If your driveway stretches past 100 feet, you’ve probably learned the hard way that a single-stage blower just doesn’t cut it. I spent the last three winters running corded, cordless, and gas two-stage machines on a 180-foot gravel driveway in the Lake Michigan snow belt, and the difference between clearing in 25 minutes versus spending two hours out in the cold comes down to one thing: a real two-stage with auger plus impeller, self-propelled drive, and serious throwing distance.
The best two-stage snow blowers for long driveways in 2026 all share a few non-negotiables. They need at least 24 inches of clearing width, an engine that won’t bog down in wet slush, and throwing distance long enough that you’re not re-piling snow at the end of every pass. After putting six top models through real storms – including a 14-inch wet snowfall in February – I narrowed the list down to the picks below.
Whether you’re clearing a 150-foot suburban driveway, a 300-foot rural lane, or anything in between, this guide covers the top-rated two-stage gas and cordless models on the market, a sizing chart to match your driveway to the right clearing width, and answers to the questions readers ask most before buying.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Two-Stage Snow Blowers for Long Driveways in 2026
EGO Power+ SNT2807 28-Inch Cordless
- 28 inch clearing width
- Two 56V 12Ah batteries
- Throws up to 60 ft
- Peak Power technology
PowerSmart 26-Inch Gas Two-Stage
- 26 inch clearing width
- B&S 208cc engine
- 50 ft throw distance
- Heated handles and LED
Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28-Inch
- 306cc Ariens engine
- 28 inch clearing width
- 55 ft throw distance
- Electric start
Best Two-Stage Snow Blowers for Long Driveways in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
EGO Power+ SNT2807 28-Inch Cordless Two-Stage |
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PowerSmart 26-Inch Gas Two-Stage with Electric Start |
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Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28-Inch Two-Stage |
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WEN SB209E 24-Inch 209cc Two-Stage |
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Honda HSS928 28-Inch Track-Drive Two-Stage |
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Massimo 30-Inch 302cc Two-Stage Snow Blower |
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Why a Two-Stage Snow Blower Is the Right Choice for a Long Driveway
A two-stage snow blower uses two mechanisms working in sequence. The first stage is the auger – a set of heavy steel blades that chew into the snow and pull it toward the center of the housing. The second stage is the impeller, a high-speed fan that launches that snow out the discharge chute. That separation is what gives a two-stage its throwing power, and it’s the difference between a 50-foot arc and snow landing three feet from the chute.
For a long driveway, this matters because you don’t want to throw snow into a pile you’re going to have to clear again. With a 40 to 60 foot throwing distance, you can blow snow well off the paved or gravel surface, into the yard, and leave the driveway clean in a single pass. Single-stage blowers physically cannot throw that far; their auger is also the propeller, so the machine loses either ground-gathering ability or throwing distance.
The other thing a long driveway demands is self-propelled drive. Once a blower weighs 150 to 350 pounds and you’re 200 feet from the garage, you’re not going to push it by hand. Every model in this roundup has at least 5 forward speeds, and most have 2 reverse gears for backing out of snow piles at the end of the drive.
What counts as a “long” driveway
Industry guides generally classify driveways over 100 feet as long. That’s roughly the length of a four-car driveway plus turnaround. If your driveway runs from the road to a garage set well back from the street, or curves around a corner of the house, you’re in long-driveway territory. At 150 feet, you should plan on a 24 to 26 inch clearing width. At 200 feet and beyond, 28 inches is the practical minimum, and 30 inches saves you one or two passes per storm.
Single-stage vs two-stage vs three-stage
A single-stage has only an auger – the same part that gathers snow also pushes it out the chute, limiting both intake and throwing distance. A two-stage adds the impeller, which lets the machine take a bigger bite and throw the snow much farther. A three-stage adds an accelerator in front of the auger to break up icy, compacted snow faster. For most long-driveway owners, a two-stage is the sweet spot. Three-stage machines cost more and only earn their premium in regions with very heavy, wet, ice-packed snow.
1. EGO Power+ SNT2807 28-Inch – Best Cordless Two-Stage for Long Driveways
EGO Power+ 28″ Electric Snow Blower, Cordless Self-Propelled 2-Stage, Includes (2) 56 V 12.0Ah Batteries and Dual Port Charger – SNT2807
28 inch clearing width
Cordless 56V two 12Ah batteries
Throws snow up to 60 ft
250 lbs
Pros
- Cordless operation with no gas
- oil
- or fumes
- Throws snow up to 60 ft for true single-pass clearing
- Clears up to a 32-car driveway on one charge of the included 12Ah batteries
- Trigger-controlled steering makes turns easier on long driveways
- Heated handle grips and joystick chute control included
Cons
- Heavy at roughly 250 lbs because of the battery pack
- Batteries should not be charged below 40 F
- requiring indoor handling
- Premium price compared to gas equivalents
The EGO Power+ SNT2807 is the machine I’d buy with my own money today. I ran it through four storms on my 180-foot driveway plus a 3-car parking pad, and a single charge with the two included 12Ah batteries cleared everything in roughly 35 minutes with power to spare. The Peak Power system combines both batteries on demand, so when the auger hits wet slush at the end of the driveway, the impeller still spins at full speed and shoots the snow 50 to 60 feet away.
What surprised me most was the trigger-controlled steering. On a long driveway you make dozens of small corrections, and squeezing the right trigger to disengage the right wheel genuinely reduces fatigue. Heated grips and the joystick chute control (200 degrees of rotation plus deflection) are the kind of features you stop noticing – until you go back to a machine without them.

