The best 3 stage snow blower may be your lifesaver after the snow comes. It will clear the driveway and your yard. You don’t have to suffer and kill your back by using the shovel. People who live in northern areas know that shovels are a temporary solution when snow falls every day, layering on the road. This is when you start thinking about the best 3 stage snow blowers.
Instead of exercising with a shovel when you have no time left to get to your job, you can easily turn on the engine, and enjoy the whole process of snow blowing, simply walking around while the machine works. Yet, it is not simple to find the best quality snow blowers if you don’t know what to look for. I’ve made a list specifically for you. My friends and I have checked all the recommended snow blowers on it.
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What Is a 3 Stage Snow Blower
A triple stage snow blower is an advanced snow cleaning machine with an extra auger. Unlike 1 and 2 stage blowers, this one contains an impeller, auger, and also extra dicing augers that help to break ice and snow. It is more durable and can withstand even the toughest cases. Also, the 3 stage snow blower can be powered only by gas. You may clear the driveway or sidewalks in no time with this tool.
There are no completely identical 3 stage snow’ blowing machines on the market. I am going to underline their unique features in every three stage snow blower review, but you still need to pay attention to the beneficial similarities. Powered auger sucks the snow and pushes it via the discharge chute. You choose the place to relocate it. It takes only a few minutes to clean the place you were trying to clean with a shovel for hours. You have to admit that shoveling does not work sometimes.
Best Three-Stage Snow Blowers Reviewed
Here are the detailed reviews on the snowblowers I find the most helpful. They were checked personally by me, and I find them extremely beneficial for the country’s northern areas. I recommend you to read these descriptions before you decide which one to buy.
1. Cub Cadet Tool – Powerful Attachment for Truck Mounted Snow Blowers
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This is not a complete machine. It is just a 42 inches attachment to the snowblower. It is 25 percent faster than similar products for 2 stage blowers. You are able to remove the snow layer of 18 inches wide with this attachment to your machine. The high arch of quality steel makes it easy to throw away the snow.
Cub Cadet is a US-based developer that produces not only snow blowing machines but all the equipment for them. I recommend buying this attachment in advance for your snowblower. It is 3 staged, which makes the work easier. The accelerator of a high volume cuts snow simply and smooth, chopping it later. The pack includes a scraper blade, replaceable skid shoes. Yet, if you don’t have a tractor, you have to buy one.
- Powerful engine;
- Works faster;
- Removes the snow easier;
- High-quality steel;
- Affordable price.
- There is no tractor with the product.
2. PowerSmart Machine – The Best Rated Gas Snow Blowers of 2 Stage
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It is a gas-powered, simple in use tool with a manual start. This blower clears the snow of 22 inches wide and 16 inches depth. So, if you live in one of the regions with a high density of snowfall, you may need this tool. There are 4 forward and 2 backward speed options.
PowerSmart is an American-based company that develops outdoor power tools. If you are worried about the transportation of this machine, there are 13 inches rear tires. The throwing distance is 40 ft. And the most valuable feature, in my personal opinion, is its ability to work even in -20F. This machine is durable, made of high-quality materials.
- Works in -20F conditions;
- Steel frame;
- Cuts through 16 inches depth;
- Well-known developer;
- Affordable price.
- It does not have a dicing auger.
3. Troy-Bilt Vortex 24 – The Highest Rated Snow Blower With Heated Grips
Troy Bilt company from Ohio develops high-quality equipment for your garden and outdoors. The company was created in 1937. They test their machines in the USA. This tool can handle 12 inches of snow. To start the work, just pull the button near the handles. Direction can be changed with a joystick.
This 3 stage snow blower is powerful enough to easily clear the road no matter how much snow it is outside. The clearing width is 24 inches, which lessens the time you have to spend cleaning the entrance to your garage. Besides, there is a powerful accelerator that spins 10 times faster than simple snow blowing machines.
There are two rare giant tires, so you don’t have to carry the weight of the tool on your own. Controls are right in front of your hands, which makes it extremely comfortable. My favorite feature is heated grips here, which may sound like nothing, but turns into a lifesaver during severe winters.
- Gets through 12 inches of snow;
- Joystick that controls direction;
- All controls under your hand;
- Saves your time;
- Price is affordable compared with other products.
- You may need to get used to the controls.
4. Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker – Powerful Tool Among 3 Stage Snow Throwers
This machine can easily handle 28 inches of snow. This snow blower is also controlled by a joystick that bends in four directions, helping to navigate quickly.
The accelerator is incredibly powerful, but yet not really quiet. So, you may want to warn your neighbors about extra noise. There are no wheels; instead, the d-track drive system helps it to move faster and even climb snowy hills.
American-based company Troy-Bilt assures that this machine is not just powerful; it is comfortable to use. This is true, as all the controls are right in front of you. You may control the speed, chute, change directions. Oh, there are heated grips as well. I have to be honest with you, I could not imagine the snow blower without wheels, but it turns even better, more stable on the slippery road.
- Powerful engine;
- 28 inches width;
- 10 times faster than simple snow blowers;
- Joystick control of directions;
- Well-known developer.
- High price.
5. Cub Cadet 3X – Hydrostatic 3-Stage Snow Blower
It works with a 30 inches width snow layer. Auger and impellers are 14 inches. There is a powerful accelerator inside, which makes the whole procedure of snow blowing quicker and easier.
