My Ma purchased our Snowblowers for our Rentals, NEVER using them herself. She said all we need was a Single Stage cause they were so much cheaper. We tried to explain how in Heavy snow, (6" or better) how a 2 stage was so much better to no avail. She then was upset when they wore out each year, saying we were too "Hard" on them, but/EVERYTHING was overworked. NEVER underbuy when getting a SnowBlower, you'll be much happier. Single stage's are MUCH more work, TWO Stage are EASY to use, Also, GET Electric Start.
Actually, a really good intro video. I live in Buffalo, few people have/use the single stage around here... but they are good for locations that only get a few inches a few times a season (like the south-east). Most people here use 2-stage gas blowers and even some 3-stagers. Nothing clears the deep stuff and the pile left at the end of the driveway by the plows like a 2-stage. That snow is compacted like concrete. Buy the one you need for the job. As far as electric vs. gas... again, electric is good for smaller jobs with less snow (plug-in or battery). A gas blower will outlast an electric with the deep/heavy stuff. Nobody has electric around me.
Learn something new everyday! I always knew there were single and dual stage throwers/blowers but never knew the difference. I've always had a single stage and have always called it a snow thrower so at least I got that right! lol
I have both types. Just trying to learn something here. I do find out though that the single stage is the best for slush where as it would clog up the two stage. Slush is usually left behind at the end of the driveway by the plows. The single stage goes right through it because the auger spends way faster and is usually a 2 cycle engine.
@@ralphfraumeni6190 FYI they are still available as used units and there are 10s of thousands available in any city and people bring them to mower shops to be fixed. They made over 5 million units of various name brands of 2 cycle snow blowers. People still use them. OBVIOUSLY NOT YOU!!!
@@MrLmm001 Read the last sentence of your post. If I were looking for a SS blower after reading that I would assume I could find a new2 stroke unit. You can't. And I am a gentlemen. Who knows a lot about snow blowers.
Nothing beats a single stage with fresh paddles. Except ice and gravel, that will kick the crap out of them. In zero to 8" of snow a 5 hp single stage will clear your driveway faster than a 5hp 2 stage every time.
I'm struggling with this too. I'm in SE Michigan. I have a 6 car driveway, no sidewalks and a 10ft path to front door. It feels like 2 stage is overkill. But the Tim Allen in me wants it. It might actually make it harder since I have 3 cars in driveway to work around too. We can get good amounts of snow as you guys know in Kalamazoo, but I figure if a big storm I can just do it during storm to do half at a time
You know when that plow comes by and deposits a 12"-36" high pile of compacted snow at the foot of your driveway? Well, a single stage will be useless to you in that situation. Its at that exact moment when you realize that you should have purchased a powerful two-stage, and your life sucks.
@@IRequireMedication I agree. Im in Mi also and the single stage was nice for a little while but completely useless in this heavy wet snow we have now. It barely throws it 2 inches from the machine in this heavy snow and its just frustrating. Im thinking of getting a 2 stage at the end winter even though it might be a little hard to maneuver around but I'm tired of going over the driveway 5 times or more just to get a little snow moved.
@@IRequireMedication I own a single stage Toro much like the 721 in the video. Trust me. My life doesn't suck becaise of the EOD situation. Just get at it ASAP. However I do estimate it takes almost twice as long. Of course if your driveway is more than 1 car wide at the street disregard this post!🤣
@@ralphfraumeni6190 I have actually heard that single stage are faster, and clear better because they get closer to the ground. My original statement about that end of driveway plow mountain still stands, but now you brought up another point: Who wants to go out there several times as it accumulates? I don't know about you, but I dislike doing it even once....ha
@@IRequireMedication Believe it or not I plow once with my SS. The EOD also. If they plow again I usually just hit it with the Jeep a few times. They put so much salt down around here it usually just melts.
A big snow and I get at it 2 or 3 times and dont let it pile up so its unmanageable. Toro blower, light and easy to handle. In 20 years of use only 3 or 4 times when a big 2 stage was needed and I didnt clear the snow before it was overwhelming. Learned my lesson.
