4 Best Commercial Grade Snow Blowers of 2023 [Buyer’s Guide]

You could do so much when you have a large open space like hosting a barbeque or setting up elaborate holiday decorations. During the winter, you have lots of space around the house to have a fun family get-together where the adults huddle around a fire and the kids play in the snow.

But once all the fun and exciting activities are done with, you need to make room for other things. The grounds need to be cleared, driveways have to be free of snow, and having a large area to cover makes it difficult and exhausting.

Commercial-grade snow blowers are an excellent tool to have during the winter if you have large grounds and driveways that need to be free from moderate to heavy snowfall.

To give you a better idea of some of the best commercial-grade snow blowers, we have prepared a detailed review to give you a better idea.

Without further ado, let’s begin!

Listed below are the best commercial-grade snow blowers:

• PowerSmart PSS2240-X: The PowerSmart PSS2240-X is budget-friendly, surpasses the Husqvarna ST224P with a robust engine, excels on diverse terrains, criticized for unstable chute.
• Husqvarna ST224P Two-Stage: The Husqvarna ST224P Two-Stage focuses on user comfort with power steering and remote chute control, but lags in customer support.
• Ariens Professional: The Ariens Professional is designed for intensive use, boasts the maximum throwing distance among listed models, priced higher due to superior features.
• Ariens 921046:  The Ariens 921046 Deluxe is ideal for flat paved surfaces, offers comfort features like heated hand grips, and limited versatility for uneven terrains.

Whether you own a small business or a large commercial property, these snow blowers can get the job done quickly and efficiently. So, without further ado, here's the list of the 4 best commercial-grade snow blowers.

1. PowerSmart PSS2240-X Snow Blower - Best for Affordable Performance

One of our top recommendations is this sleek and smart-looking snow blower by PowerSmart. This sturdy machine is quite affordable and will keep your property snow-free effortlessly. The 212cc engine gives it enough power to clear moderate to heavy snow in large spaces.

One of the first things that caught our eye was how affordable this machine is. It has a lot to offer for its attractive and budget-friendly price.

The next thing was the intake height and throwing distance. The machine has a 24-inch wide clearing capacity and a 12-inch intake height, making it ideal for areas that get light to moderate snow.

Additionally, it has 13-inch tires that have a good grip on the ground. These tires allow the snow blower to go over paved and unpaved surfaces. So, you can find your path in the snow without having to worry about anything.

Moreover, the machine has 6 forward and 2 reverse movements that make it easier to maneuver. Lastly, it has a 12-inch auger that cuts through thin layers of ice as well.

One drawback of this snow blower is that although the chute is supposed to rotate 180 degrees, many people have not been able to get the chute to stay in one place. That is a minor incontinence for sure but not really a deal-breaker.

2. Husqvarna ST224P Two-Stage Snow Blower - Best for User Comfort

Next on the list, we have the big and burly Husqvarna two-stage snow blower. This two-stage snow blower is powerful enough to clear the paths for you with minimal effort. If you are looking for a sturdy and reliable unit with great features, then you need to take a look at this.

This is an excellent snow blower to opt for if you have a large space that needs clearing from light to moderate snow.

The Husqvarna snow blower can get rid of a lot of snow, thanks to its 24-inch clearing width and 23-inch intake height. You can count on this machine to throw heaps of snow well into the distance, keeping it away from your home.

The remote chute control on this machine works like an absolute dream. The chute moves effortlessly, allowing you to direct the discharged snow in any direction.

Additionally, this machine also has power steering, so you can take those steep turns and avoid the physical strain of using the machine. Small touches are also added to the machine, like headlights and hand warmers, making it more user-friendly and easy to use on those cold and dark winter days.

It is difficult to find something wrong with a machine this great, but a consistent complaint people have is that customer care is not as supportive as they would like. They aren’t very responsive, which can be a bummer if you need their help with anything.

3. Ariens Professional Snow Blower - Best for Heavy-Duty Use

Now on the list, we have a snow blower that is made for combat. This heavy-duty and sturdy machine has the ability and many interesting features to tackle massive amounts of snow with ease. Once you fire this up, you will have a clear pathway with not a spec of snow in no time.

The sheer power of this machine is what makes it stand out. It has a 420cc engine and 60 feet throwing distance. If that is not impressive, we don’t know what is!

Moreover, this snow blower has a 23.5-inch height intake and a 28-inch clearing width, enabling it to power through large volumes of snow without breaking a sweat!

Another significant factor here is that the snow blower is quite user-friendly and easy to use. It has an auto-turn steering feature that makes it easier to take tight turns. Plus, it also has a locking/unlocking feature on the wheels to enhance control of the machine.

Additionally, it has all the essential features like hand warmers, headlights, a remote chute control, and a one-handed operation control that ensures you do not need to stop to adjust the deflector.

With so much to offer, it was hard to find anything wrong with this snow blower. The only issue is that it is a bit pricey and that’s probably because it has so much to offer. So, if you are after a basic and affordable snow blower, this is not the one for you.

4. Ariens 921046 Deluxe - Best for Flat Paved Surfaces

Meet the Ariens 921046 Deluxe, a snowblower designed to make your winter mornings a breeze. With 12.5 pound-feet of torque and a 21-inch intake height, this powerful machine makes light work of thick snow on your driveway. The auto-turn steering and six forward and two reverse speeds make maneuvering the snowblower an easy task, even in dark, dreary weather, thanks to its electric start and halogen headlight. However, it's essential to note that this model is primarily designed for flat paved surfaces and may not be the best choice for everybody's needs.

