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Briggs & Stratton 1024
- Wide range of features
- Perfect maneuverability
- Lightweight construction
Honda HSS928AATD
- Anti-slip tracks
- Destroys snow and ice
- Extremely long distance
Husqvarna ST224P
- Heated handgrips
- Incredible maneuverability
- High-traction rubber tires
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The vast number of snow blower models is enough to spin anyone’s head.
However, if you want to play it safe, the best type to get is a two-stage snow blower.
These are powerful machines that crush and toss large snow mounds while also being reasonably priced.
In this guide, we’ll show you what we think is the best two-stage snow blower after more than six weeks of researching over 25 models.
Best Two-Stage Snow Blower – Briggs & Stratton 1024
From our extensive research and testing, the one model we found to be the best two-stage snow blower of them all is the Briggs & Stratton 1024.
This two-stager is driven by a beefy motor that demolishes and discharges tons of snow with every pass.
Here are the 1024’s key specifications—
- 208cc Engine
- 24 x 20-inch Intake
- 30-foot Throw Distance
- Friction Disc Drive
The Briggs & Stratton 1024 is an incredibly beefy two-stage snow blower designed to tackle the tallest snow mounds imaginable.
With a 24 x 20-inch intake, nothing can lie in its path and live to tell its take.
The large 208cc 950 series engine takes in snow of all textures, grinds it to manageable pieces, and tosses it up to 30 feet away.
It comes with plenty of convenience-adding features as well, such as heated handgrips and one-handed operation while the 1024 propels itself forward.
Here’s an instruction video on how to the set 1024 up.
Pros
- Wide range of features
- Perfect maneuverability
- Lightweight construction
- Incredible user-friendly
Cons
- Instructions manual could be easier to follow
After you start using the Briggs & Stratton 1024, you’ll wonder why you’ve wasted countless hours with manual shoving all these years.
Top two stage snow blowers in the market compared
Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall - Briggs & Stratton 1024 |
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Best Premium - Honda HSS928AATD |
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Best Budget - Husqvarna ST224P |
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YARDMAX YB5765 |
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Briggs & Stratton S1227 |
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Husqvarna ST224 |
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PowerSmart DB72024PA |
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Husqvarna ST230P |
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Ariens ST24LE |
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Troy-Bilt Storm 2625 |
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Reviews of Best two stage snow blowers
Best Premium - Honda HSS928AATD
Key Specifications
- 270cc Engine
- 28 x 21.7-inch Intake
- 52-foot Throw Distance
- Track Drive
Our best premium two-stage snow blower pick is the Honda HSS982AATD. The model name isn’t easy to say, unlike the way this tool operates.
Its 270cc Honda OHV engine drives the high-speed auger that draws in 27 x 21.7-inch of snow with every pass.
The impeller fan then crushes everything that gets pushed through it and tosses the chopped-up snow and ice more than 50 feet in any direction.
Instead of wheels, the Honda two-stage snow blower stands atop a set of tracks that improve traction.
These tracks ensure the machine remains steady at all times, even when treading on slippery ice patches.
This descriptive video will give you an overview of the Honda’s astounding features.
Pros
- Anti-slip tracks
- Destroys snow and ice
- Extremely long throwing distance
- Rugged, anti-corrosive construction
Cons
- Could be easier to push
Everything about the Honda HSS982AATD is oversized, from its motor to large intake all the way and heavy-duty construction.
Best Budget - Husqvarna ST224P
Key Specifications
- 208cc Engine
- 24 x 23-inch Intake
- 35-foot Throw Distance
- Power Steering
The Husqvarna ST224P comes with a decently large intake that swallows tall snow mounds in a single gulp.
With the help of the 208cc engine, snow and ice shards are tossed up to 35 feet away from your driveways and sidewalks.
The ST224P comes with a handy power-steering feature that makes turning 180° a breeze, despite its bulky size and hefty weight.
With six speeds, you decide how quickly or slowly the machine plows through compacted snowbanks.
There’s also a reverse gear to help unstick the machine when it attempts to bite more than it can chew.
Pros
- Heated handgrips
- Incredible maneuverability
- High-traction rubber tires
- Easy-to-control chute from behind handlebar
Cons
- Could work better on wet snow
For a budget-friendly snow blower, the ST224P certainly does perform or feel cheap in any way. Anybody from homeowners to professionals would find value in this top-performing two-stager.
