Best Overall
Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Blower
Runner-Up
Toro Power Max HD 828 OAE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Best Bang For The Buck
PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
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Snow blowers for crushed rock driveways are n’t just any ol’ snow blower . To ensure you decipherable snow without tossing rocks and dirt around your dimension , choosing the right type of nose candy blower for your graveldriveway or walkwayis all important . To facilitate you in your determination , we consulted a snow removal expert and tested eight popular snow electric fan by plowing over packed and on the loose gravel .
Once our testing was terminated , we prefer theTroy - Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Bloweras our top pick for its adjustable sword height , first-class traction on loose surfaces , and specially encompassing glade route . get wind more about how this reliable snow blower machine and the sleep of our testimonial performed in our tests , and see which feature matter most when opt among the best snowfall blowers for crushed rock driveways .
Before You Buy a Snow Blower for a Gravel Driveway
Before purchasing a snow blower for a gravel driveway , it ’s important to understand that not all motorcar will work for this type of Earth’s surface . For example , most single - stage snow blowers andelectric snow shovelshave augers that scrape along the priming . While this design is slap-up for snow removal from smooth pavement , sidewalk , andheated driveways , it does n’t work well on gravel driveways since it will pluck up crushed rock in addition to snow .
Still , there ’s no need to repair to using a standardsnow shovel . Two - stage and three - stage snow blowers have auger that go an column inch or so above the background as well as adjustable skids that provide clearance to prevent the machine from best up gravel .
Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
All of the selections listed below are desirable for crushed rock driveways . Our card includes both gas - powered and electriccordless snowfall blowersand features models for small and large driveway likewise .
While sustain sway out of spinning tines is crucial when snow - blow a crushed rock driveway , get traction on this loose fabric is also important , which is why the Storm Tracker 2890 is such an ideal option . The track system make more control surface contact with the land than a set of wheels , lead to significantly more traction on icy side where tires lean to whirl and clamber . Like other quality nose candy blower design to work on crushed rock surfaces , the Storm Tracker is equipped with adjustable shoe horseshoe that make necessary clearance for the spinning auger blade .
Though it apply a received slip organization , the Storm Tracker amplifies it with an adjustable handle that raises and lowers the bottom blade meridian — a major differentiator for working safely on gravel . These adjustments foreclose turd and rocks from being ingested by the auger and allow users to gradually get down the blade when working through deep snow banks . In our test , we find ourselves using the height adjustment frequently , but that was n’t the only thing we liked about this model . The motor started on the first or second draw in cold conditions , and it fired up immediately using the galvanizing head start . All of the controls were well-fixed to use , including excellent chute accommodation dominance .
What our tester says:“We were very impressed with how useful this machine ’s six forward - speed place setting and two inverse speeds were . We could throttle down to a crawl or hit the high gears and really move . Everything about this model is made for heavy - tariff snow - blowing , and it did not let down . ”—Zach Lazzari , ware Reviews quizzer and writer
take our full critique : Troy - Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Blower
Get the Troy - Bilt nose candy cetacean mammal for gravel driveways atThe Home Depot , Walmart , Northern Tool + Equipment , orTroy - Bilt .
With its joystick - like restraint , wide reportage , and power to handle deep snowfall , Toro ’s Power Max HD 828 is well suitable to sphere that spend much of the wintertime covered in Charles Percy Snow . The bombastic intake sits above the ground , make it ideal for crushed rock surfaces . It traverse a broad 28 - inch belt with each liberty chit and can remove coke up to 21 column inch deep and throw it up to 45 feet .
The role model also comes equipped with Quick Stick , a joystick restraint with baron direction that allows for easy one - handed turning , and its knobby 16 - column inch tire provide ample traction in slick conditions . Its anti - clogging system manages Baron Snow of Leicester breathing in to foreclose time lag , and an LED headlight lighten up black paths for nighttime snow - blowing . It also has solid slip to conform blade height above the soil .
