DISCLAIMER: Any material, including but not limited to evaluations, specifications, and other data, contained herein is based solely on information available from manufacturers at the time of publication of this article.

INTRODUCTION

Within this article, we are going to identify various kinds of multi-stage snow blowers and attempt to provide options for buyers based on their needs and snow blower characteristics. We will rank available 2-stage snow blowers based on their designs, content, performance, quality, reliability, and durability. The rating system has five levels: Unacceptable, Acceptable, Good, Very Good, and Outstanding. We will outline information about construction and features that buyers should look for when shopping, so that they can make their own assessments and choices.

2-STAGE SNOW BLOWERS

A 2-stage snow blower employs rotating augurs up front that cut into and feed snow to the barrel (Stage 1). The rear of the barrel contains an impeller with paddles that throws the snow up and out the chute (Stage 2). Owing to their greater weight compared to single stage machines, virtually all 2-stage snow blowers employ a traction drive to propel the snow blower (avoid any that do not). The traction drive system is located in the box below the engine.

**Augurs** (located at front of augur box on axle)

**Impeller** (located behind augurs at rear of barrel)

**Traction Drive** (located at rear below engine)

3-STAGE SNOW BLOWERS

A 3-stage snow blower adds an “accelerator” made up of a rotating fan mounted up front and a second fan between the augur gearbox and the impeller. The front fan replaces a good portion of the augurs (more than 1/2) found on a 2-stage machine. The remaining few augurs at the outside edges are intended to guide snow to the center of the augur box for movement into the impeller by the fans. The fans are attached to the impeller rod that drives the augur gearbox and turn at the same speed as the impeller. Since the augur gearbox generates a reduction of 1:4, the augurs turn once for every 4 revolutions of the impeller. So, the fans are rotating very quickly at 4 times the speed of the augurs.

Conceptually, this device, used with a marginally taller augur box, is intended to drill into and blow more and deeper snow back into the impeller to increase throughput and allow for faster snow blowing. In practice, this device works adequately on light snow, but has a number of drawbacks. Firstly, when blowing heavy packed snow, the accelerator is more likely to create only a dent in the dense snow, unless the front fan is very sturdy. Unfortunately, the 3-stage snow blowers we’ve seen have very light fan rotors that are prone to damage. Also, the front fan disperses light and chopped snow in all directions, making pickup more work. Further, since the front fan requires the impeller rod to protrude from the front of the augur gearbox, it presents another point of failure for the already taxed gearbox. Next, since most of the augurs, originally designed to work in concert together to crush and feed snow to the impeller, are gone, the greater crushing power and snow moving ability of the augurs is severely compromised. Unlike the augurs, the edges of the two identical fans sit several inches off the ground, such that they do not fully sweep snow inward to the impeller. As a result, the fans are likely to miss heavy snow at the surface level, potentially requiring repeated passes where augurs would otherwise complete the job. Finally, the added complexity of the accelerator increases initial cost and requires greater care and maintenance, making 3-stage machines more expensive to own.

For the most part, given its implementation, we consider the addition of an “accelerator” in 3-stage snow blowers to be more of a marketing gimmick that adds unneeded complexity with few real advantages. At the same time, we believe that a high quality 2-stage will perform as well as, if not better than, a 3-stage snow blower, especially on heavy packed snow. We recommend shoppers skip the 3-stage models and put the extra dollars into investing in a higher quality, 2-stage snow blower, which more than adequately meets most buyer’s needs while offering greater reliability.

**3-Stage Snow Blower Accelerator Fans (2)**

**3-Stage Front Fan with Narrow Augur at Each Edge**

**3-Stage Outward Snow Dispersal from Augur Box**

TRACK-DRIVE SNOW BLOWERS

A track-drive snow blower has plastic and rubber tank or bulldozer-style drive tracks that rotate around plastic motion wheels that are usually arranged in two or three-point designs on each side of the snow blower. Track-drive snow blowers invariably use the same traction drive and axle as their wheel-drive counterparts. So, instead of mounting wheels on the drive axle of a wheeled snow blower, the manufacture mounts track systems on the axle to create a track-drive snow blower. Conceivably, at some expense, one could remove the track systems on a tracked snow blower and install the wheels to turn it back into a wheeled snow blower and vice versa. However, this would be an expensive and not at all trivial task. Before proceeding, one would have to carefully compare parts diagrams between like wheeled and tracked machines to ensure such an interchange is possible and to determine that the correct parts are available. Since track-drive snow blowers use the same traction drive as their wheeled counterparts, most move more slowly because the larger track-drive power wheel, located in the center or front of the track drive, is smaller than the wheeled machine’s wheel and tire.

Tracked snow blowers always include Power Steering to assist maneuvering on difficult surfaces, and an Adjustable Augur Housing system to facilitate transport and to aid clearing under severe conditions. A tracked snow blower moves like a tank, where the tracks give the snow blower maximum traction because they remain in constant contact with the ground. These snow blowers are beneficial for people who have unusually steep sloping or uneven surfaces to clear, or areas that are exposed to extreme surface icing conditions.

However, there are good reasons to prefer wheeled snow blowers over tracked ones. In addition to their higher price tag, and even though they have power steering, tracked snowblowers tend to be slower and harder to steer because of the tracks’ linear and large contact patch with the ground. This may make them impractical for flat surfaces or gradual inclines, which don’t require exceptional traction. In addition, snow blower tire technology has advanced greatly so that snow tires provide outstanding traction in almost all conditions, including on ice, making wheeled snow blowers closer rivals to tracked models. Finally, the plastic and rubber track system, which includes the wheels, tracks, cleats and mounting hardware, are prone to damage that increases maintenance and repair costs. We believe that most homeowners will never need a track-drive snow blower. We encourage people to get a wheel-drive snow blower unless they face the extreme conditions described above.

ENGINE MANUFACTURERS

Almost all winterized engines installed on snow blowers marketed in the US are made abroad by five manufacturers: LCT, Loncin, PowerMore, Briggs and Stratton, and Honda. Most engines are labeled the same as the snow blowers on which they are mounted.

LCT (Liquid Combustion Technology) is an American-based company with factories in Vietnam. LCT makes engines for Ariens (Ariens AX engine) and Husqvarna snow blowers. LCT also makes its own Storm Force engines.

Loncin, one of China’s largest motorcycle manufacturers, makes Toro engines to Toro’s specifications.

PowerMore manufactures engines in China, designed specifically for MTD. The engines are labeled the same as the MTD brands on which they’re mounted. These brands include: Columbia, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, MTD, MTD Gold, MTD Pro, Remington, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, and Yard Machines.

Briggs and Stratton engines are always labeled as such. Briggs and Stratton, Simplicity, and Snapper exclusively use Briggs and Stratton Snow and Professional Series engines. Briggs and Stratton engines are made in the USA and in China, where Briggs and Stratton owns a plant.

Honda only installs their snow engines on their own Honda snow blowers. Some of their smaller engines (GC/GCV) are made in the US, while their larger GX engines are made in Thailand.

Each engine is warrantied by the manufacturer shown on its label. So, those that are labeled with the snow blower brand name are warrantied by the respective snow blower manufacturer. These include Ariens, Husqvarna, Toro, and all of the MTD brands. Those that bear the engine maker’s name are warrantied by the respective engine manufacturer. So, Briggs and Stratton and Honda warranty all their own engines. LCT warranties its Storm Force engines.

Although all of the engines from LCT, Loncin, and PowerMore have improved in reliability during the past 10 years, we still favor Briggs and Stratton (and Honda) engines for their long histories of unequaled quality and reliability. For this reason, we are more comfortable with the top-ranked, premium Simplicity Signature Pro and Signature snow blowers.

Finally, note that Tecumseh stopped making engines at the end of 2008. LCT, in partnership with Lauson, is currently working on manufacturing engines using designs and brand names (including Snow King) from Tecumseh’s legacy OHV engine product line. In the future, we may witness the reemergence of Tecumseh Snow King engines and their use on snow blowers.

ENGINE POWER AND SNOW CAPACITY

Today, engine power is rated by torque measured in lb-ft, which corresponds closely to engine displacement, instead of horsepower. In the mid-2000s, the FTC found that various manufacturers of residential power equipment, like riding mowers and snow blowers, were making inflated claims about engine horsepower. In particular, Sears identified increasingly higher horsepower ratings for the same engine when installed in middle and premium platforms vs a standard platform. In response, the FTC mandated that equipment makers strictly use torque, as specified by the engine manufacturer, to indicate engine power and ensure accurate representations. In general, equipment makers have conformed, but some still identify horsepower ratings, which may be inaccurate, in their marketing literature. Currently, there is a transition within the industry taking place, where equipment makers are building alliances and partnerships with foreign manufacturers to build engines with labeling that matches their products (refer to the section above, entitled ‘Engine Manufacturers’). This could result in fudging of torque claims in the future if the equipment makers take sufficient control of foreign engine makers with whom they collaborate or they fully acquire their own engine manufacturing facilities. Presently, it is still best to rely on torque figures to determine engine strength.

