What’s the best heavy-duty snow blower to buy? In this article we look at a nice range of powerful snow blowers to get you through winter.
With the climate changing you can be absolutely certain that paralyzing winter storms will be more common in the years to come, Hurricane Dorian is an example of the ferocity of mother nature, and still fresh in the memories of those who survived it— not to mention past hurricanes, such as: Hurricane Harvey and hurricane Irma are proof of the ferocity of our changing weather. If you live in an area where major storms are expected then a heavy-duty snow blower will be your best friend when the storms hit your town or city.
Every winter people are caught off guard by major snowfalls but if you live in an area where snow is a certainty there’s really no excuse not to invest in a heavy-duty snow blower. The problem is that people wait until a snow storm hits before deciding to invest in a snow blower, and by then it’s too late. You have to plan ahead. Thankfully, modern technology is enabling snow blowers to be more maneuverable, cheaper and more powerful than ever before. The time to buy is now, long before you need it.
Excellent : Track Snow Blower — Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890
Features — Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker
- Clears snowy walkways up to 28″ wide and 21″ deep in one pass
- Equipped with Heated Hand Grips and Just One Hand operation
- Powerful 277cc engine and Touch n Turn power steering
- 200 degree polymer chute
- Snow Track Drive
- 4.7 x 15.8-inch Snow Track Drive keeps 10 inches of track on the ground at all times for maximum stability and traction.
Heavy-Duty Snow Blower Guide
If you attempt to shovel deep snow from your sidewalk, patio, and driveway it’s going to cause lots of problems. It’s not just because the work is physically demanding. Even if you go to the gym your body simply won’t be used to shoveling heavy loads.
After you get inside your back and shoulders will be so sore you’ll need to lie down. You will want to curl up into a ball and fall asleep. This could actually be your body warning you it’s in danger, and we now know you have to take this very seriously.
Snow Blowers have Changed over the Years
Shoveling Snow Is Known To Cause Heart Attacks
When it snows heavily, hospitals within the snow-belt prepare for extra cases in emergency rooms. It’s because the simple act of shoveling snow is a known trigger for heart attacks. Going outside to clear your garden is like throwing the dice and hoping for the best.
It’s not simply because shoveling mountains of snow puts a tremendous amount of strain on the heart, so don’t think of it as a weakness. The cold weather has a big role to play and these are some of the affects it will have on your body:
- It Can Cause Your Blood Pressure To Shoot Up
- It Can Interrupt Blood Flow From Your Heart
- Your Blood Is More Likely To Form Clots
There are a few safe shoveling tips you can implement, but it doesn’t reduce the risks by much. The cold weather is going to create lots of problems, but when you add strenuous activity on top of it you’re asking for trouble.
The Husqvarna ST227P is a surprisingly affordable snow blower with lots of great features like adjustable handle height for improved ergonomics, power steering, X-trac heavy-tread tires, heated handle grips and more.
Husqvarna ST227P (961930097) | Solid Heavy-Duty Snow Blower
Why Heavy-Duty Snow Blowers are Worth the Investment
If you live in a warmer state it might not snow very much in winter. When you’re not dealing with deep snow a single stage snow blower (and maybe even a shovel) will be good enough. Light snow isn’t going to put the same strain on your body.
Tackling lots of packed snow and ice with a single stage snow blower is different. They’re preparing for extra cases in emergency rooms when people use these too. Heavy-duty snow blowers are the best solution for staying as safe as possible.
Why You Should Use A Two Stage Snow Blower
We’re going to look at a few reasons why two stage heavy-duty snow blowers work better in deep snow, but first you’ll want to know how they work. We’ll quickly look at what goes on inside a two stage model while you’re hard at work.
A two stage snow blower can handle much more snow because one part isn’t doing all the work. In a single stage snow blower the auger is responsible for collecting and discharging snow, but augers on two stage blowers are only tasked with picking snow up.
Powerful — 2-stage Battery Snow Blower : Snow Joe ION8024-XR
Features — Snow Joe ION8024-XR
- Revolutionary battery-powered, self-propelled two-stage snow blower
- 80V Max (2 x 40V/5.0 Ah) iONMAX rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide up to 30 minutes* of whisper-quiet runtime and are compatible with all iON tools
- Featuring exclusive EcoSharp® technology for no fade power and maximum performance
- Integrated, illuminated push-button display: LEDs indicate direction, speed selection, battery power levels
- Cutting-edge 4-speed digital drive system (3-speed XPORT for rapid return at the end of a snow-clearing run)
- Serrated steel auger moves up to 1000 lbs of snow per minute; cuts a path 24 in. wide by 13 in. deep without damaging surface
- Thumb-control 180° auto-rotate adjustable chute throws snow up to 32 ft
- One-handed lock-and-adjust chute deflector to put the powder precisely where you want it
- Ergonomic trigger grips provide optimum comfort and reduce stress from squeezing for comfortable clearing
- Dual 3 W LED headlamps light the way for safe nighttime snow removal
- Powerful 2500 W brushless motor increases battery efficiency, maximizes motor performance, decreases noise and vibration and extends motor life
- TracAssist snow tires for maximum traction in winter-weather conditions
- Reversible skid shoes
- Load sensing technology to optimize engine performance
- ETL approved; Full 2-year warranty; Includes 2 batteries dual-port charger
Once it’s been crushed by the auger blades it will be sent straight into a high speed impeller. It will be the impeller that’s responsible for discharging your snow. Now you have a basic idea of how they work, so let’s look at other reasons why they can tackle large workloads:
They’ll Work Well In Wet Snow And Ice
When you have a single stage snow blower you’ll be able to tear through light snow like it’s not even there, but wait until you come up against something more challenging. You’ll have to give up and admit defeat.