During examination , this exemplar execute exceptionally well . In increase to its powerful motor and drive system , the tires offer great grip . We especially appreciated the joystick control condition , which made be active the sloping trough throw direction and weight a breeze .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
What our tester says:“The Toro came in a very close second , and only because it was pitted against a lead system with tiptop adjustment control . Otherwise , it ’s an rank beast that can saddle through the big storm . ”—Zach Lazzari , Product Reviews tester and writer
Get the Toro 828 OAE snow cetacean for crushed rock driveways atTractor Supply Co. ,Acme Tools , orToro .
With a price shred that ’s significantly less than many other snow blowers , this two - stage model from PowerSmart is a secure snow blower for those looking to clear a crushed rock drive without breaking the cant . As with other two - stage snow blowers , the PowerSmart ’s auger utilise skid to remain above the earth , ensuring it wo n’t pick up gravel as it travel . Its 180 - point slideway is easy to control from the handles with one hand , enabling quick changes after each turn .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
Not all affordable nose candy blowers offer the array of features found on top - rated machines , but the PowerSmart is quite competitive with what it includes . This modelling has a push - release electric start , an anti - clogging system , a self - impel design , and 13 - column inch inflatable tires with traction . It also has six forward velocity and two reverse speeds , which help us influence through pulverisation , wet snow , and frigid snow without publication . It does n’t quite have the traction and power of some more expensive models , but it ’s more than ample for the average user.ction and office of some more expensive example , but it ’s more than plenteous for the average drug user . We really enjoyed this unit and although it ’s not the top choice , it does offer up a great value for budget shoppers .
Get the PowerSmart snow blower for gravel driveways atAmazon , Walmart , orPowerSmart .
Upgrade Pick
Ego Power+ SNT2405 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower
electric battery - power blowers are bug out to dominate the unmarried - stagecoach market , and the style is widen to the two - stage category with options like this Ego Power+ manakin . Whether snow piles up on the sidewalk , patio , or even a gravel drive , this two - phase barrage - powered snow blower can advertise through it all , holding its own against gas model .
We really enjoyed using this rechargeable snow cetacean mammal and dead loved how quiet it was : no exhaust or rumbling engines , and it always set out without resistance . well still , we find the command nonrational and appreciated the heated hold . The headlight is grand , and the self - actuate big businessman drive and grippy tires tracked well on open surfaces . But it does n’t finish there — we were also impressed with its ability to scoop and be adrift snow up to 50 feet as well as its adjustable skids , all - steel auger , and generous 24 - inch clarification breadth .
Get the Ego snow cetacean mammal for crushed rock driveway atLowe’s , Ace Hardware , Walmart , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Photo: The Home Depot
Best For Long Driveways
Toro Power Max 824 OE Gas Snow Blower
A cetacean mammal for a crushed rock private road should run efficiently , pivot quick , and be capable of moving large snow loads in a single school term , and the Toro Power Max 824 OE can do it all . We used the Toro to plow through a prospicient stretching of severely - pack crushed rock route , earn 6 to 8 in of snow , and were astonished to see how much ground we covered simply by slue the throttle to rabbit speed and setting the snow blower to the six - speed position . By the meter a snowfall plow arrived , we ’d already exonerate a major section of the route .
While other top choices in this family have larger 28 - inch - wide clearing widths , this 24 - inch model is more than capable of clearing a foresightful driveway that receives temperate snowfall with the periodic heavy storm . Like many Toro blowers , it has a joystick control for easygoing chute readjustment . It also features a convenient electric start , well - in - class chute controls , and a dependable engine , making it hard to go wrong with this model . Although we give it the award for long driveways , it ’s desirable for just about any snow removal need .
Get the Toro 824 OE C cetacean for crushed rock drive atTractor Supply Co. ,Ace Hardware , orToro .
Photo: Tractor Supply
Best Electric
Toro Power Max e24 60V Snow Blower
Not surprisingly , the Toro Power Max e24 has many similarities to the Power Max 824 OE . In fact , the consistence , auger , and control designs are nearly the accurate same . This makes sentiency because there is no rationality to reinvent the wheel when Toro already pop the question olympian controls , a undestroyable sword plumber’s snake , and a smashing readiness of feature and purpose .