The ideal ratio of power to cutting width is 12-14 lb-ft (which equates to about 8 to 9 hp) for 24 to 26 inches. For an OHV engine, this corresponds to roughly 250-275cc displacement. More power is needed to handle more snow. Snow input varies based on the width, height, and depth of the augur box, sometimes called the snow box. The size of the augur box determines the overall snow intake capacity that a snow blower can handle, usually with light snow only. Most snow blowers cannot process the entire capacity if the snowfall type is very dense and heavy or very wet and slushy. The general rule of thumb is that the power (and engine size) rises incrementally as the cutting width increases in order to maintain a healthy ratio. So, one should look for 14-16 lb-ft or 275-300cc for 26 to 28 inch cutting widths. Look for 16-18 lb-ft or 300-357cc for 28 to 30 inches and as much as 18-21 lb-ft or 357-420cc for 30 to 32 inches. Extra power always enhances performance.

Unfortunately, most snow blower manufacturers match engine size and power to the machine’s weight instead of its snow capacity (measured as cutting width or augur box size). As a result, snow blowers with smaller engines than identified by our rule, process and throw heavy dense or wet snow less effectively, even though they’re capable of adequate propulsion. So, we advise people to not only avoid light machines to begin with, but avoid low-powered machines because of their expected performance deficit. First and foremost, engine power must coincide with the capacity of snow a given snow blower must handle.

SELF-PROPELLED TRACTION DRIVE

Self-propelled means that the snow blower employs a traction drive that powers the wheels or tracks, usually via a Friction Disk Drive. Gear transmissions are rarely used on the latest snow blowers. Friction Disc Drives usually offer 5 or 6 forward speeds and 1 or 2 reverse speeds. This is achieved by moving the disc's rubber edge across a rotating metal platter powered by the engine. The further out the disc sits on the platter the faster it goes. Reverse is engaged by moving the disc across to the other side of the platter where the disc rotates in the opposite direction. The disc resides on a hex shaft that allows it to move horizontally over the platter. Upon engagement, the platter rises to meet the friction disc. The disc shaft has pinion gears, reduction gears, and/or a chain to drive the axle holding the wheels or tracks.

Some premium machines, usually the most expensive Professional models, are equipped with Hydrostatic Automatic Transmissions, which allow the operator to change drive speed on the go from among infinitely variable speeds. This feature is most helpful to buyers who confront complex conditions, such as variable surface types, uneven terrain, and/or steep slopes. These are the conditiions that track-drive snow blowers are designed to handle. So, we most often find Hydrostatic Automatics on Professional track-drive models. We see Hydrostatic Automatics on all five Ariens Professional RapidTrak models and Ariens’ widest Professional 36 inch wheel-drive model (all except the Professional 28 and 32 wheel-drive models), Toro Commercial Power TRX HD series, Husqvarna Professional ST400T track-drive and ST400 wheel-drive series.

SUPERIOR SNOW BLOWER DESIGN

SIMPLICITY SIGNATURE PRO and SIGNATURE, ARIENS PROFESSIONAL and SPECIAL EDITIONS, TORO COMMERCIAL POWER MAX HD and COMMERCIAL POWER TRX HD

While power is important, a well-designed snow blower will clear snow noticeably better and faster than those with the same amount of power and less refined and rugged designs. Owing to their outstanding designs, the best snow blowers available are the Simplicity Signature Pro and Signature series, the Ariens Professional series (including Special Edition models), the Toro Commercial Power Max HD series, and the Toro Commercial Power TRX HD series, all of which we rank as Outstanding. These pricey, high-end machines have functional improvements, such as superior engines with more power, taller and deeper augur boxes, larger diameter and thicker augurs, heavier and stronger augur gearboxes, a larger 4-blade impeller (instead of 3 blades), sturdier control assemblies with steel engagement rods (instead of cables), a commercial-grade friction disc drive, a stronger traction drive, thicker gauge steel construction, heavier handlebars, larger wheels, and assorted other features. Note that the size of the augurs determines the depth of the augur box. So, as the diameter of the augurs increases, the depth of the augur box increases by the same amount. The shallowest augur boxes have the smallest diameter augurs, while the deepest augur boxes have the largest diameter augurs.

The Simplicity Signature Pro has a unique commercial grade, heavy-duty chassis with such features as more powerful Briggs and Stratton Professional Series engines, electric chute control, dual side-mounted LED Headlights, a very substantial cast-iron augur gearbox, ultra-heavy-duty C-channel steel handlebars, and more. The nearly comparable Signature series combines Briggs and Stratton’s reliable traction drive and handlebar configuration with the 23 inch augur box and chute (entire front of the machine) found on the Signature Pro series. Both the Signature Pro and Signature series use Briggs and Stratton Professional Series engines. The engines on the Signature 24 inch and 28 inch models are less powerful (at 14.5 lb-ft and 16.5 lb-ft respectively), while the engine on the Signature 32 inch model is the same 21.0 lb-ft 420cc engine found on the Signature Pro 32 inch model.

The Ariens Professional features a bigger engine, an augur box housing with greater capacity, larger diameter augurs, reinforced box steel handlebars, Auto-Turn (Intuitive Power Steering), and more. The Ariens Professional Special Editions have various extra features that certain users may value in their climates, such as Hydrostatic Automatic Transmission, Ariens’ adjustable RapidTrak track-drive, Electric Track Actuator, EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection), Onboard Key Start, Thumb Joystick Electric Chute Operation, extra LED lights, and a larger fuel tank.

Toro, in particular, offers a number of unique and valuable features on most of its Commercial Power Max HD and Commercial Power TRX HD 2-stage snow blowers that improve usability, such as Anti-Clogging, Triggerless Steering (Intuitive Power Steering), Quick Stick Chute Control, Double Deflector, and on the Commercial Power TRX only, a Hydrostatic Automatic Transmission and Quick-Adjust Augur Housing.

**Toro Commercial Power Max HD 1432 OHXE**

HONDA also ranks near the top, but owing to their extremely high prices, beyond Simplicity’s, Ariens’, and Toro’s Professional machines, we do not evaluate them here. We place them in a separate category for those who will only accept Honda power equipment.

The discussion on Quality and Substance informs us about the fundamental qualities, and certainly some features, which the consumer should look for when shopping for a 2-stage snow blower. We encourage you to use the feature lists below, many of which enhance snow blower functionality and performance, as a reference and a tool to assist you as a buyer. We’ve broken the features down into three categories of mandatory, desirable, and optional items. Throughout the evaluations that follow, refer back to the feature lists to find out more about the benefits, advantages, and disadvantages of each feature. Lastly, use the feature lists to assist you in assessing and choosing the snow blower that meets your unique needs and is right for you.

MANDATORY FEATURES

ELECTRIC START - allows you to plug in an extension cord from an outlet and press a button to turn and start the motor instead of pulling a cord. This feature is indispensable to users who have trouble pulling a recoil starter. It is also valuable when you encounter hard starting, since you can adjust the choke while pressing the starter button.

LED OR HALOGEN HEADLIGHT(S) - is important when blowing snow at night, especially for safety when you enter a roadway. Toro’s standard LED headlight is mounted just in front of the engine for better lighting. Some Professional snow blowers add extra headlights with various configurations to light up the path in front of the snow blower. Simplicity uses headlights mounted at each side of the handlebar. Toro adds an extra center headlight strip on the front edge of the dash. Ariens Special Edition models add a 6 inch or 21 inch LED light bar mounted at the front upper edge of the augur box, and on one model, extra LED lights mounted to the chute to provide 360 degree lighting.

DUAL HANDLE INTERLOCK - allows you to lock both the augur and drive handles down while holding only the drive handle for single-handed operation. This useful convenience enables the operator to adjust the chute while underway. Manufacturers use a variety of names to refer to this feature, such as “Free Hand Control” (Simplicity, Snapper, and Briggs and Stratton), “One Hand Interlock” (Ariens and Toro), “Interlock Handle” (Husqvarna), “Just One Hand Operation” (Troy-Bilt), and “Single-Hand Operation” (Cub Cadet and Craftsman).

SNOW CLEAN-OUT TOOL - allows you to clear a blockage of accumulated snow from the chute without using your hands, which is extremely dangerous. The tool is usually mounted on the top of the augur box or along the handlebar arm.

DESIRABLE FEATURES (AND SOME NOT-SO-DESIRABLE FEATURES)

EFI (ELECTRONIC FUEL INJECTION) - provides easier starting and uses less fuel while maintaining very consistent (but not greater) power output. It is particularly helpful at high altitudes.

FRICTION DISC DRIVE - allows for a selection of forward and reverse speeds (usually 6 forward and 2 reverse) using a friction disc. This traction drive system operates by moving the disc's rubber edge across a rotating metal platter powered by the engine. The further out the disc sits on the platter the faster it goes. Reverse is engaged by moving the disc across to the other side of the platter where the disc rotates in the opposite direction. The disc resides on a hex shaft that allows it to move horizontally over the platter. Upon engagement, the platter rises to meet the friction disc. The disc shaft has pinion gears, reduction gears, and/or a chain to drive the axle with the wheels or tracks.