Heavy-duty snow blowers are designed to handle things like wet snow and ice, which might be a common occurrence depending on where you live. It’s always good to be prepared for the worst.
You Can Work On A Variety Of Surfaces
You’ll notice skid shoes on two stage snow blowers will prevent the auger from ripping up the ground. Single stage snow blowers touch the ground, which means they’ll not be able to work on every surface.
If you attempt to move snow from a gravel driveway using a single stage model it could throw stones everywhere. It seems pretty pointless owning a snow blower if you can’t use it anywhere you want.
Power through deep wet snow | Briggs & Stratton — 1696563
Two Stage Models Support Wider Augers
Two stage models weigh more than single stage ones, so they can support wider augers without tipping over. If you have a wider auger you won’t have to drive back and forth as many times.
This doesn’t mean a two stage model will always have a wider one, but they do in most cases. The widest auger you’ll see on a two stage model will surpass the widest one on smaller machines.
Intake Height Will Be Double The Size
It’s the intake height where you’ll really notice the difference. To be honest, if you live somewhere with heavy snowfall this is why a two stage model is an absolute must. Single stage blowers can’t handle deep snow.
A couple of two stage models might have a small intake height, but some of them are nearly double the size of single stage blowers. Big ones can swallow up snow sitting more than a couple of feet off the ground.
Affordable 24″ Snow Blower | Champion 100434
The Engines Are Usually A Lot Bigger
When you have a bigger engine, it’s going to give you a lot more power than a smaller one. You only need to compare the horsepower and torque to realize single stage models pale in comparison.
It’s going to affect things like the auger performance and drive speeds. You’ll fly up slopes like they’re not even there. Also, if you can finish jobs quicker it will be less taxing on your body.
You’ll Have Access To Power Steering
Power steering takes a lot of the stress out of maneuvering your snow blower around too. If you have power assisted steering and can change between speeds you’ll make light work of most jobs.
Unfortunately, it’s not available on every single model. They’ll still be self-propelled and will have massive snow tires, so it’s not too difficult to control machines without power steering.
Please Note: There are a lot more minor details we could have talked about, but these features will make the biggest difference when working in extreme winter conditions.
What You Need To Prepare For A Winter Storm
At some point during winter you might realize a dangerous winter storm is headed your way. If so, you’ll need more than a heavy-duty snow blower to clear up the mess. Let’s look at a few crucial things you should always have on hand:
Spare Gasoline And Oil – Having a snow blower in the garage is only worthwhile if you’ll be able to use it. Make sure you have enough gasoline and oil stored away in case you can’t go out for more.
The amount you need will depend on the severity of the winter storm. A bad one could leave lots of snow lying around, so you’ll need to err on the side of caution to guarantee you don’t run out.
Recommended product : Justrite 7250130 — for storing Gasoline, Gas-Oily Mixture, Kerosene, Diesel.
A Few Large Bags Of Salt – Do you know why salt is thrown on the road? It lowers the freezing point of snow, so it’s used to stop cars from driving on ice and crashing. You should keep a few bags in your garage.
If you scatter the salt throughout your garden it will melt ice and snow making your job easier. You don’t need to do this all the time, but it’s definitely a nice option to have in emergency situations.
Recommended product : Safe Paw Ice Melter — Non-Toxic Ice Melter
Invest In A Small Chainsaw – It’s impossible to clear snow if there are branches lying on top of it. When they fall from trees they’ll need to be cleaned up before you can bring your snow blower out.
If you own a small chainsaw it will take you a few seconds to cut fallen branches into little pieces. They’ll then be light enough to carry away. If you try to drag heavy branches around you could injure yourself.
Recommended product : Husqvarna 120i — 14″ 36.5V battery Chainsaw
Always Keep A Shovel Handy – We’ve just talked about how shoveling snow can cause heart attacks, but you have nothing to worry about. You won’t be using it to clear up everything once the storm has passed.
You’ll be using it to squeeze into small places your snow blower won’t be able to go, especially if it’s a really wide one. A good example would be trying to dig as much snow as possible away from your car.
