Best Two Stage Snow Blower for a Big Driveway

The best two stage snow blower for thick grass in this set is the YARDMAX YB6770, a 26 in gas machine with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds and serrated steel augers. If you already own EGO 56V batteries, the EGO SNT2420 is the runner-up worth your money. One caution up front: "thick grass" is not a snow-clearing spec, and no listing here promises it. This roundup ranks these machines on the numbers that do decide the job.

Why 'thick grass' is the wrong test here

Let me be straight about the search that brought you here. None of these listings claims to clear thick grass, and a two-stage snow blower is not built for it. The auger and impeller are tuned for snow and ice, not vegetation. Amazon's search matched the phrase loosely, so I won't promise any machine handles grass.

If you genuinely need to clear tall grass, that's a job for a brush cutter or a rough-cut mower, not this category. What a two-stage snow blower does well is chew through packed snow, icy berms, and end-of-driveway plow piles.

So I judged these seven on what the numbers actually show:

• Clearing width, from 24 in to 28 in
• Intake height, where it's published
• Drive speeds and control
• Weight, which decides handling and storage
• Warranty, where the listing states one

Read the rest with that framing. The best two stage snow blower for thick grass, in practice, is simply the best-built snow machine here, and I picked it on snow specs alone.

Best two stage snow blower for thick grass at a glance

How I cut the field down to seven

I started with disqualification, not praise. Three questions decided what stayed and what got dropped from a longer list of two-stage machines.

First, does the listing publish enough real numbers to judge it? A machine with no clearing width, no drive detail, and no weight tells you nothing. Every pick here publishes at least a width and a drive description.

Second, is it a genuine two-stage design? Single-stage units clear less and handle packed snow poorly. All seven use an auger-plus-impeller two-stage system, confirmed in each listing.

Third, does it have a control story a real owner cares about? Self-propelled drive, electric or push-button start, adjustable chute. Every survivor here checks that box.

What got cut in the wider search: units with zero published specifications, single-stage throwers dressed up in the same category, and duplicate listings. The seven that remain span every price position, from the cheapest gas machine to the most expensive tracked model. That spread is deliberate. You can see exactly what more money buys as you read down.

1. YARDMAX YB6770 26 in. 212 cc Two-Stage Self-propelled Gas — Best overall

The YARDMAX YB6770 wins on control, with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds behind a 26 in cut, more drive range than any other pick here.

Best for: a wide gravel or paved driveway that needs speed control Skip it if: you want zero engine maintenance

The 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds are what set this one apart. Most machines here give you variable speed without saying how many settings. YARDMAX names 6 forward and 2 reverse, which means fine control on ice and fast passes on light snow. That range matters on a long driveway.

The 26 in clearing width ties the PowerSmart 26-in for second-widest, behind only the Honda's 28 in. At 165.3 lb it sits mid-pack for weight, heavy enough for traction, light enough to handle. YARDMAX says the serrated steel augers slice through hard-packed snow and ice, and the axe-shaped housing chops through tough buildup. Those are the maker's words, not a measured result, but the serrated auger design is a real structural choice.

Push-button electric start and a headlight round it out. It's the second-cheapest gas machine here, which is a strong position for the widest speed range in the group. The trade-off: gas means oil changes, fuel, and off-season storage prep the battery models skip.

Pros:

• 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, most in this set
• 26 in clearing width for wide paths
• Push-button electric start plus headlight
• Serrated steel augers per YARDMAX
• Second-cheapest gas pick here

Cons:

• Gas engine needs regular maintenance
• No published warranty in the listing
• Heavier than the battery EGO SNT2400
• No stated throwing distance

2. EGO Power+ SNT2420 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower — Runner-up

The EGO SNT2420 is the runner-up because it delivers battery convenience with a claimed 50 ft throw, if you already own 56V packs.

Best for: someone already invested in EGO 56V batteries Skip it if: you have no batteries and want a fixed cost

This is the more compact of the two EGO machines, at 35 x 35.8 x 28 in, and at 163.1 lb it's a shade lighter than the YARDMAX. EGO's Peak Power technology combines two 56V ARC Lithium batteries for what the brand calls gas-like power. The listing claims a 50 ft throw and a variable-speed auger to adjust distance.

The 24 in clearing width and 20 in intake height are the working numbers. EGO says that intake height powers through packed snow and end-of-driveway berms, and quotes clearing an 18-car driveway with 8 in of snow on two 7.5Ah packs.

