When you live in a snowy winter, it’s inevitable that you will have to remove snow from your driveway sooner or later. The job gets a bit trickier when you have a gravel driveway because you can just use a shovel and dig into the snow then chuck the white material around.
That requires a lot of physical strength and destroys your driveway.
Here are the best snow blowers for gravel driveway you can buy in 2024:
- Best Overall: PowerSmart PSS2240-X
- Budget Option: PowerSmart DB7622H
- Best for Large Area: YARDMAX YB6770
- Best for Heavy Snowfalls: WEN SB24E
- Best for Wet Snow: Husqvarna ST224
| 5 Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveway | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | PowerSmart PSS2240-X | |
Budget Option | PowerSmart DB7622H | |
Best for Large Area | YARDMAX YB6770 | |
Best for Heavy Snowfalls | WEN SB24E | |
Best for Wet Snow | Husqvarna ST224 | |
Best Overall: PowerSmart PSS2240-X
- Easy to start – push-button electric start (and also manual start) & able to start at -20 degrees F
- Versatile to work on different surfaces – a 180 chute rotation
- Better control - two-backward and six-forward speed variations
- Unclear instructions
The PowerSmart PSS2240-X gets the highest scoring in the price range of under $500. It is powerful, relatively lightweight, and not really noisy. Particularly, the assembly process is very simple, around 20 minutes, and then it’s ready to use.
Lots of customers leave a compliment for its ease of starting, thanks to the push-button electric start.
About the function, you’ve got two-backward and six-forward speed variations along with a 180 chute rotation. These features allow you to drive and control the snowblower much better.
We also like the adjustable shoes so that the machine can work on different surfaces.
| PowerSmart PSS2240-X Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 160 pounds |
Clearing Width | 24 in. |
Snow Depth | 20 in. |
Horsepower | 7hp. |
Throw Distance | 40 ft. |
Highlight Features | Push-button electric start & manual start |
The PowerSmart PSS2240-X is the best overall performer in our review for its ease of use, powerful snow plowing capacity, and versatility.
Budget Option: PowerSmart DB7622H
- Powerful (for the price point) – feature a 220cc PowerSmart engine
- Provide good driving experience - 4 forward and 2 backward speed variations
- Lack of electric start function
If your budget is a bit tighter, we find the PowerSmart DB7622H is a shining candidate for your gravel driveway.
It is priced around $450 and obviously, all the functions will be not as many as the previous counterparts, however, that’s not considerable.
The snowblower has 4 forward and 2 backward speed variations with a 22”x16” plowing surface area. A good thing is its engine is still the same as the PowerSmart PSS2240-X above so, it is powerful enough to work on those regions getting heavy snowfall.
One thing to take note is that it doesn’t have an electric start but just a manual start.
| PowerSmart DB7622H Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 154 pounds |
Clearing Width | 22 in. |
Snow Depth | 16 in. |
Horsepower | 7HP |
Throw Distance | 40 ft. |
Highlight Features | Feature a 220cc PowerSmart engine |
Designed with a good compromise between price tag and functions, the PowerSmart DB7622H is perfect for anyone who needs a budget option.
Best for Large Area: YARDMAX YB6770
- Perfect for large gravel driveways - 2-backward and 6-forward speed variations, a 7.0 hp 208cc snow Engine, and 26” plowing width
- Easy to use - LCT electric start, 45-degree bent tension pulley plate, the ability to lock/unlock one or both wheels, & a dashboard with headlight
- Convenient - cup holder and heated handgrips
- The shear pins are prone to break
- A bit pricey
- The plastic flange at the bottom of the snow chute is not really quality
After considering all the three versions of this product, we finally decided to pick this 26” because of its fantastic performance on gravel driveway.
It has the most powerful engine providing 9.5 ft. lbs. in addition to an electric start function for ease of use. Like most other counterparts here, this is a self-propelled snow blower featuring 2-backward and 6-forward speed variations for better control.
A big compliment for its easy-to-read dashboard with headlight, the 45-degree bent tension pulley plate, and the ability to lock/unlock one or both wheels.
The added cup holder and heated hand grips are some other note-worthy add-ons which give you extra convenience. For large gravel driveways, this is the best.
| YARDMAX YB6770 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Battery power | 120V AC batteries |
Runtime | 10-15 minutes |
Clearing width | 26" |
Snow Depth | 21" |
Throw Distance | 20 to 25 feet |
Highlight features | LCT electric start & a dashboard with headlight |
Featuring a 26” plowing width, powerful performance, and a self-propelled construction, the YARDMAX YB6770 is undoubtedly a great choice for large areas.
Best for Heavy Snowfalls: WEN SB24E
- Able to work out of heavy snowfall - 5.4 tons/hour plowing capacity, 30-foot throw distance, & a 190-degree chute
- Easy to use & durable - a notched 4-blade auger and sturdy steel construction
- Convenient - a bottle of oil included
- Quite heavy
WEN SB24E is a muscular gas-powered snowblower. Its capacity is over 5.4 tons/hour along with a 190-degree chute and 30-foot throw distance, hence, it has shown no difficulty removed heavy snowfall during our test.
