Engine-Powered Snow Blowers: Petrol Self-Propelled Two- and Three-Stage Models

In single-stage snow blowers the auger both picks up and throws the snow, so they are light and suit small flat areas and fresh snow. In two-stage models the auger feeds snow to a fast-spinning impeller that throws it far, while three-stage models add an accelerator that breaks up dense and icy snow first. Two-stage models are the most common choice for houses and country homes.

Clearing width is usually 50–90 cm: 50–60 cm for paths and small yards, 60–70 cm for driveways and medium areas, 70–90 cm for car parks and large grounds. Intake height (40–55 cm) shows how deep a snow layer the machine can clear in one pass, while wider models need a more powerful engine and are harder to manoeuvre in tight spaces.

Snow blowers use four-stroke petrol engines (Loncin or Honda type) of 150–420 cm³ and roughly 5–15 hp. 6–7 hp is enough for a 55–60 cm model, while for a 70–90 cm width and dense snow choose a 9–15 hp engine. See differences between two-stroke, four-stroke and diesel engines and engine displacement, power, torque and RPM: how to compare engine-powered equipment.

Self-propelled wheeled models are manoeuvrable and suit flat yards and sidewalks, while tracked models grip better on icy surfaces, slopes and mountain-house yards. Usually there are 4–6 forward and 1–2 reverse gears, and a wheel-unlock feature makes turning easier.

A rubber auger suits fresh snow and paved surfaces, while a serrated steel auger handles wet, dense and packed snow better. Throw distance is usually 5–15 m, and chute rotation (up to 180–190°) and deflector tilt adjustment let you send the snow exactly where you want it.

A recoil starter is enough for light models, while a 220 V mains or battery electric starter makes starting easier in hard frost. For cold starts, use fresh petrol, engine oil of winter viscosity (for example 5W-30) and the primer. Read fuel, engine oil and two-stroke mix: how to choose and use them correctly.

Heated grips, an LED headlight and a height-adjustable handle make work more comfortable in frost and darkness. Shear bolts protect the auger and gearbox if a stone or chunk of ice gets in, while skid shoes set the clearing height above the surface.

Engine-powered snow blowers usually produce 95–105 dB, so work with hearing protection and safety glasses. Never clear a clogged chute or auger by hand or foot: always stop the engine and use the clean-out tool, and never throw snow towards people, cars or windows. See how to choose hearing protection, how to choose safety glasses and how to safely use internal-combustion-engine tools and equipment.

During the season, check the oil level, belt tension and tyre pressure, and clear snow from the auger and chute after work. At the end of the season, drain the fuel or add a stabiliser, change the oil and store the machine in a dry place; when choosing, prefer a model whose belts, spark plugs and shear bolts are easy to find. Read how to maintain and store motor tools and engine-powered equipment and how to choose spare parts for gasoline and diesel engines.