A good snow blower can range in price depending on the version, size, fuel type and brand as well as if you’re getting one used or brand new. Therefore, you could find a used small single-stage for $35 or a brand spanking new monster three-stage in excess of $3,500.
All in all, expect to pay a few hundred dollars for a new snow blower and a couple hundred for a used one. But, the kind of blower you need will depend on the surface of which you intend to clear snow.
What Is Cost of a Brand New Snow Blower?
Brand new snow blowers start at a minimum price of around $350 to $400. You may be able to find them on sale from time to time for $275 or $300. However, brand new snow blowers often come with warranties and other guarantees.
How Much Does a Used Snow Blower Cost?
A used snow blower will be infinitely cheaper depending on how old it is and what kind of repairs you’ll have to make before it can be operational. That said, you can find a small used one for as little as $35. But, with repairs it could jump that price up to $150 or more.
However, you may want to opt for a used snow blower if you want a big three-stage one. Some models can be $5,000 brand new. However, a used one of the same model but an older year may only cost you $2,500.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a Good Snow Blower?
The best time to buy a good snow blower is in the offseason or toward the end of winter. This means you can begin shopping around for deals in February through April. Stores usually begin stocking new models for the coming winter season beginning in August through October.
Other times for snow blowers might be during holiday sales. For instance, Labor Day, Independence Day and Black Friday sales may offer some great bargains for a snow blower.
Does an Expensive Snow Blower Mean It Will Perform Better?
Just because there’s an expensive and impressive-looking snow blower doesn’t mean it will perform better than others. This is why it’s important to do lots of research on several models of snow blower when you’re in the market for one.
Look at as many places as you can for customer reviews and see what others have to say in online forums. Do price comparison shopping as well so you know how much that particular model costs.
What Size & Type of Snow Blower Is Best for the Money?
The size and type of snow blower that will be best for the money will heavily impinge on what you’re going to clear. If you have a huge yard with lots of rocks and uneven surface area, getting a single-stage will work against you. Therefore, you want to plan on getting a two or three-stage one.
As a general rule of thumb:
- Single-stage snow blowers are best for small patches of even concrete.
- Two-stage snow blowers are good overall; they can handle a great amount of variation in terrain and move over chunky debris with ease.
- Three-stage snow blowers are for those with acres of land to clear, large parking lots or for industrial-type operations.
Which Snow Blower Is Better? Gas or Electric?
Both gas and electric snow blowers are excellent but they both also have their disadvantages. The one that will be best for your purposes will depend on what you have available to you and what you can reasonably afford.
Electric is good because all you need is an outlet to operate it. But, this can get a little cumbersome if you have a huge swath of land to clear and your cord isn’t long enough. There are some cordless models that charge up, but they may not hold the charge for as long as you need to use it.
A gas-powered snow blower is also ideal because it’s essentially cordless. You simply need some petroleum from the gas station to get it operational. But, gas can be expensive and, if there’s inclement weather, it may be difficult to acquire the fuel if you’re out.
How Long Will a Snow Blower Last?
On average, a snow blower has an expected lifespan for around 10 years. However, if you’re meticulous with care, maintenance, upkeep and storage, it can last much longer than that; about 15 to 25 years longer. That is of course unless you buy a used machine that’s already five years old. Then expect it to last only about 10 years.
Are There Any Other Expenses When Buying a Good Snow Blower?
There are a few expenses and additional fees you should expect when buying a good snow blower. Whether used or brand new, both will come with some costs with which you should take note. Most important of these is the cost of fuel or electricity to power the thing.
New snow blowers may have some additional fees such as extra warranties or getting initial upgrades. You may also have to put this under your insurance. Depending on the kind of policy you have, this will increase your monthly premium. These extra fees can be as little as $35 and go up to as much as $250 or more.
Used snow blowers will usually require some sort of repair. Depending on the repairs, this could range between $10 and $300. This will include replacement parts, oil changes, new wheels and cleaning the chute, among many others.
Where Can You Find a Good Snow Blower for a Decent Price?
You can find good snow blowers at any home improvement store, hardware store, lawn care shop or gardening center. These places often have a range of decently priced used and new snow blowers. But, it’s likely their price will be at top market value. Therefore, you can hunt around online for ones on Amazon or EBay.
Hi, I’m John Stephens, chief editor and writer for Totalgardener.com. I’ve been gardening and raising animals for over 15 years starting with a small backyard plot in Northern Virginia where I grew corn, potatoes, squash, and using a high mulch technique called the Ruth Stout Method. I also raised ducks and small mammals for meat and eggs in a movable pen similar to the ones used by Joel Salatin. I later moved to Colorado where I experimented with growing greens using aquaponics inside. I eventually added a microgreens setup and home sprouting operation. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned plus more from the other local gardening and animal raising experts I know.
