If you deal with a lot of snow or you move snow for a living, then you'll want to look at commercial snow blowers.
Commercial snow blowers are available in a number of styles and configurations. This article will help to explain some of the differences, and what to look for.
Commercial Snow Blowers Come in One Stage and Two Stage Models
A one stage model may sound simpler, but there's more to moving snow than you might think!
Two stage models move snow in a 2-step process. With a two stage machine, the first process is basically to move the snow to where it can be blown aside. When you look at a two stage commercial blower, you'll see two sets of "reels" or augers in the front. These augers are angled so as to move the snow toward the center of the machine.
The second stage of the process is then to take the snow that has been guided to the center and blow it aside. The augers will continue to move the snow toward the middle, where the blower can grab it and throw it.
Commercial snow blowers typically do not come in one stage models, since the professional snow mover needs to move a lot of snow quickly and easily.
A one stage blower combines the snow moving and throwing processes. Usually, though, this is a very inefficient operation. Reviews indicate that there can be as much snow left in place with a one stage blower as is moved.
What Type of Snow Blower Model is Best for You?
If you live in the mountains and expect several feet of snow a year, then a two stage model may be best for you.
One stage snow blowing machines are best for areas that get 4 inches or less of snow in a storm. They are just not designed to handle large snowfall amounts. These snow movers can range in price from 0 to 0. The auger has a rubber-tipped blade, allowing the machine to come in direct contact with your level deck or sidewalk.
There are larger one stage snow movers that can handle up to 8 inches of snow. These typically range from 0 to 0. This type of machine is good for decks, sidewalks and driveways that are level. They are not good for gravel driveways.
One stage models can be electric powered or gas powered. Many of them include electric start, which is very nice. This means you don't have to pull the cord, like you might with your lawn mower.
Two stage commercial snow blowers are designed for those who deal with a lot of snow, perhaps 8 inches or more per storm. These machines do not come in contact directly with the ground, they ride a little above the surface at maybe ½ to 1 inch. This allows the machine to do a good job on gravel driveways.
Two stage commercial snow blowers also come with electric start in many cases, which can make outdoor chores much more pleasant. This type of machine is particularly designed for those who move a lot of snow - either as a business shoveling sidewalks or driveways, or just because you get a lot of snow where you live. Two stage blowers usually include a self-propelling feature. These machines can be quite heavy, 200 pounds and more, so it's nice to have the blower help you get through the snow.
Commercial snow blowers typically range from 0 at a minimum to as much as 00 or more.
You can get walk-behind commercial snow blowers, or you can get one that attaches to a skid loader or tractor. These will start in price at 00, generally, and are available at most farm or implement dealers.
Commercial Models are Designed for Heavy Use
One additional factor to bear in mind with commercial snow blowers is that they are designed for continual, heavy use. The average homeowner is not going to run his blower for more than a few hours at a time.
However, if your business is moving snow, then you'll want to consider that a cheap machine is most likely not going to hold up under continual use.
If you need a model that will keep on working even after 8 or 10 straight hours, then you'll want to look seriously at commercial snow blowers.
