Craigslist Snowblower (2024)

FAQs

What is a good HP for a snow blower? ›

As the augur box (sometimes called the snow box) widens, the engine capacity should rise accordingly. So, adequate combinations include 24- to 26-inches and 7 to 8 HP, 27- to 30-inches and 9 to 10 HP, and 32- to 36-inches and 11 to 12 HP.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Most high-quality snow blowers will last a minimum of 10 years, while top-of-the-line, two-stage snow blowers can give you 20+ years of use when properly cared for.

You should normally run it at full throttle to pick up and throw the snow. Choose the gear based on the situation - for light snow in a large area use a higher gear to get it done quickly.

Honda single-stage, two-stage and hybrid snowblowers are exceptionally quiet, efficient and easy to use. Powered by reliable Honda 4-stroke engines, they start reliably in cold weather and help power through winter.

Can snow be too heavy for a snowblower? ›

Heavy snow can quickly clog the chute, reducing the snow blower's efficiency.

Make sure you never blow snow in the direction of houses, cars, or other people. Blowing snow into the street isn't always a smart idea either. First, it's dangerous for any passing cars.

They definitely clear snow faster than a shovel can and are much better on your back. The choice depends on how large of an area you are working with, how much physical labor your body can handle, and how much time you have in a day to spend clearing the drive and walks of snow.

Let the machine run for at least five minutes to let the engine time to warm up, fuel to run through the system, etc. Engage the drive and auger a couple times to make sure all is working as it should too.

Looking at the horsepower that your machine has is an important aspect to choosing the size of your box plow. To push an 8 foot BOSS box plow, you'll need a minimum of 45+ horsepower on a skid steer. To push some of our larger plows, like the LDR 16 foot box plow, you need a minimum of 170+ horsepower.

18-22 Inches: Ideal for small driveways and sidewalks with lighter snowfall. Compact and easy to maneuver. 24-28 Inches: A versatile mid-range size suitable for moderate to heavy snowfall. Good for medium-sized driveways and walkways.

Maximum performance is driven by the 254cc engine that also offers up to 8.5 HP and a friction disc transmission, allowing you to change speeds in rough conditions.

Engine sizes

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.