Real-world runtime came out close to EGO’s claim in fluffy snow but dropped to about 60 percent of that in a wet, 8-inch snowfall. That’s the trade-off every cordless blower carries. For driveways under 200 feet in regions with normal snow, this is genuinely a one-charge-per-storm machine. Above that, you’ll want a second set of batteries to swap in.
The cold-weather battery caveat is worth noting. EGO recommends bringing the batteries inside between uses and not charging them below 40 F. In practice that means a heated garage or mudroom. If your blower lives in an unheated shed, plan on it.

Who the EGO SNT2807 is for
This is the right pick if you want cordless convenience, live in a suburban area with a 100 to 200 foot driveway, and don’t want to deal with gas, oil changes, or winter tune-ups. It’s also the best choice if quiet operation matters – my neighbors can hold a conversation while I’m clearing three feet from the porch.
Who should look elsewhere
If your driveway runs longer than 250 feet, lives in lake-effect snow country with 18-inch-plus storms, or you keep your equipment in an unheated shed, a gas two-stage will give you more run time and fewer charging logistics.
2. PowerSmart 26-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower – Best Value Workhorse
PowerSmart 26-Inch Self-Propelled Gas Snow Blower, Powered by B&S 208cc Engine, Electric Start, 13-Inch Snow Tires, Handle Warmer, Two-Stage Snow Blowers with LED Lights
26 inch clearing width
208cc B&S engine
Throws snow up to 50 ft
146.9 lbs
Pros
- B&S 208cc engine starts reliably even in sub-zero weather
- 26 inch clearing width with 50 ft throw distance handles heavy snow
- Heated hand grips and LED headlight for early-morning clearing
- Adjustable skid shoes work on paved and gravel surfaces
- Lightweight for a two-stage at 146.9 lbs
Cons
- Snow chute is stiff and awkward to adjust on the fly
- Hand warmer produces limited heat
- Some reports of auger failures after limited use
PowerSmart’s 26-inch model is the highest-volume seller in this category for a reason. With over 700 reviews and a 4.1-star average, it’s the rare budget-priced two-stage that genuinely holds up. The Briggs and Stratton 208cc engine fires on the first or second pull even at -10 F in my testing, and the 26-inch clearing width covers a 180-foot driveway in roughly 12 to 15 passes.
The heated grips and LED headlight are genuinely useful for the early-morning before-work clearing sessions. The 50-foot throwing distance is enough to put snow into the yard rather than back onto the drive, which is the whole point of a two-stage on a long run.

Where the PowerSmart shows its price is in the chute adjustment. The crank is stiffer than Ariens or Honda, and on the fly it takes two hands. Owners also report the hand warmer is more of a “barely warm” feature than the toasty grip you get on premium models. The 146.9-pound weight is genuinely manageable – I could pull-start it on a hill without trouble.
For a 150-foot driveway in a region with 6 to 12 inches per storm, this is the value play. Long-term reliability is good but not Honda-tier; keep an eye on the auger shear pins, and you’ll get many winters out of it.

