Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I just moved to Minnesota after being in the warm, no snow southwest USA.  I am new to the whole snow thing, so I have some basic questions about what I should get as far as a snow blower goes.  I see single stage and dual stage throwers, but can't seem to find out what the difference is??  Also, if all I am clearing is my driveway, which is 20' wide by 35' long, just what kind of horse power am I going to need?  I do know the difference in 2 cycle and 4 cycle engines, but that is about it.  I'm trying to get a head start on the whole snow thing and want to have a blower in my garage ready to go when the first snow hits.  Any advice is appreciated!!

Travis

1 thing I didn't see mentioned, is that single stage blowers and gravel don't mix well.  They'll pick up the rocks and heave them right along with the snow.  A 2 stage has skids on the bottom of the housing that are adjustable, so you can set it high enough to keep the rocks on the ground where they belong.

Here is a little tip if you get a 2 stage. If the snow is wet and heavy spray the chute, augers and impeller with Pam or WD40 before you blow snow. It will help alot with snow piling up in the chute and causing a clog.