Best snow blower for gravel driveway

For gravel driveways, you may be avoiding snow blowers since you’ve heard they can damage your property by kicking up rocks. At the same time, clearing your driveway of snow certainly sounds like a miserable effort.

The solution is a two-stage or three-stage snow blower that can skim across the top of your driveway, clearing the bulk of the snow while maintaining the integrity of your driveway. With our list of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways, we’ve made it easier if you feel like choosing the ideal tool for the job leaves you between a rock and a hard place.

Let’s get into it!

#1 Briggs & Stratton

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This snow blower from Briggs & Stratton is perfect for clearing wider gravel driveways thanks to its huge 27-inch-wide inlet. This snow blower for gravel can go through heavier snow without becoming stuck thanks to its 250 cc engine and specially created friction-disc transmission. The auger remains above the ground thanks to two sturdy steel skid shoes.

The Briggs & Stratton freehand control eliminates the need to stop and start to make adjustments by allowing the operator to manage the chute direction and its five speeds with one hand while operating the snow blower with the other. It is simpler to use because of the dash-mounted chute rotation controls and push-button electric start (not an electric snow blower).

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • With each pass, the wide intake covers a significant area.
  • Constructed with heavy-duty steel.
  • Built with an engine and transmission to move through heavier snow.
Cons
  • Expensive.

#2 YARDMAX YB6770

YARDMAX YB6770 26 in. 212 cc Two-Stage Self-propelled Gas Snow Blower with Push-Button Electric...

 

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One of the most difficult types of snow to clear is snowdrifts, but the YARDMAX two-stage snow blower is up to the task. These snowdrifts are usually thick banks of snow and ice that are impossible to move with a shovel hand. You’ll save a ton of time and effort if you replace your snow shovel with a device like this YARDMAX.

Additionally, this small creature has metal shoes that allow it to throw snow far and wide while picking up rocks, mud, and gravel and leaving them where they belong on the eartMoreoverore, even in the coldest winter months, the snow blower starup without a hitch.

The machine’s 26-inch wide mouth enables you to make one pass through wider routes. Despite this, it is also a remarkably inexpensive snow thrower given how well it handles even the wettest of heavy snow. The YARDMAX also comes with a ton of great features and add-ons, like a headlamp, a cup holder on the dashboard, heated handles, and more.

This might be the ideal snow blower for you if you want a two-stage snow blower with all the bells and whistles but one that won’t suck up all the gravel and stones off your driveway.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Extra-wide mouth
  • Convenient comfort features
  • Suitable for all types of snow
Cons
  • Needs assembly
  • Metal “shoes”.

#3 Husqvarna ST224

Husqvarna ST224 24-Inch 208cc Two Stage Electric Start Snow Blower 970468501

 

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The fact that the Husqvarna two-stage snow blower comes with skids to prevent damaging your driveway and sidewalk is one of our favorite features. Additionally, you can completely prevent the machine from touching the ground by loosening the nuts on the skids, which are found at the bottom of the intake. This implies that when light snow is gathered and thrown away, all pebbles and dirt are left in their proper places on the ground.

Just enough power is provided by the snow blower’s 208cc engine to handle heavy snowfall. That said, even though it has self-propulsion, it might be a little challenging to maneuver in thick snow. But just turning the handle seems to make a difference.

We also appreciate the fact that this snow thrower comes with a ton of extras, such as heated handgrips, ski skids, a headlight, and others, to help keep you as warm and cozy as possible when cleaning snow off your property in the bitter cold.

This device might be ideal for you if you’re searching for one that will quickly and simply clear away heavy snow, ice, and slush while avoiding picking up all the pebbles, rocks, and soil from your driveway and sidewalks.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Gets down to the pavement
  • Decent headlights and heated handgrips
  • Good for tall, heavy snow banks
Cons
  • Short warranty
  • Difficult to push
  • Metal chute

#4 Ariens Classic 24+

Ariens Classic 24+ 24' 2 Stage Snow Thrower- 920030

 

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This Ariens compact snow blower for gravel driveways has plenty of power to eat through and remove snow mounds up to two feet tall, similar to other two-stage blowers. Even the thickest and iciest snowfall is devoured by the machine. If you are willing to put some effort into it yourself, you may use it for considerably larger amounts of snow than it is advertised for.

However, if you don’t adjust the snow blower’s height, it could also pick up boulders or pebbles in addition to snow. Additionally, you must pay attention to the chute’s direction to avoid dumping snow and gravel where you don’t want them, such as on your car or front porch. Additionally, thanks to its electric start, the machine starts up easily even in the coldest months of the year. Additionally, a manual start is included.

Additionally, the Ariens has a modest headlight that is helpful but not as brilliant as other lighting-equipped machines on our list. Even though this Ariens has a premium plastic chute, snow and ice can still get stuck in it. Applying oil before using it can help you prevent obstructions.

