Best 3 Stage Snow Blower 

Are you in search of the optimal three-stage snow blower? Our team has spent numerous hours conducting comprehensive research so you don’t need to. Continue reading to discover our prime selections.

Contents

Best 3 Stage Snow Blower Reviews

Cub Cadet 3X 28-inch

Key Features

  • It uses a gas-powered 357cc OHV 4-cycle engine.
  • It features an intake height of 21 inches and a moving width of 28 inches.
  • It has a gas tank with a 5qt capacity.
  • It uses an electric start push button.
  • It comes with 16-inch by 6.5-inch tires.
  • It features an in-dash remote-pitch control.
  • It has heavy-duty, serrated steel augers.
  • It features two reverse and six forward speeds.
  • It comes with an auger gearbox constructed from heavy-duty cast aluminum.

This is a perfect choice for anyone with a large driveway or pathway who is still receiving large snowfall quantities. It comes with an electric start system that helps you start it quickly, even in the cold weather. All you need is a push button, and it is ready to work.

Why we like it

  • It is easy to start with a push-button.
  • With a more significant housing, it will take you little time to clear snow off your large driveway or yard.
  • The durable construction ensures its long life.
  • It comes with a trigger controlled steering.
  • It has varying speeds.
  • It offers single-hand operation so you can easily control the snow throw direction.
  • It has large tires for easy mobility in the snow.
  • It has a powerful engine.
  • It is easier to control.

What we don’t like

  • It lacks heated grips.

Our Verdict

We recommend Cub Cadet 3X 28-inch snow thrower in an area with highly compacted snow as it is a heavy-duty machine with durable components. This will serve you for many years; all you need is to keep the gas tank full.

Cub Cadet 3X 26’’

Key Features

  • It comes with dual headlights for visibility during dark hours.
  • It has heavy-duty, serrated steel augers that cut through hardened snow.
  • It has 16-inch by 4.8-inch tires.
  • It comes with a trigger-controlled power steering.
  • It uses a 420cc gas engine.
  • It features a moving width of 26 inches and an intake depth of 23 inches.
  • There is an electric start push-button.
  • It features two reverse and six forward speeds.
  • It comes with heated handgrips.

This is another amazing tool for clearing snow from your driveway, pathway, or sidewalk. It has superior features and a high capacity gas engine to blow any type of snow. This machine is constructed using high-quality materials.

Why we like it

  • Its controls are easy to use.
  • The heated grips provide you with warmth while clearing snow.
  • The large tires are great for high traction.
  • It starts quickly with a push of a button.
  • The durable serrated augers blow any type of snow.

What we don’t like

  • It doesn’t work well on irregular surfaces.

Our Verdict

This is an excellent 3-stage blowing machine. The good thing about it is its ability to work in foggy mornings or at night as it comes with dual headlights. It is quick to start and clears a broad path so that you won’t run up and down the driveway for long.

Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490

Key Features

  • It clears a path that is 24inches wide and snow depth of 21-inches.
  • It comes with a powerful and reliable 277cc gas engine.
  • It features 15-inch x 5-inch airless tires for better traction.
  • It has a 4-way pitch extended chute.
  • It comes with a Touch ‘N Turn Power steering.
  • It allows for one-hand operation.
  • Its design incorporates a 12-inch accelerator.
  • It has a 4-way remote chute and pitch control.
  • It is backed with an extended two years warranty.

The Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 allows you to clear heavy and deep snowfall quickly. This three-stage snow thrower provides easy assistance during harsh snowy conditions. It uses a powerful 277cc four-cycle gas engine.

Why we like it

  • It is easier to operate.
  • The accelerator spins faster than drills to cut through heavy, wet snow.
  • It has a powerful snow discharge.
  • The remote controls allow easy change of snow throwing direction without stopping.
  • The X-Trac tires allow you to plow through the snow effortlessly.
  • There is an extended chute that propels the snow far away.
  • It comes with an in-dash headlight to offer safer operation while working in low-light conditions.

What we don’t like

  • The chute joystick can be hard to work with.

Our Verdict

This is an all-wheel-drive system capable of tackling any snow terrain, which is important because some types of snow can be a challenge to plow through. This is an addition to the airless X-Trac tires for enhanced traction.

