Craigslist Snow Blowers For Sale (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.

Look for professional snow blowers equipped with an engine of at least 400 CCs. Pick a snow blower clearing width that fits the properties you're servicing. Biggest can be extremely efficient but it isn't always the best option for clearing diverse areas like narrow walkways.

If the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE is not available or if you have a gravel driveway (or you clear a lot of lawn area), we recommend the Cub Cadet 2X 26 IntelliPower Snow Blower. This model is good for regular snowfalls of roughly 6 inches to 1 foot on a two-car driveway that's up to about 80 feet long.

"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."

While a snowblower costs anywhere from $100 to almost $10,000, most homeowners will pay between $250 and $2,000, but it depends on the type you want and need. Power shovels are an economical option for some assisted shoveling while areas with heavy snow might need a large gas three-stage machine for regular clearing.

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.

For occasional use, snow blowers, with around 5 horsepower and one or two speeds, are generally adequate. However, if you intend to clear large amounts of snow, want to work on slopes or if the snow is quite wet, a three-stage device with 10 hp or more is recommended.

Heavy snow can quickly clog the chute, reducing the snow blower's efficiency. Regularly check and clear the chute as you work.

Single-stage units are usually equipped to handle between 8-12 inches of snow and should not be used on concrete or gravel surfaces. Furthermore, single-stage blowers offer very few features, which can dramatically worsen your snow removal experience.

Choosing a Honda snow blower is an investment in enduring quality and value. Renowned for their exceptional longevity, Honda snow blowers surpass their competitors in lifespan, often lasting several years longer. This remarkable durability stems from their superior construction and steadfast performance.

Are 3 stage snow blowers worth it? ›

Fortunately, three-stage snow blowers (sometimes called snow throwers) tackle that woeful winter chore up to 30 percent faster than two-stage models, Consumer Reports' tests find, in part because they can clear deeper snow with a single pass.

When deciding whether to buy one, consider how much snow you get in an average winter and how big an area you need to clear around your home to get your car on the road safely. If you have a short driveway and a garage attached to your house, you might get away with a decent snow shovel.

If a snow blower is newer, it will likely be easier to use. As time progresses, products tend to advance in terms of reliability and features, so buying an older snow blower means it may lack key safety features, self-propulsion or all-surface operation, or it might just not throw snow far enough.

For example, a two-stage may be an ideal choice for those with gravel driveways, since they don't clean all the way to the ground which helps avoid pieces of gravel getting into your snow blower's auger. It is important to also consider what features you'd like to have on your snow blower when making your purchase.

At least two inches of snow should be on the ground before considering the snowblower, according to real estate company Rocket Homes. However, it also depends on what kind of snowblower you have.