HYDROSTATIC AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION - allows you to change drive speed on the go from among infinitely variable speeds. Found only on the most expensive Professional models, this capability is best for people who are likely to face more complex conditions, such as variable surface types (paved, stone, gravel, etc.), uneven surfaces, steep slopes, heavier packed snow at the surface, etc. This feature may be best matched to a track-drive snow blower, which is designed to handle tough terrain and steep slopes. Most owners who have a consistent surface to clear will discover that their snow blowers operate at a specific constant speed for each of the different snow conditions they encounter. So, typically they will set the speed once to match how quickly they can move forward while processing the type of snow they encounter. So, most owners do not need a Hydrostatic Automatic Transmission.

ONBOARD BATTERY KEY START - allows the operator to start the snow blower by turning a key, using an onboard battery to power starting. This is valuable for those who clear very large areas and/or tough terrain, which could leave them in a remote or difficult location without a nearby electrical outlet, should their snow blower stall or run out of gas. They would have to physically push the heavy snow blower to an outlet to restart it, which would be extremely taxing and difficult, especially with a track-drive machine. The Battery Key Start allows the operator to restart the snow blower at its location and alleviates you from having to return to an outlet for starting. Note that Battery Key Start requires that you maintain and periodically replace the battery. If you have a convenient outlet in the vicinity of the area you have to clear, we suggest you skip this feature.

VELOCITY THROWING SYSTEM (Simplicity) - is really a marketing reference to the Simplicity Signature Pro and Signature series’ use of the same larger 23 inch augur box and chute (combined with powerful engines), which they claim “quickly clears heavy snow and throws it 40% farther” when compared with their predecessors (specifically Signature Pro model P2132 vs P2132E and Signature model 2132 vs H1732E). Power Boost, which automatically increases RPM and torque via a variable rate pulley when encountering heavy or deep snow, is no longer offered, probably because the latest Signature Pro and Signature engines are so powerful they already meet these higher torque standards.

POWER STEERING - operates via triggers on each handle that allow the operator to disengage either wheel. Since power goes only to the opposite wheel, the snow blower rotates or drives to the side that is released. The operator can disengage both wheels and rotate the snow blower in place (zero-turn). Beware of mechanisms located at the axle on the outside of the drive box. These are prone to seizure when water accumulates inside and is exposed to freezing conditions. Look for axle release mechanisms that operate inside the drive box. This feature is called “Touch N’ Turn” by Troy-Bilt.

INTUITIVE POWER STEERING - employs a General Transmissions (GT) DI200 or DI300 differential and axle half-shafts, which "intuitively" allow the operator to steer using a mild tug on the handlebar, by automatically disengaging one or both wheels for immediate turning. This feature is called “Triggerless Steering” by Toro and “Auto-Turn Steering” by Ariens. It is found on most Toro PowerMax and PowerMax HD models and on Ariens Deluxe, Platinum, Professional, and Professional Special Edition models. For most people, this capability is very convenient and works well. There have been some reports of frustration by owners of premium Toro and Ariens machines with this system, who found it hard to get the snow blower to go in a straight line. We believe this happens to owners of wide machines who have difficulty maintaining a straight path when encountering uneven surfaces or ice obstructions at the surface. For those people, using wide snow blowers (28 to 32 or more inches) to clear uneven surfaces, this capability may may not be useful. Instead, they should seek Power Steering (which Toro swaps in on its widest machines).

SINGLE AXLE RELEASE - allows maneuverability in either direction when not under power. When the drive wheels are disengaged, it is relatively easy to turn the snow blower. For many users, most turning is stationary at the end of a path, in which case disengaging the drive wheels makes it relatively easy to turn the snow blower. However, this feature does not impact the effort needed to turn while driving. Note that snow blowers without power steering allow for a certain amount of free play (about 15 degrees) in the wheels, which aids turning while the drive is engaged.

ADJUSTABLE AUGUR HOUSING (Track-Drive) - allows the operator to adjust the track drive to change the attitude of the snow blower and enhance clearing of snow under different usage and snow conditions. Most manufacturer’s (Husqvarna, Honda, MTD, and others) track-drive snow blowers have a lever on the dash or the side of the machine that either releases or locks the traction drive, usually via a hydraulic damper, to control the augur box housing height on the snow blower. This allows for infinitely variable adjustment, using the handlebars and the lock lever to select a position, between three modes: Transport, Float, and Lock. Essentially, these systems allow you to vary the space between the augur box underside (at the scraper bar) and change to some degree the downward force on the augur box, or the cutting strength, at the surface. Transport mode allows the front of the housing to move upward to enable easy and quick movement of the machine between areas to clear or during transport (e.g., for storage). Float mode allows the housing to float along the surface, using the inherent weight at the front as determined by the drive axle’s pivot point. Lock mode locks the housing in a fixed flat position to apply somewhat more pressure for scraping up hard packed snow at the surface. Some, like the Husqvarna system have a little bit of give so you can lift up on the handles and lock it to get a little bit more down force at the front. One of the drawbacks of these systems is that the weight stays the same over the tracks, meaning the snow blower’s traction doesn’t change.

The Ariens RapidTrak drive system works differently from the above described systems. RapidTrak has a large wheel located on the drive axle and a small wheel to the rear, on which the tracks are mounted and powered. RapidTrak uses a trigger under the right handle that allows the operator to switch between Wheel, Track, and Dig-In modes, by changing the position of the smaller rear wheel upward or downward. In the Wheel mode, the rear wheel moves upward, enabling you to press down on the handlebars and lift up the housing. It takes little effort to lift the housing because the snow blower is so well balanced at the drive axle pivot point. This enables you to easily move the machine in a similar fashion to and at roughly the same speed as a wheeled snow blower, since the main drive wheel is so large. In Track mode, the rear wheel drops down to the surface without locking, so that the augur housing is free to float. It is heavy enough to clear smooth surfaces, but also light enough so that you can clear alternate surfaces, like turf and gravel, without digging in, when skid shoes are set properly. The operator engages Dig-In mode by lifting up on the handles and locking the rear wheel in a downward position, causing the distribution of weight to change on the machine. Instead of having all the weight at the center of the front wheel (at the drive axle), Dig-In mode effectively places more weight at the rear of the track drive and the front of the housing. This allows you to maintain traction and dig into high snow piles on hilly or slippery pavement, scrape packed snow at the surface, such as snow that’s been driven over, and attack other heavy snow. Dig-In mode should not be used when clearing loose surfaces, even with the skid shoes set higher, because the pressure on the front will bury the skid shoes and dig into the soft or loose surface. If you have hard packed gravel, like an aggregate or road mix, or once gravel freezes up, Dig-In mode will work fine. So, the weight transfer changes the traction on the snow blower. The Ariens Special Edition Professional Kraken 32 RapidTrak Hydro EFI comes with an Electric Track Actuator that allows the user to infinitely adjust the RapidTrak system via a hydraulic damper.

Toro’s Quick-Adjust Augur Housing is similar in that it adjusts the angle of the augur box between up, level, and downward positions via a dash lever. The lever can be set to one of 3 positions: Up for climbing and transport, Flat to blow snow off an evenly paved surface, such as a driveway, or Down to dig into deep snow. Like the Ariens RapidTrak described above, in the Down mode, Toro’s Quick-Adjust Augur Housing shifts weight to the front of the augur box (and scraper bar) and to the rear of the 3-point track drive. This results in better traction under tough conditions.

Husqvarna’s track-drive system allows for “easy adjustable bucket height”, meaning adjustment of the space between the auger box housing and the ground via a dash lever. Adjustment of the augur box angle is limited to a range between up and level positions. Like other traditional Adjustable Augur Housing systems, it is capable of minimal weight transfer to the tracks and thus little improvement in traction.

MTD’s track-drive system (Troy-Bilt SelecTrac, Cub Cadet TRAC, and Craftsman D-Trac Drive) adjusts the angle of the augur box only between up and level positions via a lever on the side of the machine. The lever can be set to one of four positions: Transport (IV) to raise the augur box for climbing and transport, Gravel (III) to adjust the scraper bar slightly upward to leave loose surface (gravel) undisturbed, Normal (II) to level the augur box so that it floats on paved surfaces, and Packed (I) to lock the augur box level to the ground for hard-packed or icy snow. Like Husqvarna’s track-drive system, it offers almost no transfer of weight to the tracks and nearly any improvement in traction.

ELECTRIC TRACK ACTUATOR - allows the operator to infinitely adjust the Ariens RapidTrak drive system with the press of a button. This feature provides electric adjustment via a hydraulic damper, between Wheel, Track, and Dig-In modes. Refer to the discussion of Ariens’ adjustable RapidTrak under ‘Adjustable Augur Housing’ above.

ANTI-CLOGGING (Toro) - employs an impeller barrel with an ovoid-shaped open appendage that recycles heavier snow back to the augurs for further crushing before meeting the impeller. This reduces clogging of the second stage (at the base of the chute) and enhances snow throwing. It is also helpful in preventing heavy wet snow from accumulating around the impeller and the lower chute.

HEATED HAND GRIPS - keep the user's hands warm during harsh weather and extreme cold. This feature is most often lost early on owing to thin, vulnerable wiring. Look for protected wiring to each handle to aid longevity.

