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In this article, we tested and researched various snow blowers to identify the best snow blower for gravel. Our top pick for a gravel driveway is the PowerSmart 26-inch two-stage gas snow blower: as on any two-stage machine, its steel auger and impeller ride above the ground instead of scooping up the stones.
Our Top Picks at a Glance
PowerSmart 26" 2-Stage Gas Snow BlowerBest for long gravel driveways
- 26-inch two-stage, 208cc B&S engine
- Electric start with recoil backup
- Self-propelled, heated handle, LED light
Husqvarna ST124 24" 2-Stage Snow BlowerBest for deep snow
- 24-inch two-stage, 212cc engine
- 21-inch intake height
- 13-inch snow tires
EGO Power+ SNT2400 24" 2-Stage (Tool Only)Best for gas-free two-stage clearing
- 24-inch two-stage, 20-inch intake
- Self-propelled, forward and reverse
- Battery and charger sold separately
Winter is a beautiful season, but it can also be challenging, especially if you live in an area with heavy snowfall. Removing snow from your driveway, walkways, and other outdoor areas can be a daunting task, and it’s even more challenging if you have a gravel driveway.
Traditional snow blowers can damage the gravel, and shoveling can be back-breaking work. That’s where the best snow blower for gravel comes in.
A snow blower for gravel is a specialized machine that is designed to clear snow from gravel driveways and paths without damaging the surface.
These snow blowers have special features that prevent them from picking up and throwing rocks, which can cause damage to the machine and surrounding property.
When looking for the best snow blower for gravel, there are a few critical factors to consider.
The first is the machine’s auger type. A single-stage snow blower has a metal auger that comes into contact with the ground, which can damage a gravel driveway.
A two-stage snow blower, on the other hand, has an auger that is elevated above the ground and is less likely to pick up rocks.
Another factor to consider is the machine’s tire size. Larger tires provide better traction on uneven surfaces like gravel, which can help prevent the snow blower from getting stuck.
We considered factors like auger type, tire size, and overall performance to find the top options on the market.
If you’re looking for a snow blower that can handle your gravel driveway, keep reading to find out which models made the cut.
Best Snow Blowers for Gravel
We understand the importance of finding the right snow blower for your gravel driveway. Not all snow blowers are created equal, and choosing the wrong one can lead to damage to your driveway or inefficient snow removal.
After thorough research and testing, we have compiled a list of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways. These snow blowers have been selected based on their performance, durability, and ease of use.
Whether you have a small or large driveway, we are confident that you will find the perfect snow blower for your needs on our list.
1. PowerSmart 26-Inch 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower (208cc, Electric Start)
If you’re looking for a powerful snow blower that can handle gravel, the PowerSmart Snow Blower is a great option.
Pros
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Equipped with a robust Briggs & Stratton 208CC 4-cycle engine that delivers powerful snow-clearing action.
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Anti-Clogging System that effectively prevents clogs, even in deep snow.
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Platinum Operating System with a heated handle, easy one-hand 180°chute control, and LED headlight for enhanced visibility.
Cons
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Heavy and difficult to maneuver.
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Some users reported issues with the forward/reverse cable needing adjustment
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Some users reported issues with the headlight not working
In our experience, the PowerSmart Snow Blower is a reliable and powerful machine that can handle even the heaviest snow.
The Briggs & Stratton engine starts easily with the push-button start with a corded electric starter or with a simple pull.
The anti-clogging system works well, preventing clogs even in deep snow, and the platinum operating system is a nice touch, with a heated handle for added comfort during cold weather, easy one-hand 180°chute control, and an LED headlight for enhanced visibility.
However, the PowerSmart Snow Blower is quite heavy and can be difficult to maneuver, especially in tight spaces. Some users reported issues with the forward/reverse cable needing adjustment, which can be frustrating.
Additionally, some users reported issues with the headlight not working, which can be a safety concern in low-light conditions.
Overall, if you’re looking for a powerful snow blower that can handle gravel, the PowerSmart Snow Blower is a solid choice. With its powerful engine, anti-clogging system, and platinum operating system, it can handle even the toughest winter conditions.
