The Snow Joe ION8024-XR has been discontinued but luckily for you Snow Joe continues to innovate and they’ve replaced it with the more powerful Snow Joe ION100V — A 100V powerhorse!
► Read our indepth review of the Snow Joe iON100V / 100V Snow Blower
In this article we review the revolutionary Snow Joe ION8024-XR — a 2-stage battery-powered snow blower. And, we review several other snow blowers to help you decide which one is right for you You may be interested to see how it compares to the Husqvarna ST224, one of the most popular 2-stage gas snow blowers on the market.
With winter on the way, many of you might be dreading the prospect of clearing snow from your driveways and sidewalks. If you live in an area where snow and ice are a regular occurrence in winter, the job will be all that much greater.
A snow blower is one of those things that everyone in cold regions depends on when the weather becomes icy. With prices reaching well over $1000 for a good quality two-stage gas snow blower, you want to consider your options carefully before diving head first into this competitive market. You may be asking whether you actually need a two-stage snow blower.
A single stage snow blower is going to cost a good deal less and you could easily do without forking out the extra cash for a two-stage machine. Well, to help with your decision, we’ll look at whether you need a single-stage or two-stage snow blower. Before doing this, let’s review some of the best snow blowers available to you. We’ll cover all the bases. This means looking at both gas and electric snow blowers, including options for single-stage or two-stage snow blowers.
Snow Joe ION8024-XR — 80V Cordless *discontinued
We’ve focused on battery-powered snow blowers as a preferred option for those who want an electrically powered machine. To this end, the Snow Joe ION8024-XR is the primary model in this review. Once you’ve looked into what you get with this extraordinary battery-powered snow blower, you’ll see why it’s so popular. The Snow Joe ION8024-XR offers the best of both worlds, comparing well to gas snow blowers in terms of power, without all the hassles of using gas. Later in the article, we’ll also look at the pros and cons when comparing gas snow blowers to Electric options.
Before going into more details, let’s look at the best snow blowers available this winter. Without sacrificing on quality, we’ve selected a great range of snow blowers that aren’t too expensive. None of these machines will be as cheap as buying a corded electric snow blower, but we’ve opted only to review machines that have the versatility of cordless operation (gas or battery). Despite this, you’ll see that the snow blowers in this review offer exceptional value for money. This being unrivaled performance and build quality in their price range.
Snow Joe ION8024-XR
80V Battery-powered, Two-stage snow blower : Clearing Width : 24″ — Depth of Snow : 13″
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 2500W 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
Is it possible to get a two-stage electric snow blower? Most will say no, traditionally two-stage snow blowers have only come in gas-powered variants. This isn’t true anymore. The Snow Joe ION8024-XR is a powerful battery-powered two-stage snow blower. This means you get a relatively quiet, emission free snow blower that’s self-propelled and offers two-stage operation. You get the best of both worlds – the power and functionality that’s usually associated with gas snow blowers and all the benefits of electric with no power cord to restrict your working distance.
The Snow Joe ION8024-XR has an incredible 2500 watts of power, supplied by a super-efficient 80V brushless motor. It uses two EcoSharp 40V 5AH batteries connected in series to give you fantastic battery power that won’t fade as the batteries discharge. By using sophisticated load sensing technology, the Snow Joe ION8024-XR is able to increase your battery life even further. Under most working conditions, you should be able to get up to 30 minutes of working time from a single battery charge. The EcoSharp 40V battery is compatible with all tools in the ION range, so you can get a lot of good use from these batteries.
With a 4-speed driving system (3-speed plus XPORT), you can cut through the heaviest snow with ease and have the option of using less power when the conditions are not as tough, thereby saving on battery consumption. Through innovative digital controls and superior energy efficiency, the Snow Joe ION8024-XR gives you all the power you’ll need combined with a longer working time.
The heavy-duty serrated auger, made from high-quality steel, churns up 1000 LBS of snow per minute effortlessly. In one pass, you’ll be able to clear a path that’s 24” wide and 13” deep. What’s more, the ground scraper allows the Snow Joe ION8024-XR to scrape the surface clean, right down to the ground, whilst still offering the ability to work over obstacles and on slopes – just like any two-stage snow blower.
