The first snow of the year is the best part of the winter season. While there are endless ways to enjoy the snow, it can be challenging to maintain your drive and gravel driveways are among the most difficult. When other standard snow removal strategies like shoveling are not an option, having the proper snow removal equipment is crucial. If you are looking for the best snowblower to use on a gravel driveway, you’ve come to the right place!
We’ve searched the marketplace for the snowblowers that are the most effective, budget conscious and user friendly. After reviewing 24 of the top products on the market, we have compiled a list of our most recommended snowblowers. Topping the list we have our Editor’s Choice, the Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490.
We spend countless hours researching the various power sources best suited for cold temperatures, as well as clearing width and depth. Our research was aimed at allowing you to decide with confidence. We also examined different engine types to ensure the machine you choose has enough power and longevity to last through the years to come. By delving into each of these features, we compiled a list of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways.We also took into account the feedback from verified customers in the reviews of these top products. We’ve also created a comparison table, buying guide and a detailed review of each product so you can find the best snowblower for that long gravel driveway!
Other features: electric/recoil starting system, Touch ‘n Turn® power steering, heated hand grips, Just One Hand® operation, 12″ serrated steel augers, 12″ inch accelerator, 15″ x 5″ X-Trac™ tires, 6 forward / 2 reverse speeds, 4-way joystick chute control
The second pick on our list of the best 6 snowblowers for gravel driveways is the Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 which is relatively well priced and a great three-stage model option for its value. The Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 is also the only three- stage model to be featured on our list.
This snowblower is paired with a 24-inch clearing width capability making it able to deal with the heaviest of snow storms. The single hand operation and Touch ‘n Turn power make it fairly easy to operate. And the heated hand grips cater to user comfortability and combat the freezing temps.
The Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 also features 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds making it easily adaptable to whatever land it is covering. Various forward speeds are common among snowblowers but this is the only machine that we reviewed that has multiple reverse speeds. Just another way that the Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 is allowing you the ability and flexibility to adapt to whatever elements you encounter.
The Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490 uses a 12-inch accelerator instead of the standard auger which allows it to process snow up to 10 times faster. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone who needs to process a large quantity of snow quickly. The 12-inch accelerator paired with the three-stage model makes this machine on of the highest powered snowblowers that we reviewed. It is no wonder why it is second on our list!
Other features: electric start, 12.5 lbs./ft. gross torque, powerful ribbon augers, 6 forward and 1 reverse speeds, console mounted chute, Single Hand Control, flood lights, adjustable handle height, new friction disc transmission, improved power steering
The Poulan Pro Pr300 has the largest clearing width on our list, an enormous 30 inches, making this the best option for anyone who has a large amount of land to cover. Weighing in at a whopping 270 pounds this machine has the power to support all the snow removal that comes your way. With the large 30-inch clearing width and 23-inch depth dimensions, you can be sure you can move all the snow from the heaviest of snowfalls.
With 7 different speeds, 6 forward and 1 reverse, this snowblower ensures that you can work as meticulously and thoroughly as possible. Paired with improved power steering, you are able to maneuver exactly where you need to go. Between the dimensions, different speed features and power steering, this machine is best suited for a homeowner who has a large amount of land to remove snow from.
Utilizing both remote chutes as well as deflector controls gives the driver the ability to control where the snow is directed after being processed through the chute. This feature makes the Poulan Pro Pr300 ideal for someone who is throwing snow in an area that has a landscape that is extremely varied.
Adjustable handle height makes this snowblower accessible for users of all shapes and sizes, however this machine is not for novices as some of the maintenance and operation can become fairly technical. However if those are areas that you are skilled in, this snowblower is an excellent choice for you.
Other features: 9.5 lbs./ft. gross torque, 2.7-liter fuel tank grips, an electric starter, adjustable skid shoes, adjustable handles, a friction-disc transmission, power steering, LED headlights, remote chute deflector, 180-degree remote chute rotation, 3-year limited warranty, 5-year engine warranty
The next snowblower on our list is the Husqvarna ST224P and this is one you won’t want to miss! Clocking in with a 24-inch clearing width, a 12-inch clearing depth and weighing 206 pounds, this is an excellent choice for someone who is looking for a midsized machine with the qualities and power of a large machine but did not want to overdo it on size.
