Single-Stage verses Two-Stage Snow Thrower in Light Snow? - You Decide

[@sporty05]

Thank you very much for your videos Paul. I'm really enjoying your reviews on snowblowers. My old and tired 30 year old craftsman has me shopping for a new machine, glad I found your videos. I was blindly convinced that 2-stage is the only way to go but this particular video now has me seriously considering a single stage! I especially like the Ariens Pro 21. The easy loading feature is a bonus.

[@VW.907]

I just bought a single stage, I can see pro's and con's with ea. Thanks for the comparison, that's what I have been looking for.

[@lucasj2795]

New Homeowner, Moved to a high snow climate. Thanks so much for the help. Love ur vids

[@PaulSikkema]

This has been an amazing year. Thank you so much for watching my videos and supporting through comments, likes, and shares. I especially would like to thank you, my subscribers, for supporting what I do here. Feel free to leave a comment below. (I do moderate the comments so it may not show up right away) Thanks for watching and please Subscribe!

[@raybo1018]

the amount of snow is one thing. If you live in an area that gets huge amounts of snow frequently, a two stage is better. A single stage will work, but you would need to use it as the snow was falling because if over a foot is predicted, then it won't do too much if you wait until it's all fallen. I downsized to a single stage because my 2 stage died and I have a narrow driveway and the driveway is slanted, so the big bulky blower was not easy to maneuver.

[@mct8888]

Thanks to your videos, I now own both a single and two stage. Honda HS720 and Toro 928.

[@KeithOutWest]

Thanks for that demo, Paul. The side by side test is helpful to watch.

[@mariesophie3053]

I like the two stage better. I never had a problem with a single stage and thought it was great for under 6” but then I got a two stage and can’t go back to the single it seems like I’m doing more work with the single. My driveway is 90’ plus I have two side walks. Thanks for the video.

[@PainterD54]

For that small amount of snow, just about any kind of blower will work, even an electric one if ya like dragging a cord behind you. But if you live in Minnesota, get a two stage and you'll be happy.

[@Bundys]

You make good argument to own a single stage and a 2 stage depending on snow conditions.

[@johnd9279]

Although we've had some serious snow in the past my single stage snow blowers have handled recent light snow seasons, except i have about a hundred ft of uphill driveway. That coupled with my age has made pushing a SB up hill too much effort. Down hill with the single stage is also a risk, cus downhill the SB wants to go too fast and restraining it while on a sloped slippery surface is a falling hazzard. So I just bought a 2 stage for the coming winter. For very light snow we use a couple wide push shovels just pushing sideways across the drive. If we don't clear light snow and drive on it it can pack to ice and if there's too much ice we can't get out

[@OldLenn]

☕ If you guys are torn between the two machines presented in this video. I'd advice you to consider the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE.

[@blaiseducdaumont1280]

My single stage Honda blower is not strong enough to move the heavy stuff by the road. I wish I had a three-car garage, these two stage machines require a lot of storage room.

[@ROckNCom]

I have both. For uneven or sloped driveways where you need to get down to the pavement I use my two stage Honda followed by my single stage then salt. Otherwise any residual snow and I'm going down sideways. Tilt the single stage forward a bit and it'll self propel and wipe the pavement clean.

[@Jaxattaxs7]

Also two stage better for sidewalks when you live in an area with good amount of consistent snow fall. Side walks can be tricky with snow drifts and getting through the snow. Two stage all day long for these conditions. Also two stage tears up ice with no issues.

[@scottjohnson5828]

That does help thank you the single stage is way faster.

[@crabtrap]

Depends on size of drive and typical snowload. 2stage in locking diffirantial mode can toss 24" no prob. Single stage great for development sz drives with norm 12" or less snow dumps.

[@sandywjo5]

It looks as if the dual-stage got it just as clean as the single which I find amazing! I thought dual-stage always left and inch or so on the ground. My husband and I both have health issues and fatigue is an issue. Trying to decide which is best for us. We live in Ohio. Snow amounts are always unpredictable.

[@PaulSikkema]

You can adjust 2-stage snowblowers to scrape the ground or leave up to a 3/4 inch gap under it. In this video I have that scraper bar adjusted for a 1/4 inch gap. (thickness of 1/4 inch plywood) If your driveway is blacktop, cement or pavers that works well. If you want to clear gravel or even parts of your lawn you can increase that gap so you don't pick up rocks. A good 2-stage will clear any type of snow you get. Single stage snowthrowers are good for up to 6 inches or so.

[@khaledabdelwahab9455]

Would u recommend the toro 518 ZE single stage one? Is it a good and reliable brand?

[@PaulSikkema]

Toro is a great, reliable brand. You can be sure the 518 will give you many years of use. That said, the 518 is tiny. It's only 18 inches wide and has a tiny 2 HP motor. It won't handle more than about 6 inches of snow and it will only throw it 10-20 feet. In other words, If you live in a condo, have a short sidewalk, a deck and just need to clean up after the snow contractor - it's a good choice. But, if you have a 2-car driveway 40-60 feet long, sidewalks, and decks - it will get the job done but you will be out there all day doing it.

[@khaledabdelwahab9455]

@@PaulSikkema Thanks Paul for your advice, if u have a brand and model u recommend for a 2 stage one that's affordable (less than $1000) please let me know. I saw the single stage toro 518 for $770 at home depot! I actually have a small side walk and a single car driveway, not sure if the single stage would be enough though! Is this one good first time to hear of this brand! "Husqvarna ST124 212cc 2-Stage"

[@paedahe4975]

Will a 2 stage work ok for iced over top layers of 1 foot of snow? Does it clog?

