Winter is here, and with it comes the snow, and all the shoveling that goes with it. If you’re on a tight budget, investing in a snow blower can save you time, effort, and a lot of back pain. But choosing the right snow blower for your budget can be a daunting task.
Don’t worry, we’re here to help you navigate through the options and find the best snow blower that won’t break the bank. In this guide, we’ll provide you with tips and recommendations on how to choose the best budget snow blower that suits your needs and clears your driveway efficiently.
Finding the best budget snow blower brand can be challenging, as there are a lot of options to choose from. However, after conducting a detailed comparison, we have identified three brands that stand out: Toro, Greenworks, and Snow Joe. While there are many great brands out there, we believe these three offer the best value for your money.
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Toro SnowMaster (724 QXE) Gas Snow Blower
One of the most powerful and impressive gas snow blowers in our comparison is the Toro SnowMaster 724 QXE Gas Snow Blower. This two-stage snow blower is equipped with a powerful two-stage auger that moves at a speed 10 times greater than that of any normal gas snow blower. It can throw snow up to 40 feet away, making it perfect for large properties.
Features
What makes this snow blower stand out is its Personal Pace self-propel system, which allows you to adjust the speed to your preferred gait. Whether you are in a hurry and want to remove snow quickly or you are tired and want to move at a slower pace, this snow blower will not disappoint you. This feature makes it suitable for both young and elderly users.
Weighing 125 lbs, the Toro SnowMaster is easy to control thanks to its “Quick Stick” joystick method, which allows you to adjust the angle and direction of the chute anywhere you desire. It also has a large clearing width of 24 inches and can clear snow up to 16 inches deep. This makes it suitable for use in any part of the world, regardless of how severe the winter conditions may be.
To put your mind at ease, Toro backs this snow blower with a 3-year limited warranty, with the chute, deflector, and lower chute covered by a lifetime warranty. The Toro SnowMaster can also handle snow on gravel sidewalks and driveways. A compatible smartphone app, the “MyToro” app, is a great feature that provides reminders and notifications for timely maintenance, cleaning, refueling, and more. This app can automatically track the number of hours you have used your snow blower and inform you when it’s time to perform maintenance and repairs. However, for this feature, you will need to purchase an extra device called the Portable Usage Calculator (PUC).
The Toro SnowMaster is also well-packaged, with the chute control disconnected and the discharge chute detached during delivery. The handles are carefully folded downwards to prevent any undesirable damage during transportation.
Pros:
- Three-year warranty: The Toro SnowMaster is backed by a three-year limited warranty.
- For fast and slow work: The Personal Pace self-propel system makes it suitable for both fast and slow work.
- Good for wet snow: It can handle wet snow very well.
- Tilt the auger easily: You can tilt the auger up slightly by simply pushing down on the handle of the snow blower.
- Low gas consumption: If you use this snow blower continuously for 1 hour, you will consume less than a tank and half a gallon of gas, making it cost-effective.
Cons:
- Not suitable for use on gravel surfaces: as the auger can throw rocks and cause harm to people, pets, and property.
- Jerky movements: in the self-propelling function.
- Snowblower chute may clog: if snow is heavy and packable, especially when going too fast.
- The snowblower is very noisy.
- Poor picture-only instructions.
- The MyToro app: requires an additional $20 purchase of a Portable Usage Calculator (PUC).
Snowblower Greenworks (2600502) 20-Inch, Corded Snow Thrower
The Greenworks 2600502 20-Inch 13 Amp Corded Snow Thrower is the best option for those who want a powerful and reliable electric snow blower. It can clear snow up to 10 inches deep and has a 20-inch clearing width, making it suitable for most residential properties.
Features
This snowblower has a powerful 13 amp motor that can throw snow up to 20 feet away. It also has a 180-degree adjustable chute that allows you to direct the snow wherever you want it. The chute can also be adjusted up and down to control the height of the snow stream. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfortable use, and the snowblower has large 7-inch wheels that make it easy to maneuver over uneven surfaces. It is also lightweight, weighing only 31 lbs, which makes it easy to transport and store.
