Are you preparing for the snow-filled months of winter? If yes, you’re in the right place. When there’s snow on the ground to be removed, it’s time to consider buying a snowblower to make clearing your driveway less of a chore.
If your driveway is gravel instead of pavement, you need to be keen before choosing the best snow blower for your gravel driveway.
Fortunately, I’ve made your buying process easy by reviewing the 5 best snow blowers for gravel driveways along with a comprehensive guide to help you make a wise decision.
Best Snow Blower for Gravel Reviews
Greenworks 13 Amp 20-Inch Corded Snow Thrower
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If you’re looking for an easy-to-maneuver and lightweight snowblower, this is a good bet. The Greenworks 13 Amp 20-Inch Corded Snow Thrower comes with a 13-amp motor that delivers sufficient power to clear snow in gravel driveways. It is equipped with dual LED lights that give you clear visibility when working.
Features
- 20-inch clearing path
- 10-inch clearing depth
- 13-amp motor
- 7-inch wheels
- Push-button start
- 360-degree rotating chute
Pros
- Powerful motor
- Easy electric start
- Adjustable chute
- Smooth operation and less noise
Cons
- Not ideal for clearing heavy snow
WEN 5662 Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower
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The WEN 5662 Blaster 13.5-Amp 18-Inch Electric Snow Thrower comes with heavy-duty construction and has a powerful motor spinning at 2000 RPM and can discharge snow up to 20 feet away. It has a round wide-mounted chute that prevents blockage and reduces snow build-up. This snow blower for gravel driveways is equipped with a collapsible frame that makes it easy to store during summer. It also has an onboard carrying handle for easy and convenient transportation when working.
Features
- 13.5 amp motor
- 200 RPM auger
- Fully adjustable chute
- 6-inch wheels
- Power bar
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Easy to maneuver
- Lightweight design
- 2-year warranty
Cons
- The plastic blade looks cheap
Snow Joe SJ618E Electric Single Stage Snow Thrower
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This electric snow blower is an easy-to-use machine designed with a powerful 13-amp motor that is strong enough to handle small to medium-sized walkways and driveways. It is equipped with a 2-blade plastic auger and abrasion-resistant rotor that cuts a wide path. With this snow blower for a gravel driveway, you’ll enjoy the convenience of an instant start and safety switch button that prevents unplanned operation.
Features
- Powerful 13-amp motor
- 2-blade plastic auger
- 18-inch clearing width
- 180-degree adjustable chute
Pros
- Ergonomic grip
- Foldable handle
- Instant start
- Durable design
- Impressive customer service
Cons
- Poor assembly instructions
YARDMAX YB6270 Two-Stage Snow Blower
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The YARDMAX YB6270 Two-Stage Snow Blower boasts its LCT 208cc engine and a dual-stage start. With a 24-inch clearing width, this snow blower can easily handle high snowfalls. The stamped steel chute guarantees you the durability you need for big storms. With this snow blower, you will enjoy an effortless snow-blowing experience.
Features
- Solid steel construction
- 208cc LCT engine
- Serrated steel augers
- LED headlight
Pros
- Easy to operate
- High-speed impeller
- Easy to assemble
- Affordable
Cons
- Air cleaner issues
- Horrible customer service
Briggs & Stratton 1696619, 250cc
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The Briggs & Stratton 1696619 snowblower is a reliable and effective machine that can handle massive snowfalls in your gravel driveway. This snow blower is easy to operate, making it a perfect choice for beginners and more experienced snow blowers. It comes with a free-hand control that makes it accessible to all homeowners. It is equipped with an electric push-button start that allows you to start working immediately.
Features
- 27-inch wide clearing path
- 250cc engine
- 20-inch intake height
- Push-button electric start
Pros
- 3-year equipment and engine warranty
- User-friendly
- Simple to start
- Freehand control
Cons
- Terrible assembly instructions
Types of Snow Blowers
Single-Stage Snow Blowers
Single-stage snow blowers have a horizontal auger in the front that rotates speedily, scooping up snow and discharging it through the chute. However, single-stage snow blowers don’t have enough power to blow snow that’s more than 15-25 feet away. Most single-stage blowers can clear 12 to 18 inches of snow and are available in electric and gas-powered models.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers
These snow blowers, mostly fuel-powered, come with a powerful impeller fan that works in conjunction with an auger to pull snow and discharge it through the chute. A 2-stage snow blower can easily through snow up to 35 feet, depending on the weight of the snow, model, and power of the fan. These snow blowers can handle fluffy snow and wet snow. Unlike single-stage blowers, these blowers can be used on gravel driveways.
