| A single stage has a collection auger and throws snow
directly from the auger blade to a chute. Single stages run at high rpm so
the augers spin much faster than two stage augers. They have to in
order to get the speed of the snow up to go out of the chute. Single stages generally do not have wheel drive. They are pulled
along by their rubber augers. That works well on smooth surfaces and
they will pull themselves up mild smooth slops. They can move over frozen
ground and grass and it's a bit rough at times but still work fine.
For most storms cutting a path with a single stage would be much easier
than with a much bigger two stage. For most higher snows >5
inches a single stage will struggle and require a lot of
pushing. Single
stages have a 10 to 16 inch bucket intake housing so have trouble with
drifts, EOD, or big snowfalls. For the smaller snows they are fun to
use and keep the hours of use off the bigger machine if you have
two. For walkways, decks, roofs and other specific jobs they are
great. Although small in size and horse power a good 3hp can throw
20 to 25 feet and in some cases clear faster than a two stage. For
very wet snow like slush they do pretty good compared to a two stage which
generally have lots of trouble with very wet snow. The rpm rate of the
two stage augers does not collect wet snow well. |