Pros:
- Easy to use: It is very easy to operate and maneuver.
- Lightweight: It is lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and store.
- Adjustable chute: The chute is adjustable, which allows you to direct the snow wherever you want it.
- Quiet: It is very quiet compared to gas snow blowers.
- No emissions: It produces no emissions, making it environmentally friendly.
- Low maintenance: It requires very little maintenance.
- Cost-effective: It is very cost-effective compared to gas snow blowers.
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy snow: It is not suitable for heavy snow or wet snow.
- Not cordless: It needs to be plugged in, which limits its range.
- Not suitable for large properties: It is not suitable for large properties.
- No headlight: It doesn’t have a headlight, which can make it difficult to use in low light conditions.
Snow Joe (SJ625E) Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower 21-Inch
The Snow Joe SJ625E Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower is the best budget electric snow blower in our comparison. It is a powerful and efficient snow blower that can handle most residential snow clearing needs.
Features
This snowblower has a powerful 15 amp motor that can move up to 800 pounds of snow per minute. It has a 21-inch clearing width and can handle snow up to 12 inches deep. The chute is adjustable up to 180 degrees, which allows you to direct the snow wherever you want it. It also has a built-in LED headlight that makes it easy to use in low light conditions. The handle is ergonomically designed for comfortable use, and the snowblower has 8-inch wheels that make it easy to maneuver over uneven surfaces. It is also lightweight, weighing only 35 lbs, which makes it easy to transport and store.
Pros:
- Easy to use: It is very easy to operate and maneuver.
- Lightweight: It is lightweight, which makes it easy to transport and store.
- Adjustable chute: The chute is adjustable, which allows you to direct the snow wherever you want it.
- Built-in headlight: It has a built-in headlight, which makes it easy to use in low light conditions.
- Quiet: It is very quiet compared to gas snow blowers.
- No emissions: It produces no emissions, making it environmentally friendly.
- Cost-effective: It is very cost-effective compared to gas snow blowers.
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy snow: It is not suitable for heavy snow or wet mushy snow.
- Not great for large properties: Due to its size, it may not be ideal for large properties with heavy snowfall.
- Requires an extension cord: As it is electric, it requires an extension cord which can be limiting in terms of distance from an outlet.
- Small clearing width: The clearing width of 18 inches is smaller than some other models. • Limited chute control: The chute only rotates manually and is not adjustable on the go.
- Not suitable for wet snow: This electric snowblower is not ideal for wet or heavy snow, as it may clog the chute.
Snow Blower FAQ
What are the types of snow blowers available in the market?
There are three types of snow blowers available in the market: electric, single-stage gas, and two-stage gas. Electric snow blowers are corded or cordless, single-stage gas snow blowers are lightweight and ideal for small areas, while two-stage gas snow blowers are heavier and can handle larger areas with ease.
Can snow blowers be used on gravel surfaces?
It is not recommended to use a snow blower on gravel surfaces as the auger can throw rocks and other debris, which can cause damage to property, pets, or people. However, some snow blowers come with adjustable skid shoes that can be set higher to clear snow without touching the ground.
What should be considered when buying a snow blower?
When buying a snow blower, you should consider the size of the area you need to clear, the type and amount of snowfall in your area, the power source (electric or gas), the clearing width and depth, the throwing distance, the maneuverability, and the noise level.
How often should a snow blower be maintained?
It is recommended to perform regular maintenance on your snow blower, including checking the oil level, changing the oil and spark plug, cleaning or replacing the air filter, and checking the belts and auger for wear and tear. It is best to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for specific maintenance requirements.
Is it safe to use a snow blower?
Using a snow blower can be safe if proper precautions are taken, such as wearing appropriate clothing and footwear, keeping hands and feet away from moving parts, and avoiding loose clothing or jewelry. It is also important to read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.