Shoveling snow out of your driveway in the wee hours of the morning, and freezing your butt off, with a snow shovel, is probably not how you'd prefer to start your workdays this winter.

I know, because I grew up in the Snow Belt and have been shoveling that horrible white stuff for most of my life-time. But, I finally got smart and invest in one of the best two stage snow blowers to help make short work of this arch-nemesis of mine - the snow - once and for good.

Two stage snow blowers are a popular piece of outdoor power equipment in areas that receive heavy snowfall each winter. These powerhouse-machines are available in a wide range of sizes and types and are well worth considering if you know you need a dependable, snow thrower.

The best two stage snow blower for you? Well, that is the one that gets the job you need to be done, done the most efficiently. That said, In our humble opinion? The HUSQVARNA ST224 is one of the best all-around two stage snow blowers for personal use (at home) currently available on the market.

If you have back problems, or are a senior, the YARDMAX YB5765 is hands-down a machine worth your consideration. Likewise, for those with literal tons of snow to move, the Ariens Professional Snowblower moves over 90 tons per hour.

All of our picks, and reviews, for the five best two stage snow blowers to invest in this year are listed in the very next section below (but, if you want to skip right to the quick answers, simply jump down to the bottom of this article).

5 BEST TWO STAGE SNOW BLOWER COMPARISONS

IMAGE

MODEL

Features

Troy-Bilt Storm 2625 Two-Stage Gas Snow Thrower

Troy-Bilt Storm 2625 Two-Stage Gas Snow Thrower

  • Motor Size: 243cc
  • Clearance width/height: 26 inches x 21 inch housing
  • Drive System: 8 speed
  • Warranty: 2 years

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Briggs & Stratton Light Duty Model 1696610 Dual-Stage Snow Blower

Briggs & Stratton Light Duty Model 1696610 Dual-Stage Snow Blower

  • Motor Size: 208cc
  • Clearance width/height: 24 inches x 20 inch housing
  • Drive System: 8 speed
  • Warranty: 3 years

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Husqvarna ST224 Two Stage Snow Thrower

Husqvarna ST224 Two Stage Snow Thrower

  • Motor Size: 208cc
  • Clearance width/height: 24 inches x 20 inch housing
  • Drive System: 7 speed
  • Warranty: 5 years

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YARDMAX YB6770 Two-Stage Snow Blower

YARDMAX YB5765 Two-Stage Snow Blower

  • Motor Size: 196cc
  • Clearance width/height: 29.9 x 42.9 inches
  • Drive System: 6 speed
  • Warranty: 2 year residential, 1 year commercial

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Ariens Professional 32 Snow Blower

Ariens Professional 32 Snow Blower

  • Motor Size: 402cc
  • Clearance width/height: 32 x 23.5 inches
  • Drive System: 8 gear
  • Warranty: 3 years residential, 2 years commercial

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TOP 5 TWO STAGE SNOW BLOWER REVIEWS

BEST TWO-STAGE SNOW BLOWER: YARDMAX YB5765

YARDMAX YB6770 Two-Stage Snow Blower
  • Motor Size: 196cc
  • Clearance width/height: 29.9 x 42.9 inches
  • Drive System: 6 speed
  • Warranty: 2 year residential, 1 year commercial

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Yardmax provides plenty of various types of outdoor power equipment, including snow blowers. This particular machine comes with a gas-powered engine that easily powers its steel serrated ribbon augers. It can cut through hard-packed snow and ice with little issues as the unit's wide housing can handle more than a foot of snow per pass.

With a push-button start and a backup pull recoil, you know you can get started in any weather conditions. Multiple speed control, including one that moves the machine in reverse, and self-propelled drive allows for superior control of the snow blower in any weather conditions.

The snow blower has a genuinely impressive and convenient dashboard as well. It allows for quick and smooth shifting, easy chute control, access to power steering, a cup holder, and even heated grips for a high level of comfort while steering your snow blower. Oh yeah, it also has a headlight that enables you to blow snow no matter what time of day it is - including in the middle of snowstorms.

PROS

  • 196cc gas-powered engine
  • 29in wide intake
  • 6-speed transmission
  • 2 year residential warranty/1 year warranty commercial warranty

CONS

  • The pull-start function is not the best
  • Skids are a bit short

PRO TIP

Both property owners, big and small, as well as commercial snow blowing companies may want to consider this workhorse. It is as dependable and long lasting as any snow thrower in the industry - and more so than most.

