First Day With the Ego Battery Powered 2 Stage Snowblower

[@intertan]

that is why I am thinking of 4 batteries in the end. 10ah ones. I do plan on the lawn mower and other ego brand tools when I get around to ordering.

[@trev8426]

first winter with mine, have the two 7.5 Ah batteries. Works great, only use the lowest speed for the auger haven't found it necessary to increase and this is up to depths of 20" which is to the top of the intake. I have a 300' x 10' gravel drive, too bad all these YT video always show a nice paved drive when doing tests on this unit (at least what have seen so far). The deep lug tires work very well and perform as well as my old gas unit that had chains on it. A few specs: The dual port charger will charge two 7.5 Ah batteries from zero in 120 minutes, I also have a Rapid Charger (from my EGO mower) that will charge a 7.5 Ah battery from zero in 60 minutes. The box this unit comes in is 31.75" H x 35.5" W x 26.5" D, with a gross weight of 174 lbs; the unit weighs 144 lbs or 159 lbs with the two 7.5 Ah batteries.

[@Jeo-What]

Thank you and the little helper for sharing your experience on your EGO 2 stage snowblower with two 7.5Ah batteries. ECO speed on the auger/impeller and drive wheels is definitely powerful enough while provide the most runtime even though I four sets of batteries including the two 10.0Ah that comes with the unit. No need to overheat the batteries and shorten their operating life. My driveway has a slit angle so I don't engage the drive wheel when going downhill or during reverse and always try to clear the snowplow piles from the uphill position for the snowblower to gain some advantage while increasing the runtime. I store my unit far way from the garage door and facing against the wall that connects between the house and the garage for the auger/impeller gearbox to receive a bit of heat that radiates through the wall of the house to prevent the auger/impeller gearbox frizzing up after clearing out all the snow and running the unit for one minute after the job is done. Very few users on the Facebook has reported that their unit stop working due to the gearbox frozen and damage the unit. Thanks again for the demonstration in ~20"of snow to give people an idea of the runtime and performance. 👍👍👍

[@sripley10]

Thanks for the feedback and glad you enjoyed it! I forgot to mention in the video that it was around 10 degrees when I used the snowblower for the first time, so I'm sure that had an effect on the battery performance. We don't have a garage, so I have to keep in the shed.

[@Jeo-What]

@@sripley10 is there power in the shed? Smart Wi-Fi power outlet + extension cord + small space heater = remote control warmer for the snowblower before/after the job 😉

[@ulysses01]

@@sripley10 very nice video. Thanks for taking the time to share it. Interestingly some of the written materials about the Ego batteries seem to indicate that it’s the temps at which the batteries are charged and/or stored that can cause problems, rather than the ambient temps during use. For example, notice the following: “COLD WEATHER OPERATION: This Lithium-Ion battery pack will provide optimal performance in temperatures between 50°F(10°C) and 80°F(26°C). When the battery pack is very cold, it may “pulse” for the first minute of use to warm itself. Put the battery pack on a tool and use the tool in a light application. After about a minute, the battery pack will have warmed itself and will operate normally.” So when you’re taking it from a warm environment such as the house or an adjacent garage, they’re usually going to be ready to get some work done. But the Ego recommendation about the batteries starting off in a very cold state and warming them up with a light job before pushing them is good to know. Maximizing the life of these power sources is going to be important after all the investment you put into them.

[@stevemellinger3776]

I opted for the push model with metal auger. Powering the drive uses battery life. I used my 10 amp from my Z6 and did my driveway and the neighbors driveway in about 20 minutes. The Ego did so well, it never snowed again. Until next year winter

[@bane2256]

Seems pretty powerful. The next model should be interesting

[@jimcotter7736]

I live in Minnesota and love my EGO snowblower. It's a new experience with no fumes and alot quieter.Never a issue running out of power or blowing.

[@sripley10]

How long are you getting out of a full charge for yours?