The Ariens 921046 Deluxe shines when it comes to efficiency and ease of use. Its 28-inch clearing path and 21-inch intake height can clear large amounts of snow with every pass, drastically reducing the time and effort required to clean your driveway. The 50-foot throw distance ensures that the cleared snow is deposited far away from your path, keeping your driveway neat and unobstructed.

One of the standout features of this snowblower is its auto-turn steering. This makes maneuvering the machine around corners and adjusting its direction a breeze, significantly improving the overall snow-blowing experience. We also appreciate the heated hand grips - a thoughtful addition that provides extra comfort during extended snow-clearing sessions. The electric and pull starters offer two different options for starting the snowblower, ensuring that you can always get it up and running.

Lastly, the three-year limited warranty gives you peace of mind, knowing that you're investing in a high-quality product backed by a dependable manufacturer.

While the Ariens 921046 Deluxe is loaded with useful features, it does come with a few drawbacks. The most significant limitation is its suitability for flat, paved surfaces only. If you have a gravel driveway or need to clear snow on sloping terrain, this model may not be the best choice for you.

Another drawback is the price. Though the Ariens 921046 Deluxe offers many helpful features and superior performance, its steep price may deter potential buyers, especially if they have simpler snow removal needs. Lastly, the small gas tank may require frequent refilling, which can be an inconvenience when clearing large areas or during heavy snowfall.

What Is the Best Commercial-Grade Snow Blowers?

Differentiating between various commercial-grade snow blowers can be a challenging task because numerous factors should be taken into consideration. Moreover, the efficacy of each snow blower can differ greatly depending on these key attributes. Here, we compare four commercial-grade snow blowers, addressing their parameters such as clearing width (measured in inches), intake height (measured in inches), engine power (measured in cubic centimeters or "cc"), starting system (electric/manual or remote), chute rotation (measured in degrees), chute deflection (manual or remote), fuel type (gasoline), and weight (measured in pounds).

Buying Guide For The Best Commercial-Grade Snow Blower

Buying a heavy-duty commercial-grade snow blower for residential use is quite an investment.

You do not want to end up buying something that gives you more trouble instead of making life easier for you, especially since some of them are quite expensive.

There are a lot of factors to consider while thinking about buying a snow blower. And we are here to tell you what they are. After thorough research, we have made a list for you that talks about some of the factors worth considering when buying a snow blower.

Read on, and hopefully, it will all become a tad bit clearer by the end of it.

1. Type

When it comes to commercial-grade snow blowers, both single-stage and two-stage have features on par with each other. One of the things worth keeping in mind is the area you are looking to clear. If you have a smaller area that can be cleared with a single stage, buying a two-stage will only mean higher and unnecessary expenditure.

2. Electric vs. Recoil Pull-Start

Most commercial-grade snow blowers have both or only manual start. Most snow blowers claim that the manual start fires up on the first pull, but it is always convenient to have both.

3. Specifications

Different commercial-grade snow blowers come with varying intake heights and coverage widths. If you are looking for a snow blower to tackle light to moderate fluffy snowfall, an intake height of up to 18 inches with a clearing width of 18-22 inches should be adequate.

Anything more than this is best suited to places that see heavy snowfall.

4. Surfaces

The kind of surface you have to clear determines the type of snow blower you need to get. Most snow blowers that are two-stage or above are made to go smoothly over surfaces that are a mix of both paved and unpaved. So, gravel, stones, and other such things will not cause any hindrance.

However, for paved surfaces with no objects lying around, it will be best to go for an electric or single-stage snow blower.

Can I use a commercial-grade snow blower on gravel surfaces?

Yes, most commercial-grade snow blowers come with adjustable skid shoes that allow you to raise or lower the clearance height, making them suitable for clearing snow on gravel surfaces.

What is the difference between a two-stage and three-stage commercial-grade snow blower?

A two-stage commercial-grade snow blower has an auger that breaks up the snow and a fan that throws the snow out of the chute. A three-stage commercial-grade snow blower has an additional accelerator that helps move the snow to the fan, making it more efficient at clearing heavy, wet snow.

Can I use a commercial-grade snow blower on steep hills?

Yes, many commercial-grade snow blowers come with features such as power steering and track drive that make them suitable for use on steep hills.

What kind of maintenance should I do before the winter season starts?

Before the winter season starts, check the oil, spark plugs, belts, and bolts. Make sure the tires or tracks are in good condition and properly inflated. Lubricate the moving parts and make sure the augers and impeller are clear of debris.

How long can I expect a commercial-grade snow blower to last?

With proper maintenance and care, a commercial-grade snow blower can last up to 15 years or more. However, the lifespan can vary depending on usage, maintenance, and the quality of the snow blower.

How wide of a clearing width do I need for my commercial property?

The width of the clearing path you need will depend on the size of your property and the amount of snow you typically receive. Generally, a commercial-grade snow blower with a clearing width of at least 28 inches is recommended for most properties. However, if you have a very large property or receive heavy snowfall, you may need a wider clearing width.

What is the difference between a commercial-grade snow blower and a residential snow blower?

Commercial-grade snow blowers are designed to handle larger areas and more frequent use than residential snow blowers. They typically have larger engines, wider clearing widths, and more durable components.

Finally, now that we have shared some more information through our buying guide on snow blowers, we conclude this review.

To give you one final reminder, we recommend the Ariens Professional Two-Stage Snow Blower if you are willing to splurge a little. It has many fantastic features and is quite durable, so it will come in handy for a long time.

However, if you want something basic that does the job well, the PowerSmart PSS2240-X Snow Blower is a great choice.

We hope that this review has given you a better idea about commercial-grade snow blowers. We’ll be back soon with some more detailed reviews and tips to share.

Until then, stay safe, and stay healthy!