Are you looking for a snow blower but not quite sure what you need? Don’t worry we’ve got some tips that will help you make the right choice. Your journey to finding the perfect snow blower for you and your driveway starts with asking the right questions. 

• How large is the area you need to clear? 
• What type of surface do you need to clear?
• What is the right snow blower stage for me – single-stage, two-stage or a crossover model that combines aspects of both? 
• What kind of slope does your driveway have? 
• Do you need an electric start? 

In this Snow Blower Buyer’s Guide, we’ll compare the advantages, snow clearing abilities, driveway surface type and driveway slope capabilities of Single-stage, Two-stage, and Crossover Snow Blowers so you can find the best snow blower for your needs. 

Single-Stage Snow Blower Features

Toro’s single-stage snow blowers are a great pick for wet, slushy snow because of the scooping action of their curved paddles.

 

Advantages

A single-stage snow blower operates with a high-speed rotor that gathers and throws the snow in one efficient motion. Toro’s Power Curve technology allows the rotor to help propel the unit forward, making it easier to use and more maneuverable.

 

Snow Clearing Ability

Single-stage snow blowers are great for 4 to 10 car driveways and can clear up to 9-inches of snow at a time.

 

Driveway Surface Type

Single-stage machines are great for most paved driveways and sidewalks. These snow blowers clear down to the pavement, eliminating the need to go back and shovel or sweep to finish the job. Because they clean down to the pavement, they should not be used on unpaved surfaces.

 

Driveway Slope

Single-stage snow blowers are best for handling moderately sloped driveways.

 

Recommended Single-Stage Snow Blower: 

If these single-stage snow blower features sound like the right fit for your needs, then we recommend the Toro Power Clear Single-Stage Gas Snow Blower for you. These machines are lighter and more compact than the two-stage models. This snow blower efficiently shreds through snow while reducing clogging with the curved rubber paddles and housing of the Power Curve® Technology. Plus, you can simply push a button and you’re ready to snow blow with electric start. 

Two-Stage Snow Blowers Features

A two-stage snow blower is typically bigger and more powerful, making these machines a good choice when it comes to deep snow. If you live in an area that gets a ton of snow each year, a two-stage snow blower can be the way to go.

 

Advantages

A Toro two-stage machine starts by gathering the snow with a heavy-duty, serrated auger. Then a high-speed impeller takes over, launching the snow from the chute, throwing it out of your way.

 

Snow Clearing Ability

Two-stage snow blowers are perfect for large driveways. These machines area good fit for tackling “lake effect” snow, snowfalls of 12-inches or more, big snow drifts, and hard compacted snow.

 

Driveway Surface Type

Two-stage snow blowers can be used on driveways made of concrete, asphalt, or gravel.

 

Driveway Slope

These snow blowers are designed to handle steep slopes.

 

 

Recommended Two-Stage Snow Blower: 

If these Two-Stage Snow Blower features sound like the right fit for your needs, then we recommend the Toro Power Max Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower for you. These machines quickly and easily cut through snow with total speed control, 6 speeds forward and 2 speeds reverse. It also minimizes clogging and routes heavy snow away from the chute and back into the auger with Toro’s patented Anti-Clogging System. 

 

Crossover Snow Blower Features

Looking for a snow blower that’s easy enough for anyone to handle yet still powers through tough end-of-driveway snow? Crossover type snow blowers combine the best of both snow-blasting worlds.

 

Advantages

These snow blowers handle heavy, wet snow like a two-stage, but maneuver like a single stage.

 

Snow Clearing Ability

These snow blowers are ideal for 4 to 10 car driveways with 6 to 18-inches of snow.

 

Driveway Surface

Crossovers, like the SnowMaster, are ideal for concrete and asphalt surfaces.

 

Driveway Slope

These snow blowers are best for handling moderately sloped driveways.

 

Recommended Crossover Snow Blower: 

If these Crossover Snow Blower features sound like the right fit for your needs, then we recommend the Toro SnowMaster. These machines remove snow 30% faster and are one of the best snow blowers on the market, offering unique features that get you back in the house sooner. 

 

Small Electric Snow Blowers Can Pack Plenty of Power

For small areas such as decks, steps, patios, and small sidewalks — where a larger snow blower won’t reach — you might consider an electric snow blower like Toro’s Power Shovel or Power Curve. Both are easy to use and virtually maintenance free so you’re ready to take on whatever Mother Nature dishes out.

Still Unsure Which Toro Snow Blower Is the Right Fit? 

Toro makes a lot of of different snow blowers and each one is designed for different conditions. If you’re still unsure which Toro snow blower is the right fit for you, visit our site to learn more, compare, contrast and find the answer to winning at winter.