Arnold 19A400240EM

Key Features

  • It features a sturdy high-arch steel chute.
  • It has an intake height of 18 inches and a 42-inch clearing width.
  • It comes with a high-volume accelerator.
  • It has a scraper blade and replaceable skid shoes.
  • It comes with a steel high-arch chute.

If you are looking for a heavy-duty machine that lasts longer and does more work, this is a better choice. Arnold provides a wide variety of high-quality snow-friendly tools. The unit comes with winter accessories and parts that help your equipment get through cold and snowy months.

Why we like it

  • It has durable components and housing.
  • The scraper blade allows it to move snow down to the ground without destroying the pavement.
  • It clears 25% faster than the traditional 2-stage snow throwers.
  • The high-volume accelerator chops the snow easily and quickly.
  • It has a steel high-arch chute that provides maximum snow throwing.
  • You can easily find replacement parts.
  • It comes with easy to follow instructions.

What we don’t like

  • It is too heavy.
  • It is expensive.

Our Verdict

This snow blower comes with a high-volume accelerator that is for blowing heavy wet snow. It removes a massive storm from broad sidewalks and driveways with ease. However, the machine has to be coupled with a tractor to clear snow.

Cub Cadet 42-inch

Key Features

  • It comes with a 180-degree chute for easy control of snow discharge.
  • It has a robust steel high-arc chute.
  • It has a high-volume accelerator that will cut and chop snow quickly.
  • It features an adjustable and replaceable scraper blade and skid shoes.
  • It utilizes an innovative technology that allies it to clear up to 25 percent faster than those traditional two-stage snow blowers.
  • It has a moving width of 42 inches and a snow depth of 23.5 inches.

This Cub cadet 42’’ 3-stage blowing machine is designed to withstand harsh winter climates. It can work through the most challenging snowfalls and can clear both heavy, deep snow.

Why we like it

  • It can withstand harshest winter snowfalls.
  • It is designed with both comfort and strength in mind.
  • The high-arch chute is constructed for optimal snow throwing distance.
  • It comes with two control levers.
  • It removes 18 inches of snow easily and quickly.
  • It features enhanced control ergonomics and a knob.
  • It has reinforced braces and brackets.
  • It comes with a thicker auger housing to clear a vast amount of snow.

What we don’t like

  • It only works along with a tractor, which is expensive to own.

Our Verdict

If you have a large driveway and your area receives heavy snowfall, this could be an excellent option. It clears a long pathway of 42 inches by 23.5 inches. Its robust housing ensures that it will work even in the harshest weather.

What to Look for in a 3-Stage Snow Blower

Three-stage snow blowers are the most advanced machines of their caliber, given that they incorporate more parts than the 2-stage and 1-stage counterparts. They also include an extra auger that spins faster. Therefore, it breaks snow down into small pieces quite efficiently, and then it passes through the chute for discharge. It even propels snow very far to prevent blowbacks. However, when purchasing a 3-stage blower, there are essential factors to consider ensuring you get a high performing machine.

Important Features

Headlights

Headlights are a vital part of a snow blowing machine, especially in winter, because foggy weather impedes your vision. There are some emergency cases that will require you to remove snow during snowfall. Good headlights will clear your way to prevent obstacles and avoid accidents.

Some cheaper models don’t come with headlights, which can cause a huge inconvenience. Mostly, the lights are located on both sides or in the center of the dashboard. Still, there are advanced options that feature LED headlights situated in the bucket.

Heated Grips

In winter, the temperatures are below zero degrees, so having heated grips is very crucial. The hand grips prevent gloves from sticking on the grip and provide comfort as well. Under low temperatures, water can freeze and acts like glue. These heated grips get hot enough to keep the hands warmer. You must check because some models don’t have these kinds of clasps. You should first switch on the machine for some time and check whether the grips generate enough heat. If they aren’t, you shouldn’t buy it.

Engine

You need an engine that can tackle the weight of the job that you have. What tells you that the driver is good are factors like valve configuration and movement, series, and the manufacturing brand. Series and brand tell you its usability and power. The higher the engine’s displacement, the higher the chances to provide enough power for the drills.

