Whether you like winter or not, no one loves shoveling snow every single day throughout the season.
For snowy stairs and walkways, shoveling is more than enough. But when you have to deal with a large patio or open driveway, make sure you get the best snow blower for the steep driveway.
These machines are designed to shift snow loads more efficiently. Thus, you don’t need to struggle much with cleaning the driveway. You might look for some reliable suggestions to make the investment worthwhile, that’s why we come up with these top 8 snow blowers for steep driveways currently available on the market.
Let’s Begin!
Before knowing which snow blower is best in the current market for removing snow from driveways, let’s demonstrate which type of snow blowers are good for steep driveways and why. Because of this, there are multi-type snow blowers available outside. Like track drive, wheel drive, etc. outside whether you’ll find all these types are powered by gas or electric battery.
Anyway, let’s move forward!
Why Track Drive Snow Blower Is Best for Steep Driveway?
You will see snowblowers of mostly two designs in the market: track drive and wheeled machines. When it comes to cleaning snow build-ups from a steep driveway, most homeowners suggest going for a track drive unit.
To convince you more, here are the reasons why you should get a track drive machine for such a requirement.
Good Traction
Track drives are designed to run on surfaces that aren’t flat. Thus, on uneven, steep, and off-roads, you will find these track drives allowing any machine to run flawlessly, even if it’s a tank. The same thing applies to snowblowers as well.
Your steep driveways aren’t suitable for wheeled machines. Even if you attempt to clean with a wheeled unit, you will see that the machine is struggling to be stable while moving.
Requires Less Time
Even though a wheeled snowblower manages to run on an uneven surface, it will take a considerable period to clean all the snow effectively. The struggle is real here.
You will not regret buying a track driver snowblower, as the drive allows the machine to run smoothly regardless of the condition of the driveway. Without wasting much time, you will clear the pathway efficiently.
Easy to Control
Track drive units are much easier to control. Even without much skill in operating such machines, you can handle the blower well, and there will be no trouble while moving whatsoever. Easy maneuverability allows you to finish the chores within a very short time as well.
Top 8 Best Snow Blowers for Steep Driveway!
Tired of shoveling snow from your steep driveway? Find the perfect snow blower to fit your needs and budget with our expert recommendations. With options for every driveway size and preference, clearing snow has never been easier. See the top picks for the best snow blowers for steep driveways now!
1. Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Walk-Behind Snow Blower
| Specification | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 15-amp motor | Low maintenance compared to gasoline models | Noise level may be similar to electric lawn mower |
| 22-inch wide clearing path | Never stalls when hitting packed snow | Need to constantly maneuver around electric cord |
| Dual LED lights | No harmful exhaust gas | May need to turn shoot to direct snow |
| Adjustable discharge chute | No gas or oil required | |
| Large capacity bag for collecting snow | Easy to start with push button | |
| Lightweight and easy to maneuver | Lower cost of operation |
The Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Snow Thrower is a lightweight, easy-to-use snow blower designed to clear snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other small to medium-sized surfaces. It features a powerful 9-amp motor that can move up to 300 pounds of snow per minute and throw it up to 20 feet away. The SJ627E also has a clearing width of 18 inches and a clearing depth of 6 inches, making it well-suited for quickly and efficiently removing snow from a variety of surfaces.
One of the key features of the Snow Joe SJ627E is its compact and lightweight design. Weighing only 13.5 pounds, it is easy to maneuver and store, making it a great option for those who may not have the physical strength or space to handle a larger, heavier snow blower. Additionally, the SJ627E is equipped with a bright LED headlight, which allows you to use it in low-light conditions and makes it easier to see where you are clearing snow.
Overall, the Snow Joe SJ627E Electric Snow Thrower is a reliable and efficient tool for quickly and easily clearing snow from small to medium-sized surfaces. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to use and store, while its powerful motor and wide clearing width make it effective at clearing a variety of surfaces. If you live in an area that receives a moderate amount of snowfall each winter and are in need of a reliable snow blower, the SJ627E is a great choice.
