Some of the newest snow blowers are larger and more capable, yet easier to control. Many also cost less, thanks to price pressure from major retailers such as Home Depot, Lowe’s and Sears, which now account for about 60 percent of sales.

Tow-stage models are the largest of these machines. Unlike smaller, single-stage models, which rely solely on a rubber-edged auger to move and disperse snow and provide some pulling power, two-stage models add drive wheels and fanlike impeller to help disperse what they pick up.

You don’t need to buy the biggest snow blower to get competent clearing. Honda and Toro are among the brands with single-stage models that rival some larger machines, yet weigh far less and require less storage space. Manufacturers are designers with smaller driveways as well as for women, who make at least part of the buying decisions in more than 30 percent of snow blower purchases.

Other advances in snow blowers include easier steering and chute controls. You’ll also find easy-handling electric models for smaller driveways.

WHAT’S OUT THERE

Major brands include Ariens, Craftsman(Sears), Honda, Husqvarna, John Deere, Simplicity, Toro, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, and Yard-Man. While two-stage snow blowers all have a gas engine, single-stage models are sold in both gas and electric versions. Here are the pros and cons of each type:

Two-stage gas

Best for long, wide, or hilly driveways, with a typical snowfall over 8 inches. They are essential for gravel driveways, since the auger does not contact the ground. All offer electric starting and have driven wheels, and auger that gathers snow, and an impeller to throw it. Some clear a swath 28 to 30 inches wide. But two-stage gas models are relatively expensive and heavy, can take as much space as some lawn tractors, and require regular maintenance. And those without trigger-drive releases can be hard to maneuver. Price: $600-$2100.

Single-stage gas

Best for flat, midsize paved driveways and walks, with typical snowfall less than 8 inches. They’re lighter and easier to handle, and take up about as much storage space as a mower. Most offer much storage space a mover. Most offer electric staring. But a they’re a poor choice for gravel, since the auger contacts the surface and can throw stones. Most clear a 20 to 22 inch swath. All lack drive wheels and require regular maintenance. The auger’s limited drive action is not enough for steep hills and can pull from side to side. Price: $300-$900

Single-stage electric

Best for short, flat driveways, decks and walks, with snowfall 4 inches or less. Single-stage electric models are lightest, smallest, and easiest to handle and store. They’re also less noisy than gas-powered models, and their electric motors free you from fueling and other engine maintenance. But they’re as unsuited to gravel driveways as single-stage gas snow blowers. Their small, 11 to 18 inch swath slows clearing. Electric machines also trade engine fueling and maintenance for the hassle of a power cord. Price: $100-$300

FEATURES THAT COUNT

A one-handed drive/auger control on two-stage models let you engage the drive-wheel and auger-control levers with one hand, leaving the other free to control the chute. A growing number of new two-stage machines use handlebar-mounted trigger releases that ease steering by letting you quickly disconnect either or both wheels from the transmission on the fly, rather than having to stop and move a pin or lever at a wheel.

A dean-man control is an especially critical safety feature. It stops the spinning auger and, on two-stage models, the impeller when the handlebar grip controls are released. Also look for a clearing tool-typically a plastic stick that is attached to the machine so it’s handy for safely clearing clogs in the discharge chute or auger housing. Use a wooden room handle, never hands or feet, on models without the tool.

Some snow blowers let you quickly change the chute direction and height of thrown snow via a single-lever joystick on two-stage machines or a long handle you can reach from the operator’s position on single-stage models. That’s easier than wrestling with two separate controls on many two-stage snow blowers, or the stiff, awkward discharge-chute handle on many single-stage models.

All electric models run on with a switch, though most gas-powered models now offer plug-in starting – handy if you’re near an outlet. All two-stage snow blowers have a four-stroke engine that requires periodic oil changes. Some single-stage models use a two-stroke engine that requires no oil changes, but entails mixing oil with the fuel. All gas snow blowers must meet the same emissions standards. Headlights for night use are an added nicety you’ll now find on many two-stage machines.

HOW TO CHOOSE

Snow-throwing may be easier than shoveling, but it’s harder than using a self propelled mover. Consult a doctor before buying a now blower if you have hyper tension, diabetes, or heart disease. Also consider having your driveway plowed if it’s especially long and two or more cars wide. But if a snow blower meets your needs, match the type to your space and climate and then consider these tips:

Try the controls. Independent dealers and even big-box stores typically have floor samples. Along with trigger releases on two-stage models, look for electric starting. Also be sure you’re comfortable with the handle height and the chute adjustment, which you’ll use frequently.

Don’t get hung up on power claims. You’ll find two-stage snow blowers with engines that boast 11 hp or more. But higher power claims don’t necessarily mean more performance; some less-powerful machines in our most recent tests cleared snow on a par with the highest-horsepower models.

Some manufacturers and retailers are also pushing Briggs & Stratton engines vs. the usual Techmseh powerplants. We found that the Tecumseh engines on most of these machines performed competently.

Don’t get dazzled by drive speeds. Most two-stage machines have five or six forward speeds-useful for going slowly through heavy snow to prevent clogs, or quickly when returning to the garage. While the seven forward speeds on some two-stage models sound like a plus, we found them with the typical range for six-speed models.

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