The Husqvarna ST224P comes with a 5-year engine warranty, the longest warranty on our list ensuring customer satisfaction and years of use.
This snowblower also comes with adjustable skid shoes, catering specifically to each specific buyer and their needs.
With a 180-degree remote chute rotation, the Husqvarna ST224P ensures a quality and reliable snow throwing process each and every time as well as allowing the customer to use this snowblower in a variety of areas and not limit them to one landscape.
The Husqvarna ST224P also comes with 2.7-liter tank grips giving each customer peace of mind with this safety feature. The tank grips go around the entire gas tank, making sure that the customer and the machine are as protected as possible. Another safety feature is the remote chute deflector which ensures that all the snow that is being blown in the correct direction and can be done so remotely, saving the customer precious time while throwing snow.
Other features: electric start, 9.5 lbs./ft. gross torque, improved performance ribbon augers, 180-degree remote chute rotation with remote deflector, 12-inch auger diameter, 13-inch tires, 6 forward and 1 reverse speeds, comfort grip loop handles adjustable handle height.
The most budget friendly snowblower option on our list, the Poulan Pro PR241 offers a serious punch for its price. While it is the lowest priced snowblower, this machine can still hold its own against the pricier options found both on the market as well as the other options on this list.
The Poulan Pro PR241 weighs around 240 lbs, and has a clearing width of 24 inches, proving that just because it is a cheaper option does not mean that it is lacking in power or quality.
Similar to the Poulan Pro PR300, this Poulan Pro machine also includes 6 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed once again ensuring that you can work thoroughly while still adjusting the snowblower to match your needs to the job at hand.
While this snowblower contains many other similarities to its sister Poulan machine also included in this list, such as a 12-inch auger as well adjustable handle height and the 7 different speeds like we mentioned earlier, the Poulan Pro PR241 stands in a category of its own by being the most budget-friendly item on our list, yet still providing the quality features found in other more pricey snowblowers. If you are looking for a machine that will give you a solid snow throwing job and not break your budget, the Poulan Pro PR241 is the snowblower that we suggest for you.
Other features: 120V electric start, steel serrated augers; 12-inch, 3-blade high-speed impeller; six speeds; a top-load aluminum gear case; an all-steel dash panel; polymer chute with a remote chute deflector; a 24-inch wide all-steel housing; interlocking control levers
Last on our list, but most certainly not least, we have the SnoTek 24 in. With a twelve-inch three-blade high speed impeller, this snowblower is sure to get the job done as efficiently as any other snowblower on our list.
With a clearing width of 24 inches, this is not the biggest machine we have featured on our list, but still a good sized machine that will get the job done. Also containing 6 forward speeds, this snowblower has options that allows it to seamlessly adapt from job to job or to each user’s personal preference.
The interlocking control levers are not only a stylish touch but also a safety features that helps prevent any accidents as well as keeping the control area near and easy to use. Another safety feature that the SnoTek 24 inch includes is its 24-inch all-steel housing. This all-steel housing provides a strong support system for the snowblower and a tough barrier again any potentially harmful materials.
This snowblower is the best option for someone who is looking for a moderately priced machine that is mid-sized but can still handle a good amount of snow. Given its safety features, the SnoTek 24 in. is also an excellent option for anyone who is less experienced using a snowblower.
Other features: 11.5 lbs./ft. gross torque, electric start, friction disc transmission, 12” steel scroll auger, dash mounted chute rotation, on panel deflector control, steel reversible skid shoes, free hand control, a steel frame and chute
The snowblower at the very top of our list is the excellent Briggs & Stratton 1696619. This machine is a great match for anyone who is looking for a reliable and effective snowblower that will last for years to come. It’s easy to operate, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone who has little to no experience using a snowblower as well as the more experienced snowblowers.
This snowblower also features a free hand control making it even more accessible to those who are just starting to operate these machines.
With an easy-to-use electric push button start feature, you can get straight to work. But don’t be mistaken that its user friendly qualities make it ineffective against heavy snow! The Briggs & Stratton 1696619 has a large clearing width range of 27 inches and a clearing depth of 20 inches which will help you tackle even the toughest of snowfalls. Paired with a sturdy steel frame and chute, this machine is ready to take on the toughest of elements.
