Best Snow Blower for Gravel Driveways

Finding a snow blower for your gravel driveway might be as easy as you think. A long driveway will look great during summer, but it can make you curse the snowfall during winter. However, you might be afraid of ending up with a piece of gravel on your glass window if you use a snow blower.

But to avoid such incidents, you need to find the right snow blower to clear snow off your gravel driveway. If you are plowing with the wrong machine on this surface, you should be ready for huge damage in your property on things like car doors, windows, neighbor’s head, and even a cat.

5 Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways

Briggs & Stratton S1227 Two-Stage Snow Blower

Key Features

• It clears a path with a width of 27 inches and 20 inches depth.
• It comes with a friction disk-drive system that makes it perfect for the heavy snow conditions.
• It uses a powerful 250cc engine.
• It has two reverse speeds and five forward speeds.
• It is equipped with a 200-degree dash-mount crank chute.
• It features a three years limited warranty for both engine and the equipment.
• It has an electric start and reversible skid shoes for easy plowing through the snow.
• It comes with 14-inch by 4-inch tires for better traction.
• It features LED headlights.

Briggs & Stratton S1227 snow blower is an efficient unit that is well- designed to clear gravelly driveways without causing any damage. It features an electric start for hassle-free starting in the harshest weather. It has the durability to tackle the heavy snow.

Why we like it

• It has a wide snow moving width.
• You can easily control the drive with one hand and use the controls with the other hand to reduce common struggles of operating a snowblower.
• It is effortless to move the machine through the snow with the reversible skid shoes.
• It has a high-quality construction and design.
• It is budget-friendly.

What we don’t like

• It might not work well with wet, fluffy snow.

Our Verdict

Being a quality unit from a trusted brand, Briggs & Stratton S1227 has a lightweight design and compact size included with other great features to make work easier for the operator.

Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 Three-Stage Gas Snow Thrower

Key Features

• It uses an All-Wheel Drive 4-cycle OHV gas engine with a Touch ‘n Turn power steering.
• It clears walkways and driveways of up to 21 inches depth and 24 inches wide within a single pass.
• It allows a single hand operation.
• Its three-stage construction incorporates a 12-inch accelerator that drills ten times faster than the augers.
• It comes with a 4-way remote chute control and pitch that allows you to manage the direction of snow discharge easily.
• It is created with 15 by 15-inch X-Trac tires.

The Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 is a powerful snow blower powered by a 277cc gas engine, and it features a moving width of 24 inches. It offers a single-hand operation, which makes it easier to operate. It operates with a 12-inch accelerator, which enables it to clear snow ten times faster than the two-stage model augers.

Why we like it

• It is a three-stage model.
• It comes with an in-dash headlight to provide visibility in low-light conditions.
• It has heated hand grips to warm your hands while working in the tough winter conditions.
• It uses an accelerator instead of drills, which is faster.
• It has multiple speeds; six forward and two reverse speeds.
• The X-Trac tires allow easy plowing through the heavy snow.
• It comes with a clog-resistant polymer chute.

What we don’t like

• It is costly.
• The cable clasp breaks frequently.

Our Verdict

We recommend this heavy-duty machine for people living in regions that get heavy, wet snowfall and ready to spend some extra dollars. This snow blower is ideal for clearing heavy snow from gravel driveway as it has the highest power.

Poulan Pro PR241 208cc LCT Two-Stage Snow Blower

Key Features

• It has an intake depth of 23inches and auger diameter of 12 inches.
• It features an electric start.
• It comes with a remote chute deflector and rotator.
• It comes with a four years engine warranty and two years limited warranty.
• It uses a Poulan Pro 208cc engine.
• It features an adjustable handle height.
• It has a power steering and friction disk transmission.
• With the powerful ribbon augers, the machine plows through the ice and snow easily.

Although the Poulan Pro Pr241 is Budget-friendly, it outperforms some of the expensive models. It has an impeller with a 12-inch diameter that helps to prevent the machine from clogging.