2.5X QUICK-TURN CHUTE (Ariens) - allows for rapid rotation of the chute (2.5 turns for full rotation of 200 degrees) via a traditional hand crank bar with a geared drive that turns the chute. The handle is conveniently located in front of the operator. This is a good, reliable solution for easy and rapid chute rotation without resorting to troublesome mechanisms, like Husqvarna’s Single-Handle Chute Rotation. Owner’s should make sure that the chute rotation gear mechanism and the surfaces at the base of the chute remain well-lubricated to ensure proper chute operation on any snow bower.

SINGLE-HANDLE CHUTE ROTATION - allows rotation of the chute using a single-throw handle to the left or right. Design weaknesses and the stress of chute rotation on the single-throw mechanism have led to frequent failure of such controls. The single-handle device found on Husqvarna-made machines invariably breaks after limited use. Make sure any Single-Handle chute device is designed well with sufficiently robust mechanical components.

DOUBLE DEFLECTOR (Toro) - allows you to set the chute deflector more precisely owing to its dual articulating deflector. There are two hinges on the deflector that enable the user to more precisely throw snow to a chosen location. Also, the extra hinge creates a more rounded transition of direction and ensures that snow thrown nearby is not crushed against and or blocked by the nearly perpendicular surface a single deflector might create.

REMOTE CHUTE DEFLECTOR - allows adjustment of the chute deflector angle (up and down) via a forward and back lever on the dash. This is most useful for people who have diverse landscapes that limit where they can throw snow. So, when encountering constraints, the operator can lower the chute angle to adjust the throwing distance to match the property's changing characteristics. However, users who have more consistently sized areas in which to throw snow may set the deflector perhaps once or twice to throw snow into the available area. If your property has unlimited space for throwing snow, you are likely to set the deflector once, in the fully up position, to throw snow as far as possible. Sometimes, a homeowner has plenty of space on one side of their driveway, but very little on the other side. In this case, when you work down and back up the driveway throwing to opposite sides, a remote deflector is desirable. The only alternative to clear one side of the driveway at a time isn’t practical, since you’d have to rotate the chute back and forth each time you change direction. Look for this feature if you need it.

CHUTE JOYSTICK - combines chute rotation with chute deflector angle adjustment via a single handle with both left-right and forward-aft movement of what is referred to as a joystick. Unfortunate past designs and the stress of chute operation on the joystick mechanism have led to frequent failure of such controls. The chute joystick found in various iterations on Toro machines, leading up to their latest Quick Stick, have been known to fail either to lock in a given position or to move to one side. Consider this convenience feature if you need to adjust the chute frequently during use and determine it is well-designed. Otherwise, look for simpler chute rotation and deflector controls. We do not have any evaluations of Toro’s Quick Stick, which buyers may determine is acceptable.

POWER ELECTRIC CHUTE OPERATION - allows rotation of the chute and adjustment of the chute deflector angle (up and down) via a control pad or a small toggle switch on the dash. This feature can be very convenient for those who adjust the chute frequently. It is usually found on the most expensive residential and commercial snow blowers, including Simplicity Signature Pro and Signature and some Ariens Special Edition models.

NO SHEAR PINS - is intended to eliminate the need to replace sheer pins under adverse conditions, such as an obstruction. Toro claims that because they use a commercial-grade augur gearbox, there will be no damage because the augur gearbox will be strong enough to resist damage if the augurs meet an obstruction, such as a curb or solid section of ice. They state that the augurs, which are affixed with standard bolts, will simply stop turning automatically since the augur gearbox will be able to handle a sudden stop. The implication is that the halt will simply stall the engine. We have several reservations about the No Shear Pins feature. Firstly, the augurs on Toro machines do not appear to be any stronger than those on comparable snow blowers. So, upon an impact, the augurs are likely to get crushed or bent up before they stop turning. Various premium snow blowers have large, cast-iron, augur gearboxes that are far more robust than Toro’s augur gearboxes, yet these machines still use shear pins. Secondly, this system is likely to cause incremental damage to the augur gears and the aluminum augur housing, owing to the ferocity of an impact and resultant vibration of the gears within the casing. Toro’s abandonment of shear pins in favor of solid bolts introduces the risk of severe damage and expensive repairs. Further, it is not clear why Toro is so determined to eliminate the small occasional inconvenience of having to “replace shear pins in the cold”, since shear pins are so effective and economical. It may be possible to replace Toro’s solid augur bolts with shear pins to ensure no damage occurs. In this case, we would withdraw our concern about this feature. Refer to the section below, entitled ‘Shear Pins’, under the heading ‘Optional Accessories’, for further discussion on sheer pins.

HEAVY-DUTY HANDLEBARS - are reinforced, made of larger diameter steel tubing, or constructed using heavier box steel or large C-channel steel. The latter ultra-heavy-duty handlebar design, with C-channel steel and cast-iron handles, is found on Simplicity Signature Pro snow blowers only.

LARGER, BEEFIER WHEELS AND TIRES - provide superior mobility, better traction, and increased durability.

REVERSIBLE SKID SHOES - have skid surfaces on the top and bottom allowing you to reverse and remount them for twice the longevity of single-sided skid shoes.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

SHEAR PINS - hold the augurs in place on the augur axle so that they turn with the axle. The shear pin is a special bolt that goes through the augur, axle, and back out the other side of the augur and is retained by a nut or pin. Each augur is designed to break away from the axle by cutting through (shearing through) the shear pin(s) if the augur hits a stationary object. When this happens the augur turns freely on the axle. In order to affix the augur back to the axle so it turns under power, you must remove the remains of the broken shear pin and replace it with a new sheer pin. Shear pins are designed to fit your snow blower’s augur-axle size and are made of aluminum with ribs that allow them to break easily. Shear pins provide a simple, inexpensive solution to avoid damaging the augurs and augur gearbox. Never use standard bolts in place of shear pins. We recommend that you have at least two spare OEM shear pins in case you encounter such adverse circumstances.

STORAGE COVER - is most valuable if the machine is stored outdoors or in a busy area where a lot of dirt is kicked up. If stored indoors, a blanket is a better choice, since it's breathable.

SNOW CAB - offers protection from the elements via a three-sided canopy that attaches to the handlebar assembly. If you reside in a locale that has very harsh winters with many snow events, this is a worthwhile accessory. You should make sure you can easily remove and reinstall the cab or that you have sufficient room to store and retrieve the snow blower each season with the cab in place.

DRIFT CUTTERS - slice through snow deeper than the height of the augur box opening, causing the snow to break and fall for processing by the snow blower. Generally, these extended bars on each side of the augur box offer little advantage except in areas with extremely heavy snowfall and large drifts. If the bars are not retractable, maneuvering with the extended drift cutters can be quite cumbersome, which may outweigh their usefulness. If they retract along the sides of the augur box, consider getting drift cutters for climates that warrant their use.

TIRE CHAINS - provide extra traction under the most challenging winter weather. Modern snow blower tires provide exceptional grip under most conditions. Tire chains can harm surfaces and make moving the snow blower difficult when it's not running. Obtain tire chains only if they are truly needed, most often for steep inclines and unusually slick surfaces.

WHAT TO BUY AND WHAT TO AVOID

SUBSTANCE AND QUALITY

Try to buy something substantial with robust internals. One good indicator of construction quality is machine weight (without shipping pallet or packaging), where heavier is better. You can compare the weights of various snow blowers within a category (by type and width). Those that weigh more tend to have heavier construction and more sophisticated systems. The extra weight is usually reflected in better, bigger, and heavier components, such as the chassis, handlebars, wheels, augurs, augur gearbox, impeller, chute (steel instead of plastic), drive system, etc. Basically, this list identifies the exact things to look for that define snow blower quality, aside from certain desirable features. So, you should look for: a chassis made of heavier gauge steel, stronger handlebars, larger wheels, larger diameter augurs, a bigger augur gearbox (frequently made of cast-iron instead of aluminum), a sturdier impeller, a chute made of steel instead of plastic (because plastic tends to deform and is less slippery), and a more robust drive system. Traction drive quality will be discussed towards the bottom of this article, under the section entitled ‘MTD’. All good quality snow blowers come standard with Electric Start, one or two Headlights, Dual Handle Interlock, and a Snow Clean-Out Tool.

LARGE-FRAME AND COMPACT SNOW BLOWERS

For most folks, we recommend the highest quality, gas-powered, large-frame (also known as standard-frame), wheeled, 2-stage snow blower your budget allows. A large-frame snow blower uses the manufacturer’s full-sized frame with large handlebars, controls, and a good-sized augur box. Some manufacturers also make a Compact series with narrow cutting widths ranging from 22 to 26 inches. These compacts are distinguished by a smaller and shallower augur box fitted with smaller augurs, usually only 10-11 inches in diameter. Also, they are lighter in weight. Although close in price (depending on maker), a large-frame snow blower will be stronger and more durable than a compact model. It will also be able to handle deeper snow and throw it further.

However, some compacts perform nearly as well as their large-frame counterparts, especially in less harsh snow conditions. With a compact, if you experience a bad storm with very deep, heavy snow, you will have to go out and blow snow more frequently. We suggest that buyers select a compact model if the snow conditions they confront match the compact’s capabilities and/or if they have trouble operating and/or storing a heavier, large-frame snow blower.