YARDMAX YB5765
Key Specifications
- 196cc Engine
- 22 x 16-inch Intake
- 40-foot Throw Distance
- Multi-Speed Self-Propelled
The YARDMAX YB5765 doesn’t look much different from most two-stage snow blowers, and it even comes with many of the same features as its competition.
This is the lightest version of the YB series, but it still powers through tall snow mounds easily.
The 196cc engine tosses snow and ice debris up to 40 feet away. You can adjust the chute and deflector on the fly while operating it with a single hand.
The intake is on the shorter side by two-stage snow blower standards. However, it still deals with tall snow mounds in a single pass quickly and effortlessly.
Watch the YB6765’s astonishing snow-blowing performance in this demo video.
Pros
- Simple operation
- Quick electric starter
- Durable serrated augers
- Self-driving at comfortable speeds
Cons
- Could do better on wet snow
Like we said, the YARDMAX YB5765 isn’t sporting any unique features, but its performance ratings are through the roof.
Briggs & Stratton S1227
Key Specifications
- 250cc Engine
- 27 x 20-inch Intake
- 30-foot Throw Distance
- Free Hand Control
The S1227 is a top-tier, commercial-line snow blower that soldiers through the toughest snow-throwing tasks without issue.
Snow of any texture, from compacted to wet and slushy, all get dealt with evenly well by the 27 x 20-inch intake and powerful impeller.
It tosses snow up to 30 feet in the distance and in any direction you choose.
Controlling the chute and travel speed are done from behind the handlebar, and the one-handed operation allows you to work while playing with the control board.
It’s a simple-to-use two-stage machine with an amazing power-to-weight ratio.
Watch this information video to see how to set up your S1227 snow blower.
Pros
- Quick electric starter
- Sports anti-skid shoes
- All-steel construction
- Conveniently placed controls
Cons
- Assembly could be easier
The S1227 lives up to the good Briggs & Stratton name in every way imaginable, even including its pain-in-the-neck assembly.
Husqvarna ST224
Key Specifications
- 208cc Engine
- 24 x 23-inch Intake
- 35-foot Throw Distance
- Remote Chute Control
This list contains both the ST224P and the original ST224. This should offer a clear picture of just how well-made Husky two-stage snow blowers are.
In terms of features, the ST224 is the lesser of the two since it doesn’t have power steering, but in every other way, they’re identical from top to bottom.
If you can live without power steering, you’ll get the same amazing performance as the ST224P at a slightly lower cost.
You’ll also get all of the convenience of managing every configurable part from the comfort of behind the handlebar.
Pros
- Piercingly bright LEDs
- Powerful serrated augers
- One-button electric starter
- Reasonably easy-to-follow assembly guide
Cons
- Impeller fan could be made of more durable material
The ST224 is an excellent option for homeowners looking for a powerful two-stage machine at a reasonable cost for its performance.
PowerSmart DB72024PA
Key Specifications
- 212cc Engine
- 24 x 21-inch Intake
- 40-foot Throw Distance
- PowerAssist Technology
The PowerSmart DB72024PA truly is a powerful and an intelligent two-stage snow blower.
It comes with a hefty 212cc engine to swallow and spit out about 720 pounds of snow—compacted and powdery—every minute.
It doesn’t look like much, and the control board is a lot simpler than most two-stage snow blowers, but it more than makes up for its lack of appeal with amazing performance.
Perhaps the DB72024PA’s most prominent feature, other than its self-driving feature with four forward gears and two reverse gears, is power steering, which makes it easy to turn without backing up first.
Learn about PowerAssist technology by watching this video.
Pros
- Painless assembly
- Chomps snow and ice effortlessly
- Self-propelling with power steering
- Anti-skid shoes to save concrete surfaces
Cons
- May leak gas from time to time
Assuming your DB72024PA arrives at your doorstep fully intact, there’s nothing stopping you and it from breaking large mounds and tossing them into your neighbor’s yard.
Husqvarna ST230P
Key Specifications
- 291cc Engine
- 30 x 21-inch Intake
- 40-foot Discharge
- Plug-in Starter
The ST230P is another of Husqvarna incredible inventions. Its intake is six inches wider the ST224 models but shorter by two inches.
However, its super-beefy 291cc engine allows the augers and impeller fan to decimate snow before discharging it up to 40 feet away.
Cold temperatures can take a toll on electric starters, but not in the ST230P.