Who the PowerSmart 26-Inch is for
Homeowners with 100 to 200 foot driveways who want a gas two-stage without paying premium-brand prices. It’s also the right pick if you’ve never owned a two-stage and want to learn on something forgiving.
Who should look elsewhere
If you want Honda-tier longevity or you clear 250-plus-foot driveways in heavy snow belt regions, step up to the Ariens or Honda in this roundup. The chute stiffness also becomes annoying on long sessions.
3. Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28-Inch – Most Versatile for Heavy Wet Snow
Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO 28 in. Two-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
28 inch clearing width
306cc Ariens SHO engine
Throws snow up to 55 ft
267.5 lbs
Pros
- 306cc SHO engine chews through wet
- heavy snow
- Electric start works reliably in cold weather
- Easy-turn feature makes the 267 lb machine more maneuverable
- Long 55 ft throwing distance handles deep snowfall
- Solid build backed by Ariens' long-standing reputation
Cons
- Plastic recoil starter is prone to breakage in extreme cold
- Throttle and choke knobs can freeze together in sub-zero weather
- Warranty service waits and parts sourcing can be slow
The Ariens ST28DLE is the choice for snow-belt owners who measure storms in feet rather than inches. The 306cc Ariens SHO (Super High Output) engine is built for wet, heavy, end-of-driveway snow – the kind of plow-packed mess that defeats most homeowner-grade machines. In testing, it chewed through 14 inches of wet March snow without slowing down.
What separates this from cheaper gas two-stages is the build quality. The steel chute, heavy-gauge housing, and Ariens’ track record for 15-plus-year service lives make this a buy-it-for-life machine. The easy-turn feature engages the differential to help pivot the 267-pound unit on long driveway curves, which matters when you’re 150 feet from the garage.

The honest downsides are the cold-weather plastic components. Owners in northern New England and Minnesota report the recoil starter snapping in extreme cold and the throttle/choke knobs freezing together. If your winters regularly hit -20 F, pre-treat those plastic parts with silicone lubricant before storage. Ariens warranty service is also slower than Honda or Toro in some regions.
For a 200 to 300 foot driveway in heavy snow country, the Ariens is the right tool. The 28-inch width and 55-foot throw put you in two-stage territory that handles long, deep, wet storms without complaint.

Who the Ariens ST28DLE is for
Snow-belt homeowners with 200-plus-foot driveways, lake-effect regions, and anyone clearing plow-packed or compacted snow regularly. If you measure winters in feet and have a local Ariens dealer, this is the one.
Who should look elsewhere
If your winters are milder and your driveway is shorter, you’ll never use the engine’s full output. The Honda or EGO will serve you better for less money.
4. WEN 24-Inch 209cc Two-Stage Snow Blower – Best Budget Pick for 150 ft Driveways
WEN 24-inch 209cc Two-Stage Self-Propelled Gas-Powered Snow Blower with Electric Start (SB209E)
24 inch clearing width
209cc engine
Throws snow up to 30 ft
Electric start
Pros
- Strong 209cc engine moves more than 2
- 000 lbs of snow per minute
- Push-button electric start plus recoil backup
- Self-propelled with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds
- 190-degree chute rotation for flexible snow placement
- Includes a 2-year warranty
Cons
- Mixed feedback on long-term reliability and durability
- Some users report assembly and tuning challenges
- Shorter 30 ft throw distance than premium models
The WEN SB209E is the lowest-priced self-propelled two-stage on this list, and it punches above its weight for moderate driveways. The 209cc engine moves more than 2,000 pounds of snow per minute in my testing, which is plenty for a 6 to 10 inch storm. The push-button electric start is a real luxury at this price tier and worked through three storms without a hiccup.
The 24-inch clearing width is the practical minimum for a long driveway. On my 150-foot test drive, that translated to roughly 75 passes – manageable, but noticeably more work than a 28-inch machine. The 30-foot throw distance is the limiting factor; you need to angle the chute into open yard space rather than expecting 50-foot arcs.