Recommended product : Snow Joe SHOVELUTION SJ-SHLV01 — Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel withSpring Assisted Handle.
Stock Up On Cooking Spray – If you don’t use cooking spray you should buy a bottle before a storm arrives. All you need to do is spray a little on your shovel until it’s completely covered.
I’m sure you know that snow can stick to shovels and it’s extremely frustrating. Once you’ve added the cooking spray it won’t be able to stick. The snow will slide off when you try to throw it away.
Recommended product : Cooking spray is readily available but a better alternative is : DuPont Teflon Snow and Ice Repellent, which is specifically designed to prevent snow and ice buildup, frozen doors and clogged augers and chutes.
Preparing Your Vehicle – The main reason you’ll be clearing the snow from your garden is so you’ll have access to your car. It’s a waste of time digging it out if you can’t drive afterwards.
Basic things like getting the battery tested, checking the tire pressure, and topping up your liquids should suffice. You’ll have the ability to leave home as soon as the roads are safe.
Recommended product : Jump-N-Carry JNC660 — Battery jump starter
Yak Trax For Your Shoes – Venturing outside is dangerous even if you’ll be holding onto a two stage heavy-duty snow blower. If you don’t wear the right footwear it’s easy to slip and fall.
The best solution is to buy Yak Trax for your shoes. It will only take a few seconds to slip them on and they’ll prevent you from sliding. You want maximum traction when walking on top of heavy snow.
Recommended product : Yaktrax Walk — Traction Cleats for Walking on Snow and Ice
Best Heavy-Duty Snow Blowers On The Market
There are lots of wonderful two stage heavy-duty snow blowers, so we’re going to look at a few of them today. Luckily they’re all different in their own unique kind of way. Let’s focus our attention on some standout features you’ll enjoy:
1 – Husqvarna ST230P — 30-Inch Heavy-duty Snow Blower
2 – Husqvarna ST224 — 24-Inch High-quality Snow Blower
3 – Husqvarna ST224P — 24-Inch Powerful Snow Blower
4 – Poulan PRO PR271 — 27-Inch Heavy-duty Snow Blower
5 – Snow Joe iON8024-XR — 24-Inch 2-stage battery Snow Blower
6 – YARDMAX YB6270 — 24-Inch Heavy-duty Snow Blower
7 – Briggs and Stratton 1696619 — 27-Inch Heavy-duty Snow Blower
Husqvarna ST230P 30″ Snow Blower
Features:
- Clearing width of 30”
- Clearing height of 10 – 30 centimeters (4 – 12 inches), 14.5 pounds/foot of torque
- Dual stage operation
- Friction disc transmission, with 6 forward steps and one reverse step
- Single cylinder 4-stroke 9.6 HP engine made by LCT, cylinder displacement of 17.8 cubic inches
- 0.71 Gallon (US) fuel tank
- Sound pressure level at operator’s ear- 88.4 dB (A), guaranteed sound pressure level of 105dB(A)
- Measures (L, W, H) 58.5” x 30” x 41.5”, weighs 237.8 pounds.
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Husqvarna ST230P.
Overview
Change Speeds Depending On The Conditions
Even though the Husqvarna ST230P looks like a monster you can tell it’s extremely modern. The powerful 291cc engine will help feed snow up to 30 inches wide and 12 inches deep straight into the auger housing.
You won’t always have to tackle so much snow, which is where the friction disc transmission comes in handy. It will let you change speeds depending on the conditions, so you’ll have extra power when you need it.
Steering Assist Helps With Maneuverability
When you’re dealing with heavy-duty snow blowers weighing 270 pounds you’ll appreciate power steering. Maneuvering around your garden would be difficult in tough conditions if you didn’t have a little assistance.
The ST230P gives you the option of disconnecting the differential lock, and once you’ve chosen which wheel/track should drive you’ll be able to operate it effortlessly. It’s ideal for those who lack lots of strength.
Quality Remote Chute Rotator And Deflector
This high speed impeller is pretty impressive when it comes to launching snow far into the distance, which isn’t exactly 100 percent safe. It’s why they’ve included a quality remote chute rotator and deflector.
The chute rotator can be turned up to 180 degrees, so you’ll get to choose the direction everything goes in. An adjustable deflector moves up and down letting you choose a more precise location. These levers can be accessed within seconds.
It’s Still Easy To Operate When It’s Dark
If you look at the front of the Husqvarna ST230P you’ll see a couple of LED lights. They will illuminate anything in your path allowing you to clear snow from your garden even if it’s dark outside.
An electric starter feature would fall into this category too. Plug in the ST230P and it will begin running at the touch of a button. Pulling cords when it’s dark isn’t fun. The quiet muffler will allow you to hear anyone walking close by.
The Handles Offer So Many Amazing Benefits
You wouldn’t expect the handles of a snow blower to offer you so many benefits, but these ones definitely do. First of all, thanks to the heated handle grips you won’t always feel obligated to wear gloves.