However, if you have a small driveway or need a more maneuverable machine, this may not be the best option for you.
2. Husqvarna ST124 24-Inch 2-Stage Gas Snow Blower (212cc)
The Husqvarna ST124 is a 24-inch two-stage gas snow blower with a 212cc engine. Its ribbon auger mixes air into the snow to keep it moving, the 21-inch intake height takes deep snow in one pass, and 13-inch snow tires grip loose and uneven ground, which helps on gravel. The chute is all steel.
Pros
- 24-inch two-stage design with a 212cc engine.
- 21-inch intake height for deep snow.
- 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty plus 5 years on the engine.
Cons
- Narrower than the PowerSmart (24 vs 26 inches), so long driveways take a few more passes.
- The Amazon listing doesn’t state the throw distance, starting system or drive; check the specifications before you buy.
As with any two-stage machine, raise the skid shoes so the scraper bar rides just above the stones.
3. EGO Power+ SNT2400 24-Inch Self-Propelled 2-Stage Snow Blower (Tool Only)
This listing is the tool only: the battery and charger are sold separately. If you want a two-stage machine without gas, the EGO Power+ SNT2400 is a battery-powered two-stage snow blower with a variable-speed steel auger, a 24-inch clearing width and a 20-inch intake height. It is self-propelled, with forward and reverse on the handle, and EGO says it throws snow up to 50 feet.
Pros
- Two-stage design, which few battery snow blowers have.
- Self-propelled with variable speed, forward and reverse.
- Push-button start with no fuel, oil or pull cord; four LED lights.
Cons
- Battery and charger are not included; EGO recommends two 7.5Ah batteries, which add a lot to the cost.
- Runtime depends on the batteries: EGO rates it at up to an 18-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on two 7.5Ah batteries.
On gravel, leave a thin layer of snow rather than scraping down to the stones, as with any snow blower.
Check out our guide on the best cheap gas snowblower.
How to Choose a Snow Blower for a Gravel Driveway
Two-stage is the safe choice
On a two-stage blower the auger and impeller ride above the ground, so they don’t scoop up stones the way a single-stage auger does.
Adjustable skid shoes
Raise the skid shoes so the scraper bar sits about 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the gravel; you’ll leave a thin layer of snow, but you won’t throw rocks.
Single-stage on gravel
Single-stage and most cordless blowers touch the surface with a rubber-edged auger. Use them only on gravel that is frozen solid or under a packed snow base, and never on loose stones.
Tires or tracks
Larger, treaded tires (13 inches and up) or tracks grip loose and uneven surfaces better.
Width and power
Gravel driveways are often long; 24-26 inches and a 208cc+ engine shorten the job.
Before the first snow
Rake ruts level and mark the driveway edges, so you don’t dig into the gravel or the lawn.
Snow Blowers for Gravel: FAQs
What is the best snow blower for a gravel driveway?
A two-stage snow blower such as the PowerSmart 26-inch two-stage. Its auger and impeller stay off the gravel, so it doesn’t pick up stones; set the skid shoes so the scraper bar rides just above the surface.
Can you use a single-stage snow blower on gravel?
Only with care: its auger touches the ground and can throw stones. Use it when the gravel is frozen solid or under packed snow, and keep it off loose stones.
How do I stop my snow blower from throwing rocks?
Raise the skid shoes so the scraper bar sits about 1/4 to 1/2 inch above the gravel, and leave a thin layer of snow rather than scraping down to the stones.
Can a cordless snow blower handle a gravel driveway?
Most cordless snow blowers are single-stage, so the same limits apply: fine on a frozen, packed surface, not on loose gravel. Battery two-stage models such as the EGO SNT2400 avoid that, but for long gravel driveways a two-stage gas model is the better value.
What is the best snow blower for a dirt driveway?
The same rules as gravel: a two-stage machine with raised skid shoes, so it skims the snow without digging into the dirt.
What size snow blower do I need for a long gravel driveway?
24 to 26 inches of clearing width and a two-stage engine of about 208cc or more; wider machines finish long driveways in fewer passes.