I'm going to buy my 1st snow blower. You explained the difference between 1 and 2 stage extremely well and I know I need a 2 stage for where I live (NW Ontario, Canada). So thank you. Do all 2 stage snow blowers have a transmission and different speeds? and Are the oil and gas tanks usually separate? and Are most new models electric start? Last question: Can you tell me what brand of snow blowers you are showing in this video?
Hey Tine. Yes, pretty much all 2-Stage and Most Single Stage blowers have separate gas and oil tanks. Not all but most models offer different speeds, you will need to check the specifications on the model you are looking at. In this video we are comparing Toro Single and 2-Stage Snow Blowers.
@@steensmalawn1 Thanks for answering all my questions so quickly. The people in Kalamazo are very lucky to have a dealer who is so informed and can explain things so well. Have a good Christmas.
Thank you for the infomercial - very helpful. Question... Would the single stage damage a walkway at all considering it's scraping the ground? Could you use the single stage on a gravel driveway - or would it ruin it? Thanks so much!
Hey Steve, Great question! Would it damage a concrete or asphalt drive that is in good shape, no. But if you try to use it on a gravel driveway it will fling rocks all over the place! The best thing to use is a 2-stage with shoes so you can lift the auger slightly above the gravel. Toro also offers a single/2-stage hybrid that would give you the benefits of both styles. www.steensmalawn.com/new-models/toro-24-snowmaster-724-qxe-snow-blower-36002-28125142b
@@steensmalawn1 Thank you so much for the quick reply - this type of service isn't common these days! Big thumbs up to you guys! My next question... Is there anyway I could order the single/2-stage hybrid from your store? I live all the way in Connecticut... Or any local affiliates that I could order from? Thank you again, I really appreciate the help!
Of course! I believe we could freight ship it! Best thing to do, is request a quote on the product page I shared previously and a member of our sales team will reach out to you!
I need and like both of them, because I encounter a variety of snow situations. I made a mistake and got tracks with my 2 stage though, so I will sell that and get one with wheels which is easier to turn with. Call me crazy, but I like cleaning driveways.
Thanks for sharing the video , I had been living in Boston for more the. 18 years ,all the time had use a shovel, finally bought both 😀 why I waited so much.
thanks for the video brian. I am looking around for a 2 stage and a lot of them advertise a large throwing distance (50 feet). I don't want to be throwing snow all over my neighbor's driveways. if I adjust the discharge angle would that throw under 10 feet?
Hey Chris. Toro says that some of their 2-Stage Snow blowers can throw up to 45 Feet. But that is really dependent on the type of snow. The best way to avoid getting snow on your Neighbors driveway is to either angle the discharge chute forward or down towards the side of your driveway.
another thing that wasn't mentioned. Throwing distance isn't really a measure of how far it can throw snow, and i'll explain. It's simply a measure of the blowers capability. The better the throwing distance the better it's going to do against heavy snow (wet/slush). You'll see on the lower throw models they do jack all in the wet heavy snow, the blower cannot get it out past the front of the unit much less out of your way. Cheers
I have a 30 year old toro 2 stage that I have been using (got it for free 8 years ago). It's big, heavy and hard to move around. I don't have a big driveway and the storms we get are usually 10 inches or less. Thinking it's time to get the single stage battery powered Toro!
I have a small one lane gravel drive (small pea gravel). Was thinking I could use a single stage and just build some shoes on it to leave an inch down. Then on the sidewalk run it normal. Any thoughts on that idea?
That's an interesting idea! However, with a Gravel Driveway, if it's in your budget, a 2-Stage Blower would be the better choice. The Skid Shoes are pre-installed you just need to adjust them to fit your needs! A Single Stage blower will fling that gravel like no other! Plus, generally, the body of a Single Stage is plastic. While it is durable plastic, it isn't designed to have DIY skid shoes screwed into the side of it. Hope this helps!
I have a single stage Briggs and Straton 1222 and it's the upper limit of what I can manage. It's very powerful, but it's hard to push uphill. My neighbor has a big 2 stage and it feels like I am wrestling a bear when I used it before my BF and I bought our new blower.
