When living in Canada, it is essential to be as prepared as possible for any snowfall. This goes beyond having the proper winter jacket and tires on your vehicle. It is also crucial to properly clean your vehicle, home, and any properties you own of snow and ice to keep you, your family, and other visitors safe. Everybody knows just how much of a hassle digging out the shovel is. This is why, if you own a larger property, having a good quality snow blower to help you through the winter seasons isn’t just a recommendation, it’s a necessity. But what makes a good snow blower? With the hefty price tags, it can be challenging to determine which one to allocate your money towards. Luckily for you, isure has everything you need to know about the top snow blowers on the market today.
What Are the Benefits of Buying a Snow Blower?
Before buying a snow blower, consider how much you’ll actually use it. If you only have a small walkway, it may not be worthwhile to invest in it. For large properties or parking lots, hiring a snow removal service may be more cost-effective. But if you fall somewhere in between, a snow blower can be a great choice.
Shovelling is tiring, time-consuming, and can be hard on your body—especially in freezing temperatures. A snow blower makes clearing snow faster, easier, and more efficient, helping prevent missed spots and potential accidents. You can always use a shovel afterward for those hard-to-reach areas.
Snow Blowers: Slip and Fall Accidents
When your property isn’t appropriately shoveled, or at all, accidents are simply waiting to happen. Every year, thousands of Canadians hurt themselves due to slipping on icy stairs and sidewalks that aren’t properly maintained. These types of accidents are commonly referred to as slip-and-fall accidents. Although these can occur throughout the year, there is a notable increase in injuries during the cold, icy weather. Slip-and-fall accidents can result in fractures, broken bones, and other severe injuries. Many areas where these accidents occur include:
- Houses
- Apartments
- Parking lots
- Walkways
- Parks
According to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, you are held fully accountable when it comes to keeping your property free of any hazards. This includes clearing your property of any snow, ice, or slush. In most cases, your home insurance policy will protect you if someone falls and injures themselves on your property. These situations can result in substantial damages if you are not adequately insured. To avoid the hassle altogether, ensuring your property is correctly cleared is mandatory. Luckily, this is when a snow blower can make your job easier and more efficient, which is why it’s worth the investment in the long run. Let’s take a look at some of the best snow blowers out there!
What is the Difference Between Snow Blowers and Snow Throwers?
Before going any further, we must first decipher the difference between a snow blower and a snow thrower. Many people are unaware, but these are two different types of machines. For the most part, both of them perform the same task. The main difference is that a snow thrower only has one stage in its process. It uses a rotating auger to pick up snow and throw it to the side in a continuous motion. On the other hand, a snow blower has two stages. Similar to the thrower, it picks up the snow, and rather than simply throwing it to the side, feeds it into a power fan known as an impeller. This then blows it out of a chute.
Many snow throwers are corded and are good if you don’t get heavy snowfall in your area. This is because they’re smaller and usually less powerful. With this being said, it also means they tend to be less expensive compared to the average snow blower.
What Are the Top Snow Blowers on the Market?
Like any big purchase, the process of purchasing the right snow blower or thrower can be both challenging and time-consuming. Luckily, isure has compiled a list of the top snow blowers on the market for 2024. With these options, you can ensure that any property you own is free from hazards and slippery surfaces. So, with that being said, let’s get to it.
1. Toro Power Max 724 OE
Starting us off is the Toro Power Max 724 OE. No matter how much snow you’re tackling, this 212cc Premium 4-cycle OHV engine will let you muscle through with as much snow and ice as needed. With its 24-inch wide clearing width and 20-inch intake height, you’ll have the job handled quicker than you thought possible. Paired with Toro’s exclusive Quick Stick control, you can change the direction of the steel chute and deflector without hassle.
The Power Max 724 also comes with an exclusive anti-clogging system, which monitors snow intake to reduce any clogging. Gone are the days you need to stop and unclog your snowblower! To top it off, this blower is also equipped with hardened gears in its auger gearbox, meaning there are no shear pins to replace. Instead, the engine will purposely stall to prevent damage if your auger were to hit any hard materials hiding in the snow.
