Are you ready to conquer the winter wonderland but unsure which snow blower is right for you? Look no further! In this article, we aim to demystify the differences between 1 stage, 2 stage, and 3 stage snow blowers. By understanding the unique features and capabilities of each, you’ll be equipped to make an informed decision and tackle even the heaviest snowfall with ease. So, let’s get started and find the perfect snow blower to suit your needs!
1 Stage Snow Blower
Definition
A 1 stage snow blower, also known as a single-stage snow blower, is a snow removal equipment designed to clear snow from driveways and small surfaces. It is typically powered by a single auger, which picks up the snow and throws it out through a discharge chute.
Functionality
The functionality of a 1 stage snow blower is quite straightforward. The auger, which is usually made of rubber or plastic, moves the snow towards the center of the machine, where it is then thrown out through the discharge chute. This design allows for efficient snow removal in one pass.
Features
1 stage snow blowers usually come with a variety of features to enhance their functionality. These may include adjustable throwing direction, adjustable skid shoes, and an electric or manual start option. Some models even have heated hand grips to provide added comfort during operation.
Performance
While 1 stage snow blowers are suitable for light to moderate snowfall, they may struggle with heavy or wet snow. Their smaller size and less powerful engines limit their clearing capacity and make them less efficient in more challenging snow conditions. However, they are often more affordable and easier to maneuver than their larger counterparts.
2 Stage Snow Blower
Definition
A 2 stage snow blower, also known as a dual-stage snow blower, is a more powerful snow removal equipment designed for larger areas and heavier snow conditions. It utilizes two separate components: an auger to gather the snow and a separate impeller to propel it out of the machine.
Functionality
The functionality of a 2 stage snow blower is more advanced compared to a 1 stage snow blower. The first stage involves the auger collecting the snow and breaking it up before moving it to the second stage. In the second stage, the impeller throws the snow out through the discharge chute, allowing for efficient and effective snow removal.
Features
2 stage snow blowers often come with additional features to improve their performance and ease of use. These can include power steering for effortless maneuverability, headlights for increased visibility during early morning or evening snow clearing, and multiple speed settings to adjust to the snow conditions.
Performance
Due to their more robust design and powerful engines, 2 stage snow blowers can handle heavier snowfalls and wetter snow with ease. They provide increased throwing distance and clearing capacity, making them suitable for clearing large driveways, parking lots, and other commercial or residential areas with significant snow accumulation.
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3 Stage Snow Blower
Definition
A 3 stage snow blower, also known as a triple-stage snow blower, is the most powerful and advanced type of snow removal equipment available. It incorporates an additional accelerator that assists in breaking down and clearing snow more efficiently.
Functionality
The functionality of a 3 stage snow blower builds upon the design of a 2 stage snow blower by adding an accelerator. The accelerator component works in conjunction with the auger and impeller to break down and move snow even more effectively. This additional stage significantly enhances the machine’s snow clearing capabilities.
Features
In addition to the features found in 2 stage snow blowers, 3 stage snow blowers often boast additional functionalities. These can include heated accelerator housing to prevent clogging in wet or heavy snow conditions, extra-large tires for improved traction, and advanced chute control for precise snow throwing in any direction.
Performance
With their superior power and advanced technology, 3 stage snow blowers are designed to tackle the most demanding snow clearing tasks. They excel in heavy, wet, or icy snow conditions and can handle large areas with deep snow accumulation. Their clearing capacity and throwing distance make them the preferred choice for professionals and those dealing with extreme winter weather conditions.
Clearing Capacity
1 Stage
The clearing capacity of a 1 stage snow blower is typically limited to around 8 to 12 inches of snow depth. This makes them suitable for light to moderate snowfall and smaller areas such as sidewalks and driveways.
2 Stage
2 stage snow blowers have a significantly higher clearing capacity compared to their 1 stage counterparts. They can handle snow depths ranging from 18 to 24 inches, making them ideal for heavy snowfall and larger areas like parking lots and long driveways.
3 Stage
The clearing capacity of a 3 stage snow blower is the highest among all the types. With their advanced design and powerful engines, they can handle snow depths exceeding 24 inches. This makes them the go-to choice for tackling the heaviest snowfalls and large-scale snow clearing projects.
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Auger Design
1 Stage
In a 1 stage snow blower, the auger plays a crucial role in both gathering and throwing the snow. It is typically made of rubber or plastic, allowing it to make direct contact with the surface without damaging it. The auger rotates to collect the snow and propel it towards the center of the machine for discharge.