Overall, the cost of this specific two-stage snow blower for gravel driveways is its major drawback. But the price is very reasonable, especially considering the fantastic three-year warranty that comes with it.

This model may be your best option if you want a two-stage snow blower for gravel driveways with all the most practical amenities, such as heated handles, electric start, lighting, skis, and more, but that also performs well on both smooth sidewalks and rough or uneven dirt and gravel driveways.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Large 254 cc engine can handle heavier snow
  • Capable of throwing snow up to 50 feet
  • Electronic push-button start
Cons
  • Expensive

#5 Honda HSS928AATD

Honda Power Equipment HSS928AATD 9HP 28In Two Stage Track Drive Snow Blower, Electric Start

 

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Honda Power Equipment is at the top of our list due to its incredible power. This enormous machine has a clearing aperture that is 28 inches wide and can move 1,900 pounds of snow each minute. Keeping on your gravel driveway should be simple thanks to the treads on the back two wheels that resemble those of a tank.

To give your snow blower some lift, make sure to place skid shoes on the bottom of the front section. However, you should also be aware that the auger height on Honda Power Equipment is adjustable.

You may also benefit from the expert assembly that is being provided, which will be very helpful given that the Honda Power Equipment snow blower weighs more than 350 pounds. I am aware that this weight and the high price will raise eyebrows, but the Honda Power Equipment’s overall effectiveness and sophisticated height adjustment win it a spot at the top of the list of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways.

Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Easy electric start
  • Adjustable auger height
  • Clears 28-inches wide
  • Expert assembly available
Cons
  • Very heavy
  • Expensive

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Snow Blower for Gravel Driveways

The first step in choosing the ideal model is to understand which types of snow blowers are good for gravel roads and which are not. Continue reading to find out more about the three different types of snow blowers as well as other crucial characteristics like power output and intake width.

Type

To remove snow from a gravel driveway, homeowners often invest in a stage-two snow blower. This is why:

Single Stage

Like all snow blowers, single-stage snow blowers use an auger made of metal blades with serrations. Thar variant uses the snow blower’s chute to launch the snow it has scooped up from the driveway into the air. This kind of snow blower works well for smooth pavement but poorly for loose gravel since its auger skims around the ground. It will gather and hurl boulders along with snow when operated on a gravel driveway.

Two Stage

A two-stage gravel driveway snow blower works similarly to a single-stage snow blower in that snow is gathered into the chute by an auger. However, a two-stage snow blower uses a big impeller fan to drive the snow out of the chute rather than the force of tdrillger. A two-stage snow blower’s auger does not touch the ground, and it can throw snow a lot farther than a single-stage one can. A two-stage type is best for gravel terrain since it glides on two adjustable skid pads rather than resting on the auger.

Three Stage

An accelerator, which is a corkscrew-shaped blade that lies perpendicular to the auger and draws snow swiftly into the machine as it spins, is used in conjunction with the auger, impeller fan, and heavy-duty snow blower. An accelerator, as the name suggests, enables the vehicle to move through snow more quickly. These strong snow blowers have up to 40-inch-wide intakes and can hurl snow up to 50 feet out. They are therefore perfect for covering big gravel driveways. A three-stage snow blower’s auger does not touch the ground like a two-stage snow blower, making it a viable option for gravel surfaces. The cost of three-stage mowers is likewise high. They are therefore often only required in areas that receive a lot of snow.

Power

Think about a snow blower’s power capacity while choosing one for the job. Snow blowers can be driven by a gas engine or an electric motor for battery-operated variants. The power of a gas snow blower is expressed in cc (cubic centimeters). The snow blower can move through deeper snow more easily and can shoot snow farther the higher the cc. Engine sizes for two-stage snow blowers designed for gravel driveways range from 200 cc to 250 cc.

Two 60-volt, 6.0 amp-hour batteries are used by electric snow blowers, providing power for around 45 minutes of operation. Some electric snow blowers contain a third battery that may be added through a separate connector to increase runtime. Snow blowers driven by batteries don’t emit exhaust emissions and are much quieter than gas-powered machines, despite the fact that they may not be nearly as strong. They are also simpler to maintain because they don’t need regular oil changes. Just keep in mind that lithium-ion batteries usually need to be replaced after 3 to 6 years because they start to lose their ability to hold a charge. Given that these big lithium-ion batteries can cost hundreds of dollars, this is an important element to take into account.

Width

The snow blower’s width relates to the size of its intake and defines how much snow it can move in a single pass. Single-stage snow blowers are ideal for tiny driveways and paths since they can clearing snow from 11 to 22 inches wide with each pass. Two-stage variants are adequate for most driveways because of their width of roughly 30 inches. Large three-stage snow blowers have up to 40-inch-wide intakes.

