Best Two-Stage Snow Blower
Best Two-Stage Snow BlowerAfter doing a deep dive into the two-stage snow blower market, we’ve found that the best two-stage snow blower is the Yardmax YB6270 electric start. Among the stand-out features are its tough solid steel body and lightweight design. This is just what’s needed when dealing with wet or heavy snowfall, and this baby handles up to a 21-inch depth of snow.
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The self-propelling design makes it easier to maneuver, especially with its 8 gears. There are a few extra features, such as cup holder, heated handle grips, headlight, electric start and 2-year warrant that bring it over the top.
For a complete review of the Yardmax, see our Product Reviews section below.
Best Two-Stage Electric Snow Blower
If you like the idea of an all-electric system, be sure to check out the Snow Joe ION8024-XR Cordless. While this model boasts as many gears as our chosen Best, it stands out in the crowd because it is a battery powered two stage snow blower. The batteries and a dual charger come with the blower.
It also runs much quieter than a gas-powered snow blower. Again, lightweight and easy to use as it is self-propelled. Of course, not quite as powerful as a gas-powered machine.
Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
For more information on the Snow Joe ION, see our Product Reviews section below.
2 Stage Snow Blowers
If you’ve ever had to shovel in a heavy snowfall, then you will have experienced the cold sweat under a heavy coat. Along with that, you will have had the pleasure of blisters on your hands, and an aching back from all that bending!
These are just some of the reasons that you should invest in a snow blower. They reduce the back-breaking effort required to move lots of snow. You can buy machines powered by a battery, or gasoline and oil.
The lighter models are most likely the battery-powered versions and electric snow shovels. Though they don’t tend to perform too well in a heavier snowfall.
Gasoline powered machines are the most powerful. They clear most types of snow but need the most maintenance. Such models are constantly improving and many have an electric start-up.
A single stage snow blower might be sufficient if you only have a small area to clear, or you don’t experience much in the way of snow. If you have a larger open area to clear, or live where there is heavy snowfalls, then a two-stage snow blower would fit your needs better.
Two-stage snow blowers tend to be more robust with larger wheels. They have gears and adjust to most terrains, even gravel.
One disadvantage of a two-stage machine is its size. Make a large space in your garden shed. Hopefully, you will only need access to it for a couple of months a year.
Snow Blower Buyer’s Tips
What is a two-stage snow blower?
For those who live in areas of heavy and frequent snowfall, a two-stage snow blower is ideal for such conditions. Two-stage snow blowers work by using the front auger to collect the snow and ice and break it up. The impeller then pushes the broken-down snow into the chute.
Here it is expelled out, in whichever direction you turn your chute.
The machine is not simply clearing up the snow, it is also breaking it down into manageable pieces. Only then is the collected snow ready to be blown back out through the movable chute.
Most two-stage blowers have a chute that rotates 180′.
This allows you to direct the out-coming snow into manageable piles. The process of breaking-down the collected snow will help stop the chute from get clogged up with wet, icy snow.
Does size matter?
The two-stage blowers are usually larger and heavier than the single-stage blower models. This is because they are better utilized for larger areas and heavier snowfalls. They do not all necessarily run on gasoline and in fact some of the best run on battery power.
As you will see in our reviews of five different two-stage snow blowers, there are different fuel models. From cordless with a battery to an electric start motor that runs on gasoline.
The battery run-models are the lightest, as they do not have the large engine of a gasoline one.
The more snow you need to clear, then the more heavy-duty the design needs to be.
Other Important Features to Consider
Snow Blower Headlights
A headlight is a must, as you will often find yourself clearing the snow in the dark of an evening or early morning. Otherwise, how are you going to get your car out of the driveway to get to work? Most of the snowblowers on our list have headlights already as part of the unit, but some don’t. If you need an additional lamp, you could always get something like this.
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Heated Handles
Some snow blowers have heated handles, but customers don’t seem to favor this feature much. That is because the chances are that you will be wearing a thick pair of gloves anyway.
Build Quality
A metal built casing will make the machine more robust than plastic or other shell materials. All too often, the coverings can be plastic and lightweight.
This means they will rattle about and come loose. Sometimes, they can even get caught in the mechanisms of a running motor.
Additionally, look for solid metal augers. Find one with a chute that adjusts easily and doesn’t have a reputation for freezing up in the cold.
Handle Bar Adjustment
Having a model that allows users to adjust the handlebars is useful for those of us on the tall or short side.
It’s also useful if they can be taken off, like a lawn mower, for storage purposes.
Most are quite large and will take up a lot of room in your snowblower storage shed.
Power Steering/Self-Propelling Design
Self-propelling or power steering helps immensely with maneuverability out in the cold, and makes the overall experience of using a snow blower much more pleasant.
