How to Choose Between a Single-Stage and Two-Stage Snow Thrower

Like any tool, choosing the right snow thrower comes down to how you’ll use it. If you’re deciding between a single-stage snow thrower and two-stage snow thrower, ask yourself a few questions:

Light and powdery or heavy and wet?

A single-stage snow thrower has a uniquely shaped auger that scoops and throws snow up and out of the chute, all in one motion. This makes single-stage throwers best suited for lighter, less compacted snow. Two-stage snow throwers have serrated steel augers that break up snow and ice and feed the snow into a high speed impeller (stage-one).  The impeller then throws the snow up and out of the discharge chute (stage-two). If you’ll be tackling heavier wet snow, then a two-stage thrower is a safe bet.

How much snow do you usually get?

Single-stage snow throwers are ideal for winter storms that produce 3”-6” of snow.  But if you regularly receive up to 12” or more, then a two-stage snow thower is the way to go.

How big is your driveway?

With their multi-speed drive systems, two-stage snow throwers can make short work of the largest clearing areas. On the other hand, if you have a smaller driveway and narrow walkways you might be better off with a lighter, more maneuverable, single-stage unit. 

Pavement or gravel?

For smooth surfaces, both single-stage and two-stage snow thrower works great; clearing the snow down to the pavement.  However, if you have gravel drive and walkways, a two-stage snow thrower is ideal as you can set the height of the skid shoes to the right clearing height for you.

To get the job done efficiently, you need the right equipment. And clearing snow is no exception. Choose the right snow thrower for your situation and winter will feel like a lot less work.

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