If you are currently experiencing (and dreading) long winter months, then you know that it can be unpredictable and challenging. And shoveling the snow out of your lawn may not be enough when dealing with heavy snowfall. A dependable snow blower will save the day.
A 3-stage snow blower can clear up that heavy, thick snow that seems to have accumulated in your driveways and walkways overnight. It’s a powerful machine designed to efficiently clear large areas, and it does so quickly without breaking a sweat.
But is it the right snow blower machine for you?
In this post, we’ll look at the ins and outs of a 3-stage snow blower and compare it to its single-stage and 2-stage counterparts. We’ll also dive into its pros and cons so you can decide if it’s the right outdoor power equipment for you.
What Is a Three-Stage Snow Blower?
First, let’s define a snow blower.
As the name suggests, it’s a machine used for removing or “blowing” icy snow from driveways, sidewalks, and roadways. Snow blowers use augers that rotate at high speed to break up the snow and pull it into the machine’s chute.
They can run on gas, electric, and diesel engines and are available in a range of sizes and styles to suit your needs. And when it comes to choosing a snow blower, you have three options: 1-stage, 2-stage, and 3-stage.
A 3-stage snow blower is the most powerful and efficient. It works the same as a 2-stage snow blower, but with a supercharged engine.
Typically featuring two augers and an impeller, a 3-stage blower is designed to cut through thick, heavy snow about 12 to 24 inches and higher. It can plow driveways, sidewalks, and pavements twice as fast as a 2-stage snow blower.
That said, before you pick a 3-stage snow blower, you should consider its pros and cons.
Pros:
- Heavy duty; removes snow and ice faster than a single or 2-stage snow blower
- Clears snow from a distance of 50 feet
- Removes snow up to 24 inches deep
- There are compact options designed for home use
Cons:
- Only runs on gas, though this has an edge over electric snow blowers, which have a lower power output
- Comes with a higher upfront purchasing cost
- Has a higher operating and maintenance cost
- Quite large so it needs bigger storage space
- Harder to maneuver
- Commercial models tend to run loud, which isn’t ideal for residential use
2 Stage vs 3 Stage Snow Blower: What’s the Difference?
A 2-stage and 3-stage snow blower are distinguished by the number of impeller stages they use. This also means that the higher the stage, the stronger the snow blower can remove snow.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, the two types of snow blowers have a lot of similarities. That said, they also differ in certain aspects. Let’s have a look at how these two operate:
Here’s how a 2-stage snow blower works:
- In the first stage, it uses its auger to collect and lift the snow and ice off the ground.
- Then, it transports snow into the impeller. It will then flung out the snow from the machine through a chute.
2-stage blowers tend to be easier to maneuver with on hand because they are more lightweight. They also include convenient features like headlights and heated hand grips. And depending on the model, you may find snow blowers with self-propelled features. This helps you tackle longer distances.
The need for a 2-stage snow blower depends on the situation of the area you need to clean. Most homeowners would opt for this machine to clean 12-inch deep snow, easily. With some models, you can adjust the chute while it operates.
A 3-stage snow blower, on the other hand, works like this:
- Using an auger, the machine first catches and breaks down more snow and ice, just like how 2-stage snow blowers do.
- Again, similar to a 2-stage snow blower, it transports snow into its impeller and then throws it out the equipment through the discharge chute. The impeller rotates quickly, creating a strong air current that drives the snow out of the chute and out of the surface being cleared.
- The third stage is an extra step but is crucial for thick snow. In this stage, the accelerator paddles of the blower improve the speed at which the impeller cuts through dense and heavy snow. It essentially boosts the machine’s throwing distance. This is a great boost to cut down the time required to clean the area.
A 3-stage snow blower is harder to maneuver. But it’s such a workhorse when it comes to removing heavy snow and ice. In fact, they are powerful enough that they are deemed suitable for commercial use.
In recent years, however, many manufacturers have developed more compact and affordable 3-stage models for residential use, widening the option for many homeowners.
3-Stage snow blowers usually run on gasoline but have features like electric starters and a 4-cycle engine. They could be better for most homeowners due to their size and they run loudly. Plus, they are more complex than two-stage snow blowers and require extensive maintenance and high operating cost.