Snow Blower Cover
You’ll want a snow blower cover to ensure that your snowblower doesn’t get damaged if left outside, especially if you aren’t keeping it in a shed or garage area.
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- Weather protected.
- Will not shrink or stretch.
- Size: 47 L x 31 W (base) 24 W (top) x 37 H Inches
- Comes in both single and two-stage sizes.
- Simply slips over snow blower with elasticated edging.
- Stores in the included bag.
- Warranty for 1 year.
Classic Accessories always does a good job with their covers, regardless of the outdoor product they’re covering.
If storing outside then the elasticated bottom prevents the wind from blowing the cover off. There’s even a tag that indicates the “front,” so you don’t put it on the wrong way around.
It is not heavy duty, so do be careful not to catch it on anything sharp as you fit it in place.
Customers have found that it fits many different sized snow blowers from 22-30-inch, though it is tailor-made for a two-stage one.
Two-Stage Snow Blower Reviews
To help you find the right snow blower for your needs, we have put together these five reviews of various two-stage models. We’ll compare the pros and cons of each, and conclude with our picks.
1. YARDMAX YB6270 Two-Stage Snow Blower, LCT Engine, 7.0HP, 208cc, 24″
Key Points at a Glance
- LCT (Liquid Combustion Technology) engine 7.0hp 208cc.
- Push button electric starter, with recoil backup.
- 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse, lever controlled.
- Self-propelling.
- Serrated steel augers.
- Axe shaped housing frame.
- Features: LED headlight, heated hand grips, cup holder
- ½ gallon gasoline capacity.
- Clearing width 24 inches.
- Handles snow up to 21 inches deep.
- Warranty 2 years.
Dimensions and Specs
- Weight 161 lbs.
- Height 41.7 inches.
The Details
The Yardmax YB6270 is a beast of a two-stage snow blower. Yardmax is one of our favorite Snow Blower Brands, and the YB6270 is one of our favorite models they make.
The solid steel construction ensures that this is a tough and capable machine, but it does make it a little heavier than some of the competing models. If you’re moving the snow blower around a lot, bringing it up and down levels, then you may want to consider a lighter model.
It is always useful when these electric start-up models have a recoil back up. It is not a battery starter, so you will need to plug in to get it started. The chute moves around with a lever, which is a better design than the Snow Joe ION’s button design (see below). It’s older-school, but there’s less risk of failure.
The only plastic on this model is a flange placed at the bottom of the snow chute. This can be problematic as it need to be aligned perfectly, so as not suffer too much wear.
There is some assembly to the Yardmax YB6270, which can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your own skills.
It will arrive delivered by freight, arriving on a mini pallet.
The Bottom Line
The Yardmax YB6270 is the best two-stage snow blower around for moving the most snow, in the most efficient way. Most customers who pick up one of these beauties are happy with this purchase. Customers have indicated that what can take 2-3 hours with a manual shovel, now only takes 20 minutes with the Yardmax. Sweet.
If you do experience the odd problem, Yardmax have a great customer service line and a great two year warranty, both of which are significant additional bonuses!
- Electric Start, high performance snow engine
- Push-button electric start with recoil backup for reliable ignition in any...
- Multi-Speed (6 forward and 2 reverse) self-propeller drive delivers max...
- Serrated steel augers easily slice through Packed ice and snow
- Housing is axe-shaped to effortlessly chop excessive snow and ice
Last update on 2024-12-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2. Snow Joe ION8024-XR 24-Inch 80 Volt 2×5 Ah Batteries Cordless Two Stage Snow Blower
Key Points at a Glance
- Battery powered.
- Self-propelled.
- 80V brushless motor
- Runs gas free, battery powered with zero carbon emissions.
- Push button illuminated LED display. Controls direction, speed, and displays remaining battery power.
- Whisper quiet motor.
- Digital 4 speed control.
- Reversible skid shoes.
- 3w LED Headlight.
- Includes 2 batteries with twin port charger.
- Clearing 24 width and 13-inch depth of snow.
- 180° rotation, switch controlled chute.
- Snow shoots out up to 30 feet.
- ETL approved.
- Warranty – 2 years.
Dimensions and Specs
- Weight 105.8 lbs.
- Height 40 inches.
The Details
Those keen on reducing their carbon footprint will love this carbon-free, two-stage snow blower by Snow Joe. It’s slick-looking, eats snow for breakfast, and does it powered only by electricity! We don’t want to call it the Tesla of snow blowers, but that should give you an idea.
Snow Joe has been working on incrementally improving their two-stage electric snowblowers, and this model is a good step forward. The user interface is pretty solid, and it’s easy to get to the levers to control the system, and it also informs you quite clearly how much juice you have left on your battery.
