Single Stage vs. Two Stage: Which Snow Blower is best for you?



Single-stage snow blowers and two-stage snow blowers from Simplicity are equipped with the power and features to move all types of snow quickly and effortlessly. To determine which snow blower is the right model for you, you should consider the following:

Function

The first step in choosing a snow blower is determining whether a single-stage or two-stage unit would be best for your home. Here are some things you should know before getting started:

  • What type of snow do you typically get and how much of it? (e.g. Is it light and powdery? Is it wet and heavy?)
  • How large of an area needs to be cleared? (e.g. Do you have a large or small driveway? Is there a sidewalk in the front or sides of your home?)

Single Stage Snow Blowers

Single-stage snow blowers tackle light to moderate snow falls with ease and clear snow on your pathways and driveways all the way down to the pavement. The rubber auger combined with the power of the engine scoops up the snow and discharges it through the chute in a single motion – thus the name, Single-Stage. They are compact, easy to maneuver and have simple controls, making them a great choice for anyone. Their compact size and ease of use clears light to moderate snow falls quicker than a two-stage unit and are perfect for small to moderate-sized two-car-garage driveways.

To better tackle tough end-of-driveway type snow with the convenient compact size of a single-stage snow blower, Simplicity introduced SnowShredder™ Serrated Auger Technology. A Simplicity Single-Stage Snow Blower with a ShowShredder™ Serrated Auger can tackle light to moderate snow on driveways or pathways like a regular single-stage AND the tough, compacted end-of-driveway snow build-up left behind by the snow plow. Multiple serrated steel surfaces chop and grind through snow and ice much easier than standard augers. With two-stage power and single-stage handling, it's the best of both worlds with this snow blower.

Dual-Stage Snow Blowers

Simplicity® Dual-stage or Two-Stage Snow Blowers have a self-propelled transmission with forward and reverse speeds that propel the unit in order to assist the user. There are two distinct stages of snow removal that differentiate the dual-stage from the single-stage. In the first stage, the auger collects the snow and transfers it to the center of the machine and back into the impeller, which then propels it up and out of the chute. The auger and impeller, combined with the power of the engine, remove the snow faster by chewing up snow and ice and throwing it through the chute. Two-stage snow blowers are great for handling all types of snow on any surface. 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. Simplicity Two-Stage Snow Blowers come equipped with a variety of features ranging from free hand control, dual-trigger steering, electric chute and deflectors and heated hand grips.

Still undecided? Reach out to your local Simplicity dealer to assist in finding the perfect snow blower for you.