2. Greenworks Pro 80V 20-Inch Cordless Snow Blower
| Specification | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Powered by an 80V lithium-ion battery | This thrower is only 40 lbs, making it easy for anyone to carry and store in a basement or garage. | Not use below -17 C due to the unit being plastic. |
| 20-inch clearing path | The unit can run for at least 25 minutes, even in sub-zero temperatures, before needing a break to recharge. | It is not self propelled. |
| 180-degree adjustable chute | It is capable of clearing through 2-foot drifts with ease and can clear a front and back walk, as well as a 3/4 of a driveway, on a single charge. | – |
| Comes with a 2Ah lithium-ion battery and charger | The adjustable chute allows the snow to be thrown up to 25 feet away, making it easy to clear large areas quickly. | – |
| LED light for use in low light conditions | – | – |
| Lightweight and easy to maneuver | – | – |
| Mostly positive customer reviews | – | – |
The Greenworks 80V 20-inch Cordless Snow Thrower is a powerful and efficient option for clearing snow from driveways, sidewalks, and other areas. One of the standout features of this snow thrower is its 80V lithium-ion battery, which provides longer run time and stronger power than many other cordless options on the market.
In addition to its strong performance, the Greenworks snow thrower is also convenient to use. It has a 20-inch clearing width, which allows you to clear a wide area in a short amount of time. It also has a 180-degree adjustable chute, so you can easily control the direction of the snow as it is being thrown. The snow thrower also has a light weight of just 31.5 pounds, making it easy to maneuver and transport.
Overall, the Greenworks 80V 20-inch Cordless Snow Thrower is a reliable and effective tool for clearing snow from your driveway and sidewalks. Its strong power and convenient features make it a great choice for homeowners looking to make winter snow removal a breeze.
3. EGO Power+ SNT2112 21-Inch 56-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless Snow Blower
| Feature | Rating |
|---|---|
| Easy to assemble | 4.7 |
| Light weight | 4.4 |
| Maneuverability | 4.2 |
| Easy to use | 4.1 |
| Battery life | 3.8 |
| Value for money | 3.2 |
| Specification | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Powered by a 56-volt lithium-ion battery | Quick charging base that fully charges the batteries within a half hour | Poor performance with wet or heavy snow, prone to clogging and shutting off |
| Variable speed dial and turbo boost button for adjustable power | Adjustable auger lever allows for faster snowblowing and improved performance in windy conditions | Poor customer service |
| Steel construction for durability | Easy to set up, with only the auger needing to be attached | |
| Compact design for easy handling and storage | Well balanced and lightweight for easy handling | |
| Noise level of just 65 decibels | Suitable for light to moderate snowfall (4-6 inches) and performs well in a variety of snow conditions | |
| Airflow speed of up to 120 mph | Can handle heavy, wet snow and throw it a good distance | |
| 3-year limited warranty | LED lights on the top and front of the unit for visibility and battery charge state | |
| Environmentally friendly and less expensive than larger 2-stage units |
Here is our no. 3 product in our list, the EGO Power SNT2112 Blower. This blower is powered by a 56-volt lithium-ion battery, making it strong and efficient enough to handle tough outdoor tasks. It features a variable speed dial and a turbo boost button, allowing you to easily adjust the power to suit your needs.
The steel construction is durable and the compact design makes it easy to handle and store. Plus, with a noise level of just 65 decibels, it’s one of the quietest blowers on the market. Overall, the EGO Power SNT2112 Blower is a reliable and convenient choice for all your outdoor cleaning needs.
Why you should consider it?
- Power: The 56-volt lithium-ion battery provides ample power to handle tough outdoor tasks, such as cleaning leaves and debris from your yard or driveway.
- Versatility: With a variable speed dial and a turbo boost button, you can easily adjust the power of the blower to suit your needs.
- Durability: The steel construction ensures that the blower is built to last and can withstand regular use.
- Convenience: The compact design of the blower makes it easy to handle and store, while the noise level of just 65 decibels means that it won’t disturb your neighbors while you’re using it.
- Environmentally friendly: The EGO Power SNT2112 Blower is electric, so you don’t have to worry about the emissions or noise associated with gas-powered blowers.
Overall, the EGO Power SNT2112 Blower is a reliable and convenient choice for all your outdoor cleaning needs.
4. Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 277cc
Features at a Glance:
- 277cc 4-cycle OHV
- Electric Start Gas Engine
- Up to 28″ wide and 21″ deep in one pass
- Intake height: 16 inches
- Fuel tank capacity: 0.9 quarts
- Tire size: 13 x 4 inches
- Upgraded extended 8″clog-resistant chute
- 200-degree chute rotation features
- 48.50 x 30.75 x 33.87 inches Dimensions
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Electric start feature makes it easy to start the machine | Only has a two-stage snow clearing system, which may not be sufficient for very heavy snowfall |
| 28-inch clearing width can handle a moderate amount of snowfall | Some users have reported issues with the durability of the machine |
| 243cc engine provides sufficient power to clear snow | Limited to clearing snow on flat surfaces, may not be suitable for uneven terrain |
| Remanufactured version may be a more affordable option compared to purchasing a brand new machine | Only available for purchase through Walmart and official site |
With a 277cc engine, this snow blower from Troy Bilt can take all the chore-related hassles away when you need to clean snow from a large area. Its electric start gas engine is pretty much capable of clearing large snow areas without taking too long.
The blower can clear driveways up to 28 inches wide and 21 inches deep in each pass. No matter how large your walkway is, it will be a hassle-free task to make the path clear to walk or drive a vehicle smoothly.
You can conveniently operate the blower using just one hand. All you need is to touch its power steering, and the machine is good to go for a cleaning.
Equipped with a 200-degree polymer chute, displacing snow in any direction is very much possible for it. No need to worry about clogging, the chute is resistant to such incidents, and will always keep the snow farther away from you.
While cleaning pathways, its large snow track drive makes sure the ride is stable, and there is enough traction to get the work done smoothly. It will occupy 10 inches of ground for stable and convenient traction.
5. Ariens 225621- Best Snow Blower for Frozen Snow
Features at a Glance:
- 369cc Gas Powered Engine
- 120V Electric Start Blower
- 34.00 x 35.00 x 29.00 inches Dimensions
- Ariens has a Compact 24″ a 4 Stroke Powerful Engine
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Can clear a wide path with each pass, allowing for efficient snow removal | May not be suitable for clearing narrow walkways or driveways |
| Provides sufficient power to handle moderate to heavy snowfall | May use more fuel than smaller engines |
| Can handle both light and heavy snow with ease | More expensive than single-stage snow blowers |
| Allows for easy starting in cold weather | Requires access to an electrical outlet or power source |
| Allows for adjustable speed and maneuverability | May be overwhelming for users unfamiliar with operating multiple speed options |
| Provides a comfortable grip and reduces fatigue during use | May not be suitable for users with hand or wrist disabilities |
Like the previous snowblower, this one also requires an electric start to keep it going. Compared to a battery-powered model, this one performs more effectively without any disappointment.
Powered by a 369cc gas engine, this snowblower can tackle some serious loads of snow in your driveway. Even though the size is more compact than other models within this price range, the machine is no less capable of cleaning if you compare it with other units of its class.
You will find its remote chute deflector quite effective at throwing away the snow in your preferred direction. There are headlights, so yeah, you are good to start its engine even if it’s hard to see on typical winter mornings.
The machine performs impressively well on uneven surfaces. You can even run it on hills, the snowblower will get its job done without any trouble.
One drawback is that the blower struggles when there is too much snow. The chute clogs the machine. To prevent this, be sure to apply spray lubricant to clean without this hazard.
6. Dirty Hand Tools 106371 Self-Propelled Snow Blower
Features at a Glance:
- 212cc Dirty Hand Tools Engine
- Six forward and two reverse speeds
- 24-inch clearing width, 20-inch intake height
- 3-blade impeller for powerful and efficient snow removal
- 52 x 30 x 45 inches Dimension
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Equipped with a powerful 212cc DHT engine | Heavy and difficult to maneuver for some users |
| 24″ clearing width allows for efficient snow removal | Comparatively loud when in use |
| Dual stage design allows for both snow intake and discharge | Eexpensive for some users |
| Electric start feature allows for easy start-up in cold weather | Some users may find the control panel confusing to use |
| Comes with a 2-year warranty |
If a Honda snow blower is something that you cannot afford, this can be a great alternative. Even though it doesn’t cost much compared to the ones from Honda, the performance is quite satisfactory.
Dirty Hand Tools Powered by a 212cc engine, the snow blower is powerful enough to handle huge snow loads. The cleaning house is sufficiently wide for most driveways and patios to clean snow from. If you are struggling with your 30 inches or fewer sized driveway, the machine will provide great value for your bucks.