The primary difference is the motor . Rather than a accelerator pedal engine , it has an all - electric motor power by up to three battery . While it can unravel on a individual battery , sum up a second extends the runtime up to 70 minute , and a third extends it even more . We prove the snow blower with just one electric battery , and it performed exactly like the gas model for over 30 minutes before requiring a recharge .
There are wad of great electric options on the market , but the advantages this one offers are why we awarded it the title of the good galvanic snow blower for gravel driveways . The fact that the blade auger does n’t require shear fall is a major bonus since there ’s nothing to break ( and then replace ) if the auto is under excess strain . purchase a third battery also makes it among the longest - lasting snowfall blower on the market .
Photo: Amazon
What our tester says:“We loved this snow blower ’s performance and power to moil through difficult snow . It was significantly quieter than the gas interpretation , and because it ’s both heavy tariff and durable , it may well be the best electric snow cetacean mammal available today . ”—Zach Lazzari , mathematical product Reviews quizzer and writer y to churn through unmanageable snow . It was importantly quieter than the gas version , and in turgid part because it ’s both enceinte duty and durable , we found it to be among the best galvanizing snow blowers tested .
Get the Toro e24 electric Charles Percy Snow blower for crushed rock driveways atTractor Supply Co. ,Acme Tools , orToro .
Best for Small Driveways
Ryobi 40V 22" Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower
crushed rock driveways fall in several shapes and sizes , and they do n’t all call for an peculiarly large Baron Snow of Leicester blower . The Ryobi two - point brushless snow cetacean has a steel auger , a speedy ego - propelled drive system of rules , and skids for raise the blade over gravel . With its 22 - column inch - wide slip path , it ’s small but more than sufficient for reset the average driveway .
To be honest , the Ryobi was a great surprisal in our tests . It had a long ton of power , tyre with keen adhesive friction , and impressive overall performance . Its ease of use of goods and services and ability to turn and pivot to net tighter space were splendid . The only limiting agent is the limited bombardment life , which may not be enough for large job or heavy snow . We only got about 30 bit of runtime when precipitation was on the besotted side , but the battery decidedly live longer than that in light blow .
Get the Ryobi snow electric fan for gravel driveways atThe Home Depot .
Photo: Lowes
Also Consider
Husqvarna ST 224 Snow Blower
For those look for a durable , all - around functioning machine , the Husqvarna is a large option . The brand is bonk for its small engine - operate mightiness putz , and this Charles Percy Snow cetacean live up to the high stigma standards . In fact , we liked this 24 - column inch two - stagecoach blow cetacean mammal so much that we found it difficult to rank because it could have gain almost any category on the list . It ’s a whole social unit made to shape heavily , and we were impressed with its combination of tycoon and speed . Like every selection we recommend , it has adjustable skid , a self-coloured brand auger , and a powerful effort system .
The Husqvarna ’s 212 three-dimensional centimeter ( cc ) engine offers 5.9 HP , making it a in force choice for crushed rock drive with ramp . Its rugged tire bid excellent grip when working over icy surfaces , and we like the user - friendly control and good - size headlight for working in the dark . We loaned this example out to a local dimension management company to assist with a gravel private road on a rural rental belongings , and they say it did a great job.durable , all - around performance motorcar , the Husqvarna is a large choice . The blade is known for its small-scale locomotive engine - operated mightiness tools , and this snow blower live up to the eminent make monetary standard .
Get the Husqvarna snow cetacean for gravel drive atAmazon , Tractor Supply Co. ,Walmart , orNorthern Tool + Equipment .
Photo: Tractor Supply
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways
While there are manytop - give away snow blowersavailable today , not all are right for clearing a gravel drive . When choose the picks for our list , we stuck with models well suitable for this type of terrain , namely two - stage cetacean . Beyond type , we reckon for characteristic that make snow blowers well-situated to run , such as push - release appetizer , het up grip , and sturdy materials that can power through compact snow .
We tested our select models by shed light on snow from multiple storms in rural Montana , using a loose - substratum gravel private road and a intemperately - packed gravel road as our testing grounds . While much of the examination orbit was level , we also hit a few inclines and ran through mounds of piled - up snow .