[@joebrown9621]

For occasional dump this Ego seems quite fine other than that need gas as it took 20 mins to clear 1/2 that size drive way of fresh snow and batteries dead.. This amount I'll go hard and my 26" Toro would clear entirely in 30 mins and I'll be back in the house or 4 to 6 inches in 6 gear after along day at work every night.. I'm considering a cordless single for days when it's an inch or two

[@tommays56]

Run time aside it was and impressive performance IMHP as you kept the battery’s inside until use the temperature was not and issue and most likely helped cool them from the high amps draw of the deep snow

[@royjackson9576]

I have an older push type EGO blower. Nice for up to 6" (little less if it's wet and heavy), but that's more a problem with the old (72) operator than the blower I am definitely going to get one of these self-propelled models, but they're hard to find around here (Vermont) right now The 5.0 A/h batteries are great for string trimmers, chainsaws, pole saws (I have all three), but not so hot for snow blowers. But the 7.5 A/h batteries are too heavy for handheld equipment Great video, thanks for posting!!!

[@Jeff-ei5yc]

Turn down the speed even a notch or two. You will get much longer run time. I leave mine on econ 90 per cent of the time.

[@sripley10]

Yeah I went a little crazy on the first time out with the speed! Thanks for tip on keeping it mostly on Eco.

[@bnegs521]

I agree with the batteries. Gotta keep it on eco

[@ddeboy002]

Why do people wait until the storm is over? I just do 6" even in the middle of the night. I could have snow blow this in 1 hr total in max speed and med throw. Just do it more often.

[@bigt9063]

I want to be a fan so bad, especially owning several EGO products, but that waiting period to recharge the batteries would drive me nuts. When I start a task I want to keep going until it's done. I still think gas is the way to go if one gets 8+ inches of snow per storm with alot property to clean. Only other option would be the rapid charger and two extra 7.5 Amp batteries to keep rotating out, a costly alternative though.

[@mattv5281]

I have a 10Ah battery from the lawnmower and 5Ah battery from the leaf blower, and combined they equal the capacity of two 7.5Ah batteries. I have a 700W "turbo" charger from the lawnmower and I bought a spare 550W rapid charger to replace the relatively slow dual charger that comes with the snow blower. I charge up all 4 batteries ahead of a storm, and if I expect to need it I can put the first set on the chargers as soon as they are drained while I use the second set. Charge time is 1 hour or less depending on the battery and charger, and I seem to be getting over 30 minutes from a set of batteries, so that's at least 1 hour of nonstop snow blowing from the 4 batteries, a 30 minute break while the first set charges the rest of the way, then another 30 minutes of use. If you have a bigger driveway than you can clear with that, then it's probably not the right tool for you.

[@jamie8917]

I am an Ego fan and because of that I have multiple batteries so I never have to wait to recharge. I also keep the auger speed way down and almost always get about 40 minutes from 2 7.5s. If that is not enough to finish all I need is another single 5.0 battery. I'd love to have the 10 Amp hr batteries.

[@bigt9063]

@@jamie8917 that's not too shabby. I can only imagine what the 10 Amp batteries will do, those would be great but mighty expensive.

[@bluenoser1567]

Great review! I wasn't aware that you could get battery snowblowers. I live in eastern Canada and we can have some real wild storms dropping a ton of snow so I don't know if they would be very effective here unless you have a small driveway and walk. I did however just recently buy the Greenworks Pro 60V hedge trimmer and it is a beast. Only used it the once so far but it easily ran for 40 minutes on a single charge and sliced through branch's at least up to an inch thick. Batteries are the future but not every device is ready to roll just yet ... Cheers

[@BronzeLincolns81]

He was using 5ah batteries. The results were to be expected.

[@johnryle6917]

Good video thank you

[@sj7601]

Why do people buy this with the 2) 5.0 ah batteries and act surprised that it didn't last very long? You know there are also 7.5, 10, & 12 ah batteries available, right?

[@ralphfraumeni6190]

I've been reading lots of reviews about battery blowers and have a question that no one has mentioned. I see they all have lights. Can the lights be turned off or do leds not draw enough power to be an issue. Thanks.

[@sripley10]

Are you talking about the headlights? Yes those can be turned on and off. The batteries have lights, but that's just to show you how much juice is left.

[@ralphfraumeni6190]

Yes. The headlights. That's a good thing.

[@ralphfraumeni6190]

Thank you.

[@MikeD1101a]

I had a 40v model that I ended up selling. Live outside of Buffalo NY and first time I used the 40v on in about a foot of snow (with some drifts close to 2 feet), it seemed like the job would have been done quicker by shoveling. Are the 80v ones of teh 2 stage one you used that much better in heavy snow (1-2 feet or more?)

