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By Doug Carroll, Contributing Writer

February 2025

That noisemaker firing up in the winter to clear a path or a parking lot: Is it a snow thrower or a snow blower?  

They’re different machines, although the names are sometimes used interchangeably, and either beats the heck out of a shovel for grounds workers at institutional and commercial facilities.  

A snow thrower is a single-stage machine, gathering snow and tossing it out a chute in a single motion. A snow blower works in two stages and it’s bigger and more powerful, capable of launching snow as far as 35 feet away.  

Snow throwers work better with light snow accumulations. Snow blowers are usually fuel-powered. Snow throwers are easier to store and maintain. They cost less but come with fewer options. 

Regardless of whether you are throwing or blowing, maintenance and preparation before use of the equipment can prevent some headaches. Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association, covers such basics every winter. 

“The key is simple planning,” Kiser says. “The machine will find things that are covered by snow, so take a minute and look at what you will need to clear. Make sure you have fresh fuel. You can’t let it set, because it will separate and go bad. Don’t leave it in the machine — run it dry at the end of the season.” 

Here are some other tips from Kiser and OPEI: 

• Review the owner’s manual.Check for safe handling procedures. If the manual can’t be found, look it up online and store a copy on your computer.  
• Check equipment. A snow thrower should be powered off when being checked over. Adjust any cables and check the auger. 
• Charge batteries. Locate the batteries for the snow thrower and charge them fully before it snows. 
• Buy the correct fuel.Use the fuel recommended by the equipment's manufacturer. For most gas-powered snow throwers, that is E10 or less.  
• Use fuel properly.Store fuel safely and out of the reach of children. Fill the fuel tank outside before starting the engine and while the engine is cold. Never add fuel to a running or hot engine. 
• Dress for the weather.Keep safety gear in an accessible closet or location. Wear safety glasses, gloves and footwear that are suited for cold and slippery surfaces. 

Kiser can’t say enough about safety. Even the obvious practices are worthy of emphasis. Most accidents — there are more than 3,000 injuries each year — occur when snow is wet, heavy and deep. 

“Never, never, never put your hand in the chute,” Kiser says, “and always turn the machine off (when it jams). These are big, powerful machines with moving blades, and you need to respect them. They’re easy if you know them, but know them before you use them.” 

Innovations in recent years have made throwers and blowers easier to operate, he said, noting that battery units are now more prevalent. 

“There’s a size and price point for everybody,” he says. “You have to evaluate the need. What’s the size of the area? And you need to be able to maneuver it.” 

Doug Carroll is a freelance writer based in Chandler, Arizona.