With its 24 inches cleaner housing, it can get rid of up to 20 inches of deep snow effortlessly. To further its efficiency, the unit features all-steel augers as well as a 3-blade impeller. Whether you need to deal with deep snow, ice or crust, the machine is capable enough to clean your driveway, sidewalks, or road easily.
The engine requires a 110v electric start from its push-button. In addition, you can start it using manual recoil as well. Regardless of the tough condition, the unit has to go through, its rust-resistant exterior assures you of longevity.
This machine features a 0.95-gallon fuel tank and 1.27-pint oil tank to keep your cleaning missions going. You can operate the device with its six forward and two reversible speeds comfortably. Even if you run it on a sloppy driveway, there will be no issues regarding traction.
7. Honda 389cc- Best Snow Blower for Long Gravel Driveway
Features at a Glance:
- 389cc Honda GX OHV engine
- Can be cleared 32” wide, 2750 lb./min
- Snow Throwing Capacity up to 56 feet
- 1.5 Gallons Fuel Capacity
- 60.75 x 50 x 37 inches
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Large, 389cc engine provides powerful airflow | Heavy and difficult to maneuver |
| Electric start makes it easy to start the blower | May be too powerful for some tasks, such as blowing debris off of delicate plants |
| Able to clear leaves and debris from large areas quickly | Expensive compared to some other leaf blowers on the market |
| Durable and built to last | |
| Compact design makes it easy to store and transport |
When you need to clean huge loads of snow that look pretty much like an avalanche powerful snow blower! Honda which is one of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways can make the cleaning jobs a lot easier for you.
Honda snowblowers have a good reputation, and these machines pretty much withstand all conditions without much issue. So, you can rely on this brand no matter how tough cleaning your long driveway requires.
Equipped with a 389cc powerful engine, the machine is the best track snowblower for a long gravel driveway within its class. You need to electrically start the engine. It’s powerful enough to clear up to 56 feet deep snow without much struggle. If your driveway is 32 inches or fewer than that, this one is the perfect match for your needs.
Apart from its ability to clean huge loads of snow, you don’t need to spend much time once you have the blower. Its 32 inches wide house can tackle 2759 lbs. of snow per minute. So, yeah, this is a workhorse when it comes to dealing with snow build-ups.
8. Husqvarna ST224- Best Snow Blower for Large Driveway
| Specifications | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 24 inch clearing width | Easy to start and use | Sometimes issues with electric start function |
| 208cc Husqvarna 4 Stroke Engine | Lightweight and easy to maneuver | Loud during operation |
| 120v Easy Electric Start 5.5 horsepower engine | Clears snow effectively and efficiently | Machine is difficult to assemble |
| 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds | Heated handle grips | |
| Heated handle grips | Adjustable handle height | |
| LED headlights | LED headlights are helpful for use in low light conditions | |
| Adjustable handle height | Compact size makes it easy to store | |
| Compact and lightweight design | Good value for the price |
Another compact yet powerful snow blower is on the list. Husqvarna has a good reputation among professionals as well as enthusiasts for manufacturing quality machines. This snow blower is no exception to that.
To clean your driveway or patio, the machine sports a 208cc engine which is more than enough for most snow cleanup tasks. Even if you have a large driveway, its 24 inches wide construction will be able to show you some impressive results. An efficient two-stage system provides the machine with some high throwing capacity.
You can adjust the height of the handle as per your comfort. Also, when you run the track on snow, it will drift through smoothly without any struggle.
The machine’s heated handle grips are much more convenient for work when you don’t have gloves. The LED headlights allow you to run operation even in dim conditions without any struggle.
This self-propelled unit also features six speeds with reverse functionality. Thus, moving the truck will be easier and more convenient regardless of where you are running it.
If you are looking for a 24 inches snowblower for your driveway, this is the deal to go with. It’s hard to get an alternative of the same size and at the same price range.
How to Choose Best Snow Blowers for Steep Driveways?
Be sure to check for these features or characteristics to make your purchase worthwhile.
Engine’s Power
The power of a snowblower depends on its engine. You must determine your requirements such as driveway size, amount of snow build-up, and time available to clean the driveway.
For a large driveway with a considerable amount of snow, go for a blower with at least 300cc of power to make cleaning more efficient and easy.