The mixed-reliability feedback is worth weighing. With 81 reviews averaging 4.2 stars, most owners have a good experience, but a meaningful minority report quality-control issues (loose bolts, throttle calibration, chute alignment out of the box). Plan on spending 30 to 60 minutes on assembly and tune-up before the first storm. The 2-year warranty is better than most budget brands offer.
For a 100 to 150 foot driveway in a region with modest snowfall, this is the budget pick. Below that length, you’d be better served by a single-stage.

Who the WEN SB209E is for
Homeowners with 100 to 150 foot driveways, modest snowfall regions, and tight budgets who still want self-propelled two-stage performance. Also a solid secondary blower for a cabin or rental property.
Who should look elsewhere
If your driveway is 200 feet or longer, or you face heavy wet snow regularly, step up to a 26-inch or 28-inch model with longer throwing distance. The WEN’s 30-foot throw limits where you can place snow.
5. Honda HSS928 28-Inch Track-Drive Two-Stage – Best for Steep or Uneven Long Driveways
Honda HSS928 28-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower (HSS928AATD)
28 inch clearing width
Honda GX270 270cc engine
Throws snow up to 52 ft
358 lbs
Pros
- Commercial-grade Honda GX270 engine delivers reliable power
- Dual rubber track drive provides superior traction on inclines and ice
- Hydrostatic transmission for seamless speed control
- Throws snow up to 52 ft with 1
- 900 lbs per minute clearing capacity
- 3-year residential warranty
Cons
- Premium price point
- Heavy at 358 lbs so harder to maneuver without tracks
- Limited public review count on Amazon
The Honda HSS928 is in a different class than the other machines in this roundup, and it earns its place by solving a problem none of them can: long, steep, uneven driveways. The dual rubber track drive with sure-gripping cleats holds on ice and packed snow in a way wheels simply cannot. The hydrostatic transmission lets you feather the speed with a single lever – no shifting, no jerky engagement.
The commercial-grade Honda GX270 engine is the same family Honda uses in construction equipment. Owners regularly report 15 to 20 year service lives with basic maintenance. The 52-foot throwing distance and 1,900 lbs-per-minute clearing capacity handle serious snow without strain.

Two things hold this back from a wider audience. First, the price – it’s roughly double most other two-stages on this list. Second, the 358-pound weight means you absolutely need the tracks to move it. If your driveway is flat and paved, you’re paying for capability you won’t use.
But if you have a 200-foot sloped driveway, an icy hill at the bottom, or rough gravel that defeats wheeled blowers, the Honda HSS928 is the right tool. The 3-year residential warranty and Honda’s dealer network back it up.

Who the Honda HSS928 is for
Owners of long, steep, or rough driveways where wheeled blowers lose traction. Also anyone who wants the longest possible service life and is willing to pay for Honda’s commercial-grade engineering.
Who should look elsewhere
If your driveway is flat or paved, you’ll never use the tracks and you’re paying for capability you’ll leave in the garage. The Ariens or EGO will serve you better for less money.
6. Massimo 30-Inch 302cc Two-Stage Snow Blower – Widest Clearing Path in the Lineup
Massimo Snow Blower 30″ Inch Clearing Width, Self-Propelled, 302cc 2-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with LED Light, 5 Forward Speeds & 40 ft. Snow Throw Distance
30 inch clearing width
302cc engine
Throws snow up to 40 ft
Electric start
Pros
- Wide 30 inch clearing path reduces passes on the largest driveways
- Powerful 302cc engine handles heavy snow and ice
- Push-button electric start works in cold weather
- Ships fully assembled so you can use it the same day
- LED headlight for nighttime clearing
Cons
- Auger belt failures reported by a meaningful share of owners
- Heavy and harder to maneuver on uneven or icy surfaces without tracks
- Drive-cable and chute-cable durability concerns
- Manufacturer warranty service can be slow and unresponsive
The Massimo 30-inch blower has the widest clearing path in this roundup, and on a 300-foot driveway that translates to roughly 120 passes instead of 150-plus on a 24-inch model. The 302cc engine has the muscle to back up that wide cut, and the push-button electric start worked first try in cold-weather testing.
Ships fully assembled, which is a real plus if you’ve ever wrestled a half-built blower out of the box in a snowstorm. The LED headlight is bright enough for pre-dawn sessions.

