According to Cub Cadet, one of the top snow blower brands, the average one or two stage snow blower should throw about 15 to 20 feet. A single stage may only do as much as 15 feet. High-end two and three stage blowers can do up to 50 feet or more.
These estimates are the optimal distance for blowers in topnotch condition. If it’s an older snow blower or if there’s defects, it may not shoot that far. But of course, it will depend on the brand and model you have.
What Are the Factors that Inhibit a Snow Blower from Throwing Snow Far?
There are several factors that prevent snow blowers from throwing snow far enough:
- Clogged chute
- Buildup on the auger and auger drive system
- Damaged auger blade
- Broken shear pins that prevent the auger’s spin
- Rust on any moving part of the snow blower – this includes the chute, impeller and drum
- Low RPM on the impeller
What Part of the Snow Blower Causes It to Throw Snow a Far Distance?
The impeller is the crowning feature of a snow blower. This gives the snow blower’s far-throwing ability. The distance comes from the higher amounts of Revolutions Per Minute (RPMs). These RPMS tend to be higher in newer models.
Is It Possible to Influence a Snow Blower’s Throwing Capacity?
There are several things you can do to make a snow blower throw snow farther. First, you can install an impeller kit. This will tighten the machine’s clearance to the drum and can raise the throwing distance nearly 50% more.
Also, taking deliberate steps to combat rust from developing goes a long way in helping the snow shoot farther from the blower. This means applying a generous coat of rust-proof spray or paint on the drum, chute and impeller.
Does Snow Depth Affect a Snow Blower’s Throwing Distance?
The depth of the snow you’re looking to clear will very much affect the distance in which a snow blower can throw. Single stage ones can handle a snow depth of six to nine inches whereas two and three stage ones can’t usually handle more than 12 to 14 inches. Higher end blowers might be able to handle 16 inches, but it will be pushing it.
Which Specific Snow Blowers Throw Snow the Farthest?
There are several brands and models of snow blower worth mentioning that throw snow an impressive distance away. That said, Power Max HD series by Toro provides the greatest clearing capacity and throwing distance. This can be as little as 45 to 65 feet.
The list below is some of the other types of blowers that are comparable to Toro’s Power Max HD but offer different features:
- Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO28: This two-stage blower has a 306cc AX engine that can force its way through even the toughest packed snow. It can toss wet snow and slush as much as 55 feet with a 28 inch clearing width and a 14 inch impeller. It works fast and cuts through snow and ice like butter.
- Husqvarna ST224P: An impressive snow blower, this two-stage comes with a 208cc power steering gas engine that has an electric start. It’s very affordable and throws snow about 35 feet, but this will depend on the condition of the snow. The smooth handling and steering makes this fun to use.
- Briggs & Stratton 30-Inch: This is a classic snow blower that comes with a 306cc engine and heated hand grips along with a dual trigger. It’s a two stage so it can handle anything from driveways and paths to hills and yards. This model has an LED headlight, sizable tires, a 12-inch impeller and a 30-inch clearing width.
What Do You Look for in a Snow Blower to Ensure It Throws Snow Far?
If you’re looking into buying a snow blower and want to ensure it throws far enough for your purposes, there are a few things to consider.
Single, Two or Three Stage
First, understand the differences in snow blowers. There are single, two (aka dual) and three (or triple) stage snow blowers. All of these serve different purposes and work best under various conditions.
Single-stage blowers are ideal for small patches of concrete or blacktop. They’re also good for areas that don’t receive a lot of snow in wintertime. Two stage blowers are the average go-to. They’re sturdy, can handle a fair amount of snow and shoot it far.
Three stages are best for commercial enterprises or industrial-sized operations. These are good for shopping lots, vast land acreage or severe hilly, rocky terrain. They’re also excellent for copious amounts of above average snow fall or areas that get lots of compacted snow.
Specific Features
Then you want to consider the bells, whistles and other special features that will make handling the blower and snow much easier.
- Starter: There are electric starts and others that offer the pull-cord. Obviously, pull cords will be less expensive, but electric starts have the capacity to throw snow farther.
- Handle/Steering: If the machine is easy to use and push, the better off you will be. Blowers featuring heated grips keep hands comfortable and toasty.
- Hand Controls: You want to ensure you can handle the plow while also being able to adjust the speed or rotate the chute.
- Lights: Headlights are ideal to work in the blackest parts of the night.
- Speed & Transmission: The ability to move both backward and forward prevent the chute from clogging. Also, speed adjustment will help get through tougher patches faster.
- Wheels: Accessibility and maneuverability increase exponentially with wheels that come power-assisted. This helps with uneven surfaces and larger areas.
Clearing Width & Impeller
Your last two considerations are the clearing width you need and the size of the impeller. There are a range of widths allowing for certain amounts and how much snow it needs to collect while passing over any given surface. Large impellers can throw at much farther distances.