The best compact models are made by Toro and Ariens. Their Compact series perform well in snow up to 12-18 inches in depth, owing to their sensible and properly proportioned designs.

PROMOTIONAL AND ECONOMY MODELS

Various manufacturers market promotional 20 to 24 inch models that omit certain key features and components found on their large-frame counterparts, making them noticeably less capable. For example, from time to time Ariens offers certain promotional snow blowers, which can be identified by narrower lighter handlebars, an abbreviated dash with fewer controls, and/or by a traction drive and handlebar with bail bar borrowed from a single-speed self-propelled lawnmower, or NO traction drive at all. Generally, we rank these promotional snow blowers as Unacceptable.

Some makers offer economy series with similar traits to the promotional models, which are marketed with confusing terminology to imply that they offer the benefits of more capable 2-stage snow blowers. These snow blowers actually have designs that leave the buyer with a host of compromises that make them far less capable at clearing the different kinds of snow that a traditional 2-stage snow blower can handle. These are likely to be powered by small engines and have noticeably smaller components. These snow blowers might adequately serve owners in climates with occasional and light snowfall and relatively small, paved areas to clear. However, their prices do not usually offer sufficient savings to offset their weaknesses. Toro and Ariens offer economy series, called the SnowMaster and Crossover series respectively.

Although the prices may appear attractive, we recommend that most buyers bypass promotional and economy models like those described here.

Ariens Crossover 20

Ariens offers an economy product, called the Crossover 20, which it identifies as “a hybrid of two-stage power and single stage precision”. Actually, the Crossover is technically a 2-stage snow blower with a small 179cc 8.3 lb-ft engine, a narrow 20 inch wide augur box, very small 10 inch augurs driven by a traditional augur gearbox, a small 10 inch impeller, and NO traction drive to propel the snow blower. Instead, the augurs have rubber or polyurethane edges that touch the pavement to pull the snow blower forward like a single-stage machine. It operates exactly like a push mower with handlebar and bail bar that runs the impeller and augurs only. The Crossover is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. We rank the Ariens Crossover as Unacceptable because of its odd design, weak performance, and lack of a traction drive for wheeled self-propulsion.

Toro SnowMaster

Toro offers the SnowMaster, which it describes as having “In-Line Two-Stage Augur Technology”. Actually, the SnowMaster is a single-stage snow thrower with a shallow 24 inch wide augur box containing belt-driven augur-paddles that both collect and throw the snow up the chute. It is powered by either a 212cc or 252cc engine and borrows its lawnmower cousin’s self-propel system, Toro Personal Pace, to drive the small 11 inch wheels via a belt. It also uses Toro’s Quick Stick Chute control. For residential use, the SnowMaster is covered by a 3 year limited warranty. This product is intended to emulate the quality and strength of a traditional 2-stage snow blower, but unfortunately it is only slightly less expensive, despite its lesser capabilities. Select a SnowMaster only if you are exposed to fairly light snowfall up to 12 inches and plan to clear relatively small areas, such as paved pathways and/or a single, tandem, or double driveway that is relatively short. We consider the Toro SnowMaster series as a marginal choice when compared to most good quality 2-stage snow blowers, including Toro’s own offerings. Among its single-stage peers, it would rise to the top because it performs well for its intended purpose, is self-propelled, and is well made. But here, we must rank the SnowMaster as Acceptable, since the Snow Master is merely adequate in comparison to more capable 2-stage snow blowers

REPUTABLE BRANDS

The most reputable manufacturers, Simplicity, Ariens, and Toro manufacture several lines of 2-stage snow blowers. Among these diverse products, we find the best snow blowers. Toro and Ariens offer residential compact and large-frame machines that are fairly comparable in performance, which we rank as Good or Very Good. Simplicity’s Signature Pro and Signature series, Ariens Professional and Professional Special Edition series, and Toro’s Commercial Power Max HD and Commercial Power TRX series take the top spots, all ranked as Outstanding.

SIMPLICITY AND SNAPPER

Simplicity introduced its homeowner “Snow-Away” series in 1962 after previously offering snow blower attachments for their walk-behind farm tractors. Today, Simplicity continues to make no-nonsense machines that are evolutionary designs of successful, high-quality, top-performing snow blowers. The Signature Pro series is sought after by professionals owing to its heavy-duty construction, outstanding quality and durability, and unrivaled snow throwing in all kinds of conditions. Simplicity offers the most valuable convenience features, such as Power Steering, Power Electric Chute, and dual side-mounted LED Headlights. Simplicity exclusively uses premium Briggs and Stratton engines and uses large augurs and impellers to more efficiently and effectively clear snow. Simplicity premium snow blowers are among the best available today. Simplicity does not offer any compact or track-drive snow blowers.

SIMPLICITY AND SNAPPER RESIDENTIAL

Simplicity offers two series of residential snow blowers, the Select and Signature series. Snapper offers only two residential snow blowers, which comprise its Medium-Duty series that are derived from Briggs and Stratton’s Elite series and Simplicity’s Select series snow blowers.

Simplicity Select

The Simplicity Select series offers 24 inch, 27 inch, and 30 inch wheel-drive models. The Select series is based on the Briggs and Stratton Elite series and includes standard features, such as a steel dash, dual LED Headlights (in place of Briggs’ single LED Headlight), Power Steering, dash-mounted manual chute rotation crank, dash-mounted Remote Chute Deflector handle, and Heated Hand Grips. However, the Select series has some drawbacks that are associated with most Briggs and Stratton snow blowers. Firstly, they use relatively shallow, 20 inch tall augur boxes with modest-sized 12 inch diameter augurs, basic aluminum augur gearbox, and 3 blade 12 inch impeller, from Briggs’ Standard and Elite series. In addition, they are powered by somewhat small Briggs and Stratton engines, including a 208cc 950 Snow Series with 9.5 lb-ft for the 24 inch, a 250cc 1150 Snow Series with 11.5 lb-ft of torque for the 27 inch, and a 306cc 1450 Professional Series with 14.5 lb-ft of torque for the 30 inch. The Select series is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. We have reservations about the Select’s modest design and merely adequate performance, which is comparable to Briggs Standard and Elite series. Owing only to its fairly complete list of convenience features, we rank the Simplicity Select series as Good.

Snapper Medium-Duty

Snapper offers only offers a Medium-Duty series, which is made up of wheel-drive models in just two cutting widths, 24 inches and 28 inches. These feature a steel dash, heated hand grips, and engines from the Simplicity Select and Briggs and Stratton Elite series 24 inch and 27 inch models, but omit Power Steering (like Briggs’ Standard series). Similar to the Briggs Elite series, they feature a single LED headlight on the dash instead of the dual units on the Select series. If you decide on either of the two Simplicity Select models and you’re willing to give up power steering, consider one of the corresponding Snapper Medium-Duty models, which are offered at significantly lower prices. If you’re willing to give up both power steering and heated hand grips, consider the better 24 inch and 27 inch models from Briggs’ Standard series, which are priced a bit lower than the Snappers. The Snapper Medium-Duty series is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. Owing to its lack of Power Steering and modest design, we rank the Snapper Medium-Duty series as Acceptable. We consider it a Good Buy only when compared with the more expensive Simplicity Select series, because it should offer the same snow throwing performance, but with less convenient operation.

Simplicity Signature

The Simplicity Signature series offers 24 inch, 28 inch, and 32 inch wheel-drive models. They combine Briggs and Stratton’s traction drive and handlebar configuration (entire rear end of the chassis) from the Select series with the 23 inch augur box and chute (entire front end of the machine) from the Signature Pro series. The augur box includes the very large 14 inch augurs, heavy-duty cast-iron augur gearbox, and impeller found in the Signature Pro series. Further, the Signature borrows the convenient electric chute control panel from the Signature Pro, while using Briggs and Stratton’s reliable traction drive (rear of the machine). The Signature employs big, well-matched Briggs and Stratton Professional Series engines to provide very good snow throwing strength. The engines include a 306cc 1450 Professional Series with 14.5 lb-ft of torque on the 24 inch model 1524, a 420cc 1650 Professional Series with 16.5 lb-ft of torque on the 28 inch model 1728, and a 420cc 2100 Professional Series with 21.0 lb-ft of torque on the 32 inch model 2132. Note that the Signature 2132 and Signature Pro P2132 share the same engine. Altogether, this series has the front end snow processing capability, including the Simplicity Velocity Throwing System, and the rich list of convenience features of the Signature Pro. The Signature series is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. We think the Signature series, especially the model 2132, provides most of the benefits of the Signature Pro at a more affordable price. We place the Signature series in the top tier of residential snow blowers with a rating of Outstanding.

SIMPLICITY PROFESSIONAL

Simplicity Signature Pro

The Simplicity Signature Pro series offers 24 inch, 28 inch, 32 inch, and 38 inch wheel-drive models. They use an entirely unique commercial grade, ultra-heavy-duty chassis with such features as electric chute control, dual LED headlights, triggered power steering, and Simplicity’s Velocity Throwing System for greater throwing distance. The deep, 23 inch tall augur box has very large 14 inch diameter augurs and a very robust, cast-iron augur gearbox. It employs very large 420cc, Briggs and Stratton 1650 and 2100 Professional Series engines with either 16.5 lb-ft of torque for the 24 inch and 21.0 lb-ft of torque for the 28, 32, and 38 inch models. The Signature Pro series is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 1 year limited commercial warranty. There is no match for the true commercial-grade Signature Pro series, which we rank as the best snow blowers available today, with a rating of Outstanding.

