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Remember the old saying, “a good winter with snow makes all the plants grow”?
But that is not the problem, is it?
While snow might benefit your garden plants in some ways, it can also spell trouble by stuffing the entranceway, sidewalks, and driveways – restricting mobility, as well as creating a dangerously slippery surface.
And to avoid the dreadful winter task of removing the snowfalls with a shovel, bare hands, or even with the time-consuming 1-stage blower, we will be debating over the 2 stage snow blower vs 3 stage snow blower to determine which one is best suited for the job.
Table of Contents
What Is a Snow Blower?
A snow blower or snow thrower is a machine that removes larger piles of snow (even if it’s wet and slushy) from an unwanted area.
Why Is It Called a 2-stage Snowblower?
It got its name “two-stage” because it consists of a dual mechanism (auger and impeller) that works hand-in-hand to effortlessly throw snow approximately 20 to 30 feet away – depending on the model.
The auger pulls up snow on gravel/concrete grounds into the machine then feeds it to the high-speed impeller, which in turn directs it out of a discharge chute.
2-stage snow blower comes in a wide variety of sizes and features depending on the brand and the job at hand.
Why Is It Called a 3 Stage Snow Blower?
The 3-stage snow blower has the same stages as the 2-stage snowblower, but with an additional third stage: the accelerator.
The Accelerator rapidly increases the snow collection process by taking it from the augers and pushes it up into the discharge impeller – within a twinkle of an eye.
Moreover, with its robust engine and heavy-duty gearbox, you can free hips of snows up to 20 inches and tow them away to a width of about 30 inches – without hassle.
2 Stage Snow Blower Vs 3 Stage [Features and Benefits Comparison]
1. Speed and Efficiency
3 stage and 2-stage snow blowers generally work the same way. But the implanted accelerator in the 3-stage takes snow blowing to the next level.
The third stage accelerator spins 10X the speed of the augers, crushing even the heaviest and wettest snowfall before throwing it out of the high-impact, clog-resistant polymer chute.
The tossing distance is usually 50 feet and above, which makes it the best bet for both normal-sized/broader driveways. Whereas, the 2-stage has about 25-50 feet of propelling prowess ideal for mini-route and insufficient for sizable ones.
When faced with even the most unshakable, gigantic snowdrifts the engine doesn’t crumble or leave the path untidy unlike the 2-stage and single-stage units.
The bottom line: The 3-stage snow blower beats the 2-stage hands down because they are engineered to tackling both residential and commercial snow removal jobs flawlessly within a fraction of the time.
Now I’m not saying two-stage units won’t do the job properly, but not as competent and effective as three-stage would.
They might have a good mix of performance, power, as well as maneuverability but nothing compared to the 3-stage models.
Because the 3 stage unit will definitely be an unwavering alliance that will help you conquer those hard winter months, they are worth every penny.
2. Maintenance Cost
“With great power comes great maintenance” – Gardening Bank.
While the 3 stage snow blower might have gotten an edge over 2 stages in terms of efficiency, this amazing machine does come with a BIG caveat, and that is maintenance.
Sheesh!
The heart of the matter is 3-stage requires commercial-level maintenance. Due to the sheer power of its engine and the complexity of its parts, it is best left to a professional.
So does this mean you’ll be spending more to keep it in a good health than you would if you had a 2 stage machine?
ABSOLUTELY!
Having a three-stage snow blower means countless trips to the mechanic show and inconvenient storage after the end of each winter season.
Therefore, it will burn a hole in your pocket one way or the other, even for those who are backyard wrench monkeys that can still maintain these beasts.
It consumes fuel faster. The Higher fuel used leads to increased operating costs, and not everyone can afford that.
On the bright side, you can simply settle for the less-troublesome 2-stage machine that has a low maintenance rating, as well as easy storage.
3. The Price Tag
Between 2 stage vs 3 stage snowblower which is more pocket-friendly?
This is every homeowner’s million-dollar question before making any purchase. Nobody would love to break the bank for a device that will only be used annually.
3 stage snow blowers might offer top-rated performance and the ultimate peace-of-mind. However, they are usually pricier than most 2-stage blower since they’re designed complexly to tackle winter’s worst.
On the other hand, even the best 2-stage blowers from top-notch brands are quite affordable for the majority of the population.
Recommended Reading:
- Best Electric Snow Blowers For Garden
- Best 3-Stage Snow Blowers
- How to Use a Trenching Shovel
- Drain Spade Vs Trenching Shovel
- Essential Gardening Tools
Final Thoughts | 2 Stage Vs 3 Stage Snow Blower
Between the 2 stage snow blower vs 3 stage have you chosen anyone yet?
If you haven’t, here is a piece of advice that might help give clarity:
You should consider the amount of snow experienced, the size of the area to be cleared, as well as the length of your pocket before making a purchase.
Simply put, if you’re the kind that settles for nothing less than the best and money won’t be a problem, the three-stage snow blower is worth it.
However, if you’re like the majority of gardeners with an average home who wants a machine that can do the job at a considerable hour and is easy to maintain, the two-stage is the go-to option.