The powerful impeller will blast the snow up to 32 FT through a directional chute that can be rotated 180° with a simple thumb switch on your control panel. This means that you can choose where you deposit the unwanted snow and ice, far from any area where it will be an inconvenience.
All the user functions are easy to understand and operating the Snow Joe ION8024-XR is virtually effortless. Simple, well-marked, digital controls are right in front of you and it has a digital display that shows you your speed selection, direction, and battery level. It even has powerful 3W LED headlamps that allow you to work when the light fades, right into the night – fantastic on those short winter days.
The self-propulsion system means that you don’t need to work up a sweat when using the Snow Joe ION8024-XR. It has 13” high-traction (TracAssist) wheels that give you perfect control over the machine in heavy snow and ice, also helping you negotiate slippery slopes effortlessly. With very low vibration levels and an ergonomic handle design, which incorporates an easily operated trigger switch, you’ll be able to work continuously with no strain. The Snow Joe ION8024-XR is a fantastic machine to use.
By using rust-resistant materials as well being designed and built for durability, the Snow Joe ION8024-XR is a snow blower that’s worth investing in. It’s built for medium to heavy snow, so you’ll accomplish any clearing task with the greatest of ease. A two-year warranty and ETL certification just adds to the confidence that you’ll have in your purchase.
The Snow Joe ION8024-XR is an all-new design that includes the most advanced technology to date, making it easily the best electric snow blower on the market. I don’t think you’ll find another battery-powered snow blower that can match up to the powerful and versatile Snow Joe ION8024-XR, making it my personal favorite when it comes to electric snow blowers.
Tech Specs:
- Plowing Capacity (lbs/min) : 1000
- Rust Resistant : Yes
- Snow Equipment Product Type : Two Stage Cordless
- Terrain : Sloped with Obstacles
- Throw Distance (ft.) : 32
- Tire Height (in.) : 13
- Type of Snow : Medium-to-Heavy
- Voltage (V) : 80 (2 x 40-Volt)
Snow Joe ION24SB-XR
Cordless Two Stage Snow Blower, 24-Inch, 80 Volt, 2 x 5 Ah Batteries, 3-Speed
Ideal for clearing snow from sidewalks, large driveways and walkways
Features:
- Revolutionary battery-powered two-stage snow blower
- 80V Max (2 x 40V/5.0 Ah) EcoSharp rechargeable lithium-ion batteries provide up to 40 minutes* of whisper-quiet runtime and are compatible with all iON tools
Integrated push-button display: LEDs indicate direction and speed selection - 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
- 180° adjustable chute throws snow up to 32 ft
- Dual 0.3 W LED headlights provide increased visibility for 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
- Bold wheel well LED lighting
- Reversible skid shoes
- Load sensing technology to optimize engine performance
- ETL approved; Full 2-year warranty; Includes 2 batteries + dual-port charger
Overview
For a little less money than the the cost of the Snow Joe ION8024-XR, you may be interested in the Snow Joe ION24SB-XR. They’re very similar, with the Snow Joe ION24SB-XR being the older model. So, essentially, the Snow Joe ION8024SB-XR is the upgraded version of the Snow Joe ION24SB-XR.
The 2500W 80V brushless motor is the same for both. The Snow Joe ION24SB-XR uses the same EcoSharp batteries (two 40V 5AH batteries connected in series). This is also a two-stage machine and has most of the same specs. This means it also has a 24” clearing width and a depth of 13”. The tires are the same durable extra traction design as is the ground scraper, serrated steel auger and powerful impeller with 180° chute rotation that’s electronically controlled. It also has the 3W LED headlights and is just as easy to and comfortable to use.
VIDEO | Watch the Snow Joe ION8024SB-XR in Action
The upgrades on the newer Snow Joe ION8024-XR are not that easily noticed, if you look at the spec sheets for both models, you’ll probably overlook these differences. What you won’t get on the Snow Joe ION24SB-XR is the extra power boost of the XPORT mode. The Snow Joe ION24SB-XR is, therefore, a 3-speed machine. Another feature that the Snow Joe ION24SB-XR doesn’t have is the LCD digital display for speed, direction, and battery level.
