Craigslist Snowblower (2024)

FAQs

Are cheap snow blowers worth it? ›

While it makes good financial sense to find an affordable snowblower that doesn't break your budget, keep in mind that it isn't worth anything if it can't handle the amount of snow you expect to see each winter. Less expensive snowblowers, generally speaking, are made to handle smaller jobs.

Consumer Reports tracks the best time to buy a snow blower. A spokesperson told WCCO the best period is on the horizon. Fall ranks number one overall. It's when retailers are fully stocked with their largest selection and early-season discounts.

The average residential snow blower costs $950, with most models costing between $285 and $1,600.

"One of the most impressive findings of our survey was just how different the life span of snow blowers can be," says Simon Slater, CR's associate director of survey research. "Some tools don't even make it to five years, while others last longer than 20 years."

All in all, we recommend the Ariens Classic snow blower to anyone looking for a machine that's a breeze to maneuver up and down hills and can cut through heavy, wet snow like a dream.

From consumer-grade snow blower engines that are 200 cc, to midsize 200 to 400 cc engines, to professional-grade 400+ cc engines, engine size is an important factor to consider since it determines how much horsepower your snow blower produces and how much gas it consumes.

SIZE MATTERS

Regarding snow blowers, sizes are typically categorized by clearing width, indicating the width of the path the blower can clear in one pass. Common sizes range from 18 inches to 32 inches. Here's a breakdown: 18-22 Inches: Ideal for small driveways and sidewalks with lighter snowfall.

“Upgrading from a two-stage to a three-stage snow blower adds an accelerator, boosting the power with which snow can be discharged from the chute,” says Misha Kollontai, one of CR's test engineers in charge of snow-blower testing.

Single Stage Snow Blowers

Better at Handling a Few Inches of Snow — A single stage unit will be weaker than a dual stage unit, but for many homeowners that won't matter. The difference in power determines how much snow you can handle at a time. A single stage unit can only handle a few inches of snow.

How many inches of snow before you use a snowblower? ›

There is no hard and fast rule about using a snowblower on a specific amount of inches, but most snow removal experts suggest using one on 2 or more inches of snow for best results. This will also depend on what type of surface you're working on and whether the snow is dry or wet.

Conclusion. For occasional use, snow blowers, with around 5 horsepower and one or two speeds, are generally adequate.

Can you scrap a snowblower? Yes, you can scrap a snowblower. Depending on the condition and age of the snowblower, it may be worth more to scrap than to try and resell it. Many parts of a snowblower are recyclable or have high scrap value including the motor, plastic housing, metal augers and shovels.

Toro Power Max HD 828 Snow Blower

Not surprisingly, Toro is our current top pick with its self-propelled Power Max. Our experts like its ample 28-inch clearing deck and two-stage operation that can throw snow up to 45 feet.

Designed, Developed, and Built in the USA

Like all Honda products, legendary reliability and quality are built right in – and for all Honda HS720 and HSS snow blowers, that assembly and production takes place in our North Carolina facility with domestic and globally sourced parts.

The best snow blower we tested is the Ariens Classic 2-Stage 24 in. Snow Blower. We found it incredibly easy to assemble and use—even for first-time snow blower users—and an excellent value for its power and maneuverability.

With their premium prices, you can expect Toro snow blowers to offer top-tier performance and nice features, too. There's at least one Toro near the top of our ratings for every type of snow blower.