BEST COMPACT SNOW BLOWER: BRIGGS & STRATTON LIGHT DUTY MODEL

Briggs & Stratton Light Duty Model 1696610 Dual-Stage Snow Blower
  • Motor Size: 208cc
  • Clearance width/height: 24 inches x 20 inch housing
  • Drive System: 8 speeds
  • Warranty: 3 years

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Briggs and Stratton is another famous brand. They manufacture more than just outdoor products and machinery, they also make some of the best hand tools and power tools in the world. In fact, they got their start with being dependable suppliers of engines and engine parts (check your lawnmower, there is a nine out of ten chance that it has a Briggs and Stratton motor - regardless of who made the mower). Many of your gas powered tools may have been built with their brand parts.

Although Briggs and Stratton snow blower models are not overly varied when it comes to options and features, what they do offer is dependable snow throwers you can count on.

The Light Duty 1696610 boasts a powerful gas-fueled engine and large heavy-duty steel housing which is specific for light to moderate snowfalls in climates that receive regular accumulation of snow and ice. This may be their smallest two stage blower, but it has real bang for the buck, especially for use at home.

The 8-speed drive includes two reverse gears to help power you through the weather, even going backward. The machine also has decent-sized and thick tires that provide great traction. Hands-free control is made possible via the unit's side manual chute rotation ability. Even more, to really sweeten the deal, the snow blower also includes a super-reliable electric start.

PROS

  • 208cc gas-powered engine
  • 24in wide scoop intake
  • 8 gears
  • Easy electric start
  • 3 year warranty

CONS

  • Requires mechanical inclination to assemble
  • Does not work so well in heavy snowfall

PRO TIP

Climates that receive a regular snowfall and homeowners who need a dependable machine for average to smaller properties will benefit from this product. Likewise, companies looking for a compact machine to supplement their "fleet" or blowers might due well to consider this one.

BEST HEAVY DUTY SNOW BLOWER: TROY-BILT STORM 30XP

Troy-Bilt Storm 30XP Two-Stage Gas Snow Thrower
  • Motor Size: 357cc
  • Clearance width/height: 34 inches x 30 inch housing
  • Drive System: 8 speed
  • Warranty: 5 years

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Troy Bilt yard products have built an immaculate reputation due to their high-end products, including 2 stage snow blowers. The longevity and durability of Troy-Bilt machinery are genuinely second to none. Their snow thrower options are no exception to their trusted name, and their Storm 30X model is a powerful residential model that has a long list of positive consumer ratings.

A big powerful motor, one of the strongest in the industry, runs the machine. An electric start makes getting the machine started up a sinch, every time, with just the press or a button. The large 30XP housing can handle the worst of heavy snowfalls, plus the 8-speed drive system (including 2 reverse) allows easy maneuverability through a variety of winter weather.

The 30XP has some of the most high-end components snow blowers can have; steel impeller and auger blades, durable chute, extra wide scoop, and a 5 year warranty to top it all off.

PROS

  • 357cc gasoline engine
  • 30in wide snow scoop/intake
  • 8-speed transmission
  • 200-degree chute with easy to use control
  • 5 year warranty

CONS

  • Sometimes faulty oil draining and gas-logged carburater
  • The chute design isn't the most sturdy

PRO TIP

This is a powerful and heavy-duty snow blower option for homeowners who experience regular heavy snowfalls or have a larger than average area to clear as well as commercial snow clearers with parking lots and long driveways to deal with.

BEST HEAVY-DUTY RUNNER-UP: ARIENS PROFESSIONAL 32 SNOW BLOWER

Ariens Professional 32 Snow Blower
  • Motor Size: 402cc
  • Clearance width/height: 32 x 23.5 inches
  • Drive System: 8 gear
  • Warranty: 3 years residential, 2 years commercial

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Born out of the ever-snowy midwest, Ariens is no stranger to winter weather. The company has built its top-notch line of snow blowers to make short work of any amount of snow and ice that winter can bring you. That said, the Professional series models are designed specifically for homeowners and commercial companies in need of a powerhouse of a machine that will get the job done right and last for a long time.

The Professional series snow blower has an incredibly powerful engine, one of the most powerful snow blower motors currently in use on two stage blowers. In addition, the machine is equipped with a 16-inch steel serrated ribbon auger that can blow snow and slush up to 60 feet away. Not impressed yet? This snow blower has the ability to move 91 tons of snow an hour.

The snow blower also has an easy to use recoil start. You only need to pull the cord, unlike with other snow blowers with pull-start functions.