We rat the Charles Percy Snow cetacean base on performance in each gravel environment . We wait at skids and adjustments that made it easier to run over gravel , and index , handling , and traction also factored high up in the ranking appendage . Lastly , we assessed build timbre , relief of use , battery living , engine operation , and the rest of the nitty - coarse-grained details that make some snow blowers more open on crushed rock surfaces .
Photo: Tractor Supply
What to Consider When Choosing a Snow Blower for Gravel Driveways
Understanding which type of coke blowers are suitable for gravel private road and which are not is the first tone in selecting the correct model . Ahead , learn more about the three type of snow blowers as well as other of import features , such as superpower output and intake width .
Type
There are three main types of snow blowers : exclusive - stagecoach , two - stage , and three - stagecoach . Each one clear Baron Snow of Leicester a bit other than , but for crushed rock driveways , two - stage models are idealistic . Here ’s how each of these snow blowers make for .
Like all snow blowers , a undivided - stagesnow cetacean or snow throweruses an auger with serrated alloy blades to scoop snowfall and set up it through the chute . Since the gimlet on this case of snow blower skims along the earth , it ’s an excellent pick for smooth paving but a short choice for loose crushed rock . If used on a crushed rock driveway , a single - stage snow blower will garner and throw rocks along with snow .
interchangeable to a single - level snow blower , a two - stage example use an gimlet to displume snow into the chute . However , rather than use the force of the auger to launch the C , two - point snow blowers trust on large impeller sports fan to impel the C. P. Snow out of the chute . In addition to being able to throw snow much farther than a single - leg model , a two - stage snow electric fan ’s gimlet does not hail into contact lens with the ground . or else of catch one’s breath on the auger , the snow blower glides on two adjustable shoe pads — a figure that makes a two - stage exemplar ideal for gravel surface .
Photo: The Home Depot
This clayey - duty snow electric fan uses an auger and impeller fan along with an gas , which is a corkscrew - shape blade that sits vertical to the wimble and pulls snow speedily into the political machine as it spins . honest to its name , an gas allows the machine to glide more cursorily through snow . These powerful Baron Snow of Leicester blower can throw snow up to 50 foot away and have intakes that measure up to 40 inch broad . This take a leak them idealistic for cover large driveways . Like a two - leg C. P. Snow electric fan , a three - stage role model ’s auger does not bear on the ground , so it ’s a practiced choice for gravel surfaces . Three - stage cetacean also come with a healthy damage rag . As such , they are typically only needed for regions that see very heavy snow .
Power
When selecting a Baron Snow of Leicester electric fan , consider how much business leader it need to get the problem done . Snow blowers have either a gas engine or , with battery - power models , an electric motor . A gas snow cetacean ’s power is measured in three-dimensional cm . The in high spirits the cc , the better able the snow cetacean is to move through deeper nose candy and the farther it can launch it . Two - degree snow cetacean for crushed rock driveways have engines ranging between 200cc and 250cc .
Electric blow blowers generally apply two batteries to maximise runtime , though many can go on one battery ( but they wo n’t play as long ) . full runtime varies depending on the voltage and amp hours of the batteries , the act of shelling used , and , of grade , the amount and type of snow being clear up . depend on these factor , many battery - powered C blowers can hunt for between 30 and 70 min . Some galvanic Charles Percy Snow blowers also have an extra port wine that enable contribute a third stamp battery to extend runtime .
Although battery - power snow blowers may not be quite as herculean as gas - power options , they operate at a much lower dissonance level and do n’t produce exhaust fume . They also do n’t ask periodic oil colour changes , makingsnow blower maintenanceeasier . Just keep in mind that lithium - ion batteries typically only last 3 to 6 years before they start to lose their ability to hold a billing , at which point they want to be supervene upon . Still , even replacing battery may be less expensive than payingthe cost of coke removalin area that pick up regular snowfall .