Other than the two differences that I’ve just mentioned, I can’t find anything else that has changed when they decided to introduce the newer model. The Snow Joe ION24SB-XR is just as durable and powerful, without the extra power mode, the average battery life is slightly longer – specified at up to 40 minutes. This is not necessarily an advantage because having the extra power boost of the XPORT, available at the touch of a button, means that you can clear a lot more snow with greater efficiency when the need arises. This will make the time it takes to clear heavy snow a good deal faster and you, therefore, won’t need the extra battery time.
So deciding between the Snow Joe ION24SB-XR and the Snow Joe ION8024-XR is really matter of whether you want to spend a bit extra for the advantage of XPORT power boost and the digital display. The Snow Joe ION24SB-XR is built to the same high standards, is just as durable, and also has a 2-year warranty.
Snow Joe ION18SB
Features:
- Lightweight design (only 32 lbs) to easily clear sidewalks, driveways and decks
- 40 V 4.0 Ah EcoSharp rechargeable lithium-ion battery provides up to 50 minutes of whisper-quiet run time
- No pull cords, gas, oil, tune-ups, carbon emissions or tangled extension cords
- Steel auger with 2 rubber blades moves up to 500 lbs of snow per minute; cuts a path 18 in. wide by 8 in. deep without damaging surface
- 180° auto-rotate directional chute throws snow up to 20 ft
- 3 W LED headlight provides increased visibility for nighttime snow removal
- ETL approved; Full 2 year warranty; Energy Star certified
✓ View or download the MANUAL for the Snow Joe iON18SB.
Overview
If you’re not going to be clearing particularly heavy snow, you can save a lot by opting for a single-stage machine. The Snow Joe ION18SB is a fantastic offering in this category. Later when we compare single-stage and two-stage snow blowers, you’ll see why this model isn’t the best for heavy snow. Though, at less than half the price of the two-stage Snow Joe models, the Snow Joe ION18SB is certainly worth considering.
The Snow Joe ION18SB is also a battery-powered snow blower and is, therefore, a perfect choice for people who want a quiet machine without the hassle of gas, oil, and all the extra maintenance. It’s smaller and less powerful, utilizing a single EcoSharp 40V 4AH battery. Though with a less powerful motor, you can expect an even better battery life from this machine compared to the dual 40V batteries used on the larger Snow Joe machines. The guys at Snow Joe reckon you can get up to 50 minutes working time from this battery.
VIDEO | Overview of the Snow Joe iON18SB
As a smaller machine, you’re going to have a substantially lower working capacity than the more expensive two-stage machines. So you’re looking at a cutting path of 18” and a depth of 8”, churning through 500 LBS per minute (this is half the volume of the larger Snow Joe machines). The Snow Joe ION18SB has a steel auger with two rubber cutting blades. Without an impeller to draw out the snow, it will only be expelling snow up to 20 FT from the machine, it has the same electronically controlled 180° chute rotation as on the larger models. The Snow Joe ION18SB also has LED headlights for working in the dark.
One of the big advantages of this little wonder child is its very low weight of only 32 LBS, three times lighter than the 2-stage Snow Joe machines. Of course, it’s a good deal smaller and is only suited for light snow and, because it’s a single-stage snow blower, you can only use it on paved surfaces – it won’t handle gravel.
The Snow Joe ION18SB is designed with the same user comfort as the other ION models, an ergonomic handle design and easy to use controls make this machine simple to use. Even though you don’t have self-propulsion, the very lightweight design, combined with less resistance from the smaller auger means that you won’t be working too hard to move this machine through the snow.
If you’re looking for a very affordable light-duty snow blower, the Snow Joe ION18SB is excellent value for money. Like the others in the ION range, the Snow Joe ION18SB is ETL approved and comes with a 2-year warranty.
