In Brief: In Brief: What Is Snow Blower Clearance and Why It Matters
Snow blower clearance or intake refers to the size of the gearbox. You can use the dimensions of the gearbox to gauge how much or how little snow the snow blower can scoop up in a single pass. Wider and taller clearance dimensions are complemented by a wider auger and larger engine to power through tall snow mounds.
One particular term—clearance—is something many people have trouble understanding.
This is completely understandable since it can refer to a number of things, such as the space between the gear box and the plowed surface.
However, when someone is talking about snow blower clearance, they’re most likely referring to the size of the auger gearbox.
Snowblower clearance is the maximum plowing width and height.
Clearance is expressed in inches and determines how wide or narrow a path the snowblower can clean, as well as how tall of a snow mound it can swallow and spit out in a single pass.
Wider and taller clearance ratings are typically found in two- and three-stage snow blowers.
These snow blower types are able to scoop up and discharge greater quantities of snow every minute, making them the perfect options of regions with heavy snowfall or for professional snow-removal service providers.
Clearance also has a direct relation to the snow blower’s overall weight. Two-stage snow blowers’ width clearances are typically between 20 and 25 inches.
However, two- and three-stage models come with a self-driving system to reduce the amount of pushing the operator has to do.
So, if you’re thinking of getting a multi-stage snow blower, it doesn’t hurt to go big.
The same can’t be said for single-stage snow blowers; these machines do not have a self-propelling system, and a wider clearance means pushing a heavier tool across your driveway.
