Snow removal is one of the most time-consuming and challenging tasks for homeowners, especially if you live in an area that is prone to dealing with any torrential weather during the winter. A single stage snow blower is something that you might be interested in getting your hands on; however, it can be tempting to opt for a bigger and more powerful machine such as a two-stage model.
With that being said, you’re going to need to be able to answer, what is a single stage snow blower and what it’s designed to do in order to make the right decision.
The Duties of a Single Stage Snow Blower
The first thing you’re going to need to consider is what single stage snow blowers are recommended for. Unlike three-stage machines, a single stage has less power and is used for smaller jobs, such as cleaning very short driveways, balconies, sidewalks, and short pedestrian walkways.
You certainly wouldn’t want to choose a single stage snow blower if you have more than a one-car driveway, and you’ll want to make sure that you don’t have a very wide driveway as it will take you a significant amount of time to clear it entirely. Also, people who commonly use single stage snow blowers will also need to use some type of de-icing components, such as salt, to ensure that any remnants of snow or rice are removed from the surface.
Aside from the fact that single stage snow blowers won’t clear as wide of a path as more hefty models, you’re also going to find that they can only work with a small amount of snow, typically less than eight inches.
How Do Single Stage Snow Blowers Work?
The next step to answering what is a single stage snow blower is to think about how they are designed to work. Every snow blower has a component known as an auger, and single stage snow blowers have a single auger that brings snow into the machine and throws it out through a chute.
It’s also important to remember that since an auger essentially shovels snow into the snow blower, it also comes in contact with the surface it’s shoveling, and it should only be used on paved surfaces. Unlike two stage snow blowers which don’t come in contact with the surface, which is why people can use them when shoveling snow off of dirt or gravel.
The Benefits of a Single Stage Snow Blower
Even though a single stage model might not have as much power as you would expect from a two or three stage snow blower, they are equally as useful for a wide variety of purposes and have plenty of benefits.
Lightweight
First and foremost, a single stage snow blower is going to be substantially more lightweight than other models on the market. This makes them the ideal candidate for people who have issues with pushing more massive objects, such as those with bad backs or a recent injury. Older homeowners will also appreciate not having to put all of their strength into pushing a snow blower when they need to address a light snowfall on their property quickly.
Easy to Store
Since single stage snow blowers are characteristically lightweight, it also means that they’re substantially smaller than their counterparts which is ideal for people who might not have enough space for storage in their garages. You’ll also have the ability to choose from several types of single stage snow blowers. When you start searching for one, ensure that you choose a model that can easily be stored.
Gas or Electricity
The vast majority of heavy duty snow removal devices are going to need to rely on gas for power simply because they need more power. However, with a single stage snow blower, you typically have the ability to choose between an electric snow blower and a gas model, based on personal preference.
If you’re someone who would feel more comfortable using gas as fuel, there are plenty of models that you can choose from but if you prefer to work with electricity you have that option as well.
Cost Effective
It’s important to remember that single stage snow blowers are very useful devices that are great for small areas and they’re also quite affordable. When compared against two or three stage models, you’re going to find that the price difference will fall within hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars.
Final Verdict
When it comes to removing a minimal amount of snow from small areas, a single stage snow blower is exactly what you need to get your hands on. Instead of having to constantly bend over, twist your back, and throw snow to the side, these machines are specifically designed to do the entire process for you. With plenty of models to choose from, make sure you think about your personal needs before settling on a specific one.