ARIENS

Ariens has a long and distinguished history of designing and manufacturing high quality snow blowers. In 1952, Ariens came out with a new walk-behind garden rototiller model, called the “Yardster”, which was capable of taking additional attachments in place of the rototiller, one of which was a snow blower attachment. They launched the homeowner, walk-behind Snow-Thro series in 1962. Many of their vintage snow blowers are prized for their incredible capabilities. Ariens machines are known for their nearly superior snow clearing strength, including in dense, packed snow. Most Ariens snow blowers are balanced and well made machines that match power to snow intake and processing capacity to effectively clear and throw snow. Ariens has many product lines, including compact, large-frame, track-driven, and special edition models that serve the many needs of homeowners and professionals. Ariens continues to refine their sound product designs with improved controls, better snow handling, and adjustable traction systems that are at the forefront of snow blower technology and performance.

ARIENS RESIDENTIAL

Ariens offers two series of large-frame residential snow blowers. These are the Deluxe and Platinum series, which share the same basic chassis. Ariens also offers a Compact series and a Classic series, which have smaller chassis.

Ariens Classic

The Classic series is Ariens’ basic, no frills, entry level snow blower in two slightly different 24 inch wide models, the Classic 24 and Classic 24 Plus. It uses the same chassis (traction drive, augur box, and handlebars) and has the same dimensions (L x W x H) as the Compact. The 20 inch tall augur box has the same 11 inch augurs and 12 inch impeller. The Classic 24 has an aluminum augur gearbox casing instead of the cast-iron casing on the Classic 24 Plus model. The casing composition doesn’t really make any difference, since it’s the internals that matter and both augur gearboxes share the same design with the same gears. A superior augur gearbox casing needs to be much more robust in order to resist stress and breakage, even if it’s made of cast-iron. Unfortunately, the Classic series uses a 208cc engine in two states of tune, 9.5 lb-ft and 10.0 lb-ft, that is smaller than the 223cc 10 lb-ft engine on the Compact series. Although both Classic models feature 2.5X Quick-Turn Chute Rotation and Remote Chute Deflector, they omit Auto-Turn Steering (Intuitive Power Steering) and a headlight! Finally, the Classic 24 has smaller 13 inch tires vs the 15 inch tires found on the Classic 24 Plus and the Compact. The Classic series is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. The reviews raise questions about reliability and durability, perhaps owing to poor assembly, as well as engine issues. Both Classics are priced lower and are likely not to perform as strongly as the Compact. Even though the Classic is supposed to be an economical option, we feel that the drawbacks outweigh the benefits and rank it as merely Acceptable. If you are considering the Classic, we recommend that you purchase the superior Compact instead.

Ariens Compact

The Ariens Compact series is available only in 24 inch width with either of two configurations, wheel-drive or track-drive. It is designed for those who need the convenience of a compact, 2-stage snow blower. Ariens’ compact snow blowers are solid machines, powered by a good-sized, 223cc 10.0 lb-ft engine in relation to the processing capacity that their smaller augur box, with 20 inch height, 11 inch augurs, and 12 inch impeller, is designed to handle. The augurs are driven by a decent-sized augur gearbox with cast-iron housing. Since the engine is well matched to the machine’s capacity, we’ve found that the Compact rarely clogs. These models feature Ariens’ Auto-Turn Steering (Intuitive Power Steering), 2.5X Quick-Turn Chute Rotation, and Remote Chute Deflector. Heated Hand Grips are optional. For those buyers who need extra traction on tougher terrain, the track-drive version, called the Compact 24 RapidTrak, adds a reduced-size version of Ariens’ large-frame RapidTrak drive system. The Compact 24 RapidTrak is the most economical track-drive snow blower available from Ariens, making it an unusually good value. This series is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. We consider the Compact series to be well-made and a very good choice for buyers whose needs match its capabilities and advantages. This series gets top reviews from buyers who laud its power, performance, and features. The Ariens Compact series offers good value given its quality, performance, and standard features, all of which justify our overall rating of Good. (When considering its intended use as a compact substitute for a large-frame snow blower, we rate the Ariens Compact series as Very Good.)

Ariens Deluxe

The Deluxe series is Ariens’ mainstream, large-frame product line and includes 24 inch, 28 inch, and 30 inch wide models. All Deluxe snow blowers feature Auto-Turn Steering (Intuitive Power Steering), 2.5X Quick-Turn Chute, Remote Chute Deflector, Dual-Belt Drive for the augurs, a dash-mounted LED Headlight, larger wheels with 16 inch tires, and optional Heated Hand Grips. They use a taller (21 inch), deeper augur box with very large 14 inch augurs and 14 inch impeller, along with Ariens’ standard cast-iron augur gearbox. They employ adequately-sized engines of 254cc and 12.5 lb-ft torque and 306cc and 15.0 lb-ft torque that are fairly well-matched to the snow blowers’ capacities. Of the 28 inch models, we prefer the SHO (Super High Output) model with larger, more powerful 306cc 15.0 lb-ft engine instead of the 254cc 12.5 lb-ft engine, for superior clearing and throwing. The top Deluxe 30 EFI adds EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) to the 306cc 15.0 lb-ft engine, which is particularly helpful at high altitudes. This series is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. Those buyers who have uneven terrain and are considering the Deluxe 30 inch model with Auto-Turn Steering may wish to choose another maker’s snow blower with triggered Power Steering, since there have been reports that it can be difficult to control. This series gets top reviews from buyers who praise its ease of operation and outstanding performance in all kinds of snow. Deluxe series snow blowers are an excellent choice for most homeowners, who need reliable snow clearing performance under varying conditions. We rank the Ariens Deluxe series as Good, given its available configurations, performance, and ease of use.

Ariens Platinum

The Platinum series is Ariens’ premium, large-frame product line. It employs the same chassis (augur box and traction drive) as the Deluxe series. All models are designated as SHO (Super High Output) owing to their very large, powerful engines. Ariens states that their Platinum series is distinguished by “features like heated handgrips, a Super High Output impeller, Auto-Turn Steering Technology, and premium Ariens engine options”. However, the Deluxe series also features Auto-Turn Steering (Intuitive Power Steering) and an SHO impeller, while heated hand grips are optional. After reviewing the Parts Manuals, we found that The Platinum and Deluxe series share the same exact impeller. In fact, both product lines share the same augur box, augurs, cast-iron augur gearbox, and impeller. The Platinum series features very powerful, significantly larger engines, including a 369cc 17.0 lb-ft engine on the 24 inch Platinum 24 SHO and the 28 inch Platinum 28 RapidTrak SHO models, a 414cc 20 lb-ft engine on the 30 inch model, and an EFI 369cc 17.0 lb-ft engine on the Special Edition Platinum Great Lakes 24 SHO EFI model. In addition to the EFI engine, the Platinum Great Lakes 24 SHO EFI adds Electric Chute Operation via a Thumb Joystick and a 6 inch LED Light Bar mounted at the front of the augur box to provide better lighting of the snow blower path. Nevertheless, the main difference between the Platinum and Deluxe series is the more powerful engines. For those who need extra traction on tougher terrain, the Platinum series offers a track-drive model, the Platinum 28 RapidTrak SHO, which adds Ariens’ adjustable RapidTrak track-drive system. It is the lowest-priced, large-frame, track-drive snow blower offered by Ariens. The Platinum series is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. Those buyers who have uneven terrain and are considering the Platinum 30 inch SHO model with Auto-Turn Steering may wish to choose another maker’s snow blower with triggered Power Steering, since there have been reports that the high power output amplifies control issues on this very wide machine. The Ariens Platinum series snow blowers are pricier than the Deluxe series, but offer excellent performance owing to their big engines. We rank the Platinum series as Very Good.

ARIENS PROFESSIONAL

Ariens Professional

The Professional series is Ariens’ largest and beefiest product line. It employs a somewhat heavier chassis with a larger augur box and Heavy-Duty Handlebars constructed of reinforced, box-section steel. The 23.5 inch tall and deeper augur box houses enormous 16 inch augurs. It employs the same 14 inch impeller and cast-iron augur gearbox found on the Platinum series. It also uses the same transmission, except in “Hydro” models. The Professional series offers 8 models ranging in size from 28 to 36 inch widths in several configurations containing Friction Disc or Hydrostatic Automatic transmissions and either wheel-drive or track-drive. These snow blowers come with a full complement of standard features starting with Auto-Turn Steering (Intuitive Power Steering), 2.5X Quick-Turn Chute with Remote Chute Deflector, LED Headlight, large wheels with 16 inch tires or the RapidTrak system, Heated Hand Grips, and Drift Cutters. All models employ Ariens’ biggest 21.0 lb-ft 420cc carbureted or EFI engine.