[@sripley10]

I live north of Boston and have used it on mostly heavy wet snow and it handles it much better than shoveling. I haven't had the chance to use it on 2 feet of snow yet.

[@williemaykit7940]

Have you tried it with wet snow yet? It threw the fluff really well.

[@sripley10]

Yes, check out this short. It handled the heavy wet stuff well too: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pomkoYhnarqbZpo

[@williemaykit7940]

@@sripley10 Very nice!

[@joeknowz4898]

yep... I was out 4 hours Tuesday and 2 hours Wednesday after our two day storm, 9 inch and about 3 inch snow fall the next...I filled both of my machines up on Tuesday and never ran out...I use the big Troy-Bilt 24 inch two stage for the long passes and my 15 year old Toro single stage for walk ways....I also clear four other homes on my block. My 120 foot drive way takes me about 6 passes to clear with my Troy Bilt...That would not have happened with any battery operated machine...How long does it take to charger both batteries and what measure of charging capacity is lost over time ??? As for the noise...every village snow plow that went by and snow removal services machine across the street were all gas powered equipment...

[@ralphfraumeni6190]

Thanks Joe. Youe reply to this video convinced me to buy the Ego 2 stage unit. I was going to trade in my Toro 221 and replace with a 2 stage but wasn't sure which way to go. I've decided to keep the SS machine so now I have gas and electric. My driveway is not as big as yours. I have about 50' of driveway x2 and 60' of sidewalk. Tired of pushing that SS at EOD. Thankfully my wife was on board.🤣

[@matterwin8635]

Hi Scott those look like 5.0 ah batt you have there not 7.5?

[@sripley10]

You're right, I bought this from a local Ace Hardware store and it looks like they gave me the 5's and not the correct 7.5. I didn't notice until you pointed it out, thanks!

[@matterwin8635]

@@sripley10 witch ace did you buy it at did you buy it as a kit are as tool only? i work for EGO is why i ask.

[@francoisdesmarquis8548]

I'm pretty sure ego blowers do come paired with 10ah variant? If not, it should..

[@sripley10]

@@matterwin8635 I got it from Rocky's Ace Hardware in Dover NH.I thought I was buying the kit and when I picked it up they pulled the charger and batteries off the shelf. I didn't even check to make sure they were the 7.5's. I'll be going back there on Friday to hopefully exchange.

[@matterwin8635]

@@sripley10 let me know how it goes...

[@terrybono5995]

20 minutes? thats it?

[@ralphfraumeni6190]

Hey Scott. Just picked up this unit and have a question or two. Will it run on one battery and did you get 7.5Ah batteries with yours? Thanks.

[@sripley10]

Hey Ralph, I now have the 7.5 batteries, but this video is done with the 5.0s. We had a storm yesterday and it does work with one battery.

[@ralphfraumeni6190]

@@sripley10 Thank you Scott.

[@beragis3]

How difficult is the snow blower to turn. Are the wheels controlled independently, or are both running in sync?

[@sripley10]

I found it really easy to turn. My previous blower was a 1975 Airens, so that thing was a beast! The wheels on this both run in sync and I didn't have any issues navigating through the snow.

[@jamie8917]

It turns incredibly easy. Much easier than my old Ariens. The Ego wheels rotate independently. They are not geared so movement is very easy. Only downfall with this is if you have to use it on a steep hill. Gravity will take over. Not an issue for me though.

[@wayneessar7489]

Twenty minutes is what I get on a 6.o amp hour Toro battery, longer on less snow.

[@Surferjo]

great video signed up to...........

[@appleztooranges]

I’m selling my $4600 Honda for one of these! It’s a beast!!

[@ColoradoDualSport]

You were cutting half the width off the auger and it still only lasted 20 minutes. Well, guess I'll give them another 10 years to get the batteries right. For now I'll do my entire driveway and two of the neighbors on one tank of good old dinosaur bones.

[@sripley10]

Yeah I'm going to go more aggressive with the passes next time!

[@joejohnson2478]

20 minute run time on turbo and 30 on eco mode. That's not that great. It took me one hour to do my property using a gas unit without having to stop for one hour and twenty minutes for a recharge.

[@sripley10]

Yeah I was surprised at the battery life, but forgot to add that is was around 10 degrees, so I'm sure the cold effected the performance too.

[@joejohnson2478]

@@sripley10 Well keep in mind that snowblowers usually operate in cold weather which affects litium batteries. Many companies are striving to invent a battery that will replace the performance of lithium batteries.