For extra ease of working out of snow, there also comes with a notched 4-blade auger and sturdy steel construction.
A big bonus for the added push-button electric start, as well as a bottle of oil, is included in the package.
It will require you a bit assembly but trust us, that’s very simple and after around 15-20 minutes, the machine is ready to use.
| WEN SB24E Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 189.6 pounds |
Clearing Width | 24” |
Snow Depth | 21” |
Horsepower | 7HP |
Throw Distance | Over 30 feet |
Highlight Features | 5.4 tons/hour plowing capacity, 30-foot throw distance, & a 190-degree chute |
Due to its impressively powerful performance, the WEN SB24E has been included in our fleet for quite some time and has previously been our Editors' Choice.
Best for Wet Snow: Husqvarna ST224
- Perfect to review wet snow on gravel driveway – 2-stage system
- Ideal for prolonged work – the heated handgrips
- Able to plow snow at night - lights
- Expensive
- The 6th gear is way too fast
Husqvarna ST224 is an excellent piece of machinery.
It is powerful, goes through snow very easily, makes quick work especially on wet slushy snow, and throws it a good distance away. The rotor covering is 21” high so it would probably do up to 16” comfortably. The 2 stage system also helps with the heavier snow.
Regardless, it starts like a breeze, both with the electric start and the pull handle.
We also appreciate the added heated handgrips make prolonged work much more pleasant as well as the lights for night snow plowing.
| Husqvarna ST224 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Weight | 198.60 lbs |
Clearing Width | 24” |
Horsepower | 7HP |
Throw Distance | 20 to 25 feet |
Highlight Features | 2-stage system |
If you are shopping for a 24” snowblower for wet snow, we highly recommend the Husqvarna ST224.
How To Choose The Best Snow Blower for Gravel Driveway?
Types
When choosing a snowblower for your gravel driveway, you will mostly have to decide between a 2-stage and a 3-stage machine. Think carefully to figure out which of these is more suitable for your needs.
2-stage | 3-stage | |
Features | 1-2 augers in the front and 1 impeller 50-foot distance | 3 augers: 2 in the front, 1 as an accelerator Hydrostatic drive |
Pros | Various sizes More affordable | More powerful Better handling 30% faster |
Cons | Takes up more storage space Expensive Harder to maintain More difficult to maneuver | |
Best for | Wet, heavy material | Heavy snow |
Engine Size
The engine size won’t make much difference if you’re clearing a four-car driveway or heavy snow. But it’s obvious that the larger the engine, the faster you can clear off the snow from your gravel driveway.
So, the choice of engine size eventually depends on how fast you want to finish the job.
Track & Wheels
A track drive system is particularly useful when you are on hilly terrain. Besides, it provides more control and stability for moving on a gravel driveway. A track drive system may also let you switch between two types of terrain for better adaptation.
Skid Shoes
It is the ability of a snowblower to adjust the clearing height, which is extremely helpful for gravel driveways. You can change the position of the skid shoes on the edges of the auger housing.
You should opt for durable skid shoes because this part will most likely wear out before every other part. Also, look for reversible skid shoes to prolong their life span.
Which Brands Make The Best Snow Blower for Gravel Driveway?
PowerSmart
This is a US brand that has built a reputation in making outdoor power equipment, including snowblowers. The brand has a team of experienced, knowledgeable staff, who are committed to offering products with high quality to clear snow off your driveway. If products are also easy to assemble.
YARDMAX
When buying a snowblower, you must at least look at this brand, which delivers great design, engineering, and quality in its products. Despite such advantages, the products are affordable.
WEN
Founded in 1951, WEN has long been known to manufacturing affordable, yet powerful outdoor tools. Its best quality lies in pioneering technology, which offers you a superior experience before other brands catch up.
Husqvarna
This brand has been around for over three centuries, with the main focus on meeting customer needs. With that in mind, its products are highly appreciated for improving productivity.
FAQs
Can a single-stage snow blower be used on a gravel driveway?
How do I remove snow from my gravel driveway?
To clear snow off a gravel driveway, you should use a 2-stage or 3-stage snow blower. Also, you should use a machine with reversible skid shoes for adjustable clearing height.
Are 2-stage snow blowers worth it?
Yes. Though they are less powerful than 3-stage machines, 2-stage snow blowers are easier to maneuver, they can handle, wet, heavy snow. And they are more affordable too.
Are 3 stage snow blowers more expensive than 2-stage ones?
Yes, they are. Three-stage snow blowers can be hundreds of dollars more expensive.
Can 3-stage snowblower work on a gravel driveway?
Yes. In fact, 3-stage snow blowers are ideal for use on a gravel highway.
Conclusion
We hope that at this point, you have figured out what to look for in the best snow blower for a gravel driveway.
You need to decide between 2-stage and 3-stage machines, choose the suitable engine size, and look for skid shoes as well as track and wheels. Also, opt for the best brands we introduced above if you really want a quality product.
Harry RamosI’m Harry Ramos, who's crazy about all things green. I’m here to share some experience in my gardening adventure and how to choose the best products for your garden. Let's dig in, get our hands dirty, and celebrate the simple, earthy pleasures of the garden together!