An interlock handle will allow you to operate the Husqvarna ST230P with one hand, so your other one can play with the controls. You’ll notice there is a loop handle designed to give you additional comfort and control.
Plastic Skid Shoes Won’t Damage Your Paths
Two stage heavy-duty snow blowers are great because you can use them on any surface, but there is a lot more to the story. Even though they work well on gravel driveways they could still damage the ground.
It’s why Husqvarna decided to stick plastic skid shoes on the ST230P. You can adjust them if the auger is too close to the ground. They are also reversible and can be turned around when eventually worn down.
X-Trac Tires Added For Excellent Traction
The 16 inch wheels are absolutely huge, plus they also have X-trac heavy-tread tires. These tires combine well with the differential lock, which lets you drive the Husqvarna ST230P around using both wheels.
You’ll have a lot more traction when driving over slippery surfaces in your garden. The X-trac tires sit on top of durable pin-lock wheels, so you’ll be able to adjust and maintain them without using any tools.
Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch Snow Blower
One the best and most popular heavy-duty snow blower. An excellent value.
Features:
- Clearing width of 24”
- Clearing height of 12” maximum, 9.5 pounds/foot of torque
- Dual stage operation
- Friction disc transmission, with 6 forward steps and one reverse step
- Single cylinder 4-stroke 6.3 HP engine made by LCT, cylinder displacement of 12.7 cubic inches
- 0.69 Gallon (US) fuel tank
- Sound pressure level at operator’s ear- 88.4 dB (A), guaranteed sound pressure level of 105 dB (A)
- Measures (L, W, H) 58.5” x 24” x 40.5”, weighs 198.6 pounds
It Has Six Forward Speeds To Choose From
When you have a 208cc Husqvarna engine under the hood it will be able to handle lots of snow. The ST224 will take care of any 24 inches wide and 12 inches deep, but you’ll sometimes require a bit more help.
This snow blower has a friction disc transmission with multiple speeds to choose from. You will have 6 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed in total. Unfortunately, you won’t have any access to power assisted steering.
Top View of the Husqvarna ST224
The Ribbon Auger Mixes Air Into The Snow
Heavy-duty snow blowers can rip through packed snow and ice, but it’s not always easy to throw it away. The Husqvarna ST224 is a bit different because it has a ribbon auger mixing air into the snow.
The high speed impeller will have an easier time throwing it far into the distance. A remote chute rotator and deflector will let you decide where the snow lands using a couple of easy-to-access levers.
A Clearing Stick Is Attached To The Unit
Even when you’re feeding air into the snow there will come a time when everything grinds to a halt. You will need to remove blockages, and it’s nice when you can keep your hands well away from the auger.
The ST224 snow blower comes with a clearing stick, which will handle all problems quickly. Even though you won’t be using your hands it’s imperative you switch the machine off before doing anything.
You Can Use It In Any Weather Conditions
It’s not always going to be nice outside when you use a snow blower. It could still be snowing and dark in your garden. LED lights on the front of the blower will let you see where you’re going.
Heated handle grips will let you operate the snow blower without any pain when it’s freezing outside. You can start the ST224 electrically by pushing a button instead of pulling a cord with cold hands.
A Quiet Muffler Lowers The Decibel Level
First of all, it’s not fair to say the Husqvarna ST224 runs without making lots of noise. The sound pressure at your ears will be 88.4 decibels, which is considered very loud if you look at any charts.
Fortunately, it has a quiet muffler built into it, so it’s better than it could have been. You will still have to wear ear protection while operating it, or your hearing could be affected over the long-term.
You Can Adjust The Handle Height Easily
This model weighs 240 pounds and it’s huge, so you don’t want to run into any difficulties controlling it. You’ll be able to adjust the handle height until it’s perfect for you or anyone else.
A loop handle will also help you control it, plus the interlock handle will let you do it with one hand. The 15 inch wheels with X-trac tires are designed to help you handle the snow blower easily too.
Designed To Last An Extremely Long Time
People spending lots of money on heavy-duty snow blowers will expect them to last an extremely long time. Due to the fact you’ll be using them in terrible conditions they have to be durable enough to last the distance.
The Husqvarna ST224 has an aluminum gear box that comes with a 5-year warranty. Rock solid housing won’t fall apart when dealing with packed snow and ice. Even the control cables on this model were built to last.
Tech Specs (Husqvarna ST224):
- Weight: 196.6 lbs
- Blower type: Two-stage
- Working width: 24 inch
- Auger diameter: 30.5 cm / 12 “
- Number of impeller blades: 3
- Engine manufacturer: LCT
- Cylinder displacement: 208 cc
- Net power at preset rpm: 4.7 kW @ 3600 rpm
- Horsepower: 6.3 hp / 4.7 kW
- Gross Torque: 9.5 lb-ft
- Fuel tank volume (with reserve): 0.69 gal.