Instead, simply plug it into a standard wall outlet and press the button starter; it’ll begin working in just a couple of tries. The machine sits on two X-Trac tires that add extra traction on slippery surfaces.
Pros
- Friction disc self-propelled
- Easy-to-figure-out control board
- Instant startup almost every time
- Remains stable on slippery surfaces
Cons
- Drive belt could be more durable
The ST230P is one of Husqvarna’s most astounding two-stage snow blowers. The plug-in starter makes it extra-easy to turn on in subzero climates.
Ariens ST24LE
Key Specifications
- 254cc Engine
- 24 x 21-inch Intake
- 40-foot Throw Distance
- Auto-Turn Steering System
The ST24LE is one of Ariens’ most prized two-stage snow blowers available.
This machine sits on two 16-inch wheels with extra traction to keep the 24 x 21-inch intake stable on slippery surfaces.
Plus, the intake comes with skid shoes to prevent the steel housing from tearing up concrete surfaces.
The ST24LE’s shining feature is the patented auto-turning system that lets you turn on a dime without shifting into reverse beforehand.
Shifting up and down gears is done in the opposite direction as most snow blowers, so experienced users will have to renew their muscle memory.
Pros
- High-torque engine
- Maneuvers perfectly
- Removes wet and powdery snow effortlessly
- Comprehensive control board behind handlebar
Cons
- Shifting gears could be done in “normal” direction
The ST24LE is a deluxe 24-inch two-stage snow blower that tackles the roughest, toughest, and slushiest snow piles with ease.
Troy-Bilt Storm 2625
Key Specifications
- 243cc Engine
- 26 x 21-inch Intake
- 20-foot Throw Distance
- One-Handed Operation
Coming up at the rear on our list of the best two-stage snow blowers is the Troy-Bilt Storm 2625.
In terms of looks, it doesn’t appear too unique, but it’s what’s under the hood that matters most.
This machine is powered by a 243cc engine that offers six forward speeds and two reverse gears for flawless mobility across all terrains with just a single hand.
The airless tires keep the 26 x 21-inch intake slightly off the ground with the help of skid shoes to keep concrete surfaces intact.
However, despite its beefy build, this machine tosses snow only 20 feet away.
See the 2625 in action in this promotional video.
Pros
- Decently large intake
- Keeps steady on all surfaces
- Controllable with a single hand
- Excellent snow and ice crushing abilities
Cons
- Could throw snow farther
The Troy-Bilt Storm 2625 is an interesting two-stage snow blower that moves easily and throws any textured snow away without issue.
FAQ’s
In this section, we’ll briefly answer the most frequently asked questions about two-stage snow blowers.
Two-stage snow blowers are called so due to the addition of an impeller fan as opposed to the auger-only design of single-stage machines. As for three-stagers, they don’t only have an impeller fan but also an accelerator that’s designed to crush snow and ice chunks into manageable pieces before discharge. The accelerator is a lot more reliable at destroying ice shards than the augers and impeller fan combined.
That depends on how much snowfall your city experiences every winter. For those who measure snowfall in feet and not inches, a two-stage machine is most likely the best option for your snow removal needs. A single-stage machine doesn’t work as efficiently as two-stagers, and a three-stage snow blower could certainly be overkill. A good method of determining which stage snow blower is best for your situation is by measuring the average height of snowfall every day or week.
Although they can be used interchangeably, there is a slight difference between the two. Snow throwers refer to machines that swallow and spit out snow in a single throwing machine, as is what you’d find in a single-stage snow blower. The technical definition of a snow blower is a two-stage machine that draws in snow and blows it away with an impeller fan. However, you could say two-stage snow thrower and not be snickered at.
The average lifespan of a two-stage snow blower is between 10 and 15 years, though it depends on how well you maintain the machine. This means not using old gas, regularly checking the spark plug, looking and plugging leaks, and storing the machine in a dry spot during hibernation. By doing these things, you may be able to get a couple of extra years of use out of your 15-year-old snow blower.
Summary
Two-stage snow blowers are incredible beasts that chew and spit out more than twice as much snow as a standard single-stage unit.
If you’re looking for the best two-stage snow blower, the model we’d recommend over more than 25 snow blowers that entered our shop is the Briggs & Stratton 1024, though any model on this list would more than handle your snow removal needs.
If you we missed a two-stage snow blower model that belongs on this list, please notify us in the comment section.