The Briggs & Stratton 1696619 is our Editor’s choice for a reason. It will be extremely difficult to find a snowblower that is as user friendly and is placed on the market at such a great price considering its value. Its 3 year warranty, free hand control and sturdy steel frame and chute are all reasons why the Briggs & Stratton 1696619 is our top choice.
Buying a snowblower that is best suited for a long gravel driveway can seem like a monumental task. With so many factors to consider, it is easy to feel inundated with information. Thankfully we are here to help! Below we explain the specifics on how to interpret the product description and what each of the commonly used terms and phrases mean. Let’s get started!
Finding a way to remove snow on a gravel driveway can seem like an impossible task. You won’t want to use any old snowblower as it will blow the gravel along with the snow. The key to picking the right type of snowblower for these driveways is to select a snowblower that is either a stage two or stage three model. These models have its auger collect the snow and then uses a fan to disperse the snow through a chute, making sure the gravel is not in the snow when distributed.
To find the best snow blower for a gravel driveway is dependent on several factors that are specific to you. To help narrow down the options, it is important to ask some questions about your preferences and your driveway. What is your experience operating a snow blower? If you are a complete beginner, the Snowtech 24 inch is for you! What is your price range? If you are looking for a choice that is slightly easier on the wallet, the Poulan Pro PR241 is an excellent option. How much room do you have to store a snow blower? How big is your driveway? If you have lots of land to cover and just as much space to store the machine, either the Poulan Pro PR300 or the Briggs & Stratton 1696619 would be an excellent match. By asking these questions while going through our top 6 suggested snowblowers, you will be sure to find several options that suit you.
As we discussed earlier, there are two main types that you can use on a gravel driveway – two-stage snowblowers or three-stage snowblowers. These models are designed to have the auger collect the snow and then use a fan to disperse the snow through a chute. The auger does not make direct contact with the ground, making it the ideal snowblower to use on a gravel driveway.
There are two types of power sources that are used by the snowblower on today’s market- electric and gasoline.
As you would expect, engines are one of the most crucial components of a snowblower. The two most popular types of engines found in snowblowers are the 2- cycle engines and the 4-cycle engine. The main distinctions between the two models is that the 2- stroke engine mixes the oil and gas in the same compartment and is easier to maintain whereas the 4-stroke engine has separate compartments for its oil and gas and is considered to be more fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly. Additionally, the higher the cubic centimeter (or cc) rating on an engine, the more powerful the clearing abilities of the snowblower will be.
Clearing width or depth is extremely important to take into consideration when looking to purchase a snowblower. These features are an indication of how much snow that particular machine can comfortably process. If there is a large amount of snow to clear, than a snowblower with a larger clearing width would be an excellent selection to ensure that the job gets done as efficiently as possible!
Weight is also an important factor to consider when purchasing a snowblower as it can affect everything from its performance to how effectively you are able to maneuver the machine. Naturally, the size of the snowblower directly affects its weight. So it is safe to say if you are looking for a high performing snowblower with a bigger clearing width capabilities, a heavier machine is likely the best option for you.
Similar as to when considering the weight of a product, it is important to consider its dimensions as well. Generally speaking, the larger the dimensions of a snowblower, the higher performing and capable to handle heavy snow the machine will be. It is also wise to consider the dimensions of a machine in regards to storage during the warmer seasons. Proper storage can significantly prevent any chance of damage or mechanical problems.
After weighing all the traditional options of a snowblower’s features the question of how easy to operate a product is usually the last to be considered. After all comfort is usually not something that people generally associate with a snowblower. But with products now offering features such as speed control, an electric start option, headlights and even heated hand grips, getting the job done has never been easier!
That was our take on the 6 best snowblowers. In the first place, we have the Troy-Bilt Vortex 2490, the only three stage model on our list. This high power machine with its heated hand grips make it an excellent choice for anyone who wants to throw snow as comfortably as possible!
Second, we have the Poulan Pro PR300, the biggest and heaviest duty machine on our list. We loved its massive 30-inch clearing width as well as its 6 forward speed and one reverse speed. This snowblower is best suited for anyone who has a large amount of land to cover and deserves its place on our list of the best snowblowers for gravel driveways.