- Transmission steps forward: 6
- Transmission steps reverse: 1
- Tire size: 380 mm / 15″
- Handle height adjustment: 4 steps
- Sound pressure level at operators ear: 88.4 dB(A)
Want to learn more, read our indepth review of the Husqvarna ST224(P) or have a look at the best 2-stage snow blowers under $1000.
And now, here’s a quick look at the Husqvarna ST224P, the same great snow blower except this one has power steering, which does make a big difference in handling.
Husqvarna ST224P 24-Inch Snow Blower
The Husqvarna ST224P is almost identical to the ST224 model, so it’s pointless going through a long list of its features. It only really has a couple of big differences, so we’ll focus on those before moving on
Comes With Power Assisted Steering – The Husqvarna ST224P comes with power steering, so you’ll find it a lot easier to move around. It’s simple to use and you’ll only need a few minutes to get used to it.
On the handlebar you will have access to a trigger for each wheel. Once you pull a trigger it will automatically disengage the drive from your chosen wheel. The drive still in operation will turn the snow blower.
It’s More Than 40 Pounds Lighter – The last model we looked at was pretty heavy at 240 pounds, especially due to the lack of power steering. The Husqvarna ST224P model comes in at only 198.6 pounds.
You’ll definitely have a lot more control when moving around. The dimensions are 41.8 x 22.8 x 25.8 inches, so it will be easier to store away after winter thanks to the reduction in weight.
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Husqvarna ST224P.
Poulan Pro PR271 27-Inch Snow Blower
Features:
- Powerful 254cc Poulan PRO OHV Engine for 12.5-foot-pounds of torque
- 27″ clearing width / 23″ clearing height
- Friction disc transmission. 6 forward and 1 reverse speeds.
- Easy grip handle mounted power steering trigger for better maneuverability and single hand control
- Console mounted chute and deflector controls easily directs the snow where you want it
- Two step clearing process – ribbon augers break through snow & ice feeding it back to impeller blade which thrusts the snow up and out of the chute
- Tire size : 15 in
- Electric start, Power steering, Remote Chute Rotation, Remote Deflector, Single Hand Interloc
- 6 Forward/ 1 Reverse Speed
- 12 inch Auger Diameter
- Remote Chute Rotation
- 2.7 Liter Fuel Capacity
- Deep Tread Tires
- New easier to use control and redesigned control panel
- 4 Position Adjustable handle height
- Reduced tipping force
- Easier to assemble
- Clear lens headlights for better visibility of engine and pathway
- Improved power steering
- Improved ribbon auger for improved mix of snow and air, which makes the snow easier to handle and reduces clearing time
- Bolted auger housing (instead of welded) for increased durability
- Plastic skid shoes (instead of steel) for smoother operation and less damage on delicate grounds
- 2 Year Standard Warranty / 4 Year Engine Warranty
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Poulan Pro PR271.
Overview
It Comes With A 254cc Poulan Pro OHV Engine
The 254cc OHV engine that comes with the Poulan Pro PR271 is powerful enough to destroy huge amounts of snow without any difficulties. With 12.5 foot-pounds of torque you wouldn’t expect any less.
You don’t have to try too hard to get the engine up and running. It has an electric start and can be switched on by pressing a button. You also have a recoil start as backup in case of power outages.
The Intake Height Of 23 Inches In Massive
If you’re extremely unlucky you’ll live in an area where there is lots of snow. It might not be enjoyable clearing it up, but with a massive 23 inch intake height this model can certainly handle it.
It’s always nice when heavy-duty snow blowers can tackle deep snow. The 27 inch clearing width is pretty respectable too. Those extra inches mean you’ll need to go back and forth less when you’re working.
Has A Brand New Friction Disc Transmission
The brand-new friction disc transmission on this model is a lot better than the one on its predecessor. When you’re clearing snow it’s at less risk of damage, so it will last much longer than before.
You’ll have a total of 6 forwards speeds and 1 reverse speed. Along with the power steering they’ll give you ultimate control. There are headlights mounted upfront to stop you from crashing.
Auger Housing Bolted For Extra Durability
There is an improved ribbon auger on the Poulan Pro PR271, so air will be mixed it with the snow. It might make it easier to break up, but the auger will be dealing with so much snow it’s going to take a beating.
Luckily it won’t fall apart any time soon because the auger housing has been bolted together. Most heavy-duty snow blower augers will just be welded together, but when you use bolts it’s a lot stronger.
Remote Chute Deflector And Rotation Levers
The impeller blades are going to throw the snow everywhere unless you do something about it. The chute is capable of rotating up to 180 degrees, plus you’ll be able to choose an angle by moving it up and down.
You can do this very comfortably from the control panel in between your hands. You’ll still be able to control the machine one-handed. It’s even been engineered so it doesn’t tip over while you’re doing so.
Plastic Skid Shoes Won’t Cause Any Damage
Some people assume Poulan Pro tried to cut corners by using plastic skid shoes. It does sound plausible because steel lasts a lot longer, but plastic will cause zero damage to your property.