Tech Specs (ION18SB):
- No Load Speed (rpm) : 2500
- Plowing Capacity (lbs/min) : 495
- Power Source : Cordless
- Product Weight (lbs) : 32
- Rust Resistant : Yes
- Snow Equipment Product Type : Single Stage Cordless Electric
- Terrain : Flat with Obstacles
- Throw Distance (ft.) : 20
- Tire Height (in.) : 6
- Tire Width (in.) : 1.5
- Type of Snow : Light, Fluffy
Learn more about Snow Joe snow blowers and their full range of excellent products by visiting their site.
Husqvarna ST224 / Husqvarna ST224P
Features:
- Husqvarna Engine by LCT: 208cc, 6.3 HP engine. 5 year warranty on the engine!
- Friction Disc Transmission: Easily change speeds in rough conditions.
- Ribbon Auger Housing: Mixes air into the snow, which makes the snow easy to handle
- Electric Start: Instant start on cold days.
- Remote Chute Deflector
- LED Headlights
- Heated Handle Grips
- Remote Chute Rotator
- X-Trac Tires: Heavy tread tires offer the best traction is harsh conditions.
- Clearing Stick: Use the clearing stick to break up clogs in the auger.
- Adjustable Plastic Skid Shoes: Protect your ground with plastic skid shoes.
Overview
The Husqvarna ST224 was introduced in 2014 as a perfect gas-powered snow blower for the homeowner market. In 2015, they introduced a second model, the Husqvarna ST224P, the only difference on the newer version is the inclusion of power steering. So, when reading this review of the Husqvarna ST224, you can look at all the specs and features as being the same – with the obvious difference of power steering as the only upgrade on the newer model. So, for a little extra money, you can have the luxury of power steering.
The Husqvarna ST224 is really a fantastic machine. It gives you all the extra power of a gas snow blower, with basically none of the disadvantages that we so commonly associate with gas machines. The powerful 208cc engine delivers 6.3 HP (4.7KW). The ribbon auger has a distinct advantage over other designs, in that it churns air into the snow as it moves, this makes the snow and ice much lighter – allowing the powerful impellers to throw the debris much further from the machine. The Auger width is 24” and it has a depth of 1 FT.
The reason why I say that you have almost none of the disadvantages of traditional gas machines is easy to distinguish. So many gas-powered tools can be treacherous to get started in cold weather. Since you’re only using a snow blower in cold weather, this is a serious concern. Thankfully, the Husqvarna ST224 uses an electric starter, so you won’t be pulling endlessly on a recoil starter to get going. Another concern with gas machines is that they’re notorious for being noisy beasts.
The muffler design of the Husqvarna ST224 has done away with most of this and the noise level that you’ll experience standing directly behind the machine (whilst operating it) is only 88.4dB. From only a few feet away, this noise level won’t interfere with a normal conversation – great news for your family and neighbors. Vibration is much lower than on most gas machines too, only 5.74 m/s² at the handles. It’s just as comfortable to use any electric machine and has the benefit of heated handles – a feature I really like.
Because of the gas engine and robust materials used, the Husqvarna ST224 is not a lightweight machine. Weighing a little under 200-pounds, it’s a hefty machine to move about. This could be the only negative point to the Husqvarna ST224. Though, I suppose, it’s unavoidable. If you consider that the Husqvarna ST224 has a seriously robust auger housing and there’s plenty of heavy-duty steel used throughout the machine, it’s little wonder that it’s a pretty heavy machine.
I suppose that’s the price that you pay for robust build-quality. The height adjustable interlock handles with a loop design and oversized, heavy tread, X-trac tires do make this machine deceptively easy to handle – despite the heavyweight build. If you opt for the Husqvarna ST224P, you’ll have the added advantage of power steering which certainly aids in making it easier to handle.
Mechanically, the Husqvarna ST224 is pure brilliance – I wouldn’t expect anything less from Husqvarna. The six-speed friction disc transmission (with reverse) makes the power transition for different working conditions an absolute breeze and its design is incredibly robust. The aluminum auger gearbox is also fantastic. As are the adjustable plastic skid shoes, pin lock wheels, and premium control cables. The mechanical control for the chute rotation is also very robust and easy to use – a conveniently placed shift lever allows you to direct the chute effortlessly.
