Electric Snow Blowers vs. Gas Snow Blowers

The type of power you choose for your snow blower will depend upon the type of snow you receive and your application.  Much like other pieces of power equipment, gas and electric snow blowers both have their advantages and disadvantages.

For areas where snow storms will typically only bring a couple inches of snow, an electric snow blower will serve you just fine.  What makes them even better in this scenario is that they are pretty   

Snow Joe iON Snow Blower

much maintenance free – no oil, no gas, no tune ups – just make sure the machine is free of snow before storage to prevent any parts from freezing.

Using an electric snow blower to clean up after a major snow storm will be quite a hassle, and in this case, what were their advantages become their disadvantages.  It’s great that they are lightweight, but if you have a heavy snow fall, electric snow blowers will tend to ride up the snow instead of blow through it.  This can even compact the snow further, and a vicious cycle of underpowered & under-weighted attempts at clearing snow begins. 

This is where gas snow blowers step in.  The extra depth and weight of the snow requires a gas powered engine and a step up in auger & auger housing capability.  There are 3 main types of gas snow blowers – single stage, two-stage, and three-stage – each a step up in performance and capability.  A single stage snow blower can handle up to about a foot of snow, but if that’s what you are frequently receiving, it will be a struggle. 

Cub Cadet 3 Stage Snow Blower

At this point you should step up to a two stage, because if you’re getting a lot of 12” snowfalls, you’ll probably receiving snowfalls above that as well, and you’ll need the extra height, width, and power.  Three stage snow blowers employ an additional forward facing auger that is capable of chewing through heavy, icy snow mixes typically left at the end of driveways by city plows..  If you find yourself muscling through this mass of snow, a three stage snow blower will serve you well.

Toro Power Shovel

Some people will employ both types of snow blowers to finish clearing snow at their home.  Because of their light weight and maneuverability, an electric snow blower is great for large patios, long staircases, and hard to reach areas.  Weighing in at only 13 pounds, the Toro Power Shovel is perfect for this.  Patios constructed of pavers or wood planks can also catch the edge of a snow shovel, causing them to chip.  The softer rubber paddle will clear all the way down without catching edges, preserving your patio.

Plow it Yourself: Residential Snow Plow Options

Meyer Home Plow

If you're looking for a new way to clear snow from your home, a snow plow can be a great option to takeover or compliment what you're doing now.  Most people think of municipal or commercial trucks driving through their neighborhoods clearing the streets leaving it safe for drivers.  However, there are a variety of ways for the typical homeowner to employ the use of plow blades to cut down on time spent clearing snow.  Snow plows come in all shapes and sizes.  Depending on the equipment you already own, you have several options to strap on a plow – riding mowers, ATVs, snow blowers, or your own personal car or truck.

Tractor Snow Plow Blade

A commonly used option is attaching a plow blade to your riding mower. If you have a large enough area to clear that you're considering a plow, chances are you have a lawn you're already mowing with a zero turn mower or lawn tractor.  So why not make the most of that riding mower?  These plow blades require the installation of a sub frame, but many consumer grade models include this with the blade; larger garden tractors may require a separate purchase.  They start at around $310; a good investment to get the most out of your riding mower (as opposed to having it sit in the garage all winter).

Another great way to get more use out of the equipment you already own is by attaching a plow blade to your ATV or UTV.  ATV snow plows require mounting kits, but some manufacturers include them with the plow blade.  Given the additional power, traction, and ruggedness provided by an ATV, they are a little more versatile than going the tractor mount route. Many of these have the ability to be used year round, so you can also move dirt and gravel in spring, summer, and fall.

Two-stage snow blowers are great at removing lots of snow in a short amount of time.  However, they do not clear all the way down to the pavement, leaving a small layer of snow.  Conversely, when there is only a small amount of snowfall, a two stage snow blower loses its effectiveness by not being able to pull in all the snow.  In comes the slush plow, which attaches to the front of a two stage and utilizes the snow blower’s drive system to effectively produce a self-propelled snow plow.  This setup works very well for moving snow and slush up to 5 inches.

Residential snow plows are gaining in popularity with expanded compatibility, increased ease of use, and a competitive market driving down costs.  Some manufacturers like Meyer Home Plow have plow blade setups not much unlike what you’ll find the commercial guys using, apart from the durability (these are not designed for commercial use).  But if you have a lot of driveway to clear, they are a huge time saver.

Nordic Auto Plow

Another option is one of the more innovative inventions of late when it comes to snow plow blades, the Nordic Auto Plow line.  These plows are designed to simplify the process and create a more universally fitting product that does not require hitches or hydraulics for installation & use. They utilize straps & hooks to attach to the front or rear of cars & light SUVs (yes, even coupes & sedans).  This is one of the most affordable ways for a homeowner to quickly and easily clear large amounts of snow in a short amount of time.  Running at about $570, a Nordic Auto Plow will be a less expensive option than many 2-stage snow blowers.