You need to learn the machine does all the work . Forward ,backward . Let the machine do the work . Get some one o show you how . A one stage , now you have to work . They are a toy in a storm or a 8’ snowfall, and you do the manual pushing ,pulling back and forth . If cost is the factor then you do what you have to do ,right . Live and learn ,good luck !
Hello Brian! What are your thoughts on the Toro Power Clear 21” 60V model? I live in Delaware so we don’t get a ton of snow but I’m tired of shoveling! I have a pretty decent size driveway that can handle about 7 cars. I was apprehensive about a battery powered machine but I know they have come a long way and I’ve seen good reviews on the Toro. Tom D
Hey Tom! I think with your size driveway, a battery operated unit might not be your best bet. You should really consider a smaller gas single stage. With your size driveway, I think you'd be happier with the performance of a unit like this: www.steensmalawn.com/new-models/toro-21-power-clear-721-qze-snow-blower-38756-28125139b
They put a metal scraper on the single stage that was a mistake. It bends and the snow blower won't go forward and won't scrap garbage. I have 3 all 3 did it
That's odd that you've had Metal Edges on your Single Stage. On all of the Single Stage Models we carry, they have plastic edges. Perhaps its a specific model you had.
I have used toro single stage for years and they are very good machines 2 stage has more moving and parts which better chance of a break down single stage toro has less problems mine have also worked when called upon one of the bad things of single is having to change the paddles but its not that hard
But in the current environment the paddles are creeping up to the $100 range. If you have a new concrete driveway you may only get 2 seaons out of them.
@@Jushwa Yes. I've had my SS since 2011. After repaving my driveway with new cement the paddles began wearing so much more quickly. Your flagstone, though uneven, is much smoother than concrete. Concrete is very abrasive.
Look, this is simple. If you're clearing 2 to 3 foot wide sidewalks the single stage is fine. But, if you have a 24 x 60 driveway and yoyr average yearly snow is 48 inches, the choice is obvious.
I would say 2-stage also have trouble in the wet stuff, Snowmaster is a good combo of the 2, because single stage are smaller they have a smaller, less powerful engine. Snowmaster starts with a 212cc engine, most 2-stage start at 208, you can have a single stage with only 99. With a powerful engine the single stage can actually outperform the 2-stage, they can do the job in half the time and they are powerful enough to get through end of driveway snow and ice. A lot of people are buying the Snowmasters or the smaller single stage
That is the proper term. Yes they both perform the act of "Throwing snow". However, a 2-stage has a second impeller behind the first that blows the snow out of the housing.
I live in Australia where it doesn't snow and it's past midnight. Amazing what RUclips does.
We get a lot of snow here in Chicago, it keeps the giant spiders and drop bears away 😉
Wanna come shovel my driveway? Lol
@@willmercier2852 You completely missed his point !!!
Women there love Americans
I get alot of snow up in Wisconsin
For someone that inherited a piece of snow removal equipment , I found this very informative. I now know mine is a 2-stage snow blower.
My Ma purchased our Snowblowers for our Rentals, NEVER using them herself. She said all we need was a Single Stage cause they were so much cheaper.
We tried to explain how in Heavy snow, (6" or better) how a 2 stage was so much better to no avail. She then was upset when they wore out each year, saying we were too "Hard" on them, but/EVERYTHING was overworked.
NEVER underbuy when getting a SnowBlower, you'll be much happier. Single stage's are MUCH more work, TWO Stage are EASY to use, Also, GET Electric Start.
Thank you for explaining. I like it.
Well done 👍🙏
Actually, a really good intro video. I live in Buffalo, few people have/use the single stage around here... but they are good for locations that only get a few inches a few times a season (like the south-east). Most people here use 2-stage gas blowers and even some 3-stagers. Nothing clears the deep stuff and the pile left at the end of the driveway by the plows like a 2-stage. That snow is compacted like concrete. Buy the one you need for the job.
As far as electric vs. gas... again, electric is good for smaller jobs with less snow (plug-in or battery). A gas blower will outlast an electric with the deep/heavy stuff. Nobody has electric around me.
Hi I live in the Midwest and your statement resonated with me. A shovel in middle age just won't cut it anymore.