Though it’s worth pointing out that you only get 30 minutes running time per battery, which is not much for a deep snowfall. Charging up the batteries will take at least 3 hours before using, if you have a double charger.
Nearer 6 hours if you can only do one at a time. You can use 5 or 6Ah batteries, with 6Ah lasting longer. For this reason, we suggest you get an extra set of batteries. See below.
The skid shoes can adjust the body part up and down, so you can use the machine on gravel and decking. The newer features mean that the chute should be easier to move. It is also managed by electronic buttons, which some have found troublesome. They can freeze up, making this snow blower hard to use.
One final word of warning, this is not an all-powerful gasoline engine, so don’t expect it to perform like one. That said, it does seem to cope with heavy snow if you take it slow.
Then again, you only have 30-minutes’ power time, so you may have to do the plowing twice. For the lighter to average snowfall, this is an ideal model.
Accessory: Snow Joe iBAT40XR 40v 5.0Ah Lithium Ion Battery
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- Compatible with Snow Joe and Sun Joe cordless battery run models.
- 40v 5Ah cell performance.
- Lithium-ion technology.
- 65-minutes runtime.
- Retains power even when in storage.
- Lightweight at 2.6lbs.
It’s always useful to buy a spare battery, and these products are ideal if you own any of the Snow Joe battery-powered machines. This battery takes around 2-3 hours to fully charge. Many customers are indicating that once charged, it only gives around 30-50 minutes run time.
Luckily it has a power indicator light so you will be warned when it’s running low.
The Bottom Line
The Snow Joe ION electric two stage snow blower is a really cool model that works great if you can deal with its power limitations and battery requirements. There’s a little more planning required than on some of the other models. Be sure you have your batteries charged, especially if you’ve got a storm coming that might knock out your power!
Overall, this is the best electric two stage snow blower around.
- Self-propelled: rechargeable two-stage snow blower
- Illuminated display: LEDs indicate direction, speed selection, battery...
- 4-Speed: digital drive system (3-speed XPORT for rapid return at the end of...
- Steel auger: moves up to 1000 lbs. of snow per minute; cuts a path 24 in....
- Thumb-control: 180° auto-rotate adjustable Chute throws snow up to 32 ft.
Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
3. Poulan PRO PR240 – 24-Inch 179cc Two Stage Snowthrower – 961920067
Key Points at a Glance
- Control panel with adjustable handle.
- 179c 6hp Poulan PRO OHV Engine.
- 6 forward speeds and 1 reverse.
- Self-Propelled.
- 180° chute rotation.
- Great for large paved or graveled areas.
- Ribbon Augers.
- Gas and oil powered.
- Clearing width 24 inches.
- Warranty – 2 years body and 4 years engine.
Should you need a copy of the instructions manual, go to their website Poulan Pro Manuals. This model is shipped in a heavy crate, so best be there for delivery.
Dimensions
- Weight 240 lbs.
The Details
The Poulan PRO PR240 two-stage snowblower is the cheaper of two Poulan models reviewed here. It’s a well-made snowblower that can move some serious white stuff, and is covered under a great warranty. All this at a bargain price!
However, there are a few areas where the PR240 falls a bit short. First, it does not include a headlight. Those winter nights are long, and a headlight makes work much easier. If you need to plow in the dark, pick up a battery-powered stick-on LED light similar to the one we linked to above.
The chute flange can rattle a bit because it’s quite large, so you may need to adjust the cables periodically. And While the engine is quite powerful, you may find yourself doing a few runs in larger snowfalls. It just doesn’t have the oomph of the more powerful models like the Yardmax.
The Bottom Line
For its price, the Poulan PRO has proved to be a popular little snow blower for many who have bought it.
Most agree that it isn’t made with quality materials of more expensive models, but it does get the job done. How long it lasts is most likely dependent on often and how hard you work it, but really this is a good budget pick. Additionally, the solid warranty is a big help!
4. Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch 208cc Two-Stage Electric Start Snow Blower
Key Points at a Glance
- 208cc 6hp Husqvarna engine.
- Electric start with pull-start back-up.
- 6 forward speeds and 1 reverse.
- Great for large paths and driveways.
- Adjustable skid shoes for any surface.
- Adjustable handle height.
- Features: heated handle grips and LED headlights.
- Gas powered with up to 0.69 gallon capacity.
- Snow Depth up to 30cm.
- Ribbon Augers.
- Clearing width 24 inches.
Warranty for 2 years on the engine. Husqvarna Warranty Details
Dimensions
- Weight 198.6 lbs.
- Height 40.5 inches.
The Details
Husqvarna is a great outdoor tools brand, well known for their high quality chain saws and other outdoor gear. They also make outstanding snow blowers, and this two-stage unit is no exception.
