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.

Snow Blowers of the Future?

Ever wish you had your own personal snow removal service to take care of slushy cold messes for you? The best part of waking up may be your coffee, but the worst is having to shovel the mountain of snow in your driveway before trekking through the same said frozen crud to get to your favorite place in the world - work.

By the time you make it home, you'll likely have to start all over again. By the time you're finished, you're exhausted and ready for bed. Then, if you're lucky, you wake up the next morning to do it all over again.

It doesn't have to be that way! Snow blowers make clearing your driveway and sidewalks much easier and much faster. They even come with electric start and hand warmers. If you don't want to be snowed on, you can also get an attachable snow cab to protect you from the wind and snow.

The really exciting news is a breakthrough in snow blower technology. Istanbul Technical University mechatronics associate professor, Emin Faruk Kececi invented a remote-operated snow blower robot called the SnowBYTE. It's a small, all-wheel drive, gas/electric snow blower with electric start that you can operate from the warmth of your home. The gas engine powers the snow blowing system (front blades and snow blowing chute), and electricity powers the all-wheel-drive motors that move the SnowBYTE up and down your driveway and walkways.

If you want to sit on your sofa with your feet up, that's fine. The SnowByte features an integrated camera system which provides you a view of what's being cleared away as you go. So even as you're lounging on the couch sipping your hot cappuccino, you can still navigate precisely where you want the machine to go.

The SnowBYTE is still in development mode, and the prototypes have not been perfected yet. The biggest problem is that it's compact and lightweight. Without the size and weight of a full-sized snow blower, it cannot effectively handle deep, heavy snow. 

This may be a fun alternative for lighter snow, but for the real thick stuff you should probably stick with a 2-stage snow blower.

How to Tackle the Approaching Snow in Northern States

Cub Cadet Snow Blower

I hate to be the messenger on this one, but it's not over yet! Coming soon to a neighborhood near you... a lot more snow. And it's not going to be light and fluffy either.

East of Lake Ontario, it's predicted there'll be over a foot of snow coming. It's possible they may get as much as 18 inches.

The rest of the area east of the Great Lakes is expected to get several inches, possibly accumulating up to 5 or 6 inches.

This snow will be lake effect snow created by cold air moving over the Great Lakes, and the snow will be damp and heavy to shovel.

If shoveling is getting you down, you could try using an electric snow shovel in areas that are only getting another inch or so.

If you're east of Lake Ontario, it may be a good idea to research the most current snow blower ratings to find out what model of snow blower or snow thrower will fit your needs as well as your budget.

If you've already got a riding lawnmower, you could get a tractor mountable snow blower or plow blade to make the job easier.

Whatever your case, the reviews at Snow Blowers Direct can help you narrow down all of the best available models to find the best snow blower for you.

Stay warm, stay healthy, and keep clearing that snow. Eventually Spring will return, but until then, try letting some modern technology help you through the season.

Snow Blowers go Battery-Powered

That's right, it's true. Snow Joe has created a 40-volt lithium-ion cordless electric snow blower called the "Snow Joe iON."  It has an 18-inch wide clearing that can move up to 495 lbs of snow per minute, based on conditions.

It's the first cord-free electric single-stage snow blower on the market; and with its powerful EcoSharp 40-volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it runs at full power until the battery is "empty." The price is very modest, and it includes the battery and battery charger.

With its 180-degree auto rotation discharge chute, you can easily control the direction of the snow stream by rotating it instantly from left to right using its joystick control. 

If it's getting dark, there's no need to put it away because it has a 3-watt LED headlight that's controlled with an on/off switch so it's only on when you need it.

Because it's not gas powered, it is whisper quiet and exhaust free. Also, because it features a 2-blade rubber auger, you can clear right down to the ground without damaging your decking or walkway. The Snow Joe iON is easy to start. It uses a push-button start instead of the usual pull cord, so it's hassle free and reliable.

If you have a small area to clear and want something easy and gas-free, you can't beat this snowblower. At under $400, Snow Blowers Direct offers it with free shipping to save you the trip to the store. So skip shoveling your walkway this year and invest in a quality cordless snow blower.