The combination of clearing width, traction drive (wheel or track-drive), transmission (Friction Disc or Hydrostatic Automatic), and fuel delivery type (carbureted or EFI) is identified in the Professional model names, of which there are four standard Professional models and four Special Edition Professional models. The absence of “RapidTrak” from a model name indicates it is a wheel-drive machine, but for better understanding, we shall note “wheel-drive” in the following descriptions. Here’s how the four Professional models break down. The Professional 28 (wheel-drive) and Professional 32 (wheel-drive) use a manually controlled chute with 2.5X Quick-Turn Chute Rotation and Remote Chute Deflector. The Professional 28 RapidTrak Hydro, of course uses Ariens’ adjustable RapidTrak track-drive system and adds a Hydrostatic Automatic plus Electric Chute Operation via a Thumb Joystick. The Professional 36 Hydro EFI (wheel-drive) adds a Hydrostatic Automatic and EFI for better engine performance, particularly at high altitudes.

Now, let’s look at the four remaining Special Edition Professional models and identify the premium features that distinguish them from their standard Professional 28 and 32 configurations. The Professional Alpine Edition 28 Hydro EFI (wheel-drive) adds a Hydrostatic Automatic, EFI, Thumb Joystick Electric Chute Operation, and a 6 inch LED light bar mounted on the front of the augur box. The Professional Alpine Edition 28 RapidTrak Hydro EFI uses the RapidTrak drive system to make it the track-drive version of its Alpine Edition 28 Hydro EFI wheel-drive sibling. The Professional Mountaineering Edition 32 RapidTrak Hydro EFI uses the RapidTrak drive system and adds a Hydrostatic Automatic, EFI, Thumb Joystick Electric Chute Operation, Onboard Battery Key Start, a 6 inch LED light bar on the augur box, and a bigger 1.84 gallon fuel tank. The Professional Kraken Edition 32 RapidTrak Hydro EFI uses the RapidTrak drive system with Electric Track Actuator (to electrically adjust the traction and augur box angle) and adds a Hydrostatic Automatic, EFI, Thumb Joystick Electric Chute Operation, 360 degree lighting (21 inch LED light bar on the augur box, chute LED lights, and a rear downward LED light), and a bigger 1.84 gallon fuel tank.

All Professional series snow blowers are covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 1 year limited commercial warranty. Those buyers who have uneven terrain and are considering the Professional 32 or 36 inch models may wish to choose another maker’s snow blower with triggered Power Steering, since there have been reports that the high power output amplifies Auto-Turn Steering control issues on these very wide machines. The Ariens Professional series snow blowers are quite a bit pricier than the Platinum series, but offer excellent performance owing to their superior design, veyr big engines, and content. We rank the Professional series as Outstanding.

Ariens Track

Ariens’ Track series is simply an assembly of the six RapidTrak track-drive models from the Compact, Platinum, and Professional series. These are the: Compact 24 RapidTrak, Platinum 28 RapidTrak SHO, Professional 28 RapidTrak Hydro, Professional Alpine Edition 28 RapidTrak Hydro EFI, Professional Mountaineering Edition 32 RapidTrak Hydro EFI, and Professional Kraken Edition 32 RapidTrak Hydro EFI. These are discussed in the sections for each of the respective product series with which they align.

TORO

Toro introduced its first walk-behind snow blower in 1952 with the release of the Snow Hound, followed by the lightweight Snow Pup in 1962. They have been producing outstanding snow blowers with smart innovations ever since. Toro led the way in developing solutions for user problems, such as barrel-mounted augurs, which effectively prevented clogging and enhanced snow throwing performance, by precisely managing the intake of snow to match the throwing capabilities of their snow blowers. Today, Toro achieves these goals using a uniquely shaped barrel to recycle larger pieces of snow for further processing before sending it up the chute. The company is known for its ongoing and innovative refinement of snow blower design to improve the handling, clearing, and throwing of all kinds of snow. At the same time, Toro incorporates new ways to make operation easier for customers. Later in this article, you will discover some of the unique features found only on Toro snow blowers. Toro makes compact, large-frame, and track-driven snow blowers to serve both residential and professional users and their specific needs.

**Toro Commercial Power TRX HD 1432 OHXE**

TORO RESIDENTIAL

Toro offers two series of very well-designed, residential snow blowers. These are the Power Max Compact and Power Max HD series, which do not share the same chassis, but have many of Toro’s unique features, including Triggerless Steering (Intuitive Power Steering), Anti-Clogging, No Shear Pins, and Quick Stick chute control.

Toro Power Max Compact

The Power Max Compact series is available in widths of 24 and 26 inches and serves both as Toro’s compact and entry 2-stage product. It is designed for those who need a compact or standard width, 2-stage snow blower. These are solid machines, weighing in at close to 200 lbs. These compact snow blowers are powered by very good-sized 252cc engines in relation to the processing capacity that their smaller augur box, with 20 inch height and 11 inch augurs, is designed to handle. The augurs are driven by a robust augur gearbox with hardened gears, which Toro claims eliminates the need for shear pins. These models also feature Toro’s Anti-Clogging system that employs a uniquely shaped barrel that sends larger chunks of snow back to the augurs for further crushing before reaching the impeller. This reduces clogging of the second stage (at the chute base) and enhances snow throwing. This series also offers Toro’s Triggerless Steering (Intuitive Power Steering) and Quick Stick Chute control. The top model even offers Heated Hand Grips and Heavy-Duty Handlebars (but it approaches the price of the larger Power Max HD). For residential use, the Compact series is covered by a 3 year limited warranty. Although we have reservations about Toro’s No Shear Pins feature, we consider the Power Max Compact series to be well-made and a very good choice for buyers whose needs match its capabilities and advantages. The Power Max Compact series offers good value given its quality, performance, and rich features, all of which support our overall rating of Good. (When considering its intended use as a compact substitute for a large-frame snow blower, we rate the Toro Power Max Compact as Very Good.)

Toro Power Max HD

The Power Max HD series serves as Toro’s mainstream residential, large-frame snow blower line. These come in at a higher price point than the compacts, but are sized between 28 and 32 inches in cutting width, and weigh in at about 250 to 275 lbs. These are powered by good-sized engines and employ a large-capacity augur box that is 21 inches in height. The very large 14 inch augurs are driven by Toro’s robust commercial-grade augur box with hardened steel gears (accompanied by Toro’s No Shear Pins promise). They feed snow through Toro’s Anti-Clogging system to an unusually large 14 inch impeller. Toro’s unique combination of features, including Triggerless Steering (Intuitive Power Steering), Anti-Clogging, Double Deflector, No Shear Pins, Quick-Stick, Heavy-Duty Handlebars, and Heated Hand Grips, are offered on this snow blower line. Also, Toro’s headlight is mounted just in front of the engine to better light the path in front of the snow blower. The engines, which are well-matched to the capabilities of this series, include a 252cc and 265cc for the 28 inch models, 302cc for the 30 inch model, and 375cc for the 32 inch model. For residential use, the Power Max HD series is covered by a 3 year limited warranty. Owing to the intelligent design of the Toro Power Max HD series, we rate them as Very Good.

TORO PROFESSIONAL

Toro Commercial Power Max HD

Toro makes 28 and 32 inch Professional snow blowers that are extensions of the Power Max HD series with the added Commercial moniker. Approaching 300 lbs, they are built on the same chassis with the same augur box and dimensions. They are enhanced with larger (420cc), more powerful engines, Heavy-Duty Handlebars (reinforced, box section), a unique dash containing an additional LED headlight strip, Power Steering (which operates better on wide machines) in place of Triggerless Steering, Drift Cutters, and a longer 5 year limited residential warranty (vs 3 years), along with a 1 year limited commercial warranty. We rate Toro’s Commercial Power Max HD series as Outstanding.

Toro Commercial Power TRX

Toro also offers 28 and 32 inch, Commercial Power TRX track-drive snow blowers that are directly based on their Commercial Power Max HD counterparts. These offer the exact same features as the Commercial models, including their most powerful 420cc engine. These models add a Hydrostatic Automatic Transmission with infinitely variable drive speed and a Quick-Adjust Augur Housing with 3 positions. They employ a well-designed, symmetrical 3-point, traction system for operation on tough terrain and steep slopes. Like their Commercial counterparts, this series is covered by a 5 year limited residential warranty and 1 year limited commercial warranty. We rate the Power TRX series as Outstanding.

BRIGGS AND STRATTON

Briggs and Stratton manufactures snow blowers under their own name, based on designs by Murray, whom they acquired. It also manufactures Simplicity and Snapper. You will also find some of these snow blowers under the Brute brand name. Of course, Briggs and Stratton uses their reliable Snow Series and Professional Series engines in all of the snow blowers they make. Briggs offers two series of their own, both residential, the Standard and Elite series. Each series is made up of only 3 models with widths of 24 and 27 inches for the Standard series and 24, 27, and 30 inches for the Elite Series. Briggs does not offer any Compact, Track-Drive. or Professional series snow blowers at this time. All snow blowers in both series are covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty.

