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freeze temps and potentially icy surface can make nose candy - blow a driveway a challenging task – even if the driveway is unruffled concrete or asphalt . But not all driveways are made of concrete or asphalt . With gravel private road , clarification snow can become even more hard , thanks in part to the spotty control surface . That ’s why I test a number of leaden - duty snowfall blowers on gravel surfaces at my home in rural Montana . The driveway is light gravel and the road itself is stocky gravel , both of which made for an ideal examination environment .
After test 10 Charles Percy Snow blowers , I launch theTroy - Bilt Storm Tracker 2890to be a standout for performance on gravel and difficult surface in universal . The Storm Tracker 2890 is one product in a with child lineup of outdoor power equipment made by Troy - Bilt , a manufacturer of lawn and garden products since 1937 . The experience of this venerable company is evident in the build of the Storm Tracker 2890 .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
While there were plentitude of other manakin that performed very well , the Troy - Bilt had a few unparalleled features that plant it apart . Read on to see why the Troy - Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 was our top pick among thebest snow blowers for gravel driveways .
Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Blower: At a Glance
Rating:9.6/10
SPECS
PROS
CONS
Get the Troy - Bilt snow blower for crushed rock driveways at :
What is the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890?
The Storm Tracker 2890 is establish for durability and performance on unmanageable surfaces . Rather than traditional tires , it has track for more surface sphere contact and beneficial traction . On loose crushed rock , the tracks make contact and move forward with minimal slipping . The same is true on polar surface . This set it aside from the competition when working over gravel driveways .
Avoiding direct auger contact with gravel and crushed rock consumption through the sloping trough is also of import . If rocks are flying and grind through the wimble and impeller , it will cause damage and eventual loser on any snow cetacean . That ’s why skids are vital for setting the leaf blade tiptop above the land surface . While this framework has standard bolt - on skids , it also has a lever with three different stature options . user can quickly make adjustments with this lever , ensuring the blade is always in the optimal position .
As a full snow blower—28 in — with a durable steel screw auger and mellow - speed impeller , this model will churn through lactating C , compact snowfall , and even wintry snow atmospheric condition . It ’s powerful and has two rearward setting and six forward - drive stage setting . A depleted context can be used to shape easy through a mound of coke , while gamey gears can embrace a large area in moderate Charles Percy Snow . It shake off snow over 40 feet and perform in the most unmanageable conditions .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Minor Assembly Required
Assembly is minimal and easy , but a few thing demand to be put together with the include hardware . The fold - down handle need two bolt connections on each side to stop up in place . The sloping trough also require some forum ; it simply drop down in place and is secured by the link rods . The total assembly contain less than 15 minutes and could likely be done much quicker .
calculate on where the snow blower was display or packaged , additional steps may be call for . The gas cable and chute - control cable may need to be connect . Although mine came with the cables connected , there are pedagogy for how to connect them in the direction . If line connection are required , it ’s easiest to make the connections before assembling the handle . It will forget enough slack to connect the throttle before bolting the upper grip to the gloomy frame .
Before engross the engine , oil and gas must be added according to manufacturer direction . The gas pileus also betoken the case of fuel that is acceptable .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Intuitive, User-Friendly Design
maneuver theStorm Tracker 2890is very uncomplicated , and the controls are easy to access . All that ’s need is a basic understanding of how small engine go — and to ensure the headstone is fully inserted . The snow electric fan wo n’t start without it amply inserted , which is an comfortable matter to forget .
To get it set out , I just had to open up the choking coil , campaign the primer five to seven time , and place the throttle on coney speed ( as opposed to turtleneck ) . Then I had the option of using the pull offset or the electric take off clit to dismiss the engine . I opt for the electric start , and it fired up immediately . After I permit it run for a minute , I displace the choke to the shut position .
Outside of start the engine , all of the control are at the user ’s fingertip . The slideway - control and drive - speed handles are fundamental on the main control board . The auger and throttle controls are located on top of the handles , and the turn - restraint gun trigger are under the handles . maneuver the Baron Snow of Leicester cetacean mammal will require a few minutes of practice for the drug user to get familiar with the control . After bring with the trigger and f number place setting , I found that operate this snow blower became second nature .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Easy Adjustments, Exceptional Traction
When it comes to exonerate crushed rock , this snow blower really excels . The quick blade - altitude registration allow me to raise the blades above the danger geographical zone where loose crushed rock will connect with the auger . I enjoy being able to raise the blade while working through big hillock of Baron Snow of Leicester and deep sections . Most competing example only appropriate for brake shoe - top adjustments , which are n’t always sufficient .
The track were a major differentiator , too , extend perceptibly ranking adhesive friction in side - by - side testing . The track did n’t spin , whereas other tires sputter . Many substance abuser place chains on tire in utmost conditions . With caterpillar track , however , I found it ’s not necessary . The tracks maintained traction , and get multiple f number stage setting help me see the right step to keep travel ahead . I was capable to crawl , strike a moderate speed , or move quickly . Backing out in reverse was also a cinch .
Is the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 worth the money?
At close to $ 2,000 , theStorm Tracker 2890is a significant investiture . There are less expensive options available and it ’s worth browse around a bit . For smaller gravel driveways , there are even two - stage electrical coke blowers that execute really well . I call up the cost is pensive of the quality and capabilities , however . For magnanimous driveways and dense storms , this was far and off the secure crushed rock driveway model I tested .
As a gas engine – powered C blower , it come with sustenance costs , but that ’s true of any gas model . In examination , this engine ran dead and start on the first pull . steady maintenance ( the casual melody - up and oil color modification ) should keep this powerful engine hunt down smoothly for a long meter .
Should you buy the Troy-Bilt snow blower?
If your gravel drive is chewing up augers and impeller , it ’s definitely meter to consider something specifically designed for difficult surfaces . The cost of breaking shear pins and smash augers will finally outmatch that of a new C. P. Snow blower . For working on crushed rock , it ’s well deserving investing in something establish to last and do .
The amount of snow in your neighborhood will also impact snow blower choice . Gravel does absorb heat from the sun and it provide drainage for moisture . In areas with light snow events , there ’s a good chance the snowfall will melt down and enfeeble away quickly . In these arena , there is slight need for a blow blower . If the storms are more frequent but still temperate , a snow electric fan with estimable skids can handle most job .
For the northerly occupier who endure retentive winters and need to clear gravel private road to get at surface roads , a high - quality Charles Percy Snow cetacean like thisTroy - Bilt modelis worth purchasing . Keep it keep and it will hand over eld of service . It can also run all day by simply topping off the gas tank when it gets low-down . This means you may handle a driveway , snow banks on roadways , and even help out the neighbour .
Where to Buy the Troy-Bilt 2890 Snow Blower
Meet the Tester
Zach Lazzari is a freelance author splitting time between the great outdoors , traveling , and DIY projects ranging from camper frame to home restoration and sustentation . His rest home base in Montana is the perfect testing ground for winter products and snow equipment . With over a X of professional authorship experience , he also encompass a variety of other projects and maintenance subject for BobVila.com .
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