Plow Through Powder With the Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways, Tested
Hello, my friend, hello again; today we come together to talk about Plow Through Powder With the Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways, Tested and hope the blog can help you.
These powerful machines throw loads of snow while leaving the rocky material of the driveway below undisturbed.
While just about any good snow blower can remove snow from a paved driveway or sidewalk, not all are suitable for use on a gravel surface. For that reason, we tested eight two-stage snow blowers in a range of sizes, plowing over packed and loose gravel to find the best models in a variety of categories.
These powerful machines are capable of clearing a swath of snow between 22 and 28 inches wide and launching it as far as 50 feet away, making them a great snow-clearing option for most gravel driveways. This guide digs deep to identify which features to look for when shopping for the best snow blower for gravel driveways while showcasing some of the top models on the market.
- 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-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
- UPGRADE PICK: Ego Power+ SNT2405 24-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower
- BEST FOR LONG DRIVEWAYS: Toro Power Max 824 OE Gas Snow Blower
- BEST ELECTRIC: Toro Power Max e24 60V Snow Blower
- BEST FOR SMALL DRIVEWAYS: Ryobi 40V 22-Inch Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower
- ALSO CONSIDER: Husqvarna ST 224 Snow Blower
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 machines will work for this type of surface. Most single-stage snow blowers, for example, have augers that scrape along the ground. While this design is great for snow removal from smooth pavement and sidewalks, it’s a poor design for gravel driveways.
A single-stage model will pick up the gravel along with the snow, propelling it through the air and into the yard. That doesn’t mean those with gravel driveways must resort to using a snow shovel. Two-stage and three-stage snow blowers have augers that operate an inch or so above the ground, providing the clearance necessary to prevent the machine from scooping up gravel. They also have adjustable skids to preset clearance over the ground level.
How We Tested the Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways
Before testing, we had to narrow down our options, and while there are many top-rated snow blowers, not all are right for clearing a gravel driveway. When selecting the picks for our list, we stuck with models well suited for this type of terrain, namely two-stage blowers. Beyond type, we looked for features that make snow blowers easier to operate, such as push-button starters and heated handles, and sturdy materials that could even power through packed snow.
We tested these models in multiple storms in a rural Montana location. We used a loose substrate gravel driveway and a hard-packed gravel road as the testing grounds. Each surface type provided different challenges to help us see which models performed the best. A large portion of the testing area was level, but we did hit a few inclines as well. After piling snow into banks, we went ahead and ran through those mounds as well.
We rated the snow blowers based on performance in the specific gravel environment. Skids and adjustments that made it easier to run over gravel were very important. Power, handling, and traction also factored high in the ranking process. Lastly, we assessed the build quality, ease of use, battery life, engine performance, and all of the nitty-gritty details that make some snow blowers more rugged and capable on gravel surfaces.
Our Top Picks
All of the selections listed below are suitable for gravel driveways. Our lineup includes both gas-powered and electric cordless snow blowers and features models for small and large driveways alike.
Best Overall
Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Power source: Gas
- Clearing width: 28 inches
- Max depth: 12 inches
Pros
- Track-style drive provides better traction on loose surfaces than wheels
- Adjustable blade height offers plenty of clearance to avoid gravel contact
- Cuts a broad 28-inch-wide swath of snow with each pass
- Trigger-controlled Touch N’ Turn power steering makes changing directions quick and easy
Cons
- More expensive than other similarly sized snow blowers with wheels
While keeping rocks out of the spinning tines is crucial when snow-blowing a gravel driveway, so too is getting traction on this loose material, which is why the Storm Tracker 2890 is such an ideal option. The track system creates more surface contact with the ground and significantly more traction than a set of wheels. We noticed a significant difference on icy inclines where many other tires would spin and struggle. Like other quality snow blowers designed to work on gravel surfaces, the Storm Tracker is equipped with adjustable skid shoes that keep the spinning auger blade above loose gravel.
This is a standard skid system, but the Storm Tracker improves on that with an adjustable handle that raises and lowers the bottom blade height—a major differentiator for working safely on gravel. These adjustments prevent gravel from being ingested by the auger and allow users to gradually lower the blade when working through deep snow banks. In our tests, we used the height adjustment frequently.
But the height adjustment wasn’t the only thing we liked about this model. The motor started on the first or second pull in cold conditions, and it fired up immediately using the electric start. All of the controls were easy to use, including excellent chute adjustment controls. We were especially impressed with the six forward-speed settings and two reverse speeds. We could throttle down to a crawl or hit the high gears and really move. Everything about this model is made for heavy-duty snow-blowing, and it did not disappoint.
Read our full review of the Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890.Get the Troy-Bilt snow blower for gravel driveways at The Home Depot, Northern Tool + Equipment, or Troy-Bilt.
Runner-Up
Toro Power Max HD 828 OAE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Power source: Gas
- Clearing width: 28 inches
- Max depth: 21 inches
Pros
- Cuts a broad swath with each pass, making quick work of clearing
- With large 16-inch tires, this snow blower can handle deep snows
- Joystick control lets users quickly adjust chute direction and chute deflector height
Cons
- Must manually adjust skids to compensate for different surface types
With its joystick-like controls, wide coverage, and ability to handle deep snowfall, Toro’s Power Max HD 828 is well suited for areas that spend much of the winter covered in snow. The large intake sits above the ground, making it ideal for gravel surfaces. It covers a broad 28-inch swath with each pass and is capable of removing snow up to 21 inches deep and throwing it up to 45 feet.