Here's the catch that drops it to runner-up: the battery and charger are not included. The machine sits at the most expensive position in this set, then you add packs on top. If you're already in the EGO ecosystem, that's a non-issue and this is a superb quiet, fume-free option. If you're starting cold, the true cost jumps and the YARDMAX becomes the smarter buy.

Pros:

• Claimed 50 ft throw, adjustable
• 20 in intake height for berms
• Lightest gas-rival weight at 163.1 lb
• Quiet, no fuel or fumes
• Compact 28 in depth for storage

Cons:

• Battery and charger sold separately
• Most expensive pick before batteries
• Runtime limited by pack capacity
• No published warranty in the listing

3. EGO POWER+ 24" Electric Snow Blower — Best for beginners

The EGO SNT2400 is the easiest first machine here, with push-button start, no cords, and a stated 5-year tool warranty.

Best for: a first-time buyer who wants push-button simplicity Skip it if: you clear more than an 18-car driveway in one go

If you've never owned a snow blower, this is the gentle way in. There's no priming, no pull cord, no fuel mixing. Push a button and go. That single fact removes the most common first-winter frustration.

At 150 lb it's the lightest machine in this roundup, which makes turning and storing it far easier for someone building confidence. It carries a 5-year tool warranty, the longest stated coverage in the set, and it was released in 2024, the newest listing here. The 24 in clearing width and 20 in intake height match the SNT2420, and EGO again claims a 50 ft throw and four LEDs for night clearing.

Why beginners and not everyone? The runtime ceiling. EGO quotes an 18-car driveway on 8 in of snow with two 7.5Ah packs, so a very large lot or a deep dump may need a mid-job swap. It's also a premium price position. The trade-off against the YARDMAX is simple: you pay more and give up gas endurance for a quieter, simpler start.

Pros:

• Lightest pick at 150 lb
• 5-year tool warranty, longest here
• Push-button start, no cords
• Newest listing, released 2024
• Four LEDs for night clearing

Cons:

• Battery and charger not included
• Runtime capped by pack size
• Premium price position
• Narrower than the 26 in and 28 in picks

4. PowerSmart 26-Inch Self Propelled Two-Stage Snow Blower — Best for heavy use

The PowerSmart 26-in is built for repeat sessions, with a 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine and 13 in snow tires on a 26 in cut.

Best for: frequent clearing on icy, packed surfaces Skip it if: you want a stated warranty in writing

This is the traction pick. PowerSmart fits 13 in snow terrain tires and quotes a 2700 lbs/min plowing capacity from its 208cc Briggs & Stratton 950 snow series engine. For someone clearing a driveway several times a week, gas endurance and grip matter more than a quiet motor.

The 26 in clearing width matches the YARDMAX, and at 145 lb this is the lightest gas machine here, which helps on repeated turns. PowerSmart says the all-steel auger cuts icy snow and the high-speed impeller throws it 45 ft. It also lists a handle warmer and variable-speed forward and reverse.

The listing states the engine suits 1 to 12 in of snow, a useful honest range. What holds it at fourth: no published warranty, no dimensions detail beyond the size line, and it sells more slowly than the top picks. Against the YARDMAX it gives up named drive speeds and gains a Briggs & Stratton engine and a handle warmer instead. If frequent icy clearing is your reality, that's a fair swap.

Pros:

• 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine
• 13 in snow tires for traction
• Lightest gas pick at 145 lb
• Claimed 45 ft throw and handle warmer
• 26 in width matches the winner

Cons:

• No published warranty
• Engine rated for up to 12 in of snow
• No named number of drive speeds
• Slower seller than the top picks

5. Husqvarna ST124 212cc 24" 2 Stage Snow Blower — Best for families

The Husqvarna ST124 backs a 24 in cut and 21 in intake height with a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty, the most complete coverage stated here.

Best for: a household that wants a long bumper-to-bumper warranty Skip it if: you need the lightest machine to store

Families want a machine that keeps working for years without drama, and the warranty is where this one earns its spot. Husqvarna states a 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty plus a 5-year engine warranty. Only the two EGO machines and the Honda publish any warranty at all, and this is the most detailed of the gas group.

The 21 in intake height is the tallest here alongside the Honda, which means it swallows deeper snow per pass. Husqvarna's ribbon auger, per the listing, mixes air into the snow for easier handling. The 13 in snow tires grip for control, and the molded console with an all-steel chute is built for durability.

At 173 lb it's the heaviest wheeled machine in the set, second only to the tracked Honda's 358 lb. That's the trade-off. You get the tall intake and the strong warranty, but it's not the one you want to muscle around a cramped garage. Against the YARDMAX it trades named speeds and a wider cut for that documented warranty and a taller intake.

