Two Stage Vs. Three Stage Snowblower

Using a hand shovel to remove snow can be a backbreaking task but it becomes a lot easier with a snowblower.  

When choosing the best snowblower, you get three options - one-stage, two-stage, and three-stage snowblower models. You need to carefully consider the pros and cons of each model to make the right purchase decision. 

So, today, I’ll compare a two-stage vs. three-stage snowblower. 

What Is A Two-Stage Snowblower?

A two-stage snowblower is a little more advanced than the traditional one-stage snowblower in terms of its design and operations. It has the front rotating auger like a one-stage snowblower, but it comes with an impeller rotor to offer more power while discharging snow. It is designed for heavy-duty uses and is perfect for removing snow from uneven terrains. 

You can use a two-stage snowblower on gravel driveways or any other harsh area. It’s also excellent for clearing wet and heavy snow build-ups of around two feet in height and creating a clearing path with a width ranging between 20 and 40 inches. A two-stage snowblower can even throw the snow up to 60 feet away so that it’s not dumped anywhere near the clearing path. 

What Is A Three-Stage Snowblower?

A three-stage snowblower has the front auger unit, which acts as the first stage. The second impeller rotor is the second stage, which works to remove heavier and denser snow build-ups. And finally, the third stage includes two additional augers or accelerators located behind the main blade at a 90-degree angle. 

These augers can effectively break down heavily packed snow or ice, so you won’t need to use a hand shovel to pick up solidified snow. They usually come with a 20 to 30 inches clearing width and can dump snow 50 feet away from the clearing path. 

In addition to this, just like a two-stage snowblower, the three-stage version is suitable for working on gravel and other uneven terrains. You can also use the machine on moderately inclined planes as long as it’s not too steep. 

Advantages And Limitations Of A Two-Stage Snowblower

A two-stage snowblower is more expensive than a one-stage version but usually a lot cheaper than a three-stage unit. If you don’t need to break down thick layers of snow, it’s better to go for a two-stage model to avoid wasting your money unnecessarily. 

It’s also lighter than three-stage models and easier to maneuver. Plus, a two-stage snowblower offers more clearing height and width to throw snow much further away than a three-stage machine. 

But a two-stage snowblower doesn’t work effectively in removing wet, dense, and heavily packed snow. 

Advantages And Limitations Of A Three-Stage Snowblower

You can get over the limitations of a two-stage snowblower with a three-stage model. No other snowblower model works better in removing heavy snow or ice than a three-stage unit. 

It also comes with bells, whistles, headlights, hand-warmers, aluminum gearboxes, hydrostatic transmission, and a zero-turn drive system. So, if you’re looking for a high-end and advanced snowblower, a three-stage snowblower is your best choice. 

But, on the downside, these snowblower models can be quite expensive, and the best high-quality machines can easily cost you more than $1,000. Since they have more parts, they need more maintenance than the two-stage versions. 

The three-stage machines are heavier as well, and turning and maneuvering them is much more difficult. Lastly, the clearance width of a three-stage model is less than that of a two-stage machine. 

Two-Stage Vs. Three-Stage Snowblower - Which One To Buy?

If you constantly face blizzards and snowstorms during the winter months and need a snowblower to remove wet and dense snow, a three-stage snowblower will be ideal. You might need to spend more when purchasing the best quality three-stage model, but it’ll offer great value for your money. 

On the other hand, if you want a wider clearing path to remove higher snow build-ups, a two-stage model will be good enough to get the job done. So, basically, it boils down to your needs and available budget when choosing the most suitable snowblower. 

Final Words

I have come to the end of my comparative discussion on two-stage and three-stage snowblower models. Hopefully, the article cleared out some of your confusion about choosing the best snowblower for removing snow from your driveway or backyard. 

Carefully study the pros and cons of each snowblower version before making any final decision. Also, consider the amount of snow build-up that needs to be removed while using any snowblower. 

Until next time!