**Briggs and Stratton Standard 27 inch 11.5 lb-ft**

**Briggs and Stratton Elite 30 inch 14.5 lb-ft**

BRIGGS AND STRATTON RESIDENTIAL

Briggs and Stratton Standard

The Standard series offers three snow blowers, two of which are 24 inch models and one of which is a 27 inch model. None of the Standard series have power steering. All three machines have a 20 inch tall augur box with 12 inch augurs driven by a basic aluminum augur gearbox, along with a 3 blade 12 inch impeller. They all feature a steel chute, electric start, and Briggs Snow series engines. The entry 24 inch model is very basic and oriented to buyers seeking an economy solution for mostly light snow that is a modest step up from a single stage snow blower. It is powered by a 9.5 lb-ft 208cc Briggs 950 Snow engine It has manual chute rotation via a straight crank located below the handles and has smaller 13 inch tires. Otherwise, there are no frills, such as a Headlight, a Remote Chute Deflector, or Heated Hand Grips. The better 24 inch and 27 inch models use a more upright handlebar arrangement with dash and controls, including manual chute rotation crank and chute deflector handle, in front of the operator. They add an LED Headlight on the front of the dash, Dual Handle Interlock, and slightly larger 14 inch tires. The better 24 inch uses the same 9.5 lb-ft, 208cc, 950 Snow engine as the entry model, while the 27 inch uses an 11.5 lb-ft, 250cc, 1150 Snow engine. Note that the Snapper Medium-Duty snow blowers correspond closely to the latter two Briggs Standard models. The Standard series is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. Owing to the modest design and lack of Power Steering and Heated Hand Grips, we rank the Briggs and Stratton Standard series as Acceptable. We consider it a Good Buy only when compared with the more expensive Elite series, because it should offer the same snow throwing performance, but with less convenient operation.

Briggs and Stratton Elite

The Elite series offers 24 inch, 27 inch, and 30 inch wheel-drive models only. It is the foundation for the nearly identical Simplicity Select series. Compared to the Standard series, the Elite series adds a steel dash, an LED Headlight mounted a bit higher on the dash, Power Steering, Heated Hand grips, and 16 inch tires on larger 8 inch wheels. However, the Elite series has some drawbacks that are associated with Briggs and Stratton’s Standard series snow blowers. Firstly, they use the same shallow, 20 inch tall augur boxes with modest-sized 12 inch diameter augurs, basic aluminum augur gearbox, and 3 blade 12 inch impeller. Further, they are powered by relatively small engines, including a 208cc 950 Snow Series with 9.5 lb-ft for the 24 inch (same as the Standard), a 250cc 1150 Snow Series with 11.5 lb-ft of torque for the 27 inch (same as the Standard), and a 306cc 1450 Professional Series with 14.5 lb-ft of torque for the 30 inch. The Elite series is covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. We have reservations about the Elite series’ modest design and merely adequate performance, which is comparable to Briggs Standard and Elite series. We have reservations about the Elite series’ modest snow processing design and merely adequate performance (comparable to the Standard series). Owing only to its fairly complete list of convenience features, we rank the Briggs and Stratton Elite series as Good.

HUSQVARNA

Husqvarna makes the Poulan Pro, RedMax, and Jonsered brands. These are clones of their Husqvarna counterparts, with only mildly different cosmetic treatments. Each of Husqvarna’s product lines offers only 24, 27, and 30 inch wide models. Husqvarna’s Residential products include the ST300 and ST300 series. Their Professional products include the wheel-drive ST400 and track-drive ST400T series. Husqvarna-made snow blowers fall to the lower level owing to many quality and reliability problems related to poor design, weak construction, faulty assembly, inferior parts, and unsatisfactory warranty and customer service upon frequent breakdowns. As a result, we cannot recommend any Husqvarna snow blowers.

HUSQVARNA RESIDENTIAL

Husqvarna makes two lines of residential snow blowers, the ST200 and ST300 series. All residential ST200 and ST300 series snow blowers are covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. Buyers of both Husqvarna residential ST200 and ST300 series machines complained about a host of failures owing to poor design, weak construction, flimsy steel and plastic parts, discontinued parts, assembly issues, and frequent breakdowns each season, leading to long periods without their machines during winter months. In addition, they cited poor dealer warranty service and problems with Husqvarna customer service. Owing to many quality and reliability problems, we cannot recommend any Husqvarna Residential snow blowers.

Husqvarna ST200

Although all ST200 models feature power steering and a remote chute deflector, the three models are very light, use small engines, and have small augurs. Reliability has been poor with owners citing problems with the chute, traction drive failure, failure of welds in the chassis, broken parts, use of substandard plastic parts, and poor assembly. We rank the Husqvarna Residential ST200 series Unacceptable owing to severe quality and reliability problems.

Husqvarna ST300

The ST300 series machines are up to 20% heavier and add bigger more powerful engines, larger augurs, a heavier impeller, and heated hand grips. The engines are sized at 252, 301, and 389cc for the three widths of 24, 27, and 30 inches. Owners reported issues with the traction drive system, belts, various flimsy parts that fail or fall off, and poor assembly. We rank the Husqvarna Residential ST300 series as Unacceptable owing to very poor quality and reliability.

HUSQVARNA PROFESSIONAL

All Professional ST400 and ST400T series snow blowers are covered by a 3 year limited residential warranty and a 90 day limited commercial warranty. Buyers of Husqvarna Professional series wheel-drive ST400 and track-drive ST400T machines complained about a host of failures owing to poor design, inferior construction quality, flimsy steel and plastic parts, discontinued parts, assembly issues, and frequent breakdowns each season. In addition, they cited poor dealer warranty service, including problems with Husqvarna customer service. Owing to a host of quality, reliability, and service problems, we cannot recommend any Husqvarna Professional series snow blowers.

Husqvarna ST400

Husqvarna’s top-end machines, the ST400 and ST400T Professional series, are similar in construction to the ST300 series. The significant added weight of the ST400 series is mainly attributable to their use of larger EFI engines, Keyed Electric Start with heavy onboard battery, and a Hydrostatic Automatic Transmission. The engines are sized at 301cc, 389cc, and 420cc for the three widths of 24, 27, and 30 inches. They also add a cast-iron, but still small, augur gearbox and a 4-blade impeller. For the most part, the ST400 models add luxury features that make operation more convenient, but do not greatly improve snow clearing performance over the ST300 series. However, their prices rival those of the best professional snow blowers available from Simplicity and Ariens, which are better choices. We believe the Husavarna ST400 Professional series does not measure up to the best commercial-grade snow blowers. Reliability has been substandard with owners citing problems with the chute, the drive axle, broken parts, and poor assembly. Accordingly, we rank the Husqvarna Professional ST400 series as Unacceptable.

HUSQVARNA ST400T

The ST400T series offers 24, 27, and 30 inch track-drive models, directly based on the wheeled models. They share the same attributes as their ST400 counterparts. The tracked models include a lever Adjustable Augur Housing that has limited functionality when lowered to the Lock position (refer to the description of the Adjustable Augur Housing feature under ‘Desirable Features’). The relatively small, flimsy-looking, two-wheel track-drive system appears to be capable of only light-duty use at best. Beyond the issues cited with the ST400 series, buyers of ST400T track-drive models complained that the track system is designed and constructed poorly, leading to frequent breakdowns because of various part failures. Owing to the many quality and reliability issues cited for the underlying ST400 chassis and the poorly made track-drive system, we rank the Husqvarna Professional ST400T series as Unacceptable.

MTD

MTD manufactures the following brands of yard products: Columbia, Craftsman, Cub Cadet, MTD, MTD Gold, MTD Pro, Remington, Troy-Bilt, Yard-Man, and Yard Machines. MTD snow blowers are mainly sold under the Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, and Cub Cadet names.

Avoid all MTD-made snow blowers because they share the same (or similar) inferior traction drive, which is very weak and prone to failure. This drive system has been overly simplified with as little as a pinion gear cast into the friction disc rod and a single axle gear to drive the wheels (refer to the Sample MTD Drive Schematic shown below). These few components are very flimsy and fail after only a few years use, requiring expensive replacement of the entire assembly. Also, the augurs on these machines are relatively small, which compromises processing of heavier snow. Further, the augurs are made of thin metal and prone to damage, requiring replacement.

Stunningly, all snow blowers from Cub Cadet (considered a premium brand), including their most expensive models, share the same minimalist style traction drive. In addition, Craftsman snow blowers are nearly identical to their Troy-Bilt counterparts. Below is a comparison of the drive systems of contemporary MTD snow blowers with Ariens and Simplicity snow blowers (Signature Pro shown).

Even though MTD uses their brand names to distinguish perceived quality, there are no key differences in basic chassis design and construction quality. Accordingly, we rank all MTD-made residential snow blowers, regardless of brand name, as Unacceptable.

**Simplicity Signature Pro Drive Schematic**

OFF-BRANDS

Lastly, avoid off-brand machines, which are invariably made in China, including Champion, Powerland, PowerSmart, Yard Force, and Wen, among others. These tend to have a variety of shortcomings, particularly in desing and construction, which lead to poor records on quality, reliability, durability, operation, and performance.

Jay's Power Equipment

Library

Article 29: Shopping For A Gas-Powered, 2-Stage Snow Blower