Down the Shovel Snow Removal: Put Down the Shovel
A snow blower is an indispensable piece of equipment when you’re stuck at the end of a long driveway during a tough winter. You... Snow Removal: Put Down the Shovel

A snow blower is an indispensable piece of equipment when you’re stuck at the end of a long driveway during a tough winter. You can save time and your back with a snow blower that works with your terrain and average snowfall.

A good snow blower will clear your driveway in about a quarter of the time it would take you to shovel it. The very best models can slice through 18 inches of snow and hurl it 40 feet or more, clearing a path as fast as you can push the machine along.

There are so many different types of snow blowers on the market that it can be hard to know where to begin. How do you find the snow blower that has the right combination of design and power to keep your driveway clear during the winter? Let’s look at some of our favorite snow blowers.

Troy-Bilt Gas Snow Thrower

You may not use your snow thrower every day, but when you need it, you need it to work well and last for a long time. The all-new Troy-Bilt Gas Snow Thrower is a reliable machine that checks all of our boxes and then some, which is why it’s our best overall pick.

The Squall features a 208cc 4-cycle overhead valve gas engine with a convenient push button electric start, which means you won’t have to waste time standing in the snow ripping a cord with your gloves on. Just click the button and get started. You can clear an impressive 21-inch-wide path with the Squall and cut through 13 inches of snow at a time.

Toro Snowmaster 724 QXE

The Toro Snowmaster 724 QXE is one of the most reliable snow blowers on the market. While its price point is great given its quality, it does have a few drawbacks compared to some of the other blowers on the list.

Most notably, while it handles smooth surfaces like a pro, it struggles when it comes to gravel and other rough areas. While it is possible to move snow from rough areas with the Snowmaster 724, it is recommended to look at other options if you are going to be in that terrain frequently. The Toro Snowmaster shines on flat surfaces like parking lots, driveways and sidewalks. It is fast, throws snow far, and can handle 2-14 inches of snow.

The Husqvarna ST 224

Clearing a hill or a steep driveway in deep snow can be an inconvenient and dangerous prospect. To make your job a little easier, invest in a strong, self-propelled snow blower like the Husqvarna ST 224 Gas Snow Blower.

The Husqvarna ST 224 is a 208cc two-stage gas engine-powered, electric start snow thrower with heated handles and LED headlights. The engine operates the auger as well as the wheels, doing the work for you on the way up or down hill. It features six different forward speeds for precise control as well as reverse, to prevent downhill skids. Additionally, the non-marking skids will protect your driveway. It is a quiet and efficient machine with a 24-inch-by-23-inch clearance.

Craftsman 88173 24″ Snow Blower

The Craftsman 88173 Snow Blower is a good all-around machine, perfect for clearing driveways and patios and for use on gravel, and we like it a lot. It is compact and simple to use, well-designed and efficient but does lack a couple of features that other models offer.

The major factor in its favor is perhaps the price: you can find this model for under $700, which puts it a good way cheaper than some of its 24-inch rivals.

Briggs and Stratton 1022ER

The Briggs and Stratton 1022ER Single Stage Snow Thrower is a compact and efficient snow blower. This 208cc single stage gas-power snow blower works for most snow levels and is ideal for driveways. Not only can it easily clear an empty driveway, but the small size lets you fit into the tight spaces around cars. This snow blower has a push button electric starter and crank-based chute control system.

This model also has a rubber-edged auger to keep the water and snow off and the whole machine moving. The quick-adjust deflector that lets you change your clearance from the handle bars, making it easy to control and use.

The Final Thought

Any snow blower is going to be a huge advantage in the winter. Tackling your driveway every morning is a nightmare this Florida boy can’t comprehend. Don’t get me wrong, shoveling is great exercise!  When the snow starts, you always intend to shovel your way out of each snowfall to stay fit.

But after the first few snowstorms, intermittent back pain pays a visit, and it is time to give in to the calls of the snow blower. Investing in the right snow blower will save time, energy, and help you obtain peace of mind.

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