Weight

A single stage snow blower is easy to use and lightweight, but that isn’t the case for 3-stage and 2-stage snow blowing machines. The three-stage machines are heavier than the others, and some are too heavy to move without turning it on. The weight won’t be a problem if the engine is working correctly. Lightweight models are best for elderly people as well. If the machine is too heavy to proceed with your forces only, they ensure to maintain the engine. Besides, if you are not capable of maintaining it, then its best, you purchase a lighter machine. The machine’s weight also affects its ease of storage. When it’s heavy, the storage process will be a long, tedious process.

Materials

The quality and type of materials used is another crucial aspect that you shouldn’t overlook. Firstly, you must ensure the moving parts like the accelerator and augers rare constructed from higher thickness steel. The most popular options are those designed from 12-gauge steel. This ensures high resistance and durability. Even the hardest rocks will not be a problem for such quality steel. There is also 14-gauge steel, but it is less resistant. However, it can withstand high impacts, and it’s very durable.

Housing dimensions

Usually, most models have a standard value for the clearing width. For instance, single-stage snow blowers have a moving diameter between 18 to 22 inches, while the two-stage options their clearing width vary between 20 to 45 inches. For the 3-stage models, the width ranges from 24 to 28 inches.

However, machines’ intake height varies in all the models. But you should for the options with higher clearing height, this guarantees less time in clearing the snow. When you have a shorter height, it means some snow will be spread along the driveways, so you have to go for another pass on the same path.

Power source

  • Battery-powered – The battery options use lithium batteries with a brushless motor to work. The brushless motor is designed to eliminate friction between the stator and rotor, as well as noise. It ensures your machine works without disturbing your neighbors. The brushless motor makes the machine more durable than those electric motors. They are also easy to maintain.
  • Electric-powered – These types of snow blowers use an electric motor to operate. Unfortunately, there is a friction between the rotor and stator that produces waste that reduces the motor’s life. Therefore, it requires constant maintenance to continue operating. Unlike gas or battery-powered models, the electric options require an electrical extension and a power outlet to function. So you should consider that if you live in areas without electrical power sources.
  • Gas-Powered – The gas-powered models produce a lot of toxic emissions and noise to the environment. Fortunately, the new models use an advanced system that helps to reduce emissions and fuel consumption. So, if you already have this type of machine, you need to look for the latest model to stop contamination. Also, exposure to these toxic emissions is very harmful to your health.

Most 2-stage and 3-stage models are gas-powered, and they are powerful enough to clear bulky, wet snow – see this article on that.

Pattern, width, and diameter of the tire

When the snow blower is bigger, the wheels are also expected to be huge. Typically, the single-stage models have smaller motors, but it doesn’t mean that the machine is not good. It can be lightweight and easy to make, so in such a case, small wheels shouldn’t matter, and mainly if you will be operating the machine on flat surfaces. However, when it comes to muddy and rough terrain, you will need bigger wheels to maneuver through the snow.

Lastly, the tire pattern is important because the deeper grooves and irregular patterns ensure a better grip. The designs shouldn’t be superficial because they become smooth, then unstable over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does the clearing width affect a Snow Blowers Performance?

Of course, if your machine has a greater clearing width, the quicker it will clear snow on your driveway. When your engine is in perfect condition, it can do an excellent job.

Is it Convenient to use Snow Blowing Machines on Gravel?

This depends on the features of your equipment. Electric and battery powers snow throwers are not suitable for clearing snow on gravelly surfaces. For such a job, you will need a resistant and powerful machine to operate without problems.

Final Thoughts

Clearing a large volume of snow with a small machine can cause significant wear or even colossal damage. For this type of snow, you need a 3-stage blower because it is heavy and has reliable augers to move the snow. You need to ensure you know how much snow falls to expect in the area you are going to clear to avoid buying an expensive or cheaper model. Our top best option is the Cub Cadet 3X 28-inch. It is easy to operate and start under the harshest weather. It has a durable construction and a powerful engine. It has large tires that allow it to maneuver through any type of terrain quickly.

Best 3 Stage Snow Blower
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