When you live in Canada, it is important 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 difficult to figure out which one to put your money towards. Luckily for you, isure has everything you need to know when it comes to the top snow blowers on the market today.
What are the perks of buying a snow blower?
Before you purchase a snow blower, you should first find out if you’ll have use for one. If you only have a small walkway to clear when the snow falls, you might be better off putting your money elsewhere. On that same note, if you own a property that has a massive parking lot, you should consider hiring a company to clear the snow for you. If you fall somewhere in the middle, a snow blower will likely be an excellent purchase.
Everybody knows just how tedious using a shovel can be. When the weather hits below freezing, nobody wants to spend more time outside than they need to shovel their property. Or, even worse, risk frostbite in minus-degree temperatures. The act of shoveling can also be hard on our bodies. This is where a snow blower comes into play. Not only does it make the process of clearing your property much easier, but it also makes the job more thorough and efficient. With a snow blower, you don’t have to worry about missing certain areas, thus leading to fewer accidents in the future. And when all else fails, you can use your shovel to clear those hard-to-reach areas with your snow blower.
Slip-and-fall accidents
When your property isn’t shoveled properly, 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 known as slip-and-fall accidents. Though these can happen all year round, there is a large uptick in injuries during the cold, icy weather. Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to fractures, broken bones, and other 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 lead to a huge amount of money paid in damages if you are not properly covered. To avoid the hassle altogether, making sure you correctly have your property 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!
Snow blowers vs. 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 in comparison to your average snow blower.
What are the best 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 make sure any property you own is clear of any hazards or slippery surfaces. So, with that being said, let’s get to it.
1. Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE
First off on our list is the Toro SnowMaster 824 QXE Snow Blower. This machine has everything you need when it comes to completing a hassle-free snow removal job. With a 52cc, 4-cycle OHV engine, you will be clearing the snow off your driveway with ease. Toro’s high-tech Personal Pace drive system synchronizes the blower’s wheel’s speed with how fast you are walking. When in motion, this machine tosses snow about 40 feet high, and 80 feet in length. On top of this, the Quick Stick chute control and deflector allow you to easily direct where you want to snow to go. This is the perfect distance for the above-average, two-car driveway. Furthermore, it has a convenient electric start system so you can get to the job quickly. Don’t believe us? There are over 200 5-star reviews that back us up.
Price: $1,798, homedepot.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 who have a gravel driveway as a more traditional option. The four-cycle engine on this machine stands at 243cc, helping you clear snow on driveways up to 12 parking spaces in size. On top of this, this snow blower has a durable metal chute, 15-inch tires to easily maneuver through the snow, as well as 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 blowers list.
Price: $1,699, cubcadet.ca
3. Ego Power+ Peak Power 2-Stage Snow Blower
The Ego Power+ SNT2405 is an incredible option for those who want to avoid using a gas-powered snow blower. Though not as powerful as those mentioned above, it is free from any exhaust, maintenance, and noise that comes 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 roughly a half-hour or so run time, so this may not be the best option if you have bigger jobs to complete regularly. However, if you are usually dealing with 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, deep snowfalls, throwing up to 59 tons of snow per hour. It offers both a manual start, as well as a push-to-start button. On top of this, it works great in wet snow that will stack over a foot deep. The easy-to-use controls allow you to shoot snow up to 40 feet, with an adjustable 2.5x quick-turn chute with 205-degree rotation. The Ariens 298cc Engine is strong and efficient, with 9.5 pounds of torque. Even more, the blower comes with a tool for quickly removing any clogs from big chunks of snow.
Price: $1,699, 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 while being 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 able to throw 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: $1,199, rona.ca
6. Certified 13.5-amp Electric Corded Snow Blower
For those on a budget and simply want to get the job done, this Certified 13.5-amp Electric Corded Snow Blower is perfect for you! Clocking in at only $200, this lightweight snow blower can clear smaller yards and driveways without any hassle. 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: $199, 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 simply 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 yourself a safe and slip-free winter! Whether you use the help of a snow blower or not, it’s important to remember how crucial it is to keep 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!