If you have the time and money to invest in regularly checking a 3-stage snow blower, then you might as well get one. This is worth the investment if you’re dealing with heavy snowfall multiple times a year. However, it may be overkill in locations with just occasional heavy snowfall.
There is also a single-stage snow blower that features only one auger for breaking, scooping, and throwing snow. They aren’t as powerful as the other two options, but they are the easiest to handle. If you only have to tackle light and wet snow on your driveway, they may be a better and budget-friendlier alternative.
Now, let’s get more into the factors that differentiate the two machines.
Speed
Most models you’ll find on both options are self-propelled. However, you must check the weight of the 3-stage blower you want because not all of them have self-propulsion. Remember, 3-stage machines are heavy and hard to maneuver, and pushing them on your own can put a strain on your body.
Augers, Impellers, and Accelerators
These crucial components are found in both types of snow blowers. A two-stage snow blower has two augers, while a 3-stage machine has three.
The augers are rotating barrels that look like corkscrews and are typically made of metal. These parts drive the lifted snow into the impeller, which is then discharged through the machine’s chute.
What makes a 3-stage snow blower’s augers so impressive is that they work a lot quicker than its impeller. And this significantly speeds up the snow-clearing process.
An accelerator is a feature that most 2-stage snow blowers lack. It also makes a lot of difference in speeding up the process. Though not a required function in most snow blowers, you can actually opt for this as an add-on. You just need to find the right supplier.
Blowing Capacity
The clear winner in this department will be 3-stage snow blowers. They simply can’t clear the heaviest snow and ice from larger areas. You may get away with a 2-stage snow blower if you have light to moderate snowfall but during severe winters? A 3-stage snow blower would be an easy choice.
Throwing Distance
Depending on the size and weight, a 3-stage snowblower can throw snow up to 50 feet away. But some 2-stage snow blowers can also blast snow between 20 to 50 feet. Also, again, it depends on the model.
We recommend looking at their specifications. 3-stage snow blowers can tackle a large driveway, but not all of them are capable of throwing snow away a far distance. But this is also why commercial-grade snow blowers exist.
Is a 3-Stage Snow Blower Worth It?
It depends on your requirements. Most homeowners may get away with a 2-stage snow blower. But, if you get more than 12 to 24 inches of heavy snowfall or more regularly, go for a commercial 3-stage machine.
A 3-stage snow blower is especially useful if you have a large, long driveway and pavements to plow multiple times a year.
Are 3-Stage Snow Blowers Better?
You should tailor your choice to your specific needs and the condition of snowfall in your area. Compared to a 2-stage snow blower, a 3-stage blower is usually a better choice for cleaning large areas or regions with heavy snow.
A 3-stage snow blower has an extra accelerator that breaks up the snow before it reaches the impeller. This allows the blower to move more snow at a faster rate. The caveat is that they are generally more expensive than a 2-stage snow blower. So consider your specific needs and budget before investing in one.
When Should You Not Use Snowblower?
Any time of day, except at night or before dawn. These machines are quite loud, and you don’t want to wake up the entire neighborhood.
In addition, you shouldn’t use it when the snow is too deep or heavy, if there are impeding objects in the snow, or when the equipment is not working correctly. And never blow snow toward houses and cars and into the street.
Wrap Up
A 3-stage snow blower is a powerful and efficient machine designed for heavy-duty jobs. It can save you time and energy throughout the cold month’s thanks to its intelligent design (which others might find harder to use) and impressive features.
Whether you have a wide driveway, a commercial property, or live in an area with heavy snowfall, this machine may be your best option.
But before investing in one, do your research and pick a model that suits your specific needs. We recommend getting a more compact 3-stage snow blower to save you more money. These machines work just as hard as commercial ones but are less expensive and they are great for clearing up small areas with heavy snow.
In addition, check reviews and compare prices to discover the best option for you.
We hope you find this post helpful and share it around. If you have any more questions about 3-stage snow blowers, let us know and we’ll gladly help you. Good luck!