Steel skid shoes could possibly scrape across the ground. The Poulan Pro PR271 snow blower comes with a couple of 15 inch deep tread tires too, so they’ll protect surfaces while giving you as much traction as possible.
Includes An Oversized Click-Style Fuel Cap
Pouring gasoline into fuel tanks in winter isn’t enjoyable, especially when it’s snowing outside. It’s why you’ll definitely appreciate the oversized click-style fuel cap when it’s time to refill.
The tank can hold up to 0.75 gallons of fuel. There is another cool feature on the snow blower that makes life easier in a different way. You can adjust the handle height as quick as taking off the fuel cap.
Snow Joe iON8024-XR 24-Inch Snow Blower
**Note (Update) : Initially, we were quite excited about his particular snow blower as it was the first battery powered two-stage blower on the market, and the initial response from customers was actually very positive. But, since its release it seems that some customers, in general, are not satisfied with the overall performance of this snow blower.
It doesn’t appear to handle heavy wet snow very well, and it seems that it’s good for fluffy snow under 8″ or so. Basically, think of this more like a single stage snow blower rather than 2-stage snow blower. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide, but I highly recommend you read through all of the customer reviews before making your final buying decision.
Features:
- Revolutionary battery-powered, self-propelled two-stage snow blower
- 80V Max (2 x 40V/5.0 Ah) EcoSharp rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide up to 30 minutes* of whisper-quiet runtime and are compatible with all iON tools
- Integrated, illuminated push-button display: LEDs indicate direction, speed selection, battery power levels
- Cutting-edge 4-speed digital drive system (3-speed XPORT for rapid return at the end of a snow-clearing run)
- Serrated steel auger moves up to 1000 lbs of snow per minute; cuts a path 24 in. wide by 13 in. deep without damaging surface
- Thumb-control 180° auto-rotate adjustable chute throws snow up to 32 ft
- One-handed lock-and-adjust chute deflector to put the powder precisely where you want it
- Ergonomic trigger grips provide optimum comfort and reduce stress from squeezing for comfortable clearing
- Dual 3 W LED headlamps light the way for safe nighttime snow removal
- Powerful 2500 W brushless motor increases battery efficiency, maximizes motor performance, decreases noise and vibration and extends motor life
- TracAssist snow tires for maximum traction in winter-weather conditions
- Reversible skid shoes
- Load sensing technology to optimize engine performance
- ETL approved; Full 2-year warranty; Includes 2 batteries dual-port charger
Overview | Snow Joe iON8024-XR
It’s The First Battery-Powered Snow Blower
Two stage heavy-duty snow blowers are always powered by gas, or at least they were until the Snow Joe iON came along. It’s powered by a couple of 40V Max EcoSharp rechargeable lithium-ion batteries.
A total of 80 volts is good enough to clear lots of snow with ease. It has a clearing width of 24 inches and intake depth of 13 inches, so it can handle more than lots of two stage gas snow blowers.
Get Up To 30 Minutes Of Runtime Per Charge
The powerful 2,500 watt brushless motor increases battery efficiency, but how long will it be able to run on a single charge? If the batteries are full it will last around 30 minutes before running out.
If you have a large area to cover this might not be long enough. Just keep a couple of spare batteries around and you can swap them to double the runtime. One pair could always be charging while you’re working.
Will Clear 1,000 Pounds Of Snow Per Minute
The clearing width and intake depth is very impressive, but it’s all about how much snow it will actually plough per minute. The Snow Joe iON8024-XR clears up around 1,000 pounds in 60 seconds.
Can you begin to imagine driving over that much snow? The snow blower is self-propelled, so it’s not going to cause you too many problems. A high speed impeller will throw snow up to 32 feet away.
Three Forward Speeds And One Reverse Speed
One of the ways you can increase the runtime is by using different speeds when you’re moving around. You’ll quickly notice how much energy this can save if you pay close attention to the illuminated battery indicator.
In total you’ll have 3 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed. The LED panel will let you know which speed you’re using at the time. You’ll be able to handle slopes with obstacles thanks to the digital drive system.
The Ergonomic Trigger Grip Is Comfortable
Even though the ergonomic trigger grip will feel comfortable it’s got an extra purpose. It’s meant to reduce any stress when you’re squeezing, which will let you work for longer before you have to give up.
A simple thumb switch will let you rotate the chute up to 180 degrees, plus you’ll be able to use the lock-and-adjust chute deflector with one hand while your other one is busy squeezing the trigger.
TracAssist Snow Tires For Lots Of Traction
The Snow Joe iON8024-XR is much lighter than most heavy-duty snow blowers. This model weighs 105.8 pounds and it’s easy to control. The fact it doesn’t vibrate too much also helps with traction.
TracAssist snow tires will be the main thing keeping you stuck to the ground while moving. They’re wide, grippy, and 13 inches in height. Reversible skid shoes will be the only other thing touching the ground.
