There is something romantic and soothing about watching the first snowfall of the season, snuggled in a blanket with a cup of hot coffee.
But there is nothing pleasing when it's time to clear the yard and driveway. And if you don't have a snowblower, it's virtually impossible to manually clean your property.
I recommend using single or dual-stage snowblowers, and this guide explains why.
When choosing between single and dual-stage snowblowers, the main difference lies in the design and placement of the auger. The auger helps throw snow away from a path or driveway and is usually located in the front part of the machine.
In single-stage snowblowers, the auger is responsible for sucking snow from the ground and discharging it some distance away. You'll find that the auger comes with a protective rubber coating to prevent damage when it touches the ground.
Mostly, you'll get a maximum discharge distance of 36 inches.
The auger in dual-stage snowblowers pulls snow from the ground but doesn't discharge it. A separate part called the impeller, located within the snowblower is tasked with throwing snow away through a chute.
This proves highly advantageous because you get better output, and the snow travels at least 60 inches away, which gives these machines an edge over gas or single-stage units. Also, the auger comes in a metallic design because it doesn't touch the ground.
You should know that these units are never available in the self-propelled form, but when the auger starts spinning, it helps pull the machine forward. The auger rotates at high speed to collect and throw snow through the chute.
But since the auger touches the surface to scoop up the snow, single-stage snow blowers are unsuitable for operating in areas with heavy snowfall. The same holds true when the ground is wet because they simply lack the power to remove wet or deep snow.
These deliver the best results when a region receives light to moderate snowfall or if a property has a paved driveway with garages for medium and small-sized cars. When deciding between low or high-end models, know that the former has a narrow clearing path of 21 inches. They may even come with a cord, which you must pull to start the machine.
Compared to that, high-end units have electric starts and wider tracks, while additional features like pneumatic tires and headlights deliver your money's worth.
Here I have shortlisted the main features of single-stage snowblowers:
As you know, dual-stage models have a metal auger that sucks up the snow without touching the ground. You can use them to easily clear paved paths, gravel, and crushed stone surfaces.
I should tell you that because the auger remains slightly elevated from the ground, the snowblower will leave behind a thin layer of ice. You can remove this layer with a hand shovel or leave the ice to melt.
What stands out is the wide clearing path of a dual-stage snowblower, as it can clean 30 inches in a single pass. Moreover, the wheels and tracks get power from the engine, which propels them forward. You'll just have to steer it in the right direction, and the snowblower will take care of the rest.
After much research, I can assure you that a low-end dual-stage snowblower is similar to a single-stage unit. You even get a separate impeller, while the high-end models can clear up to 40 inches in a single pass.
Note the common features of dual-stage snowblowers below:
After reading my guide, I hope you understand that choosing between a single-stage vs. dual-stage snowblower comes down to preference.
You can use a single-stage model or a low-end dual-stage unit in an area with light snowfall. But make sure that there are no stones, dirt, or rocks underneath the snow when using the first type.
With dual-stage units, you can operate in most areas with aplomb to clear large paths in less time, thanks to the separate impeller.
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