Best Snow Blower for Gravel Driveways in Wisconsin Winters
A gravel driveway changes the way you shop for a snow blower! When you’re risking blowing rocks instead of snow, your ultimate choice of machine ends up mattering more than you may have originally thought. If you’re a homeowner in or around the St. Croix Falls area, the experts at Boyd’s Outdoor Power understand that you’re making a crucial investment for Wisconsin’s challenging winters.
The right machine is the one that clears snow efficiently while protecting both your driveway and the equipment. We’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you circle the perfect snow blower for your specific scenario!
Choosing the Best Snow Blower for Your Driveway
For most homes around St. Croix Falls, a two-stage snow blower is the safest and most effective bet!
Unlike a single-stage machine that relies on rubber paddles touching the ground, a two-stage model lifts the snow with a steel auger, while adjustable skid shoes keep the blower’s housing slightly above the driveway.
Instead of scraping into loose gravel, this machine glides over the surface while still removing the majority of the snow. If you have a driveway that’s longer than about 75 feet or you regularly deal with heavy snowfalls, a two-stage model will generally provide better performance and require less effort to operate than the alternatives!
Why Equipment Dealers Recommend Two-Stage Models
A quality two-stage snow blower offers several advantages:
- Better control on uneven gravel
- Greater snow-throwing distance
- Less chance of picking up rocks
- Improved performance in wet and packed snow
- Longer service life under heavy use
These benefits, of course, also end up meaning more money saved. Avoid the hassle of an early replacement or string of overbearing repairs by getting your purchase right from the start!
When Is a Three-Stage Snow Blower Worth It?
However, even if a three-stage snow blower isn’t automatically a better choice, there are times when you may need to swing up for this kind of model. It’s designed to move large amounts of snow more quickly by adding an accelerator that feeds snow into the impeller.
That extra capacity is valuable if you:
- Maintain a long country driveway
- Frequently clear snow deeper than 12 inches
- Remove heavy snow left by highway plows
- Need to multiple properties
Choosing the Right Size
On top of choosing the right stage for your needs, snow-blower sizes also vary and will suit you depending on your driveway length. We’ve got you covered there, too:
|
Driveway Length |
Recommended Machine |
|
Under 75 feet: |
24-inch two-stage |
|
75–200 feet: |
24-28 inch two-stage |
|
Over 200 feet: |
28-30 inch two-stage or three-stage |
|
Steep terrain: |
Consider a tracked model |
If you’re between sizes, you can also factor in the type of snowfall you usually receive. Heavy snow demands more torque than light and powdery snow.
Boyd’s Outdoor Power is Wisconsin’s Outdoor Authority!
The best snow blower for your gravel driveway will be the one that matches your usual conditions and, well, your driveway. No matter what you need or what you’re leaning toward, the experts at Boyd’s Outdoor Power are here to help!
If you’re still weighing your options, talking with our team can help you narrow your choices – you can even stop by our showroom, at 930 State Road 35 South, Dresser, WI 54009, and get hands-on with your options!
Professional advice before you invest can save you time and money well before the Wisconsin snow starts falling this winter. Call us today to get started!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I remove all the snow in my driveway?
Not early in the season! Leaving about an inch of packed snow until the driveway freezes will help prevent gravel from being disturbed or moved undesirably.
Q: Are tracked snow blowers worth the extra cost?
If your driveway has steep hills or becomes icy during winter, many homeowners find the added traction of a tracked snow blower worthwhile. On flat properties especially, wheeled models typically perform very well.
Q: How long should my new snow blower last?
With routine maintenance, a quality two-stage snow blower usually provides 10 to 20 years of reliable service. Put simply, a whole decade or two!