Beautifully Designed and Engineered for Tough Conditions
The Husqvarna ST224 also has super-bright LED headlights for bad light conditions. I would have liked to get figures for how much snow the Husqvarna ST224 moves per minute and how far the chute dispels the snow but, unfortunately, I can’t get this information anywhere. What I can say, is that the ample power of the 208cc engine will make it one of the best you’ll find for a snow blower in this class.
The Husqvarna ST224 is, in my opinion, an outright winner out of the snow blowers in this review. This is, of course, if you don’t mind the maintenance requirements of a gas machine. You can always expect the highest level of quality and after sales service from Husqvarna – arguably the best in the world. Their warranty is exemplary, offering 5-years on the engine and gearbox and their 5-year “guaranteed to start” promise – meaning that if it fails to start (assuming that you’ve had it properly serviced), the engine will be repaired or replaced at no cost in the first five years.
If you want Power Steering then get the Husqvarna ST224p
If that’s not manufacturer confidence, I don’t know what is. Husqvarna engines are also tested for extreme weather conditions in weather below -32°C. For all other components, the Husqvarna ST224 has a 3-year limited warranty.
Husqvarna ST224 vs Snow Joe ION8024-XR
I’d say it’s a two horse race between which snow blower is the top dog in this review. Deciding which is better, the Husqvarna ST224 or the Snow Joe ION8424-XR will come down (mostly) to a question of gas vs electric. They are both in the same price range, so your purchase cost is not a factor. Owning a gas machine does have a higher running cost, however. The fuel cost vs electricity cost favors the electric model – you’ll be paying more for the gas to run the Husqvarna ST224 as opposed to what you’ll be spending on electricity to charge the batteries if you buy the Snow Joe ION8424-XR.
The gas engine will also require maintenance, which adds to the long-term costs of owning the Husqvarna ST224. Looking at these two, giving the usual pros and cons of gas vs electric isn’t that straight forward. Both the Snow Joe ION8424-XR and the Husqvarna ST224 defy the usual drawbacks of their respective technologies.
Which snow blower is best? Gas vs Cordless Battery
Coming to the defense of the gas machine, I’d say that gas engines are more durable. A gas engine can be repaired almost indefinitely. As long as you get the spare parts, a gas engine can keep going for life. In my experience, getting spares for Husqvarna is never a problem – even after many years. An electric motor has an expected lifespan after which, it becomes uneconomical (or impossible) to repair. It can be said that modern brushless, low-friction electric motors are incredibly durable and I’ll agree with this.
How long the electric motor on the Snow Joe ION8424-XR, can’t yet be determined – they haven’t been in existence for long enough to know when their expiry date will be reached. Even considering all of this, I would expect the gas engine to keep running long after the electric motor has gone to the mechanical happy hunting ground.
Of course, keeping a gas engine running for smoothly and efficiently for years requires proper maintenance and this is where many will prefer the electric motor. Personally, I enjoy tinkering with engines, so what many see as a hassle – changing plugs, filters, oil and all the other mechanical details of engine maintenance, I see as a hobby. So, naturally, I’m going to sway in favor of the gas machine. The Husqvarna ST224 doesn’t have the noise, vibration and starting hassles that are usually associated with gas engines. So the only areas where the Snow Joe ION8424-XR beats the Husqvarna is in the maintenance and running costs of the machine.
They both have a width of 24” and the Snow Joe will go 1” deeper into the snow than the Husqvarna (the Snow Joe ION8424-XR has a depth of 13” whereas the Husqvarna ST224 ha a depth of 12”). But if you compare the 2.5KW power for the Snow Joe vs 4.7KW for the Husqvarna, it’s quite obvious that you’re going accomplish much more over a shorter time period with the gas engine of the Husqvarna.
When it comes to weight, the Snow Joe is an outright winner, weighing almost half as much as the Husqvarna. Though this isn’t’ really a massive advantage. They both have wheels (I’d say the wheels on the Husqvarna are far superior) so you seldom have to lift the machine. When you use them, the power of the electric motor or gas engine is going to be doing all the work for you. You can bet, that the mighty 6.3 HP engine on the Husqvarna is going to plow through even the thickest snow without any effort from your side. Another feature that makes the Husqvarna a winner, in my eyes, are those heated handles – it certainly helps when working in the icy cold of winter.