Pros:

• 3-year bumper-to-bumper warranty
• 5-year engine warranty on top
• 21 in intake height, tallest wheeled
• Ribbon auger per Husqvarna
• 13 in snow tires for grip

Cons:

• Heaviest wheeled pick at 173 lb
• Narrower 24 in cut than the winner
• No named number of drive speeds
• Slower seller than the leaders

6. PowerSmart 24-Inch Self-Propelled Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower — Best budget pick

The PowerSmart 24-in is the cheapest way into a real two-stage gas machine, with a 208cc B&S engine and 13 in snow tires.

Best for: a tight budget and a standard 24-in path Skip it if: you want a published warranty or weight figure

This is the cheapest pick in the roundup, and it still brings the features that matter. PowerSmart lists a 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine, a 24 in clearing width, and a two-stage system it says handles heavy, wet snow. For a first machine on a normal driveway, that covers the essentials.

The 13 in snow tires give traction on slick surfaces, and the listing adds electric start, a handle warmer, and built-in LED lights for early or late clearing. Those are genuine cold-weather comforts you don't always get at the entry position.

The compromises are in the documentation, not the hardware. There's no published weight, no warranty statement, and it sells the slowest of the seven. The 24 in cut is narrower than the winner's 26 in, so a very wide driveway takes more passes. Against the YARDMAX it gives up 2 in of width and named drive speeds to hit the lowest price here. If budget is the hard constraint and your path is standard-width, that's a reasonable trade.

Pros:

• Cheapest pick in the roundup
• 208cc Briggs & Stratton engine
• 13 in snow tires for traction
• Electric start, handle warmer, LEDs
• Two-stage system for wet snow

Cons:

• No published weight
• No stated warranty
• Narrower 24 in cut
• Slowest seller of the seven

7. Honda HSS928 28-Inch Two Stage Snow Blower — Best premium

The Honda HSS928 is the most capable machine here, with a 28 in cut, rubber track drive, and a hydrostatic transmission.

Best for: long, sloped driveways where tracks beat wheels Skip it if: you cannot store a 358 lb machine

This is the serious end of the set. The Honda has the widest cut at 28 in and the only track drive here. Honda says the low-temperature rubber tracks with cleats give superior traction and balance on inclines and rough ground, which is exactly where wheeled machines slip.

The GX270 commercial-grade OHV engine and hydrostatic drive are the standout mechanicals. Hydrostatic transmission means you move a lever to set speed and direction smoothly, forward or back, with no fixed gears. Honda claims a 52 ft throw, the longest stated distance in the group, and adds thumb-operated auger height control for gravel or paved surfaces. A 3-year residential warranty is stated.

Why last despite being the best-built? Cost and mass. It's the most expensive pick here and weighs 358 lb, more than double the lightest machine. The listing dimensions read as zeros, so I can't quote a footprint. On a flat, standard driveway that weight is overkill. On a long, steep, hard-packed drive, nothing else here competes.

Pros:

• Widest 28 in clearing width
• Rubber track drive for slopes
• Hydrostatic drive, smooth speed control
• Claimed 52 ft throw, longest here
• Auger height control and 3-year warranty

Cons:

• Most expensive pick in the set
• Heaviest by far at 358 lb
• No usable published dimensions
• Overkill for a flat, small driveway

What clearing width and intake height actually decide

Buyers fixate on engine size. That's the wrong first number. Two machines here both run 208cc engines, yet clear different widths and heights. What decides how fast you finish is the geometry of the front end.

• Clearing width is how much path you cut per pass. The range here runs 24 in to 28 in. A 28 in cut versus a 24 in cut can mean one fewer pass on a wide drive.
• Intake height is how deep a drift the machine can swallow without you shaving it in layers. The Husqvarna and Honda publish the tallest at 21 in; both EGO machines list 20 in.

Match width to your driveway. A single-car path is fine at 24 in. A wide double or a long run rewards 26 in or 28 in. Intake height matters most where snow drifts deep or plow berms pile up at the curb.

The best two stage snow blower for thick grass, judged only on snow, is the one whose front-end numbers fit your worst storm. That's why the YARDMAX and Honda score well on width, while the tall-intake Husqvarna suits deep-drift country.

Gas or battery: which suits your driveway?

The split here is clean. Five gas machines, two battery. Each answers a different question.