It’s Extremely Safe When Working At Night
You want to hear people walking near any flying snow at night. The iON8024-XR is whisper quiet, so it won’t be too noisy. You’ll hardly hear anything unless the serrated steel auger is cutting through heavy snow and ice.
Dual 3 watt headlamps will also brighten up everything in front of you, which is crucial when you’re working at night. You should already know you’ll be able to start the engine with one touch of a button.
Read our indepth review (iON8024-XR) of this powerful Snow Joe battery operated snow thrower.
YARDMAX YB6270 24-Inch Snow Blower
Two-Stage Snow Blower, powerful LCT 208cc, Engine, 7.0 hp, 24″ clearing width — One of the best heavy-duty snow blower for the money.
Features:
- LCT Electric Start 7.0 HP 208cc snow engine.
- Push-button electric start with recoil backup for reliable ignition in any condition.
- Multi-speed (6 forward and 2 reverse) self-propelled drive delivers max speed and control.
- Serrated steel augers easily slice through packed ice and snow.
- Housing is axe-shaped to effortlessly chop excessive snow and ice.
- Aluminum gear case with alloy steel gears and synthetic gear oil deliver long-lasting, durable performance.
- Engineered to throw snow further with minimal blowback, the high-speed impeller takes in more snow while the elongated chute provides a tighter discharge.
- Remote chute control crank for easy control of snow throwing direction.
- Standard pin-lock axle offers two options: 2-wheel drive for increased traction; or 1-wheel drive for greater maneuverability.
✓ View or download the MANUAL and BROCHURE for the YARDMAX YB6270.
Overview | YARDMAX YB6270
Powerful Electric Start 208cc 7 HP Engine
The YARDMAX YB6270 comes with a powerful 208cc 7 horsepower LCT engine, which is good enough to handle heavy-duty jobs. It’s also very easy to start because you only need to press a button.
Electric start engines are beneficial in winter when you don’t want to spend ages yanking on a cord with fragile hands. Fortunately, there is still a recoil start in case you have no access to electricity.
Designed To Throw Snow With Less Blowback
Some heavy-duty snow blowers can’t throw snow very far and end up with lots of blowback. When this happens it will add to your workload. The YB6270 was carefully designed to ensure this won’t happen.
The high speed impeller can take in more snow than usual, plus an elongated chute gives you a tighter discharge. In the end, snow will be thrown away in whatever direction you want and less will blow back.
Comes With A Massive 21 Inch Intake Depth
A 21 inch intake depth might not be the biggest we’ve seen today, but it’s almost double the size of most models. The YB6270 has a clearing width of 24 inches, which is a good size if you want it to squeeze into more places.
You’ll also have the option of adding a few more inches on top of it. YARDMAX has a similar model with a clearing width of 26 inches. Unless you have a huge garden it’s probably not worth looking into.
The Controls You Need Are Within Reach
All the controls will be within reach, so you won’t have to worry about grabbing them while you’re working. This includes a remote chute crank to let you choose where the snow is going to end up.
There are also multiple speeds you’ll be able to switch between. You’ll have 6 forward speeds like we’ve seen before, but the YARDMAX YB6270 has 2 reverse speeds to make going backwards easier.
The Axe-Shaped Housing Chops Through Snow
Earlier on we talked about ribbon augers and what they can do. It’s not the only way to break up heavy snow and ice effortlessly. YARDMAX gave the auger on their YB6270 axe-shaped housing to achieve the same goal.
The serrated steel auger is 12 inches in diameter and more than capable of handling heavy workloads. Axe-shaped housing is a great backup to guarantee snow is chopped up before being sent into the 12 inch impeller.
An Ideal Weight Balance Increases Comfort
YARDMAX ensured the weight balance was perfect when designing the YB6270 to increase your comfort level. To be fair, it does only weigh 161 pounds so it’s not tremendously heavy in the first place.
A standard pinlock axle also gives you a couple of options to choose from while you’re guiding it around. 2-wheel drive will increase the amount of traction, whereas 1-wheel drive will help with maneuverability.
Solid Steel Construction Is Built To Last
The solid steel construction means it would take a lot to damage the YARDMAX YB6270. It’s going to last for many years before it starts to crumble. Even the extended chute is comprised of solid steel.
It’s not the only metal they used when building the snow blower. You’ll see it has an aluminum gear case hiding the steel gears. Adjustable skid shoes will extend the life of your surfaces by protecting them.
Learn more about LCT engines as these are commonly used on snow blowers.
Briggs and Stratton 1696619 27-Inch Snow Blower
Features:
- 27-Inch wide clearing path with a 20-inch Intake height
- Powerful 1150 snow series 250cc engine for 11.5-foot-pounds of torque
- Friction disk drive system and equipped with an electric start for effortless starting
- Equipped with an electric start for effortless starting
- equipped with a steel frame, chute and notched auger
- 3-year limited equipment and engine warranty
- 14-inch by 4-inch tires and single LED headlights.