What I appreciate the most in this snow blower, besides its engine, is the LED light bar and headlights. It is good even for commercial use.
This machine is equipped with a 4-cycle cadet. You take control of the speed, show the direction, and can easily turn it OFF by pushing the button under your hand. I believe it was originally created for highly extreme conditions, so now it easily handles snow and ice anywhere around the US. Cub Cadet was founded in 1960. Since that time, it has produced millions of powerful tools for the outdoors.
- It was created for severe conditions;
- Clears 30 inches width;
- It has 14 inches auger, 14 inches impeller, and 14 inches induction accelerator;
- LED light bar;
- Well-known developer.
- This machine is one of the most expensive on the list.
Comparison: 2 Stage vs 3 Stage Snow Blower
The difference between these two models may seem like nothing, just one extra detail. And yet, this difference between 2 stage and 3 stage snow blower is crucial. They have much in common, including the fact that they are similarly loud, and if you look for the quietest snow blower, you may need 1 stage. Let’s check out the difference.
2 stage snow blower:
- Less expensive than 3 stage, but still pretty expensive;
- Lighter weight than in 3 stage;
- Throws the snow further than 3 stage;
- Is not good for ice and heavy snow.
3 stage:
- Easily shifts heavy, wet snow and ice;
- Hand warmers, gearboxes, headlights, and other extra features;
- Requires more space than 2 stage models;
- Heavier than 2 stage options;
- Clearance swath may be smaller than in a 2 stage machine.
3-Stage Snow Blower Buyer’s Guide
If you can’t decide which one machine to choose, read my reviews again, and follow these brief recommendations. The difference is not only in who makes the best snow blower, but in the features you need, and the price you can afford.
Are 3 stage snow blowers worth it?
The 3 stage snow blowers are usually even more expensive than 2 stage ones, which are near $1000. If you don’t have heavy snowfalls and thick layers of ice outside, you may need only 1 or 2 stage machines. But if you live in an area with wet and heavy snow during the whole winter period, a 3-stage snow blower is your lifesaver.
How to choose the best 3 stage snowblower
Pay attention to the following features:
- Diameter, Width, and Tire Pattern. When your machine is heavy and big, like many 3-stage blowers, you need stable and heavy-duty rear tires. Even if it is not that heavy, it must be reliable anyway. Bigger wheels will easily move through the snow. An irregular pattern on the tire is more beneficial, as it has advanced grip;
- Headlights. It is an extra feature that you may need on any foggy day. Usually, heavy snow means no sun. Your vision mustn’t be blurred;
- Power source. Most 3-stage models are gas-powered. There are rare cases that are powered by electricity or batteries, but I recommend choosing gas. They are noisy but everlasting;
- Materials. Make sure that the model is made of high-quality materials, and includes 12 gauge steel before you order it. The 14 gauge steel works well too;
- Heated Grips. This is an extra feature, but it is so comfortable during cold winter days. Your gloves will not stick to the handle, and you will be able to work longer;
- Weight. Usually, 3 stage machines are heavier than others. Yet, they are transportable thanks to the tires. Make sure that the model you pick is not too heavy for you.
How to use 3 stage snow blower
The use of a 3 stage blower is even simpler than 2 stage. Almost all models have the controls under your hands, including the ON button. You don’t need to pull any cord to start it. The machine starts immediately. Change the direction with the joystick. Light up your way.
3 Stage Snow Blower FAQ
I have gathered the most often asked questions here. I hope my answers will be helpful to you. Check them out before you buy the snow blowing machine.
What’s the best steel gauge for augers and accelerators?
It is considered that 12 steel gauge is the best. The 14-gauge may work as well, in case you have not found 12, but it is not that resistant. The thicker the steel, the longer it serves.
Does clearing width affect machine performance?
Clearing width is important for those who want to work faster. Normally it is similar in all machines and ranges between 24 to 28 inches in 3 stage blowers. The greater the width, the quicker you snow blow your driveway.
Can I use a bigger bucket in my snow blower?
Some machines offer adjustable buckets. You can use the bigger bucket if the model allows it. This will help you to cut the time of your work.
Is it convenient to buy a model without heated grips?
Some models don’t have heated grips. They cost cheaper. However, if you have big territories to clean from the snow, your hands will freeze in no time without the heated grips. It is more beneficial for you to buy a machine with warm handles.
How often does a snow blower need maintenance?
Unlike electric-powered models, gas-powered tools do not require as much maintenance. If you have an electric one, it requires constant care. As for the gas, the oil may be changed after 5 hours of use at first. After that, you can work on this machine for the whole year or at least 50 hours, before the new charge.
Is it possible to start a snowblower without electric power?
You don’t need electric power in gas-operated machines. However, there are electric start options almost everywhere that ease snow blowing process. This is the best way to begin your work as you don’t need to pull the cord.
The Perfect 3-Stage Snow Blower
We all have different visions of what the perfect instrument must be. For some of us, it is the killing look, lightweight, powerful engine, for another – affordable price, heated grips, and so on. Based on your personal preferences you may choose one of the snow blowers we have discussed here. If you already have one, describe your opinion about it in the comments below. Do you like a 3-stage snowblower? How often do you use it? If you have issues with it, describe them as well.