With an 8-gear shifting pattern, including two reverse, bigger tires than most machines in the industry, auto turn steering ability, and a convenient 200-degree quick-turning chute - all you need to do is point it where you want the snow to go. Other features of this machine include a bright halogen headlight, comfortable heated grips, and much more that lesser machines lack.

PROS

  • Powerful 402cc gasoline engine
  • Durable auger and impeller moves 91 tons of snow per hour
  • 200-degree quick turning chute throws snow 60ft
  • 16in tall by 6.5in wide extra large tires
  • 8 gears including 2 reverse modes

CONS

  • Takes a bit of extra time to assemble
  • Cost more than most 2 stage snow blowers

PRO TIP

This is an excellent heavy-duty option for home use if you have a budget for it, as well as a great commercial snow blower for businesses to invest in. It has the strength to get the job done in moderate to heavy winter weather, and then some, to say the very least.

BEST ERGONOMIC SNOW BLOWER (GREAT FOR SENIORS): HUSQVARNA ST224

Husqvarna ST224 Two Stage Snow Thrower
  • Motor Size: 208cc
  • Clearance width/height: 24 inch x 20 inch housing
  • Drive System: 7 speed
  • Warranty: 5 year

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A worldwide name brand, Husqvarna is known for power tools and outdoor power equipment like chainsaws. But, believe it or not, they are known for far more than just their chainsaws; they also create some of the most durable engines in the industry.

Husqvarna engines power some of the best two stage snow blowers available on the market, along with other outdoor power equipment that comes in handy as a homeowner. Their two stage snow blower models allow for a variable choice of power and size options, with their 200 series defined as the smaller end of two stage blowers offered by the company.

The ST224 (and ST224P, which includes power steering) include a durable 208cc engine. The machine is designed for moderate fluffy snow to wet and heavy snowfalls mixed with ice. The machine includes headlights, in addition. That means you can work at clearing snow from your property in any condition, day or night.

The machine's snow scoop/intake is built for devouring snowdrifts. It has an impressive serrated ribbon auger for easy transport through the chute that can toss up to 30 feet or more away. Further, an adjustable pair of skid shoes allow for easy-going maneuvers over uneven terrain. The unit comes equipped with durable extra-large tires that allow for excellent traction control.

The friction disk transmission has a 7-speed drive system that also includes reverse. Plus, in addition, heated, fully-adjustable, handle grips keep you moving snow just as comfortable as can be - even through the worst of the winter weather.

PROS

  • 208cc gas-fueled motor
  • 7-speed drive system
  • 23in snow shovel/intake
  • Big tires
  • 5 year warranty

CONS

  • Tools for assembly (provided by the manufacturer) are of poor quality
  • Auger/impeller can be damaged by gravel and frozen earth

PRO TIP

For home owners that need an easy to use option, this powerhouse is designed just for you - including seniors and folks with back problems. It is also one o the easier units on the market in regards to storage.

WHAT IS A TWO STAGE SNOW BLOWER?

Troy-Bilt Storm 2625 Two-Stage Gas Snow Thrower
Two Stage Snow Blower

A two stage snow blower is a versatile machine created to move snow at a much faster rate than what you can accomplish by hand alone, due to its two stage design. Created for both residential and commercial purposes, these blowers include a wide variety of two stage designs, engine power, extra features, tire-size, and more.

Made with consumer convenience in mind, everything from compact designs, heated hand grips, and power steering can be found on the best two stage snow blowers. Depending on your choice of models, two stage blowers can handle everything from lighter snowfalls to heavy, wet, icy drifts.

Two stage blowers also have the capability to work over uneven terrain and gravel driveways, ensuring you can clear snow when you need to without damaging your machine or property - or neighbors property.

HOW DOES A TWO STAGE SNOW BLOWER WORK

Two stage snow blowers, or dual stage blowers, are mainly powered by a 4-cycle gas engine. These can come in a variety of sizes to provide the optimal powered for the jobs they are created for. Two stage blowers are called so due to their design; a dual auger and impeller that take snow from the scoop/intake, break it up, and move it up and out of the chute.

Larger blower housing and auger diameters require stronger, more powerful engine sizes as well, often creating a larger machine overall. These designs are specific to larger properties and areas that receive regular, deep snowfalls - and work great for commercial uses as well.

WHAT MAINTENANCE DOES A TWO STAGE BLOWER NEED?