[@PaulSikkema]

Generally the answer is yes. If the ice is 1/2 inch thick the snowblower may have problems with traction. In that case just take 1/2 pass instead trying to take the full 24 inches. May 2-stage snowblowers have their biggest problem with heavy/wet heart-attack snow. They don't throw snow like that very far.

[@JimVincitore]

Great video! Very cool! Thanks!

[@cliffm8112]

Property lines in Canada are like postage stamps narrow as hell so my single stage works best for me.

[@rjd8434]

I’m looking considering a small snow thrower solely for my patio and sidewalk. My concern is that my patio is concrete slab and sidewalk is crushed granite. I live in northwestern MN near the Canadian border and we do get some significant snowstorms. I have a plow on my Polaris ranger and a three stage blower attachment on my lawn tractor fo the heavy lifting. What would you recommend for my patio and sidewalk?

[@andypetrovich2155]

Use a shovel. It's more eco-friendly plus a great competitor to the local gym!

[@snowfighter62]

Hello Paul, what do you think about the new Ariens Crossover 20 (2 stage snow blower with auger assistance)? Decades ago they had the same system => Ariens 2+2 (Deluxe) but I never got what is the reason for building a snow blower like that.

[@PaulSikkema]

I have one sitting in my dining room right now. I plan on having the review done soon. The Crossover is very similar to the ST5+2. Today there is a need for this type of snowblower - I'll go over who it's for in the video.

[@tyardovdabulldht2340]

Single stage for 6 inches or less of light fluffy snow. Two stage for 6 or more heavy snow!

[@iainr6218]

Did you have to make any adjustments to the Ariens for it to run as smoothly as it did?

[@PaulSikkema]

I set the skid shoes so there is a 1/4 inch gap under the scraper bar. That way I can clear pavement with cracks, gravel and turf without any issues. The RapidTrak also helps to push through any frozen areas easier than a wheeled unit.

[@iainr6218]

@@PaulSikkema Thanks for the reply.

[@cardshazard6206]

@@PaulSikkema I did not know the single stage had skid shoes? I didn’t see them in your walk around video of it?

[@chelseaq7273]

Would you use a 2 stage to go through what the city puts at the end of the driveway? About 2 feet of more compacted snow

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes, a 2-stage is the best choice. You would quickly become very frustrated trying to use a single-stage on the 2 foot tall snowplow pile.

[@chelseaq7273]

@@PaulSikkema that’s what we have and tried but the snow doesn’t seem to move through the machine.....

[@PaulSikkema]

What brand is it? Do you know how old it is?

[@chelseaq7273]

@@PaulSikkema it seems a bolt was missing and only half the machine was spinning! We fixed it :) thanks

[@kirkthebeerslinger]

@@chelseaq7273 sounds like one of your sheer-pins (bolts) was broke. These are designed to break more easily than a regular bolt would to save the gearbox from getting damaged if you hit a frozen newspaper or big chunk of ice/compacted snow. Be sure you replaced it with another sheer-pin instead of a regular bolt...a few dollars to save you hundreds of dollars...Cheers!

[@BigC-cc9ro]

If you normally don’t get more than 10” at a time would u suggest the single stage? I live in the mountains in Colorado

[@PaulSikkema]

Be aware of the limitations of a single-stage. 1. It won't work on gravel or other loose materials. 2. 2. It doesn't throw the snow very far. Most areas of Colorado average 60-100 inches a year and you will have piles along your driveway 8-10 feet high if you use a single stage. Check out my article to help you decide if a single-stage is best for you movingsnow.com/2019/are-single-stage-snowthrowers-good/

[@crabtrap]

Anywhere in CO, get a 2stage. Unless u have a tiny suburban driveway

[@app1mxh]

Single stage is the best. Cheaper on gas, easier to maneuver, and clears close to ground. Don't let snow build up past 6 inches. Start clearing the snow if it does.

[@omnipresentvideo7686]

I don't like to let snow build up that much, but I've gotten almost a foot before getting home from work. Luckily that doesn't happen often.

[@glennmclaughlin9968]

Hi Paul. I really enjoy your reviews! Do you know if the single stage model in this video is available in Canada. I have been looking around and can't seem to find one that looks just like the one in your videos. Is this model from 2020 or 2021?

[@PaulSikkema]

This video was done in 2019 but the Ariens Pro snowblower is still available. BUT, because of the supply chain issues everyone - including Ariens - is having you may not be able to get one until this fall. I suggest contacting a dealer and have him order one for next fall.

[@glennmclaughlin9968]

@@PaulSikkema thanks Paul.

[@Agent77X]

Both made by MTD! I have the Toro 821QXE - 7.75 hp and it is powerful!

[@PaulSikkema]

Yes, the 821QXE is a nice single stage snow thrower. Ariens is made by Ariens. Troy-Bilt is made by MTD. To see who makes all the current snowblowers please go here: movingsnow.com/2012/whats-the-difference/

[@Robsbrd99]

Hope we get to try ours this year

[@robertknight4672]

@@PaulSikkema I had a cheap MTD single-stage Snow Thrower while ago wasn't that great. I recently got Toro 518 single stage which is pretty decent. The previous owner gummed up the carburetor. I just use it as a backup to my 2 stage.

[@stevegrignon]

For the pros faster is money and you can load a single by your self and get to the next job

[@lanfan1464]

Single stage won't work if you have slope driveway, wore out paddles, and slippery shoes. It won't go straight, but side way when you push it. If you can only choose one, then go for the two stages.

[@mct8888]

I have sloped driveway and my Honda HS720 is not great. I have to push it pretty hard up the hill and it tends to want to slip sideways.