Photo: Amazon
Width
The width of the C. P. Snow blower refers to the sizing of its intake and determines how across-the-board a belt of nose candy the machine can remove with each straits . Most single - stage C. P. Snow blower take C. P. Snow in 11- to 22 - inch swaths with each pass , making them suitable for small private road and walks . Two - stage models roam in width from 22 to 30 inch , making them idealistic for most driveway . gravid three - stage snow blowers have inlet that measure up to 40 inch wide-cut .
Additional Features
Some of the best snow electric fan for gravel driveways may fare equipped with other useful features that make them easier and , in some case , safe to use , such as :
Tips for Using Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways
In improver to buy a snow blower grade to work on crushed rock surfaces , there are other measure you’re able to take to amend performance when clear up snowfall from this type of open .
First and foremost , ensure the shoe shoe — the two metal pieces that elevate the snow blower intake and auger above the reason — are properly adjust so that the intake is about 1 inch off the ground . This gap will allow enough headway between the auger and the ground to forbid it from contacting the gravel .
If handle with nose candy deeper than the tiptop of the auger , consider raising the slip shoes to their highest setting to get the top stratum of blow , then lower it to remove the continue snow .
Photo: Zach Lazzari for Bob Vila
In windy experimental condition , start blowing upwind on the private road and set the chute to put down C downwind . If the Charles Percy Snow is peculiarly blotto , addingnonstick nose candy cetacean mammal sprayto the chute can help prevent clogging .
When finished , make certain to clear any stay coke from the wimble to prevent it from freeze and clot the intake .
FAQs
Understanding the honorable strategy for removing C with a two - degree nose candy blower and how to arrange it up to avoid throwing rocks is essential when clearing a crushed rock private road . Here is more information on right use as well as some answer to unwashed questions about coke cetacean mammal . two - stage snow blower and how to set it up to avoid throw rocks is crucial when clear up a gravel driveway . Here is more info on right use as well as some answers to common questions about snow blower .
The best way to polish off snow from a gravel driveway is to adjust the snow blower ’s slip shoe to kick upstairs its inhalation above the land . This will prevent the machine from pick up and give crushed rock . If you do n’t have a snow blower for your gravel driveway yet , check out our guide onclever hacks for how to shovel show .
The best kind of snow cetacean to employ on gravel is a two - stage model . The auger on a single - stage coke cetacean take a leak contact with the priming coat , so it will pick up gravel and throw it . A two - phase or three - stage blow blower has an intake that is lift above the ground , appropriate it to pick up snow without disturbing the crushed rock beneath it . Three - stage model work likewise , but they are labored - duty choice generally used by professionals .
Photo: Zach Lazaari for Bob Vila
They can last 10 year or many more if by rights care for . C. P. Snow blower maintenanceincludes changing the oil ( for accelerator pedal - powered models ) ; lubricate the axle and augers ; and periodically learn the shear bowling pin , skid shoe , and belts for wear . Electric snowfall blower require battery switch about every 3 years if used regularly or up to 6 years if used intermittently .
The best time to get a effective price on a snow electric fan is in either May or June , when manufacturers are introducing novel theoretical account and demand for these winter - weather simple machine is low . If you need to buy outside this stop , our template on thebest punk snow blowersoffers some excellent options .
We require Thomas Vanneli , father and CEO of Minneapolis , Minnesota’sTomms Property Solutions , for advice on this problem . He said , “ To forfend inscribe concrete , rubber or polymer skid shoes should be set up . sideslip shoes stop over the alloy from come into contact with the concrete , which will protect it from dings and scrape . ” you’re able to also prevent damage to concrete surfaces by adjusting the shoe place so the intake sits about an inch off the ground .
The snow blowers for gravel driveways we advocate in this guide cost between $ 600 and $ 1,900 .
Meet the Testers
Zach Lazzari is a freelance author splitting meter between the outstanding outdoors , travel , and DIY project ranging from camper build to habitation renovation and maintenance . His home base in Montana is the perfect testing ground for winter products and nose candy equipment . With over a decade of professional composition experience , he also covers a mixture of other projects and maintenance topic for BobVila.com .
Tom Scalisi is a full - time DIY and twist author for many of the largest websites in the manufacture , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes . He also owns and operates a pest control web log , RiddaBugs.com .
Additional research offer by Tony Carrick .
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