Light, narrow and easy to store. The right machine for paved drives and decks under about 20cm of fresh snow, and the wrong one for gravel or the end of driveway ridge.
How single stage works
One rubber tipped auger both collects and throws the snow, and that auger contacts the ground. The contact is what pulls the machine forward, which is why single stage blowers need no drive system and stay light.
That same ground contact is why they must only be used on smooth paved surfaces. On gravel or interlock they pick up stones and fire them, which is a genuine safety problem rather than a durability one.
Right for
- Smooth paved driveways, one or two cars wide
- Average snowfall under roughly 20cm per storm
- Decks, walkways and stairs
- Limited storage space
Wrong for
- Gravel, interlock or unpaved surfaces
- The compacted ridge a municipal plow leaves
- Wet heavy spring snow, where they tend to clog
Common questions
Can I use a single stage on gravel?
No. The auger touches the ground and will throw stones. Gravel requires a two stage machine with adjustable skid shoes.
Will it clear the end of my driveway after the plow?
Poorly. Single stage machines tend to ride over the compacted ridge rather than bite into it. If your street is plowed, buy two stage.
See the full comparison guide.