Three-Stage Blowers
Three-stage blowers are the beasts in the snow removal world. They come with an auger, impeller fan, and an accelerator that crushes huge pieces of ice and powerfully expels the snow through the chute. These blowers can go through lightweight snow up to 50 feet. If your area receives heavy snowfall, a three-stage blower is the best choice.
FAQs
Can I Use a Snow Blower on a Gravel Driveway?
It’s safe to use some snow blowers on gravel driveways. However, the snowblower must be either a two-stage or three-stage model. Unfortunately, a single-stage model is unsafe to use on a gravel driveway.
What is the Best Way to Remove Snow from a Gravel Driveway?
Removing snow is not an easy feat, and a gravel driveway only complicates it. There are several suggestions on how to eliminate snow from driveways, such as using a snow shovel or salt! But the simplest and hassle-free method is by using one of the 5 snow blowers reviewed above.
How Do I Store a Snow Blower?
The best place to store a snow blower is either in a storage shed or garage during summer when it’s not needed. If you’ve limited space, you can use a waterproof tarp and store it outside.
How Do I Use a Snow Blower?
To achieve the desired results, use the snowblower; the snow has stopped falling when it’s fluffy and light. Ensure you make uniform passes down and back on the driveway or sidewalk. Adjust the discharge chute so that it can toss the snow off of the surface.
How Do I Start a Snow Blower?
If you’re using a gas snow blower, you’ll have to pull a manual recoil cord, although most of them have push-button nowadays. Electric and cordless models are started by a simple push of a button.
Snow Blower for Driveway Buying Guide
Choosing the best snow blower for a gravel driveway depends on some factors that help you get the best product. Also, these features have a great impact on the performance of your snowblower. Here are some crucial features to keep in mind when buying a snowblower for a gravel driveway.
Engine
The engine is among the most crucial components of a snowblower. The 2-cycle and 4-cycle are the common types of engines in snow blowers. The main difference between the two is that the 2-cycle engine puts gas and oil in one compartment while the 4-cycle engines have separate storage spaces. The 4-stroke is more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, while the 2-stroke is easy to maintain.
Dimensions
The clearing dimensions will show you how many times you’ll make passes in the driveway to clear the snow completely. A snowblower with a large dimension shows that it can handle heavy snow and has high performance. Also, you should consider the storage space you have before making a purchase. You should store your snowblower properly in summer to prevent rusting and damage.
Weight
Weight is a crucial factor to consider when buying a snow blower because it can affect your performance and how well you’ll maneuver the machine. Generally, the size of your snowblower directly affects the overall weight. Therefore, if you’re looking for a high-performing snow blower with big clearing width, a heavy machine is a good bet.
Terrain Type
Removing snow from flat driveways and sidewalks is easy with most snow blowers. But pushing a heavy snow blower can be a tiring and challenging task. If you have a sloppy driveway, look for a self-propelled snowblower. If you’re dealing with a gravel driveway, invest in a 2-stage or 3-stage snowblower to keep you safe from flying rocks.
Power Source
When looking for the power source of your snowblower, it’s crucial to check the amount of snowfall, the size of your driveway, and your budget. If you have a small area to clear and your region receives light snowfall, go for an electric snowblower. However, if you have a large area to clear or receives high snow volume, a gas-powered snow blower is a great choice.
Extras
Some snow blowers come with a wide collection of features such as heated handle grips, adjustable skid shoes, and LED headlights. Such snow blowers score high because they are user-friendly and can be used even in harsh conditions.
Durability and Warranty
If your area has severe snowfalls, then you need a high-quality machine to clear deep and hardened snow in your driveways. Therefore, using a snowblower regularly will make it face a lot of wear and tear over time. Therefore, look for a machine that’s made of high-quality and durable materials. Additionally, go for one that comes with good warranty terms.
Conclusion
A snowblower for a gravel driveway offers an easy and efficient method of clearing the stubborn snow from your driveway. Before making the final decision, ensure you follow the above buying guide to ensure you land the right model.