The model also comes equipped with Quick Stick, a joystick control with power steering that allows for easy one-handed turning, and its knobby 16-inch tires provide ample traction in slick conditions. Its anti-clogging system manages snow intake to prevent delays, and an LED headlight brightens dark paths for nighttime snow-blowing. It also has solid skids to adjust blade height above the ground.
During testing, this model performed exceptionally well. In addition to its powerful motor and drive system, the tires offered great traction. We especially appreciated the joystick controls, which made moving the chute throw direction and angle a breeze. The Toro came in a very close second, and only because it was pitted against a track system with height adjustment control. Otherwise, it’s an absolute beast that can charge through the biggest storms.
Get the Toro 828 OAE snow blower for gravel driveways at Tractor Supply Co., The Home Depot, Acme Tools, or Toro.
Best Bang For The Buck
PowerSmart DB7109 24-Inch Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Power source: Gas
- Clearing width: 24 inches
- Max depth: 20 inches
Pros
- Very affordable price relative to similar models
- 180-degree chute allows for clearing snow at almost any angle
- Includes many user-friendly features: push-button electric start, anti-clogging system, and self-propelled design
Cons
- Traction and power are less capable on steep inclines and icy surfaces
With a price tag that’s significantly less than many other snow blowers, this two-stage model from PowerSmart is a great option for those looking to clear a gravel driveway without breaking the bank. As with other two-stage snow blowers, the PowerSmart’s auger uses skids to remain above the ground, ensuring it won’t pick up gravel as it goes. Its 180-degree chute can also be controlled from the handles with one hand, so it’s easier to make changes after each turn.
The PowerSmart comes equipped with many of the features found on top-rated models. These include a push-button electric start, an anti-clogging system, a self-propelling design, and 13-inch inflatable tires with traction. It also has six forward speeds and two reverse speeds to customize your speed settings.
The power, speed, and ability it has to work through powder, wet snow, and icy snow are excellent. It has a powerful auger that throws snow well. It doesn’t quite have the traction and power of some more expensive models, but it’s more than ample for the average user. We really enjoyed this unit and although it’s not the top choice, it does offer a great value for budget shoppers.
Get the PowerSmart snow blower for gravel driveways at Amazon, Walmart, or PowerSmart.
Upgrade Pick
Ego Power+ SNT2405 24-Inch Two-Stage Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Power source: Batteries
- Clearing width: 24 inches
- Max depth: 20 inches
Pros
- Powerful yet quiet for user-friendliness and to avoid disturbing the neighbors
- Throws snow up to 50 feet for ample clearing capabilities
- Clearly labeled, sturdy controls make it easy to use right away
Cons
- Can stall if overloaded too quickly with heavy snow
Battery-powered snow blowers are starting to dominate the single-stage market, and the trend is extending to the two-stage category with options like this Ego Power+ model. Whether the snow piles up on the sidewalk, patio, or even a gravel driveway, this two-stage snow blower can push through and hold up against gas models.
Despite being a battery-powered model, this snow blower has a two-stage system to scoop and blow snow up to 50 feet, as well as a self-propelled drive system with plenty of power. It resembles high-powered gas models with adjustable skids, an all-steel auger, and a generous 24-inch clearing width.
We really enjoyed using this model and absolutely loved how quiet it was: no fumes or rumbling engines, and it always started with no resistance. Better still, we found the controls intuitive and appreciated the heated grips. The headlight is fantastic, and the performance is perfect for gravel driveways as it can track on loose surfaces with the power drive and its grippy tires. Our tests really pushed this model, and it held up extremely well. It’s a quiet but powerful alternative to a two-stage gas model.
Get the Ego snow blower for gravel driveways at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Acme Tools, or Amazon.
Best For Long Driveways
Toro Power Max 824 OE Gas Snow Blower
Product Specs
- Power source: Gas
- Clearing width: 24 inches
- Max depth: 20 inches
Pros
- Joystick offers perfect chute direction and angle controls
- Fast-speed options help to cover more ground with less effort
- Durable steel auger is well suited for gravel environments
Cons
- Not the widest model available if users need to clear larger properties
To clear a long gravel driveway, a snow blower should run efficiently, pivot quickly, and be capable of clearing large snow loads in a single session. The electric models can do the job but if the batteries run out, you might be waiting several hours or more for a recharge. The Toro Power Max 824 OE offers a gas solution that can work hard all day.
The top choices in this category have larger 28-inch-wide clearing widths that can easily gobble up snow for powder-prone regions. For a long driveway that receives moderate snowfall with the occasional heavy storm, however, this 24-inch model is more than capable. Like many of the Toro models, it has a joystick control for easy chute adjustments. It also has six forward gears and two reverse options.
We used the Toro to plow through a long stretch of hard-packed gravel road, clearing 6 to 8 inches of snow. We were amazed to see how much ground we could cover simply by sliding the throttle to rabbit speed and setting the snow blower to the six-speed position. By the time a snow plow arrived, a major section of road was already cleared. Between the convenient electric start, best-in-class chute controls, and reliable engine, it’s hard to go wrong with this model. Although we gave it the b