The ST224 is a Self-propelled model with steel auger and impeller, capable of handling heavy snow and even White Walkers (ok, maybe not).
As always with these electric starts, make sure you have the right outdoor extension cord for connection.
Though it is fit with a silencing muffler, it is still about as noisy as a lawnmower. Best not to be doing your ploughing in the early hours of the morning.
However, you won’t need ear muffs unless you’re really cold.
Depending on the snow quality (wet or powdery), the unleaded gasoline-fueled engine should run for a couple of hours. Husqvarna advise warming up the engine for a few minutes before use.
The machine does need to get to the right temperature for efficiency, and it’s a good idea to let it warm up a bit before attacking the snow.
Get yourself a good stock of extra shear pins, as they are prone to breaking on this model.
Last update on 2024-12-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It can be a little awkward when turning, so if you’re in a really tight area, you may want to consider some of the other models on our list.
Some of the materials on this unit are made of plastic and prone to breaking, which is a bit of a downer.
You don’t want to get into a spot where your snowblower is broken, and you can’t drive out for replacement parts! Keep up with the maintenance jobs of regularly checking the bolts are tight, and this may not happen to you.
The ST224 is pretty straightforward to assemble, and most who use this unit report that it runs well.
Keep your eye on the auger belt as that appears to be a weak point.
The Bottom Line
Most customers who pick up a Husqvarna ST224 are quite happy with this model. It will slow down in wet snow, but be patient and it will get the job done. It’s quite robust and will do the job if properly cared for.
5. Poulan Pro PR241-24-Inch 208cc Two Stage Electric Start Snowthrower -961920092
Key Points at a Glance
- 208cc 10hp Poulan Pro engine.
- Electric start with pull cord back up.
- 6 forward speeds and 1 reverse.
- Self-Propelling.
- Great for large paved areas, sidewalks and driveways, including gravel.
- Remote Chute.
- Control Panel.
- Adjustable handle height.
- LED headlight.
- Gas powered with up to 0.8-gallon capacity.
- Snow Depth up to 21.5 inches.
- Ribbon Augers.
- Clearing width 24 inches.
- Warranty – 2 years on the body and parts, and 4 years on the engine.
Dimensions
- Weight 240 lbs
The Details
The Poulan Pro PR241 is a tweaked version of the PR240 discussed above and it features some design improvements (and a higher price!).
It has a redesigned control panel and better augers for churning up the snow. Your machine may need a little warming up once it’s started, though it can be difficult to fire-up in the cold. Once it’s running, it will tear through the snow pretty well, and has a larger, more powerful engine than the PR240 (208cc vs. 179cc).
It is delivered on a large crate, so be prepared for delivery.
There’s not too much to the assembly, but always do that part before the snows begin.
The chute is controlled with a manual directional control lever. It isn’t very accurate and can cause snow to blow out in unexpected places.
The machine itself is easy to control even though it is a little on the heavy side.
The Bottom Line
The PR241 is a good step up from the PR240, and is a pretty solid two-stage snowblower. Most buyers are satisfied with the performance of the PR241, and the solid warranty is always a plus. That said, several of the other snowblowers on our list are higher quality, and will perform a bit better in difficult conditions.
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Conclusion: Dual-Stage Snow Blower
As with any machine, longevity is dependent on a few factors. Two major ones will be how often and how long it’s in use, and how well it’s maintained.
Maintenance can be something we tend to forget about, especially if the machine only gets used a few times in the year.
Good maintenance is worthwhile though as it will extend the life of any machine. When you consider the strenuous work that a snow blower does, then you can understand the need for a good maintenance schedule.
One great function of a two-stage snow blowers, is its ability to break up icy chunks.
Often a one-stage snow blower will get clogged up and stuck, unable to throw more snow. The two-stage can usually remove more snow, and clear deeper depths after a heavy snow fall. The two stages make clearing the area around your home much easier.
Sometimes you may need a second pass to get right down to the bottom of the snow. This isn’t the fault of the machine; all machines have their limitations. It is simply a fact of bad weather which can need a little more patience to plough through.
The bigger the machine, then the better it will cope with deep or wet snow.
If you need to keep your snow blower outdoors, do treat it with some respect. Find a sheltered corner and use a waterproof cover, or preferably store it in a snowblower shed, or garage.
Snow blowers are an excellent winter tool, and using one is certainly easier than using a shovel.
Whenever the winter weather decides to throw down the cold white stuff, treat your snow blower well. Only then will it serve you through many a long cold winter.
In the end, if you’re looking for a gas-powered model, the Yardmax YB6270 is your best choice among two-stage snowblowers. For an electric model, check out the Snow Joe ION8024-XR. Just pick up an extra battery or two.
Last update on 2024-12-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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