You will find many varieties of snow-removing machines. There are two main types of snow blowers, Single-Stage Blower and Two-Stage Blower.

Single-Stage Snowblowers
Single-stage gas snowblowers use an auger assembly made from a combination of metal and plastic or hard rubber. The auger spins at high speed to chip ice and snow, collect it, and direct it out of a discharge chute. Though not propelled by engine-driven wheels, the spinning auger contacts the clearing surface and pulls the assembly forward. This results in some degree of self-propulsion, but the operator must still guide the machine. Because the auger directly contacts the clearing surface, single stage blowers are best used on pavement or other smooth surfaces.

Single-Stage Gas Snowblower

Single-stage gas blowers vary in clearing width from about 12"-22". Narrower widths work well on sidewalks but require more passes to clear driveways.

Many models have multi-directional discharge chutes that can be aimed from the operating position while the blower is in use. These snow blowers have wheels and can throw snow 25'-35'. These units are intended for residential use after light to moderate snows of 3"-5."

The auger rotates at a high speed to gather snow and throw it out the chute.

Two-Stage Gas Snowblowers

The main difference between Single-stage gas and Two-Stage Gas blowers is the spinning impeller behind the snow collection auger. The impeller functions like a pump. It collects the snow churned by the main auger and pushes it from the discharge chute at increased speed. More snow is moved a greater distance (up to 45' with some models) allowing the blower to handle deeper snow and larger clearing areas. Clearing width is also larger, from 20" to more than 36" depending on the model.

The basic design of Two-Stage Gas models necessitates engine-driven wheels or tank-style tracks. Unlike a Single-stage gas model, the clearing auger doesn't contact the clearing surface. Instead, the front of the blower rides on adjustable metal plates or skids. The skids control the clearing height of the main auger and can be replaced when they become worn. Due to the adjustable clearing height, Two-Stage Gas snow blowers can be used on almost any surface. Each model uses some form of multiple speed, reversible transmission. Some transmissions allow the operator to apply power to each wheel independently to aid in turning, while others require the operator to turn the machine manually.

Two-Stage Gas Snowblower

Most Two-Stage Gas snowblowers have 4-cycle winterized engines specifically designed to operate in extremely cold temperatures. Their starting mechanisms are freeze-resistant and cooling systems are designed for use in cold temperatures.

Many Two-Stage Gas machines intended for residential users and professionals provide additional features. Options include heated handgrips, hydrostatic variable-speed transmissions, electric start mechanisms, headlamps, drift cutters for deep snow, and vinyl cabs for protection from the cold. Options vary by model and manufacturer.

Snow is gathered inward by slow-turning augers and directed toward the high speed impeller which throws it out the chute.