Okay, it may sound like I’m showing a bias toward the Husqvarna ST224. Well’ that’s because I am quite biased toward it. It’s a powerful, durable machine with some fantastic features. Yes, the Snow Joe ION8424-XR is extremely powerful for an electric snow blower, but in terms of kilowatt output, it has almost half the power of the Husqvarna. While both are very durable, I’d put my money on the Husqvarna outliving the Snow Joe. That’s an opinion, not fact, so don’t quote me on that. The main reason why I can see people preferring the Snow Joe ION8424-XR is in the hassle-free no-maintenance advantage that it has over the gas-powered Husqvarna.
Visit the Husqvarna site to learn more about their line-up of snow blowers as well as their impressive range of chainsaws, lawn mowers and many other excellent products.
Two-Stage vs Single-Stage Snow Blowers
With two-stage snow blowers costing up to twice as much as their single-stage counterparts, you may, very well, be asking the question: do I really need a two-stage snow blower? Hopefully, this section of the article will clarify that for you. We’ll do this by explaining how each type of snow blower works.
What is a two-stage snow blower?
The basic mechanics of a snow blower relies on an auger. Whether you’re using a single-stage or two-stage snow blower, it’s the auger that is going to be cutting and dislodging the snow and ice. Once the snow and ice have been cut and shredded, it needs to be blown away from the machine. This is where the main difference comes into play when comparing the two. A two-stage snow blower works, as it name suggests, in two stages. The auger does the heavy work of cutting through the snow and ice (stage one). In the second stage, an impeller, which is basically a high-powered fan, sucks the snow from out of the auger and blasts it away from the machine.
An example of a 2-stage snow blower : Yardmax YB6270
The advantage of using an impeller to blow the snow is that you dispel it much further with a two-stage machine. There are several other differences that make a two-stage machine better, this is mostly to do with their ability to cut through more snow and ice. By using a separate impeller driven blower, the auger has more cutting power, it’s not doing two jobs at the same time. This means that two-stage snow blowers will have a wider cutting path, cut deeper and move a greater volume of snow per minute.
Another advantage to two-stage snow blower is that the auger does not come into direct contact with the ground. This means that a two-stage snow blower can be used on gravel surfaces. The disadvantage of this method is that a thin layer of ice will be left behind. Most two-stage snow blowers have overcome this problem by including a scraper that removes this layer.
Because the use of power is split between the auger and the impeller, two-stage snow blowers have the advantage of self-propulsion. All these factors make a two-stage snow blower better suited to working in heavier snow and ice. A two-stage snow blower, will remove a much larger volume and dispel it further away and the advantage of self-propulsion makes it easier to move through heavy snow.
Learn more about 2-stage snow blowers in our our in-depth article.
What is a single-stage snow blower?
With a single-stage snow blower, the auger does all the work. This means that the auger is designed to cut and remove snow and ice, whilst also blowing it out the chute. Because of this, the auger is less effective. The energy usage is divided between cutting and blowing. With the auger taking on all the work, it’s not able to move as much snow. It also cannot cut as deep or as wide. The dual action of the auger also means that it won’t blow the ice and snow as far from the chute.
An example of a single-stage snow blower : WEN 5662 Snow Blaster
A single-stage snow blower will always be less powerful and so they don’t include self-propulsion. However, there is a degree of assistance to the propulsion of the machine. The grinding motion of the auger (and the fact that it has direct contact with the ground), means that a single-stage stage snow blower is pulled forward by the auger action. This pulling motion isn’t enough to actually drive the machine forward but does make the job of pushing it less heavy.
The fact that the auger is always in contact with the ground, means that they can only work on paved surfaces. Single-stage snow blowers are not recommended for any surface with loose stones or gravel.
A single-stage snow blower is therefore recommended for light-duty work. It will be very difficult, sometimes impossible to use a single-stage snow blower for heavy snow and ice. A single-stage snow blower should, also, never be used where there is loose material like gravel.