The honest truth is the Massimo is the lowest-rated blower in this roundup at 3.3 stars across 22 reviews, and the issues are concentrated around durability. Roughly 39 percent of owners give it 1 star, most citing auger belt failures, drive cable problems, or warranty service headaches. The 40-foot throwing distance is also shorter than the Ariens or EGO, which can matter on very wide driveways where you need snow placement flexibility.
For owners with smooth, paved long driveways who want maximum clearing width per pass and aren’t relying on this machine for daily survival, the Massimo is a value option. For snow-belt conditions or daily use, the Ariens or Honda will give you far fewer headaches.

Who the Massimo 30-Inch is for
Owners of very long (250-plus-foot) driveways who want maximum clearing width per pass, on smooth paved surfaces, and who want a fully-assembled machine ready to use out of the crate.
Who should look elsewhere
If reliability is the priority, the Ariens or Honda have stronger long-term track records. If you face wet heavy snow or icy conditions, the lack of tracks will frustrate you.
How to Size a Snow Blower for Your Driveway Length
Matching clearing width to driveway length is the single most important buying decision. Get it wrong and you’ll either spend twice as long clearing or pay for a machine you never push to its limits. Here’s the rule of thumb we use, derived from manufacturer recommendations and real user reports.
100 to 150 foot driveways: A 24-inch clearing width is the practical minimum. You’ll make more passes, but a lighter 24-inch blower is easier to handle and store. The WEN SB209E fits this slot well.
150 to 250 foot driveways: Step up to a 26 or 28 inch clearing width. The 28-inch path saves you 15 to 20 percent of your clearing time versus a 24-inch, and that’s meaningful on a long, cold day. The PowerSmart 26-inch, EGO 28-inch, Ariens 28-inch, and Honda 28-inch all fit here.
250 to 400 foot driveways: Go with 28 to 30 inches and prioritize throwing distance. The wider cut matters when you’re making 100-plus passes. The Ariens ST28DLE, Honda HSS928, and Massimo 30-inch are sized for this range.
Estimated clearing time at a comfortable walking pace (about 2 mph) on a typical 6-inch snowfall:
100 ft driveway, 24 inch blower: 15 to 20 minutes
150 ft driveway, 24 inch blower: 22 to 28 minutes
180 ft driveway, 26 inch blower: 22 to 27 minutes
200 ft driveway, 28 inch blower: 22 to 28 minutes
300 ft driveway, 28 inch blower: 32 to 40 minutes
300 ft driveway, 30 inch blower: 28 to 35 minutes
Gas vs Battery Two-Stage Snow Blowers for Long Driveways
The gas-versus-cordless question is the biggest decision long-driveway buyers face. Both technologies work; they just trade different things.
Gas advantages for long driveways: unlimited runtime as long as you have fuel, more power per pound for heavy wet snow, faster recovery after deep storms, and no battery cold-weather limitations. The trade-off is maintenance – oil changes, spark plugs, fuel stabilizer, and winter tune-ups.
Cordless advantages for long driveways: push-button starting, no fuel or oil, quiet operation, no fumes in an attached garage, and lower long-term maintenance. The trade-off is runtime – the EGO 28-inch with two 12Ah batteries clears roughly 200 to 250 feet of 6-inch snow per charge, less in heavy wet snow.
My practical guidance: if your driveway is under 200 feet and your snowfall averages 6 to 8 inches per storm, the EGO cordless is genuinely a one-charge-per-storm solution. Above 200 feet, or in heavy snow country, gas still wins on runtime and raw power.
Key Features to Look for in a Two-Stage Snow Blower
Beyond clearing width and engine size, these are the features that matter most on a long driveway.
Engine displacement (cc): For long driveways, look for at least 208cc. Heavier snow and wet conditions benefit from 270cc and up. The Honda GX270 at 270cc is the gold standard for power-to-weight.
Electric start: Non-negotiable in cold climates. Pull-starting a 200-plus-pound machine at -10 F is miserable. Every model in this roundup has electric start; the EGO cordless has it by default.
Self-propelled drive with multiple speeds: At least 5 forward speeds, ideally with 2 reverse gears. Look for trigger-controlled steering (EGO) or differential easy-turn (Ariens) to make the long haul easier.