Why we like it

• It has easy to use controls.
• It has a durable construction with a powerful engine.
• It comes with adjustable handle height to fit your needs.
• It breaks through snow and ice quickly.
• It is easy to assemble.
• It has a console-mounted chute that helps you to direct the snow discharge.
• It comes with grip loop handles for comfort.
• It features multiple speeds.

What we don’t like

• It clears a smaller path in a single pass.

Our Verdict

This is a good choice that won’t break your budget and still will give you a solid snow blowing job. It offers excellent features, and it’s easy to operate.

Husqvarna ST224P 208cc Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

Key Features

• It comes with a 208cc Husqvarna gas engine.
• It comes with a remote chute rotator and deflector.
• It features a 3-year limited warranty and a five years warranty for the engine.
• It has an electric start that gives you an estimated gross torque of 9.5 pounds-feet.
• It comes with an aluminum gearbox backed with a five years warranty.
• It features a LED headlight for safe operations in the dark.
• It features a power steering and heated grips handles.
• It is designed with 15-inch tires that enhance traction in the snowy driveway.
• It comes with a 2.7-liter fuel tank.

This is another model that offers a wide clearing depth and a friction dick transmission to ensure a smooth operation. It is equipped with great features that give you a better blowing experience.

Why we like it

• You can work at any time of the day.
• With the electric start, the machine starts effortlessly, even in the coldest weather.
• The 180-degree chute allows you to choose the direction of the snow discharge without stopping the machine.
• There is a friction disk transmission to allow easy operation.
• It is created for maximum usability and comfort.
• The heated handle grips provide warmth to your hands to protect them from freezing.
• It has heavy-duty augers that provide first-class results.

What we don’t like

• It is heavy.

Our Verdict

This is another compact machine with the power to tackle heavy snow on your gravel driveway. It gets the job done within no time. It offers an efficient and smooth clearing.

WEN SB24E 212cc Two-Stage Gas-Powered Snow Blower

Key Features

• It has a clearing housing of 24 inches wide and 21 inches height.
• It features a snow throwing distance of more than 30 feet away.
• It comes with self-propelled wheels with two reverse and four forward speed settings.
• It has an adjustable 190 degrees chute that allows you to control the snow discharge.
• It is constructed with 13-inch tubeless tires.
• It comes with a chute cleaning tool, a bottle of oil, and a recoil starter.
• It is gas-powered with a 212cc engine.
• It blasts more than 1800 pounds of snow per minute.

WEN SB24E is a self-propelled Two-Stage model that uses a powerful 212cc engine with an electric start for effortless starting. It features sturdy steel construction with a 4-blade notched auger that cuts through the ice and snow.

Why we like it

• It is easier to maneuver through the snow without using much force.
• The two rugged tires come with deeper treads to navigate easily through different terrain.
• It comes with an easy to access crank handle.
• It has both manual and electric start.
• It has durable housing and components construction.
• It comes with a bottle of oil.
• There is a chute clearing tool.

What we don’t like

• It requires an extension cord if starting electrically.

Our Verdict

We recommend this compact unit for your gravel driveway as it comes with multiple speeds and gets the job done within a short time. It can clear over 1800lbs of snow within a minute, making it suitable for a large driveway and sidewalks.

Snow Joe iON8024-XR Two Stage Snow Blower

Key Features

• It is self-propelled and comes with a rechargeable battery.
• It has an illuminated display dashboard.
• It features a steel auger designed to move up to 1000lbs of snow per minute.
• It clears a path of 13 inches deep and 24 inches wide.
• It has a 180 degrees auto-rotate adjustable chute.
• It has a throwing snow distance of up to 32 feet.
• It is backed with a two years warranty.

Snow Joe iON8024-XR is another integrated snowblower with an illuminated dashboard that indicates battery power, speeds, and discharge direction. It uses an 80V battery to offer gas-powered performance without maintenance.

Why we like it

• It is battery-powered and not dealing with an extension cord.
• It has dual-integrated 3W LED headlights to allow you to work safely during early mornings and evenings.
• It has a quiet operation.
• There is a charger included for easy recharge.
• It moves a huge amount of snow within a short time.
• It features a heavy-duty, serrated auger.
• It comes with a digital display with a four-speed drive system.
• It has ergonomic trigger-grips that reduce stress and provide maximum comfort.
• It comes with a scraper bar that allows you to clear down to the floor without damaging the pavements or deck.
• It has a powerful impeller.
• It comes with TracAssist knobby rubber tires to offer maximum traction in the challenging winter conditions.

