It’s snowing outside, and you require a way to clear your driveway. But which do you choose – a snow blower or a snow thrower?
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision on what works best for your home.
Compare Motors
Now that we’ve looked at the augers let’s move on to compare motors; the motor of a snow blower is more powerful than that of a snow thrower.
This additional power gives the blower an edge in clearing deeper and heavier snow.
The difference in power is also reflected in the price tag; snow blowers typically cost more than snow throwers.
However, if you’re looking for a reliable and robust machine for harsh winter conditions, a snow blower like this PowerSmart is the way to go.
Look at the Augers
When it comes to the augers on a snow blower, you will see that they are larger than on a snow thrower.
The augers are what move the snow from the ground and into the discharge chute of the machine.
The larger augers on a snow blower allow it to move more snow, which means it can work faster and more efficiently.
On a snow thrower, the augers are smaller, so it takes longer for the machine to move the snow.
Inspect the Discharge Chutes
In the previous section, we discussed how the motors of a snow blower and a snow thrower compare.
Now, it’s time to inspect the discharge chutes, the snow throwers typically have a single-stage discharge chute that gathers snow and then throws it out the chute in one go.
By comparison, snow blowers have two- or three-stage discharge chutes that move snow more powerfully and further away.
This makes them better suited for clearing wet and heavy snow and for more significant accumulations of snow.
Furthermore, the two-stage blowers also come with adjustable deflectors for controlling the direction of the snow.
So when choosing between a snow blower or a snow thrower, consider the power of their discharge chutes.
Observe the Wheels
In addition to the motors, augers, and chutes, you should also observe the machine’s wheels.
Snow blowers typically have more prominent and sturdier wheels than snow throwers, and this is because blowers are more powerful and have the capacity for larger snow-cutting depths.
The wheels on a snow thrower are usually smaller and lighter, making it easier to maneuver in tight spaces.
They can also be steered with more precision than a snow blower. So a snow thrower might be your best bet if you’re looking for a machine to clear your driveway or a small area.
Check Out the Controls
When it comes to snow removal, the right controls are essential for a successful job.
Fortunately, when comparing a snow blower and a snow thrower, both have various control options. You can find lever-operated speed controls and power-assisted steering with a snow blower.
While a snow thrower may have a single-hand control to adjust the speed and direction of the machine.
Some models offer an electric start, eliminating manual effort to get the machine going.
Now that you understand the motors, augers, discharge chutes, wheels, drive system, clearing widths, and electric start options, let’s look at the controls.
Examine the Drive Systems
When it comes to drive systems, there are two main types: electric and gas-powered.
Both have advantages and disadvantages and should be considered based on your needs.
Electric models, like this Snow Joe, are great for those who don’t have access to gas or who don’t want to deal with the hassle of filling and storing gas but they may not be as powerful as gas-powered models.
On the other hand, gas-powered snow blowers generally have more power and can cover larger areas in a shorter amount of time.
They may also require more maintenance, as they must be regularly maintained and filled with gas.
Assess the Clearing Widths
So far, we’ve discussed the motors, augers, discharge chutes, wheels, controls, drive systems, and electric start options.
Now let’s look at the clearing widths and how they differ between a snow blower and a snow thrower.
Snow blowers are larger than snow throwers and have a greater clearing width. This means snow blowers can clear more snow in less time than snow throwers.
Additionally, they can clear wet and heavy snow that a snow thrower may not be able to tackle.
So, a snow blower would be the better choice if you’re dealing with significant snow accumulations.
Evaluate the Electric Start Options
Another factor to consider when deciding between a snow blower or snow thrower is the electric start options.
Snow blowers typically have an electric start option, while snow throwers do not.
This means that you can use the electric start button to turn on your snow blower’s engine without pulling the cord manually, which is helpful in cold temperatures.
This can be a great convenience, especially in cold weather, as it eliminates the need to pull the cord to start the engine manually.
Are Chainsaw Chaps Necessary for Snow Clearing with Throwers & Blowers?
When it comes to snow clearing with throwers and blowers, are chainsaw chaps worth your investment? Chainsaw chaps are essential protective gear that can safeguard you from potential accidents. Considering the potential hazards of operating machinery in snowy conditions, investing in chainsaw chaps is a wise decision.
Analyze the Impeller Types
Now that we have looked at the motors and augers of snow blowers and snow throwers let’s move on to analyzing the impeller types.
As you know, a snow blower is a dual-stage machine with two impellers. The first impeller takes in the snow, breaks it up, and throws it out of the chute.
The second impeller throws the snow further away from the machine. On the other hand, snow throwers usually have one single-stage impeller used to collect and discharge the snow.
Can Using Snow Clearing Equipment Help Improve the Smell of My Backyard?
Using snow clearing equipment in your backyard can definitely help improve the smell. By removing snow and debris, you create a cleaner environment that can reduce unpleasant odors. Additionally, adding some backyard smell good tips like planting fragrant flowers or using natural air fresheners can further enhance the aroma.
Measure the Snow Cut Depths
The previous section mentioned the impeller types of snow blowers and snow throwers, and now it’s time to look at another critical metric: the snow cut depths.
While snow blowers and throwers can cut through a large amount of snow, the snow blower is more powerful and has a better clearance capacity.
This means it can clear more snow in depth and width than a snow thrower.
The two-stage process of the snow blower is also more effective at throwing snow farther than a single-stage machine like the snow thrower.