Price: $1,919, rona.ca
2. Cub Cadet 2X 24″ IntelliPOWER
Next on the list is the Cub Cadet 2X 24″ IntelliPOWER Snow Blower. Generally, this is the go-to option for those with a gravel driveway, offering a more traditional approach. The four-cycle engine on this machine has a displacement of 243cc, enabling you to clear snow from driveways up to 12 parking spaces in size. In addition, this snow blower features a durable metal chute, 15-inch tires for easy maneuvering through snow, and a digital throttle that matches your engine output. This makes your snow removal task much easier and is overall a great buy on our snow blower list.
Price: $2,439.99, homedepot.ca
3. Ego Power+ Peak Power 2-Stage Snow Blower
The Ego Power+ SNT2405is an incredible option for those who want to avoid using a gas-powered snow blower. Although not as powerful as those mentioned above, it is free from the exhaust, maintenance, and noise that come with a fuel-powered machine. Additionally, it is still very sufficient considering. The machine features two EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries that will tackle all of your standard snowfalls. Generally, the machine has a roughly half-hour run time, so this may not be the best option if you have larger jobs to complete regularly. However, if you typically experience lighter snowfalls, this is an excellent option for you.
Price: $1,999, rona.ca
4. Ariens Classic 24
If you are someone who has an average-sized driveway but wants a snow blower that packs a punch, the Ariens Classic 24 Snow Blower may be perfect for you! This gas-powered snow blower is ideal for those deep snowfalls, capable of throwing up to 59 tons of snow per hour. It offers both a manual start and a push-to-start button. Additionally, it performs exceptionally well in wet snow that can accumulate over a foot deep. The easy-to-use controls enable you to shoot snow up to 40 feet, featuring an adjustable 2.5x quick-turn chute with a 205-degree rotation. The Ariens 298cc Engine is strong and efficient, with 9.5 pounds of torque. Furthermore, the blower comes with a tool for quickly removing clogs caused by large chunks of snow.
Price: $1,549, rona.ca
5. EGO Power+ 56V Snow Blower
If you prefer the convenience of a snow blower without the hefty price tag, the EGO Power+ 56v is perfect for you! This battery-operated snow blower packs a punch and features intuitive controls, making it easy to start. This eco-friendly model comes with two EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries. Since the model is not self-propelled, it may not pack as much power as your average gas-powered model. With this said, it is still capable of throwing snow 40 feet away. Furthermore, it has the power to clear a 12-car driveway with eight inches of snow within a single charge. So, if you aren’t clearing feet of snow often, this is an excellent option, which is why it’s made our top snow blowers list.
Price: $1,099, rona.ca
6. Certified 13.5-amp Electric Corded Snow Blower
For those on a budget who want to get the job done, this Certified 13.5-amp Electric Corded Snow Blower is perfect for you! Clocking in at just $200, this lightweight snow blower can clear smaller yards and driveways with ease. It is easy to start and maintain, with a one-year warranty. Though smaller, this option still packs a 13.5A motor that can move up to 650 lbs of snow per minute. Since it’s electric, you don’t have to worry about gas or oil tune-ups and can get straight to the job. Its 180-degree adjustable chute allows you to throw snow as far as 25 inches!
Price: $189.99, canadiantire.ca
7. Greenworks 40V Electric Snow Thrower
Another budget-friendly option is the Greenworks 40V Electric Snow Thrower. This is an ideal option for those who want to get the job done without any fuss or fancy features. The universal 40V battery system by Greenworks can be used to power other products. This 20″ snow thrower is the perfect choice for early morning or late night jobs, with its super quiet electric motor and dual LED lights. Its 180-degree rotating chute can throw snow anywhere it needs to be, up to 20 feet away.
Price: $400, canadiantire.ca
We hope that with these tips, you can have a safe and slip-free winter! Whether you use a snow blower or not, it’s essential to remember the importance of keeping your walkways and driveways clear and salted. This will help you prevent any slip-and-fall insurance liability claims. To inquire or submit a claim, contact us or request a quote today!
Safeguard Your Home
Get a free home insurance quote today and protect what matters most.
Learn all about snow removal this winter; how to remove Read more
Not having slip-and-fall coverage in your home insurance policy can Read more
Is the snow beginning to fall? If so, isure has Read more