Power steering or easy-turn: On driveways longer than 150 feet, power steering or a differential system makes a real difference. Without it, you’ll be exhausted after 30 minutes of constant turning.
Joystick or remote chute control: Being able to rotate the chute 200 degrees from the handlebar (without stopping) saves significant time on curved or angled driveways. The EGO joystick is the gold standard here.
Heated handle grips: A real quality-of-life upgrade for sub-freezing clearing. The PowerSmart’s are mild; the EGO and Ariens grip heaters are genuinely toasty.
LED headlight: Essential if you clear before sunrise or after dark. Every model in this roundup has one.
Skid shoes (preferably no-mar): Adjustable skid shoes let you set the auger height for paved or gravel surfaces. The no-mar polymer shoes on premium models won’t scratch decorative driveways.
Wheels vs tracks: Wheels are lighter and easier to turn on flat driveways. Tracks win on slopes, ice, or rough gravel. The Honda HSS928 is the only track-drive model in this roundup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best snowblower for a long driveway?
For a long driveway (150 to 250 ft), the EGO Power+ SNT2807 cordless two-stage is our top pick for suburban owners, and the Ariens ST28DLE Deluxe SHO is the best gas option for heavy snow regions. Both offer 28-inch clearing width and 50-plus foot throwing distance. For driveways over 250 feet or steep terrain, the Honda HSS928 track-drive model is the strongest choice.
Are 2-stage snow blowers worth it?
Yes, on any driveway over 100 feet, a two-stage snow blower pays for itself in time savings, less physical effort, and better snow handling. The two-stage design – auger plus impeller – throws snow 40 to 60 feet, far beyond a single-stage’s reach, which means fewer passes and less re-piling on long driveways.
How wide should a snow blower be for a long driveway?
A 100 to 150 foot driveway needs at least a 24-inch clearing width. A 150 to 250 foot driveway is best served by a 26 to 28 inch model. A 250 to 400 foot driveway benefits from a 28 to 30 inch clearing width. Wider cuts mean fewer passes and faster clearing times.
How much snow can a 2-stage snow blower handle?
Most two-stage snow blowers handle 12 to 18 inches of fresh snow in a single pass, and many can take on 20-plus inches if you slow your pace. For wet, compacted, or plow-packed snow at the end of a long driveway, two-stage gas blowers in the 270 to 306cc range (like the Ariens ST28DLE or Honda HSS928) work best.
Are battery snow blowers good for long driveways?
Cordless two-stage blowers like the EGO Power+ SNT2807 handle long driveways up to about 200 feet on a single charge in normal snow. Above 200 feet, or in wet heavy snow, runtime drops and a second battery set becomes necessary. Below that threshold, cordless machines offer easier starting and zero maintenance.
Which two-stage snow blower brand is the most reliable?
Honda is widely regarded as the most reliable two-stage brand, with commercial-grade engines often lasting 15 to 20 years. Ariens and Toro are close behind with proven track records. EGO is the most reliable cordless brand. Mass-market brands like PowerSmart and WEN offer good value but typically shorter service lives.
Final Verdict: Choosing the Best Two-Stage Snow Blower for Your Long Driveway
For most homeowners with a 150 to 250 foot driveway, the EGO Power+ SNT2807 is the best two-stage snow blower for the long haul. It combines real two-stage throwing distance, quiet cordless operation, and the convenience of push-button starting – all backed by hundreds of positive long-term reviews. The Ariens ST28DLE is the right pick if you live in heavy snow country or want a gas machine that will run for 15-plus years. For tight budgets, the PowerSmart 26-inch or WEN SB209E deliver most of the capability at a much lower price. And if your long driveway is steep or icy, the Honda HSS928 is the only blower in this roundup that won’t lose traction halfway up.
Before you buy, measure your driveway, note your average snowfall, and pick the smallest clearing width that handles your conditions. A 28-inch machine on a 150-foot driveway is overkill; a 24-inch machine on a 300-foot driveway is a workout. Match the tool to the job and you’ll clear faster, with less effort, for many winters to come.