2 Stage
In a 2 stage snow blower, the auger is responsible for gathering and breaking down the snow. It is usually made of steel and can rotate independently from the impeller. The primary function of the auger in a 2 stage snow blower is to move the snow towards the impeller for further processing and discharge.
3 Stage
In a 3 stage snow blower, the auger functions similarly to a 2 stage snow blower, actively gathering and breaking down the snow. However, the addition of the accelerator component enhances the auger’s performance by providing even more efficient snow collection and processing.
Impeller
1 Stage
In a 1 stage snow blower, there is no separate impeller. Instead, the auger itself is responsible for both gathering and throwing the snow out through the discharge chute. This design allows for a more compact and lightweight machine.
2 Stage
A 2 stage snow blower has a dedicated impeller component. After the auger collects the snow, it is passed on to the impeller, which propels the snow out through the discharge chute. The impeller provides the extra power necessary for throwing the snow farther and higher than in a 1 stage snow blower.
3 Stage
Similar to the 2 stage snow blower, a 3 stage snow blower includes a separate impeller. However, the addition of the accelerator further enhances the impeller’s performance and snow throwing capabilities. The impeller in a 3 stage snow blower ensures efficient snow discharge even in extreme conditions.
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Skid Shoes
1 Stage
1 stage snow blowers typically come with adjustable skid shoes. These shoes allow the user to modify the clearance height of the machine, ensuring optimal performance on different surfaces. The skid shoes also protect the surface being cleared from damage caused by the auger.
2 Stage
2 stage snow blowers also feature adjustable skid shoes. Similar to the 1 stage snow blower, these shoes enable height adjustments and protect the surface from damage. However, due to the increased power and weight of a 2 stage snow blower, the skid shoes are usually more heavy-duty and durable.
3 Stage
Skid shoes on a 3 stage snow blower serve the same purpose as those on a 2 stage snow blower. They allow for height adjustments and protect the surface being cleared. However, considering the heavy-duty nature of a 3 stage snow blower, the skid shoes are typically reinforced to withstand the machine’s increased power and performance.
Clearing Path Width
1 Stage
The clearing path width of a 1 stage snow blower can range from 18 to 22 inches. While this size is sufficient for smaller areas, it may require multiple passes to clear larger spaces effectively.
2 Stage
2 stage snow blowers offer a wider clearing path compared to 1 stage snow blowers. The clearing path width typically ranges from 24 to 30 inches, allowing for faster and more efficient snow clearing, particularly in larger areas.
3 Stage
The clearing path width of a 3 stage snow blower is similar to that of a 2 stage snow blower. It generally falls within the range of 24 to 30 inches, ensuring effective and rapid snow removal in wide areas.
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Clearing Depth
1 Stage
A 1 stage snow blower can handle snow depths up to around 12 inches. If the snow accumulation exceeds this depth, it may put a strain on the machine and result in reduced performance.
2 Stage
2 stage snow blowers have a higher snow clearing depth capacity compared to 1 stage snow blowers. They can efficiently handle snow depths ranging from 18 to 24 inches, taking the strain out of clearing heavier snowfalls.
3 Stage
With their powerful engines and advanced design, 3 stage snow blowers can tackle snow depths exceeding 24 inches. This exceptional clearing depth capacity makes them the ideal choice for areas with significant snow accumulation or heavy snowfall.
Price Range
1 Stage
1 stage snow blowers are generally more affordable compared to 2 stage and 3 stage snow blowers. Prices can range from $200 to $800, depending on the brand, features, and quality of the machine.
2 Stage
Due to their increased power and capabilities, 2 stage snow blowers are typically priced higher than 1 stage snow blowers. Prices can start from around $500 and can go up to $2000 or more, depending on the size, features, and brand.
3 Stage
3 stage snow blowers are the top-of-the-line option and therefore come with a higher price tag. Prices typically range from $1500 to $3000 or more, depending on the specific model, features, and brand. The increased performance and advanced technology justify the higher cost for those who require the utmost power and efficiency in snow removal.
In conclusion, the choice between a 1 stage, 2 stage, or 3 stage snow blower depends on various factors such as the amount of snowfall, the size of the area to be cleared, and personal preference. 1 stage snow blowers offer affordability and maneuverability for lighter snow conditions and smaller areas. 2 stage snow blowers step up the game with greater clearing capacity, throwing distance, and suitable for heavier snowfall and larger areas. 3 stage snow blowers, the most powerful and advanced, excel in extreme snow conditions, clearing large areas with ease. Whether it’s the depth of snow, the width of the clearing path, or the price range, understanding the differences between these snow blowers will help in making an informed decision to conquer winter’s snowy challenges.
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