Additional Features

Other helpful features that make using snow blowers simpler and, in some circumstances, safer may be included with them.

  • The self-propelled wheels of the snow blower have speed settings that let the user change how quickly they rotate.
  • The majority of snow blowers come equipped with an automated safety shutoff that stops the auger if the user’s hands stray from the grip.
  • Headlights make it possible for the user to operate the snow blower in low-light situations.
  • By eliminating the need to pull a rope, electric starters make it simpler to start the snow blower.

How We Chose the Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways

Even though there are many excellent snow blowers available, not all of them can effectively clear a gravel driveway. We kept with models well suited for this kind of terrain while choosing the finest gravel snow blowers for our list. These are all two-stage snow blowers, which, in contrast to single-stage variants, give the auger adequate space from the ground to prevent the machine from scooping up and flinging pebbles. Beyond type, we looked at features that would make snow blowers simpler to use, such as self-propelled wheels, push-button starters, heated grips, and the ability to alter the direction of the chute on the fly.

Tips for Using Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways

There are additional steps users may take to enhance performance when clearing snow from this sort of surface, in addition to purchasing a snow blower that is rated to work on gravel surfaces. The skid shoes, the two metal components that raise the snow blower intake and auger above the ground, must first be adjusted correctly. The footwear is altered so that the intake is raised approximately one inch from the ground. The auger will have enough space between the ground and this gap to avoid making contact with the gravel.

Consider lifting the skid shoes to their highest position to remove the top layer of snow when dealing with snow that is deeper than the auger can reach, then lowering them to remove the remaining snow.

Start blowing on the driveway upwind in windy weather, and position the chute to release snow downwind.

To avoid snow freezing and clogging the intake, be careful to remove any leftover snow from the auger after finishing.

  • Adjust the skid shoes so that the intake sits 1 inch off the ground.
  • Start snow blowing on the upwind side of the driveway and set the chute to discharge downwind.
  • For deep snow, first, adjust the intake to its highest setting to get the top layer of snow.
  • Clear the intake after use to prevent snow from freezing and clogging the intake

Conclusion

A gravel driveway will always be difficult to remove snow from. To move snow, first determine whether it truly needs to be cleared.

Leave it alone if the gravel drive just has an inch or two of snow. Before opting to clear the snow, it’s a good idea to look at the forecast for the upcoming few days.

Clear the snow while you can if it appears that the two inches of fluffy snow may harden into hard snow or ice.

Make sure to purchase the best 2-stage snow blower, such as the ones we’ve recommended above, and take your time setting the auger height if you want the best snow blower for clearing gravel driveways.

FAQs

When cleaning a gravel driveway, it’s essential to know the best method for removing snow with a snow blower and how to set it up to prevent flinging rocks. Continue reading to discover more important knowledge about snow blowers, including how to use one properly.

✅What is the best way to remove snow from a gravel driveway?

The snow blower's skid shoes should be adjusted to raise the intake above the ground in order clearing snow from a gravel driveway. As a result, the machine won't be able to take up or fling gravel.

✅What kind of snow blower can I use on gravel?

A two-stage snow blower is the finest kind to operate on gravel. A single-stage snow blower's auger makes contact with the ground, which causes it to pick up and scatter gravel. With an inlet that is elevated above the ground, a two-stage or three-stage snow blower may collect snow without disturbing the gravel directly below it. Although three-stage variants are heavy-duty and frequently used by professionals, they function similarly.

✅What is the difference between a two- and three-stage snow blower?

Snow is blown out of the chute by an impeller fan and is collected by an impeller on a two-stage snow blower. A three-stage snow blower contains an auger, an impeller fan, and an accelerator for throwing snow farther. This makes it perfect for cleaning parking lots and larger driveways.

✅How much does a snow blower for gravel driveways cost?

Price ranges for snow blowers for gravel driveways range from under $800 to over $3,000. Three-stage snow blowers and more complex models are likely to cost more than the rest. Due to the high expense of snow blowers for gravel driveways, it is crucial to consider how frequently you will actually use one before purchasing one. If you prefer a more affordable option, think about the PowerSmart Snow Blower 212cc, which can pay for itself after just a dozen or so uses.

✅How long do snow blowers last?

If properly maintained, a snow blower can last ten years or even longer. For gas-powered versions, maintenance includes oil changes, axel and auger lubrication, and routine inspections for worn shear pins, skid shoes, and belts. If operated intermittently, an electric snow blower's battery can last up to 6 years before needing replacement.

✅What is the best time of year to buy a snow blower?

When manufacturers are releasing new models and there is less demand for these winter-weather devices, May or June is the greatest time to get a decent deal on a snow blower.

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