[@ulysses01]

@@joejohnson2478 storing and charging them in the cold seems to affect the operation of Ego’s batteries more than operating them in the cold. With these battery-operated devices, everything depends upon what sort of property you have, the amount of square footage to clear, the *volume* of snow you need to throw, and what your long-term goals are. Some guys just want a good snowblower that tosses it far. Some really like the sound of a gas engine. Others don’t want to mess with gas, oil, and the fumes. They might prefer to have less maintenance to deal with both during cold season as well as off-season. Or they may want a quieter device. For still others the dollars and cents calculations may go beyond what they paid at the register. They might be thinking more about the environment or their neighbors or whatever. People have their reasons. Electric’s initial $$$ investment is costlier. But the technology may have a long-term advantage. Only time will tell. Like you mentioned, I’m sure lithium ion batteries won’t be the last source the power these electric motors. It’ll be interesting to see what comes next. Meanwhile, some guys are enjoying the ride right now.

[@joejohnson2478]

@@ulysses01 I'm not totally against battery operated tools. My lawn is small enough where I use a battery lawn mower. My vehicle is a hybrid. It's just that these battery snowblowers aren't as powerful and the 2 stage units only run about 20 minutes on eco mode. At least that's what the complaints were from consumers who bought the unit from Home Depot. Perhaps Ego should supply a second set of batteries with the unit. Forty minutes of run time should be able to handle most jobs and one set could be charging while the other is in use. Ego shouldn't expect consumers who buy their 2 stage snowblower use other items by Ego. Two sets of batteries would have been great because it's needed with this unit.

[@jamie8917]

@Joe Johnson based on my experience with this snowblower it is 100% as powerful as my 8hp Ariens was and it is MUCH easier to use. I consistently get 40 minutes of runtime on a single set of 7.5 batteries. Auger speed is the key. I never need to use anything faster than eco or 1 speed faster. I used it on turbo once and got 20 minutes.

[@Jerseyjoe69]

Only 20 minutes

[@godw1ll99]

man for $1300 or even $850 for just the bare tool, no batteries, i cant see myself getting this. what is it useful for? homeowners? unless you are making money with it why spend double the money? and if you are making money with it the 20min runtime is not acceptable so its not practical in that aspect either. seems like a poor investment either way. i dont hate electric alternatives just like to acknowledge the cons as well.

[@zack9912000]

not very practical

[@Monza62000]

its a toy get an ariens ,,,

[@sripley10]

This replaced my 1975 Ariens which was great. Wanted to go with a battery one this time around.

[@ulysses01]

@@sripley10 it takes a lot for an Ariens to die. They’re beasts during any year of manufacture. I’m curious, was it beyond repair? Or did you simply want to explore the electric devices this time? Since you’re coming from an Ariens snowblower, how would you rate the Ego? (Other than battery life during the job)

[@sripley10]

@@ulysses01 the Ariens was great, but it couldn't handle the wet snow very well and I wanted to try out a battery powered option. I've still only used the Ego this one time. Will be interested to see how it does with wet heavy snow. I'll post another video if we get a storm like that.

[@jamie8917]

I bought this ego to replace my old 8 hp Ariens. This works at least as good if not better. The Ariens was very difficult to move around, almost always had to use the electric start and I got tired of dealing with belts and friction discs. Only been 2 years with the Ego but I don't miss the Ariens at all.

[@scundoorsup5342]

Total garbage Good try

[@jjjjjjjjjjjhjjjjjhjj]

I heard reviews about not being able to adjust where the snow gets thrown or that the shooter part can move where ever it wants when throwing the snow is this true ?

[@sripley10]

I've only used it this one time, but I found the shoot to work great! Was able to adjust the height and direction easily.

[@jjjjjjjjjjjhjjjjjhjj]

@@sripley10 oh that’s good I heard there was a pin that would allow it to spin freely by mistake but they must have fixed it now 👍 I will get one next year

[@ulysses01]

@@jjjjjjjjjjjhjjjjjhjj Ego addressed that problem several months ago. For then-current owners they shipped a free repair kit which restored chute control to what it should be. And new purchases now come with the adjustment already made. It’s now a non-issue.

[@jjjjjjjjjjjhjjjjjhjj]

@@ulysses01 awesome !