A 200cc or more engine snowblower will handle small and medium pathways great. However, don’t go below 200cc, unless you don’t mind being disappointed by the machine’s performance.
Stage of Snow Blower
Depending on how snowblowers handle snow, these machines are of three types. Stage on snowblowers uses an auger to suck up snow while forcing the snow through a discharge chute. Compared to others, this is the least powerful type. These aren’t suitable for gravel driveways at all.
Stage two snow blowers feature an auger as well as an impeller to handle the snow. The additional help from the impeller allows these machines to handle more snow on each pass.
Stage three snow blowers are the most powerful ones. These machines work using an auger, impeller, and additional two 90-degree augers close to the main blade. Due to the simultaneous rotation, breaking ice snow and handling wet snow are quite easy tasks.
For large driveways, both two and three-stage machines will perform excellently. However, if you have to break down ice and heavy snow, go for a stage three snowblowers.
Tracked Snow Blower Vs Wheels Blower:
For steep driveways, track drive snowblowers seem to run without any struggle. Compared to its competitor, these models provide much better traction. Going up and down hills is much easier and more comfortable with a track drive model.
Wheeled snowblowers suit best on flat driveways. However, some wheeled models also perform exceptionally well on hilly driveways.
Read More: Tracked Vs Wheels
Speed
Most snowblowers on the market come with 4 to 6 forward speeds and 1 to 2 reverse speeds. More speed really helps to handle situations when the blower gets clogged. Machines with 6 speeds can smoothly run operations through heavy snow.
Also, for a convenient user experience, make sure the unit features reverse speeds. Otherwise, it will be difficult for you to move the tractor the way you want.
Gas or Battery Powered
It’s always preferable to get a gasoline-powered machine as these models are more powerful. No matter how cold the weather is, there will be no issue while starting the snowblower. To clean snow from steep hills, you have no other option but to go for a gasoline-powered unit.
Battery-powered machines, on the other hand, are good for flat driveways where snow build-ups aren’t difficult to clean. However, due to freezing weather, batteries often refuse to start.
Discharge Shoot Control
The ability to move the direction of the chute is quite a significant factor. Many models feature joystick chute control that allows the user to change the direction vertically and horizontally.
Also, recent models feature easy-to-turn crank controls that aren’t difficult to maneuver like joystick controls. If you buy a machine with this feature, make sure the crank is located in a comfortable position.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steep Driveway Snow Blowers
Are 3 stage snow blowers worth it?
A 3 stage snow blower is only worth spending money on if you regularly have to clean a lot of heavy and wet snow from a large driveway.
Should I get a 2 stage snow blower?
If a load of snow on your driveway isn’t much, and it’s not that difficult to clean, a 2 stage blower will suffice your needs easily.
What is the best snow blower for wet snow?
As far as cleaning wet snow is concerned a 3 stage machine will perform more efficiently. Compared to fluffy snow, wet snow is quite difficult to clean for conventional snowblowers. Thus, go for the most powerful ones to handle snow without putting in much effort and time.
How long do snow blowers last?
A good quality snow blower can provide you service for up to 15 years or even more if the construction is sturdy and the parts and components are of great quality.
How do you keep snow from sticking to a snow blower?
Using a non-stick spray is an effective way. Apply the spray on the chute and auger just the way you apply the cooking spray, and snow will pass through the machine without clogging, clumping, or sticking.
Final Words
Investing in a snow blower is a matter of a considerable amount of time, and this is something you don’t purchase quite often. Hopefully, this article will help you get the best snow blower for steep driveways that meets all your snow clearing requirements.
Apart from features and engine power, also consider the durability factor especially if you need to break down ice and huge loads of snow regularly using the blower.
Don’t go for cheap deal, rather spend money without any hesitation on a powerful machine of superior quality depending on the cleaning difficulties.
Also, take good care of the unit. The manufacturer will provide you with all information regarding the maintenance. Don’t just buy a snowblower; use it to clean snow from driveways, and store it in the garage. If you need to take care of the maintenance part as well, the machine will perform like a new unit.
Upadated Log:
07/01/2023
Added Product:
1. Snow Joe SJ627E
2. Greenworks Pro 80V
3. EGO Power+ SNT2112
Deleted product:
1. Honda Power Equipment HSS1332AAT