Our top pick: Honda HSS1332 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower (Widest path, top throughput)
Choosing a gas snow blower comes down to how much ground you clear, how the machine starts and drives, and how easy it is to live with.
This roundup compares five models on the specifications their catalog entries state.
On this page
- Our Top Picks
- Honda HSS1332 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower
- PowerSmart 24-Inch Electric-Start Blower
- Honda HSS928 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower
- Husqvarna ST224 Power-Steering Blower
- PowerSmart 26-Inch Briggs Two-Stage Blower
- Match the machine to your driveway
- Think about the surface
- Check starting, lighting and controls
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Category verdict
| Honda HSS1332 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower | Honda HSS1332 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower | Widest path, top throughput | Browse offers on eBay | Read Our Analysis |
| PowerSmart 24-Inch Electric-Start Blower | PowerSmart 24-Inch Electric-Start Blower | Speeds, lights, hand warmers | Browse offers on eBay | Read Our Analysis |
| Honda HSS928 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower | Honda HSS928 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower | Tracked Honda, easy setup | Browse offers on eBay | Read Our Analysis |
| Husqvarna ST224 Power-Steering Blower | Husqvarna ST224 Power-Steering Blower | Power steering, LED light | Browse offers on eBay | Read Our Analysis |
| PowerSmart 26-Inch Briggs Two-Stage Blower | PowerSmart 26-Inch Briggs Two-Stage Blower | Heated handle, chute control | Browse offers on eBay | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Browse top pick on eBay: Honda HSS1332 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower
Honda HSS1332 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower
The listing pairs a 31.9-inch clearing width with a stated throwing distance of up to 56 feet.
A hydrostatic transmission lets the operator set direction and speed with one lever, without shifting.
A thumb-operated lever adjusts the auger housing height for different surface conditions.
The catalog points to the owner's manual for the maintenance schedule rather than listing the details.
Although no assembly is required, the listing calls for oil, fuel and chute checks before each use.
PowerSmart 24-Inch Electric-Start Blower
The listing states 6 forward and 2 reverse speed settings plus hand warmers and an LED light.
Electric start is paired with a recoil start as a backup.
Adjustable skid shoes are described for use on paved and gravel driveways.
The catalog describes snow tires rather than tracks.
The catalog lists a weight of 187 lbs.
Honda HSS928 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower
The listing states a 28-inch clearing width and a throw of up to 52 feet.
A hydrostatic transmission handles direction and speed from one lever, and ground speed does not change auger rotation speed.
The listing combines a 3-year residential warranty with no assembly requirement.
Its stated clearing width is narrower than the widest model in this group.
The listing calls for oil, fuel and chute checks before each use.
Husqvarna ST224 Power-Steering Blower
The listing describes power steering, semi-pneumatic tires with non-clogging treads and a bright LED headlight.
A push button electric starter, a chute rotator, a lever for the chute's vertical direction and a speed control lever are listed.
A throttle control idles the engine down when it is not clearing.
The title names a friction disc transmission while the feature text mentions a hydrostatic one, so confirm the drive type before buying.
PowerSmart 26-Inch Briggs Two-Stage Blower
A 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine is listed with 2700 lbs/min of snow plowing capacity.
The listing states a 26 in. clearing width and one-hand 180° chute control.
Steel construction in the housing, frame, deflector and chute is listed alongside 13" snow terrain tires.
The listing frames the engine as ideal for 1-12 in. of snow.
Browse top pick on eBay: Honda HSS1332 Tracked Hydrostatic Blower
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best tool to remove snow from a gravel driveway?
A snow blower with adjustable skid shoes is a sensible starting point because the housing can be set above loose stone.
The PowerSmart gas model with electric start lists adjustable skid shoes for use on paved and gravel driveways.
Can you use a snow thrower on gravel?
Yes, as long as the skid shoes are set so the housing does not scrape the surface.
One PowerSmart listing describes adjustable skid shoes for different surfaces, including gravel driveways.
What is the best way to remove snow from a gravel driveway?
Raise the housing with the skid shoes and clear in steady passes so the machine does not pick up stone.
The Honda models list an auger height lever with variable positions for different surface conditions.
What should I use for a gravel driveway?
Look for adjustable skid shoes, since they let you set the clearance above the stone.
The Husqvarna ST224 lists adjustable plastic skid shoes intended to protect delicate surfaces.
Category verdict
Large driveways point to the Honda HSS1332, which has the widest stated clearing width and capacity in this group.
The Honda HSS928 suits buyers who want rubber tracks, a hydrostatic drive and a 3-year residential warranty with no assembly.
The Husqvarna ST224 stands out for power steering and an LED headlight.
The PowerSmart 24-inch model is the one to look at if gravel driveways, multiple speeds and hand warmers matter most.