Learn something new everyday! I always knew there were single and dual stage throwers/blowers but never knew the difference. I've always had a single stage and have always called it a snow thrower so at least I got that right! lol
I have both types. Just trying to learn something here. I do find out though that the single stage is the best for slush where as it would clog up the two stage. Slush is usually left behind at the end of the driveway by the plows. The single stage goes right through it because the auger spends way faster and is usually a 2 cycle engine.
FYI: 2 Cycle or 2 stroke engines are no longer available on mower and blowers anymore in the US. They are all 4 stroke where gas and oil are separate.
@@ralphfraumeni6190 FYI they are still available as used units and there are 10s of thousands available in any city and people bring them to mower shops to be fixed. They made over 5 million units of various name brands of 2 cycle snow blowers. People still use them. OBVIOUSLY NOT YOU!!!
@@MrLmm001 True. But I donn't want newbies to think they are going to buy a new single stage and they could find a new 2 stroke version.
@@ralphfraumeni6190 you are a newbie OBVIOUSLY!!!!
@@MrLmm001 Read the last sentence of your post. If I were looking for a SS blower after reading that I would assume I could find a new2 stroke unit. You can't. And I am a gentlemen. Who knows a lot about snow blowers.
Nothing beats a single stage with fresh paddles. Except ice and gravel, that will kick the crap out of them. In zero to 8" of snow a 5 hp single stage will clear your driveway faster than a 5hp 2 stage every time.
As long as it's light snow and less than 8".
@@henryhill3778 I've used honda's and toro's. The single stages blow anything from slush to powder no problem.
I'm struggling with this too.
I'm in SE Michigan.
I have a 6 car driveway, no sidewalks and a 10ft path to front door.
It feels like 2 stage is overkill. But the Tim Allen in me wants it. It might actually make it harder since I have 3 cars in driveway to work around too.
We can get good amounts of snow as you guys know in Kalamazoo, but I figure if a big storm I can just do it during storm to do half at a time
You know when that plow comes by and deposits a 12"-36" high pile of compacted snow at the foot of your driveway? Well, a single stage will be useless to you in that situation. Its at that exact moment when you realize that you should have purchased a powerful two-stage, and your life sucks.
@@IRequireMedication I agree. Im in Mi also and the single stage was nice for a little while but completely useless in this heavy wet snow we have now. It barely throws it 2 inches from the machine in this heavy snow and its just frustrating. Im thinking of getting a 2 stage at the end winter even though it might be a little hard to maneuver around but I'm tired of going over the driveway 5 times or more just to get a little snow moved.
@@IRequireMedication I own a single stage Toro much like the 721 in the video. Trust me. My life doesn't suck becaise of the EOD situation. Just get at it ASAP. However I do estimate it takes almost twice as long. Of course if your driveway is more than 1 car wide at the street disregard this post!🤣
@@ralphfraumeni6190 I have actually heard that single stage are faster, and clear better because they get closer to the ground. My original statement about that end of driveway plow mountain still stands, but now you brought up another point: Who wants to go out there several times as it accumulates? I don't know about you, but I dislike doing it even once....ha
@@IRequireMedication Believe it or not I plow once with my SS. The EOD also. If they plow again I usually just hit it with the Jeep a few times. They put so much salt down around here it usually just melts.
A big snow and I get at it 2 or 3 times and dont let it pile up so its unmanageable. Toro blower, light and easy to handle. In 20 years of use only 3 or 4 times when a big 2 stage was needed and I didnt clear the snow before it was overwhelming. Learned my lesson.
Thank you for that great explanation. I am north of 60 years old, and I know it might be time to invest in one.
I'm going to buy my 1st snow blower. You explained the difference between 1 and 2 stage extremely well and I know I need a 2 stage for where I live (NW Ontario, Canada). So thank you. Do all 2 stage snow blowers have a transmission and different speeds? and Are the oil and gas tanks usually separate? and Are most new models electric start? Last question: Can you tell me what brand of snow blowers you are showing in this video?
Hey Tine. Yes, pretty much all 2-Stage and Most Single Stage blowers have separate gas and oil tanks. Not all but most models offer different speeds, you will need to check the specifications on the model you are looking at. In this video we are comparing Toro Single and 2-Stage Snow Blowers.