What we don’t like

• It runs for only 30 minutes.

Our Verdict

This is an excellent option for your gravel driveway because you can operate it without disturbing everyone’s sleep. Other than the runtime limitations, this unit performs a great job within a short period.

YARDMAX YB6770 LCT Two-Stage Snow Blower

Key Features

• It has a 208cc engine.
• It features multiple speeds, two reverse, and six forward speeds.
• It has a self-propelled drive that delivers maximum control and speed.
• It has headlights on the dashboard for visibility at night.
• It comes with heated hand grips to provide optimal comfort in the cold weather.
• It uses a push-button electric start with a backup of recoil start for reliable ignition.
• It comes with a cup holder and easy to reach controls for total convenience.

YARDMAX YB6770 helps you save time as it clears your gravel driveway in a fraction of the time you spend shoveling it. This machine starts instantly, even in the coldest weather. It has a wide mouth of 26 inches, meaning it clears a big path within one path.

Why we like it

• It allows you to work in the early mornings or late evenings as it comes with headlights.
• It operates efficiently on any type of snow.
• It starts easily with two ignition options.
• It has a cup holder, unlike many options out there.
• It features a decent warranty.
• It is easy to maneuver through the snow.
• It is designed with heated handle grips for extra comfort.

What we don’t like

• It takes time to assemble.

Our Verdict

If you are looking for a unit with all the whistles and bells, and an option that won’t take gravel on the driveway, then this is it. It delivers a great combination of performance and practicality of tackling heavy snowfall.

Buying Guide

Finding the top snow blower for your gravel driveway depends on a few factors that help you narrow down to one option. Moreover, these features contribute to the high performance of the machine, which is why they are vital to check in this case.Here are some important features:

Engine

The engine is one of the most vital components of the snowblower. The two common kinds of engines in snow throwers are 4-cycle and 2-cycle. The only difference between the two models is that the 2-cycle engine puts the oil and gas in one compartment while the 4-cycle has two compartments for the oil and gas, to store them separately. However, the 4-stroke is environmentally-friendly and more fuel-efficient, while the 2-stroke is easier to maintain.

Power Source

When choosing the power source of your machine, it’s important to consider the size of your area, the amount of snowfall, and your budget.

If you have a small area to maintain and you only receive light snowfall, then with a tighter budget, an electric snow blower is a better option. However, if you get high snow volume and have a large area to clear, a gas-powered model will suit your needs. The most popular models are cordless snowblowers, these are the best for most people.

Dimensions

Its clearing dimensions will tell how many times you will run up and down the driveway. The large dimensions of the snow blowers indicate its capability to tackle heavy snow and higher performance. You should also consider its size with regard to the storage space you have. It should be stored properly in summer to prevent damage.

Weight

This is another crucial factor as it impacts your ability to maneuver the machine through the snow. Generally, the weight of the snow blower is affected directly by its size. It is safer to look for a unit that you can move comfortably without much force.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which is the best way to clear Snow from the Gravel Driveway?

Generally, removing snow from your pathways and sidewalks is difficult, and the gravel driveway will only add to it. Initially, using salt or a rake was recommended for clearing snow, but now there are best snow blowers for gravel driveways.

Can I use a Snowblower for a Gravel Driveway?

There are certain kinds of snow blowers that are safe for gravel driveways. However, using the wrong type of machine can cost you your glass windows and doors, your pet, or even your neighbor’s head. Two-stage and three-stage snow blowers are the best options for plowing snow off your gravel driveway.

Final Thoughts

It can be challenging to choose the right snow blower for your driveway, but with the information we have given, you can quickly narrow down to the best option. Briggs & Stratton S1227 Two-Stage Snow Blower is our best model as it features adjustable skid shoes, which help to only clear the snow without picking stones. It has additional features like friction disc transmission for safe clearing without damaging the pavements. It starts effortlessly with a high-quality design.