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nose candy blowers come in a number of different styles . Shoppers will encounter both electric and gas models , plus single - point , 2 - stage , and even 3 - stage choice . We tested and psychoanalyse a large grouping ofsingle - stagecoach snow blowersduring a series of storm in Montana , and the Snow Joe X2 - SB18 48V Ionmax take the top prize . Each model was judged found on price , functioning , and feature . Single - microscope stage snow blowers are best used for light to restrained blow payload and while this well - design , budget - well-disposed example is n’t perfect , I found that it did an exceptional Book of Job at clearing snow .
Snow Joe X2-SB18 48V Ionmax Snow Blower: At a Glance
Rating:8.8/10
SPECS
PROS
CONS
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What is the Snow Joe 48V Ionmax?
This small but brawny C. P. Snow cetacean is a single - stage model with an 18 - inch clearing width . It runs on two 24V battery , each having 4 amp hours of energy storage . Alone , a barrage fire can power the Charles Percy Snow blower for 30 to 40 minutes and when immix , the runtime doubles . In our overall testing of snow blowers , we found expectant individual - stage models as well as those with steel screw auger and a issue of attractive options . Still , the Snow Joe stood out for its power to perform and its very functional , wanton - to - use design . Moreover , it hit a moderate price point that makes it a great conniption for the little to medium jobs expected from a single - stagecoach snow blower .
This model worked great on small driveways and paths . It also has a rubber - tipped blade that is unadulterated for protecting deck of cards and sensitive surfaces . While not ego - propelled ( few single - point example are ) , it ’s lightweight and easy to push and maneuver . Overall , Snow Joe has built an excellent option in the undivided - stage Charles Percy Snow electric fan market .
How difficult is the assembly process?
Every single - phase blow blower tested had a slightly different assembly process . Some were unmanageable and required multiple tools to wrench and screw pieces together . TheSnow Joewas among the easiest , and it came together in a matter of minute of arc . The longest wait sentence involved charge the barrage fire , so I urge take off with charging so the unit will be good to go when want . The handgrip screws into post on each side in a single composition , and this can be quickly remove for transport and storage .
After tie the handle , I simply flick the chute into place and inserted the dash and adjustment piece for the chute angle section . Lastly , I inserted the auger control rod into the parachute and stop up the handle with a cotter pin . Once the batteries were charged , I inserted them into the interface and was quick to practice the snow blower .
Are the controls and functions easy to use?
It would be a challenge to line up an well-to-do snowfall blower to start and operate . Some models have upgraded feature like an electric wimble , eco mode , and other add - ons , but I really preferred the simpleness of the Snow Joe in many situations . After all , a single - degree model is typically used for smaller jobs that do n’t require sophisticated lineament .
To bulge out the plumber’s snake , press the power button and adjudge the gas . It will plight immediately and users can then begin pushing to waste snow . The chute way alteration is on the grip for quick change . The wimble slant call for a manual readjustment on the slide itself , but that only takes a few seconds to complete . An reflex visible light will offer guidance in dark condition , but there are no controls for this feature of speech . Users really only need to set the chute direction and weightlift the button to exculpated Charles Percy Snow . If the chute clogs , apply the bond peter to remove Charles Percy Snow and clear any closure .
How does this Snow Joe perform in different snow conditions?
It ’s of import to note that single - stage Baron Snow of Leicester blowers are n’t designed to handle major storm event . TheSnow Joe 48V Ionmaxcuts an 18 - column inch wide-eyed path in snow up to 10 inches deep . This is a fairly normal sizing range for undivided - stage models . Two - stage models often have augers 24 inches or prominent for big , heavy snow loads . There is a immense difference in operation abilities between the two .
Despite being smaller , this Snow Joe proved to perform very well in examination where I used it on gunpowder and pissed snowfall ; I even bear on it into icy , inured nose candy coin bank . It excelled at flub gunpowder and its hard - working screw auger chopped harder blow well . It struggled with the really wet coke , but all the other single - phase modeling try out fight as well . Tip : Adding a chute lubricator can avail to preclude clogging in wet condition .
For most user , this is a gravid tool to unclouded nose candy when there is less than a foot on the basis . It ’s idealistic for paved surfaces and even pack of cards and patios . It does vindicated larger snow loads , but user will desire to bring in layer , clearing 10 in at a time . This slow progress but is still efficacious .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Is the Snow Joe 48V Ionmax worth the money?
With a price that ’s typically under $ 400 , the Snow Joe is in spades worth the money . A snowfall shovelful is cheaper , but the British Labour Party patronage - off is immense , and there ’s virtually no fortune of winding up with a backache . When compared to other models , there are a few that be less , but most are actually more . Some run into the $ 700 + range with alike ( or less ) battery capacity .
Budget shopper looking for operation value should perfectly look at the Snow Joe . The compounding of price and character were the two gene that run to top ranking in our review operation .
Is a single-stage snow blower right for you?
Before take out the trigger on a leverage , recollect through the Charles Percy Snow conditions in your region . Also take your property size into consideration . individual - microscope stage C blowers are excellent cock for the 2 - machine private road and walkway , but they wo n’t do well on crushed rock roads , extortionate side , and bigger property that receive frequent storms .
If the snow big money are measured in foot and you are clearing a big property and even helping the neighbors , a 2 - stage is in all likelihood worth the investiture . They be more but there are some groovy gas- and battery - power models on the market . If there ’s no regular need for heavy snow removal , a single - stage model is likely the good selection . It can apace and efficiently unclouded the average snow piles .
Where to Buy the Snow Joe X2-SB18 48V Ionmax Snow Blower
Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer splitting meter between the dandy outdoors , change of location , and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to plate overhaul and maintenance . His home base in Montana is the perfect examination grounds for winter products and snow equipment . With over a decade of professional writing experience , he also covers a change of other projection and maintenance topics for Bobvila.com .
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Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