@@steensmalawn1 Thanks for answering all my questions so quickly. The people in Kalamazo are very lucky to have a dealer who is so informed and can explain things so well. Have a good Christmas.
I have both a ariens 28 deluxe sho and a toro 721 axe they each have benifits
Thank you for the infomercial - very helpful. Question... Would the single stage damage a walkway at all considering it's scraping the ground? Could you use the single stage on a gravel driveway - or would it ruin it? Thanks so much!
Hey Steve,
Great question! Would it damage a concrete or asphalt drive that is in good shape, no. But if you try to use it on a gravel driveway it will fling rocks all over the place! The best thing to use is a 2-stage with shoes so you can lift the auger slightly above the gravel. Toro also offers a single/2-stage hybrid that would give you the benefits of both styles. www.steensmalawn.com/new-models/toro-24-snowmaster-724-qxe-snow-blower-36002-28125142b
@@steensmalawn1 Thank you so much for the quick reply - this type of service isn't common these days! Big thumbs up to you guys! My next question... Is there anyway I could order the single/2-stage hybrid from your store? I live all the way in Connecticut... Or any local affiliates that I could order from? Thank you again, I really appreciate the help!
Of course! I believe we could freight ship it! Best thing to do, is request a quote on the product page I shared previously and a member of our sales team will reach out to you!
I need and like both of them, because I encounter a variety of snow situations. I made a mistake and got tracks with my 2 stage though, so I will sell that and get one with wheels which is easier to turn with. Call me crazy, but I like cleaning driveways.
Do u recommend the toro single stage one?
I Live in Ontario, Canada
This was very helpful and concise. Thank you!
Thanks for sharing the video , I had been living in Boston for more the. 18 years ,all the time had use a shovel, finally bought both 😀 why I waited so much.
thanks for the video brian. I am looking around for a 2 stage and a lot of them advertise a large throwing distance (50 feet). I don't want to be throwing snow all over my neighbor's driveways. if I adjust the discharge angle would that throw under 10 feet?
Hey Chris. Toro says that some of their 2-Stage Snow blowers can throw up to 45 Feet. But that is really dependent on the type of snow. The best way to avoid getting snow on your Neighbors driveway is to either angle the discharge chute forward or down towards the side of your driveway.
another thing that wasn't mentioned. Throwing distance isn't really a measure of how far it can throw snow, and i'll explain. It's simply a measure of the blowers capability. The better the throwing distance the better it's going to do against heavy snow (wet/slush). You'll see on the lower throw models they do jack all in the wet heavy snow, the blower cannot get it out past the front of the unit much less out of your way. Cheers
Awesome explanation
Nice overview, thank you.
What brand do you recommend in the 2 stage? Is one better than the other? Thank you
How good do they throw dirt?
I have a 30 year old toro 2 stage that I have been using (got it for free 8 years ago). It's big, heavy and hard to move around. I don't have a big driveway and the storms we get are usually 10 inches or less. Thinking it's time to get the single stage battery powered Toro!
Don't get battery powered! Electric or gas
No. They don’t make them like they used to. All American made. Brigs engine
I have a small one lane gravel drive (small pea gravel). Was thinking I could use a single stage and just build some shoes on it to leave an inch down. Then on the sidewalk run it normal. Any thoughts on that idea?
That's an interesting idea! However, with a Gravel Driveway, if it's in your budget, a 2-Stage Blower would be the better choice. The Skid Shoes are pre-installed you just need to adjust them to fit your needs! A Single Stage blower will fling that gravel like no other! Plus, generally, the body of a Single Stage is plastic. While it is durable plastic, it isn't designed to have DIY skid shoes screwed into the side of it.
Hope this helps!
Two stage snow throwers are a pain in the rear. You have to wrestle them.
I have a single stage Briggs and Straton 1222 and it's the upper limit of what I can manage. It's very powerful, but it's hard to push uphill. My neighbor has a big 2 stage and it feels like I am wrestling a bear when I used it before my BF and I bought our new blower.
You need to learn the machine does all the work . Forward ,backward . Let the machine do the work . Get some one o show you how .
A one stage , now you have to work . They are a toy in a storm or a 8’ snowfall, and you do the manual pushing ,pulling back and forth . If cost is the factor then you do what you have to do ,right .