Gas gives you endurance. Refuel and keep going, storm after storm, with no runtime ceiling. The YARDMAX, both PowerSmarts, the Husqvarna, and the Honda never stop for a charge. The cost is maintenance: oil, fuel stabiliser, and off-season prep.

Battery gives you simplicity. Both EGO machines start with a button, run quiet, and produce no fumes. EGO quotes an 18-car driveway on 8 in of snow with two 7.5Ah packs. Past that, you swap batteries. Note that neither EGO ships with a battery or charger, so budget for those.

Quick decision guide:

1. Clear a large lot or expect deep, frequent dumps? Choose gas endurance.
2. Store in an attached garage and hate engine upkeep? Choose battery.
3. Already own EGO 56V packs? The SNT2420 or SNT2400 is an easy yes.
4. Starting from scratch on a budget? A gas machine like the PowerSmart 24-in wins on total cost.

When a different pick wins

The YARDMAX is the default, but three specific conditions flip it.

• If your driveway climbs a slope, the Honda HSS928 wins. Rubber tracks with cleats grip inclines where the YARDMAX's wheels can spin. The 28 in cut and hydrostatic drive seal it, if you can store 358 lb.
• If you already own EGO batteries, the SNT2420 wins. The added cost of packs disappears, and you gain quiet, fume-free clearing with a claimed 50 ft throw. That's the whole runner-up case.
• If the budget is fixed and tight, the PowerSmart 24-in wins. It's the cheapest pick, still a genuine two-stage gas machine with a 208cc engine and 13 in snow tires.

The verdict

The best two stage snow blower for thick grass in this set, judged on the specs that actually matter for snow, is the YARDMAX YB6770. It pairs a 26 in clearing width with 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds, the widest drive control in the group, and sits at the second-cheapest gas position. Push-button start, a headlight, and serrated steel augers make it the machine most driveways are best served by.

Two conditions flip that choice. If your driveway is long and sloped, the Honda HSS928 and its rubber track drive win outright, with a 28 in cut and hydrostatic control, provided you can store its 358 lb. If you already own EGO 56V batteries, the SNT2420 is the smarter buy, trading gas endurance for quiet, fume-free clearing and a claimed 50 ft throw.

The runner-up EGO's exact advantage over the YARDMAX is convenience: no fuel, no oil, no cords, just a button. Its exact disadvantage is that the battery and charger cost extra and it holds the most expensive position here before you add a single pack. For most buyers starting fresh, the YARDMAX delivers more usable control per dollar. That's why it leads.

FAQ

Is a two stage snow blower worth it over a single stage?

A two stage snow blower is worth it when you clear packed snow, ice, or plow berms. The auger-plus-impeller design throws snow farther and handles depth a single-stage unit can't, like the 20 in and 21 in intake heights here. For a small flat walkway, single-stage is enough. For a real driveway, two-stage earns its cost.

Can any of these clear thick grass like the search suggests?

Clearing thick grass is not what any listing here promises, and a snow blower isn't built for it. The auger and impeller are tuned for snow and ice, not vegetation. For tall grass, use a brush cutter or rough-cut mower instead. Judge these machines on snow performance, which is the only job their specs actually document.

What clearing width do I need for a typical driveway?

The clearing width you need depends on driveway size. A single-car path clears fine at 24 in, matched by the EGO and PowerSmart 24-in models. A wide double or long run benefits from the 26 in YARDMAX or the 28 in Honda, cutting fewer passes. Match the width to your widest section, not your narrowest.

How does the YARDMAX YB6770 compare to the EGO SNT2420?

The YARDMAX YB6770 compares favourably on control and cost, offering 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds and a 26 in cut at the second-cheapest gas position. The EGO SNT2420 counters with quiet, fume-free battery power and a claimed 50 ft throw, but its battery and charger cost extra and it holds the priciest position here. Own EGO packs already? Pick EGO.

What is the biggest mistake buyers make choosing a snow blower?

The biggest mistake buyers make is judging on engine size alone. Two machines here share 208cc engines yet clear different widths and intake heights. Clearing width and intake height decide how fast you finish and how deep you can go. Match those front-end numbers to your worst storm, then weigh gas endurance against battery convenience.

Start by measuring your driveway's widest point and its longest run, then pick a clearing width that fits. For most flat, standard drives, the YARDMAX YB6770 is the right default: a 26 in cut, the group's widest drive-speed range, and push-button start at a fair gas price. If you're storing it in a garage and hate engine upkeep, the EGO pair earns a look. If your drive climbs a hill, the Honda's tracks are the answer. Measure first, then buy once.

Last updated: September 16, 2026. Product availability re-checked.

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