Types of Snowblowers: Which Works Best?
Not all snowblowers are created equal, especially when you live in a place like Fargo, where winter storms are serious business. If you’re wondering which type of snowblower works best, it all comes down to efficiency, property size, and the kind of snow you’re dealing with.
In this article, we’ll break down the main types of snowblowers, compare their pros and cons, and explain why Funk’s uses inverted snowblowers— the most efficient option for residential snow removal.
What Is a Snowblower, and What Is a Single-Stage Snowblower?
Let’s start with the basics: what is a single-stage snowblower, and is every type the same?
- Snow thrower: A lightweight, single-stage machine that “throws” snow forward using a spinning auger. It’s best for small driveways and light snowfalls (under 8”).
- Snowblower: A more powerful two- or three-stage machine that collects and blows snow through a chute. Snowblowers handle deeper snow and work better on larger surfaces.
Many people use the terms interchangeably, but snowblowers are generally more robust and effective in heavy snow areas like Fargo, North Dakota.
Main Types of Snowblowers
1. Single-Stage Snowblowers (Snow Throwers)
- Lightweight and budget-friendly
- Best for short sidewalks or small driveways
- Struggles with wet, heavy snow or anything deeper than 8 inches
2. Two-Stage Snowblowers
- Uses both an auger and an impeller for increased throwing power
- Can handle 8–18 inches of snow
- Good for medium to large driveways
- Self-propelled for easier use on slopes
3. Three-Stage Snowblowers
- Adds a third accelerator for faster snow removal
- Ideal for commercial use or deep snow
- More expensive and complex to maintain
4. Inverted Snowblowers (Funk’s uses these!)
- Mounted on the rear of a tractor
- Drive forward, blow snow backward, clearing in a single pass
- Efficient, powerful, and precise
- Leaves a cleaner, more even surface with no high piles or damage to lawns
- Ideal for residential snow removal routes where efficiency, speed, reliability, and consistency matter, while providing affordable driveway snowblowing services to residential properties in Fargo, West Fargo, and Horace, ND.
What Is an Inverted Snowblower?
An inverted snowblower is a rear-mounted attachment commonly used by commercial snow removal teams. Unlike traditional front-mounted blowers, an inverted model allows the operator to drive forward and remove snow behind them in one smooth motion.
At Funk’s, our John Deere tractors are equipped with Pronovost Cyclone Inverted Snowblowers, which let us clear more driveways in less time without pushing snow into high piles or damaging nearby lawns or landscaping.
Inverted Snowblowers vs. Conventional Snowblowers :
- Conventional snow blowers are better for occasional, personal use
- Inverted snowblowers are best for consistent, efficient results across many driveways
Are Hybrid Snowblowers Worth It?
Hybrid snowblowers combine features of electric and gas models. They’re often battery-powered with electric start and variable-speed settings. While convenient for homeowners, they don’t match the power or coverage of commercial-grade machines like the ones Funk’s uses.
For residential use, they may be worth considering, but for professional service, inverted blowers still come out on top.
Why Funk’s Uses Inverted Snowblowers
Here’s why we trust inverted snowblowers for every driveway we service:
- Cleaner Results: Snow is blown evenly away, not piled or pushed
- Greater Efficiency: Faster clearing times = more reliable service
- Minimal Lawn Damage: No scraping or dragging across your property
- Built for Fargo, ND, winters: Handles deep, heavy snow with ease
Our setup allows us to service dozens of properties quickly while maintaining the high quality Funk’s is known for.
Want to Skip the Snowblower Altogether?
If you live in the Greater Fargo, ND, area, let us take winter off your to-do list. Funk’s offers seasonal or one-time snow blowing service removals with automatic service after 1″ of snowfall: no need to call, no piles left behind, and no damage to your property.
Sign up today and see the difference our equipment and team can make.
Request a Free Snow Removal Quote | info@funkslawncareservice.com