Taylor Clemons/ZDNET
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For a few years after I graduated from college, I worked at MTD Products, a manufacturer that assembles powered lawn equipment, such as snow blowers, lawn mowers, and string trimmers.
Having built, torn apart, and refurbished countless snow blowers, I have become familiar with how they work.
Also: I tested DeWalt's electric snow blower over the weekend - now my gas model feel outdated
To help you make the most informed buying decision, I'm going to break down all the major differences between snow blowers. That way, you won't spend a fortune on a machine that isn't right for you.
1. Model types
There are four main types of snowblowers: single-stage, two-stage, three-stage, and powered shovel. The stage refers to how many augers a model has -- the more augers, the more powerful a model. A powered shovel is exactly what it sounds like: a snow shovel with a power source that looks like a hybrid of shovel and blower. Each model type has its pros and cons.
Single stage
A single-stage snow blower is one of the smallest models available. It's called "single stage" because it only uses one auger to sort, scoop, and throw snow. They're the weakest type of blower, meant for short driveways or areas that get a few inches of snow. Their compact design makes them easy to store.
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