The default answer for most Canadian driveways. An auger collects, a separate impeller throws, and powered wheels walk the machine through the ridge the plow leaves behind.
What makes it two stage
A steel auger collects snow and feeds it to the centre of the housing. A separate high speed impeller behind it fires the snow up the chute. Because the two jobs are decoupled, the auger can turn slowly with enormous torque while the impeller runs fast, so heavy wet snow gets thrown rather than packed.
The auger is held clear of the ground on adjustable skid shoes, which is the reason these are the only machines safe to use on gravel and interlock.
Choosing a width
- 24 inches. The sweet spot for a typical two car suburban driveway.
- 26 to 28 inches. Long or wide driveways, and heavy snowfall regions.
- 30 inches and up. Rural laneways and light commercial work.
Prioritise intake height over engine displacement if drifts and the plow ridge are your main problem.
Features worth paying for
- Power steering or trigger release. Turning a 130kg machine without it is genuinely hard work.
- Heated grips. Cheap, and transformative in February.
- Electric start. Removes the single most common source of frustration.
- Hand operated chute control. Adjusting throw direction without stopping saves real time.
Common questions
Is two stage worth the extra cost?
Two stage or three stage?
Read the full single stage vs two stage comparison.