Single vs two stage blowers.

[SimpleMan 8]

This is just a "for discussion" message. What are your opinions on 'single stage' vs 'two stage' snowblowers. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the single stage blower that Simplicity has had for many years will move just as much snow as an equally sized two stage. Of course..it is a biased opinion. Any opinions? SimpleMan

[SmilinSam 4,240]

two stagers throw the snow farther, but move it slower. Single stagers move more snow faster but throw it less distance. Just used my AC 42" to move really wet slushy snow yesterday without problems.

[Tuffy 1]

I agree with your assessment. The single stage snowthrowers does the job fine and I see no advantage to a two stage except more things to break with a two stager and more things to tinker with. Steve

[powermax_paul 1]

When you get up to a 52" snow thrower like used on the powermax, I wonder why they used a single stage. That's a lot of torque requirement on oe V-belt. At that size I would think that the inertia of the blower stage of a two stage would help considerably. I've never owned a powermax snowblower, so I'm curious what actual owners of the 52" blower think. I've had single stage blowers on garden tractors b4 and would think a 2 stage is better. You do however get what you pay for. As Tuffy says there's definitely more to maintain with a two stage. Paul

[MPH 12]

Nothing can compare to the big trucks with a single stage in creating a blizzard 50 feet from the truck. This also depends on the driver knowing how to keep the machine packed with just the right amount of snow. The task is nearly impossible with a walk-behind. With only 6 to 8" of light or medium snow the machine can't move fast enough to keep it packed. With heavy or wet stuff you'd need to constantly tweak a throttle that you can't reach. It's best to keep auger speed at maximum while altering the vehicle's speed. The 2nd stage of a walk-behind compensates for most conditions by sacrificing performance in other areas, like the 50' blizzard. More fuel for the fire, I just can't help it. StanS

[StanS 0]

I know I havn't been around much lately but scheeech!!! Reduced to "guest" status? FROM: StanS (The loose nut from Cow Hampshire) EMAIL: n1nni@tds.net EDIT #1: Ouch! Looks like I'v been instantly reinstated.

[MikeES 469]

The only advantage a two stage has, is the ability to angle the shute down and dribble the snow only a few feet, can't seem to do that with my ACs. Or maybe I'm confused >>> is that all the further the neighbor can "blow" his snow! Mike S.

[dlcentral 1]

I agree with Steve look at opening pg. of our SINGLE stage throwing it,,how much farther do you want to move it!? Also look in gallery under ''3116?'' at the same trac and SINGLE stage thrower,,throwing ''concrete''wet heavy snow the singles work just fine.2 stage is a sales gimmick to get more money for something,, IMO,,

[PatRarick 1]

I have to agree with Steve and Dave, that a single stage is just as good as a two stage. I have an 8 horsepower two stage walk behind blower. If I compare this to the 36" single stage mounted on a B-1 with a 7 1/4 horse, the B-1 will move more snow, faster, and throw it farther, with no noticeable difference in power. I feel that when you consider that the B-1 is carrying the driver, about 400 more pounds of machine, and a 10" larger cut, the proof is right there. The only difference I see is that there is more need to keep the RPM's up on the single stage. I had a 96" single stage thrower on my WD45. It had a 30" diameter auger. I also had a 60" V type thrower for the same tractor. The single stage moved more snow, and threw it farther. I got rid of the 96" thrower, not because it did not perform, but because it was such a pain to mount, and it was too heavy on the steering. Pat

[PatRarick 1]

Another vote for the single stage...has worked this year well in both the light and the "concrete" stuff. When I bought my single stage (Sovereign) asked the dealer which was best. The dealer said he could order either but suggested the single stage because he doesn't see as many of those back in the shop as the two stages. He also said that that the single stage is generally heavier (built) because it tends to spin faster (auger) than the two stage so that if you hit some thing with the single your probably going to tear up whatever you hit; whereas, if you hit something with the two stage you will more likely tear up the blower. Didn't see the two stage so can't say how it compares to the single. And haven't hit anything with the single...(yet).

[MPH 12]

Must agree a single stage will tear things up you hit, had to replace my trailer hitch last winter when I misjudged its location and send part of the ball hitch deep into the woods. 21 bucks worth of stupidity, sometime a shovel ain't such a bad tool..MPH