Live and learn ,good luck !
Awesome
Good job
Thank you for sharing
super informative!! Thank you!!
Hello Brian! What are your thoughts on the Toro Power Clear 21” 60V model? I live in Delaware so we don’t get a ton of snow but I’m tired of shoveling! I have a pretty decent size driveway that can handle about 7 cars. I was apprehensive about a battery powered machine but I know they have come a long way and I’ve seen good reviews on the Toro.
Tom D
Hey Tom! I think with your size driveway, a battery operated unit might not be your best bet. You should really consider a smaller gas single stage. With your size driveway, I think you'd be happier with the performance of a unit like this: www.steensmalawn.com/new-models/toro-21-power-clear-721-qze-snow-blower-38756-28125139b
Thank you very much Brian!
One last question. Is the chute control the only difference between the 721 QZE-21 and the 721 E-21? Thanks again?
Yes it is!
Good info
Found this video just browsing around looking at snow blowers. Ironically Im actually in BattleCreek! Guess I know where to get my next one!
We look forward to seeing you!
Great video!
They put a metal scraper on the single stage that was a mistake. It bends and the snow blower won't go forward and won't scrap garbage. I have 3 all 3 did it
That's odd that you've had Metal Edges on your Single Stage. On all of the Single Stage Models we carry, they have plastic edges. Perhaps its a specific model you had.
@@steensmalawn1 i have the commercial one there is plastic on it but aluminum pieces on it.
@@steensmalawn1 Ego single stage has metal auger on their single.stage
The Toro e21 has a version with a metal auger.
Extremely informative!
Speed- the single stage is way faster, you can run with them :)
i tried out a new aeriens snowblower in and it goes pretty fast in snow, not that fast though
I have used toro single stage for years and they are very good machines 2 stage has more moving and parts which better chance of a break down single stage toro has less problems mine have also worked when called upon one of the bad things of single is having to change the paddles but its not that hard
But in the current environment the paddles are creeping up to the $100 range. If you have a new concrete driveway you may only get 2 seaons out of them.
@@ralphfraumeni6190 are you speaking from experience? I have 10 years on mine and counting, I use it on a uneven flagstone path as well.
@@Jushwa Yes. I've had my SS since 2011. After repaving my driveway with new cement the paddles began wearing so much more quickly. Your flagstone, though uneven, is much smoother than concrete. Concrete is very abrasive.
@@ralphfraumeni6190 interesting, good to know, my driveway is concrete but obviously a different texture
Thanks
Absolutely! If there are any other topics or deep dives you would like us to do, please feel free to suggest it!
Thanks Brian.
ONE THROWS SNOW AND ONE BLOWS IT RIGHT ?
What?
That is correct
Thanks for this
Absolutely! If there are any other topics or deep dives you would like us to do, please feel free to suggest it!
Thank you!
Look, this is simple. If you're clearing 2 to 3 foot wide sidewalks the single stage is fine. But, if you have a 24 x 60 driveway and yoyr average yearly snow is 48 inches, the choice is obvious.
I love my 2 stage
Single stage is the way to go. Unless you have gravel.
The single is smaller lighter and easier to use.
Single stage paddle snow throwers will throw slush, augers will not.
Look at the height of single stage it’s worthless in wet and deep snow. Two stage works perfect 3+ inches.
I would say 2-stage also have trouble in the wet stuff, Snowmaster is a good combo of the 2, because single stage are smaller they have a smaller, less powerful engine. Snowmaster starts with a 212cc engine, most 2-stage start at 208, you can have a single stage with only 99.
With a powerful engine the single stage can actually outperform the 2-stage, they can do the job in half the time and they are powerful enough to get through end of driveway snow and ice. A lot of people are buying the Snowmasters or the smaller single stage
TLDW Deep snow - two stage...not so Deep snow - single stage.
👍💪
Stop calling the single stage a "snow thrower" technically the two stage is a thrower too.
That is the proper term. Yes they both perform the act of "Throwing snow". However, a 2-stage has a second impeller behind the first that blows the snow out of the housing.
@@luckeyjosharmy cool