Since a two stage blower is gas powered, no matter what size you choose, you will have to follow some simple maintenance rules.

To start, always make sure your fuel and oil levels are maintained properly. A gas engine needs unleaded gasoline to run, and proper oil lubrication. These are separate from one another in a 4-cycle engine, so be sure not to mix the two together. You also should drain these fluids in the warmer months while your machine is in storage. This helps keep your machine running smoothly when you go to start it back up in the winter.

General maintenance of these machines also includes checking spark plug gaps and keeping the carburetor clean, especially if your blower has trouble starting. The belts of these blowers also need regular changing after heavy use.

Check your two stage snow blower manual for the best maintenance practices for your specific model of snow blower for best results.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST TWO STAGE SNOW BLOWER FOR YOU

There are more two stage blowers available on the market today for you to choose from compared to any other type of snow blowers. Their power and versatility are unmatched for both residential and commercial use. They are also a favorite due to the many extras they offer.

That said, there are several considerations you should make before selecting the best two stage snow blower for you, including:

DO YOU GET REGULAR SNOWFALLS?

Long Winter

Regular snowfalls, whether heavy or light, can benefit from the use of a snow blower. Although many single stage blowersare extremely useful in their own right, not all are built for heavy use through the winter, or for deeper snow.

All in all, with most dual stage blowers you don’t need to worry about what mother nature is going to throw at you year after year - your machine will be able to handle it with ease.

WHAT IS THE SIZE OF YOUR PROPERTY?

Two Stage Snow Blower

Larger properties can definitely benefit from the larger housing many two stage blowers boast. These wider and taller steel intakes can move large amounts of snow, making your job that much easier.

In addition, wider, larger tires, or even snow tracks or shoes, can be found in dual stage designs, allowing you to clear uneven surfaces with ease.

DO YOU HAVE LIMITED STORAGE?

Garage Storage

Even if you are somewhat limited in your storage options, two stage blowers come in a very large range of sizes to fit not only budget needs but storage needs as well.

Powerful, compact designs and folding handles are a few offered options to keep you from having to worry about a detail such as storage. Even more, many of these more compact designs fall well under $600 price ranges, making them an affordable tool.

WHERE TO BUY A 2 STAGE SNOW BLOWER FOR THE BEST PRICE

Before clicking through to just any old website, or pulling into any big-box store or local hardware shop, consider these safe and affordable choices:

  1. Amazon
  2. The Home Depot
  3. Lowe's
  4. Walmart
  5. Ace Hardware
  6. Snow Blowers Direct

Want to learn more about the best places to shop for snow blowers? Check out our guide!

TRUSTED BRANDS IN 2 STAGE SNOW BLOWERS

Not all brands are made equal, so, regardless of where you end up shopping, keep brand-name in mind.

The following brands have earned excellent reputations and come highly recommended:

  • Ariens
  • Briggs & Stratton
  • Craftsman
  • Cub Cadet
  • EGO
  • GreenWorks
  • Honda
  • Husqvarna
  • MTD
  • PowerSmart
  • PoulanPro
  • Remington
  • Ryobi
  • Simplicity
  • Snow Joe
  • Sno-tek
  • Toro
  • Troy-Bilt
  • WEN
  • Worx
  • Yard Machine
  • YardMax

Want to learn more about the very best snow blower brands? Read up on the subject!

WHICH 2 STAGE SNOW BLOWER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

There are countless 2 stage snow blowers to choose from on today's market, but these top rated machines provide a strong example of some of the top-rated brands in the industry. Since choosing a two-stage snow blower is so dependent upon your personal needs, preferences, and more so climate and property size, choosing the best one for you is nearly an impossible choice - for anyone but you.

However, the Troy-Bilt Storm 30XP Two-Stage Gas Snow Thrower is one of our very favorite. The 357cc engine and 30in wide mouth are capable of powering through nasty winter weather, and the size is well within range for an easy storage solution.

Do you own one of these great two stage snow blowers? Or, do you have one to suggest to our readers? Wed love to hear from you in the comment ssection below, if so!

Best Two Stage Blower: YARDMAX YB5765

Best Compact Snow Blower: BRIGGS & STRATTON LIGHT DUTY MODEL

Best Heavy-Duty Snow Blower: TROY-BILT STORM 30XP

Best Heavy-Duty Runner-Up Snow Blower: ARIENS PROFESSIONAL 32 SNOW BLOWER

Best Ergonomic Two-Stage Snow Blower (Great for Seniors): HUSQVARNA ST224