- Designed to start down to-20◦ F.
- Push button electric start
- Dash mounted chute rotation
- On panel deflector control
- 3-year limited warranty
Overview | Briggs and Stratton 1696619
A Powerful 1150 Snow Series 250cc Engine
Sometimes it’s so cold you run into difficulties starting heavy-duty snow blowers in winter. The 1150 snow series 250cc engine under the hood of your Briggs and Stratton won’t just give you lots of power.
It’s been tested and will work in temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also start with one single push of a button, but there is a recoil start like in all the other electric models.
Is Capable Of Clearing Up Plenty Of Snow
The auger and impeller on the Briggs and Stratton 1696619 are 12 inches in size. They have to be because of how much snow it can handle. A 27 inch clearing width will shorten the time you have to spend outside.
A 20 inch intake height isn’t as big as some models we’ve looked at today, but when was the last time you saw snow that deep outside? Everything collected will be thrown up to 40 feet away.
It Only Weighs A Little Under 200 Pounds
Compared to other heavy-duty snow blowers this model sits somewhere in the middle. It only weighs a total of 189 pounds before it’s filled with fuel. You won’t have any problems maneuvering it around.
There are 14 inch deep tread tires on the wheels to help you, which will offer lots of traction on slippery surfaces. Bright headlights will illuminate your garden so you can work when it’s dark.
Five Forward Speeds + Two Reverse Speeds
We’ve talked about maneuverability and traction, but the friction disc transmission is needed if you want to tackle all sorts of terrain. You’ll have a total of 6 different speeds to choose from.
There are 5 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds, which is more than enough to get jobs finished quickly. It takes less than a second to switch between each one as the controls are in front of you.
The Machine Can Be Driven With One Hand
Now you know where the controls are positioned, but you can do more than change speeds. You’ll also be able to rotate the chute, which will let you throw snow in a safe direction no matter where you are.
Don’t worry about using one hand to play around with the controls, because it’s simple to hold the machine with your free one. Vibrations will be kept to a minimum and it’s not going to tip over.
It Was Built To Last Season After Season
You’ll notice all the major parts on the Briggs and Stratton 1696619 are built to last. The frame, chute, and notched auger were built using steel capable of withstanding winters without rusting.
There is an aluminum gearbox which is still durable. You won’t run into any issues with the brilliant engine. If something does go wrong you’ll still have a 3-year limited warranty as backup.
Steel Skid Shoes Help Glide Through Snow
We’ve already talked about how skid shoes help to protect your surfaces, but that is only one role they play when you’re working. If you ask most people they’ll likely say it’s not even the most important.
They also help heavy-duty snow blowers glide through snow and ice without getting stuck. If you took them off the auger would scrape everything in its path, plus it would wear down quicker than usual.
Safety Tips | Snow Blowers
Safety is of the utmost importance when you’re using any kind of machine to clear snow, but it’s even more crucial when you’re using a heavy-duty snow blower. We’re going to discuss a few important safety tips you should always keep in mind:
Make Sure You Wear Ear Protection – When dealing with heavy-duty snow blowers you have to wear ear protection. If you ignore this it will affect your hearing and you’ll notice it in the future.
Don’t forget to wear other kinds of protection too. If you have gloves they’ll keep your hands warm. Wear lots of layers when it’s cold, but nothing should be too loose in case it gets tangled.
Ensure Nobody Is Walking Near You – If you’ve never used a two stage snow blower you’ll be impressed by the high speed impeller. It can throw things a very long distance if you let it.
This means you’ll always have to keep your eyes peeled for people, cars, and pets coming past. It could cause a lot of damage and you’ll end up in trouble, so stay alert at all times.
Don’t Start It Up In Your Garage – Thanks to the electric push button start on two stage models you’ll be tempted to turn it on inside. You can’t if your snow blower runs on gasoline.
Unless you have a battery-powered model it’s going to send dangerous emissions into the air. It becomes a problem if they’re released in an enclosed space, so always push the button when you’re outside.
The Engine Needs To Be Switched Off – If you need to do anything you can’t leave the engine running because it’s so powerful. When you need to clear snow from the auger switch it off first.
Sometimes you’ll need to walk away from the machine and the same rules still apply. Even though you’ll have to use the pull cord when you’re in the middle of the garden you can’t take any chances.
Please Note: Once your snow blower arrives you should read the instruction manual carefully. You’ll find lots of other general safety tips, including ones that will be geared towards a particular model.
Buying The Perfect Snow Blower For Your Home
These two stage heavy-duty snow blowers will handle anything you can throw at them. Every model we’ve looked at today is excellent. Hopefully it doesn’t cause you too much trouble trying to pick the perfect one.
If you still can’t choose between them it’s worth reading all the reviews on Amazon. Past customers left you unbiased reviews for that exact purpose, so take advantage of them before you come to a final decision.
