--- title: "The Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways of 2026, Expert Picks" description: "We put some of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways to the test to see which models cleared snow while leaving gravel unearthed." date: "2022-08-30" modified: "2026-01-28" authors: - name: "Tony Carrick" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tony-carrick/" - name: "Tom Scalisi" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/tom-scalisi/" - name: "Zach Lazzari" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.bobvila.com/authors/zach-lazzari/" url: "https://www.bobvila.com/articles/best-snow-blowers-for-gravel-driveways/" categories: - "DIY" - "Exterior" - "Reviews" tags: - "Commerce" - "MPR" --- # The Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways of 2026, Expert Picks ![The Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways Options]() *Photo: Zach Lazzari for BobVila.com* Snow blowers for gravel driveways aren't just any ol' snow blowers. To ensure you clear snow without tossing rocks and dirt around your property, choosing the right type of snow blower for your gravel [driveway or walkway]() is essential. To help you in your decision, we consulted a snow removal expert and tested eight popular snow blowers by plowing over packed and loose gravel. Once our testing was complete, we chose the [Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Blower]() as our top pick for its adjustable blade height, excellent traction on loose surfaces, and especially wide clearing path. Learn more about how this reliable snow blower machine and the rest of our recommendations performed in our tests, and see which features matter most when choosing among the best snow blowers for gravel driveways. 1. **BEST OVERALL:** [Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Blower]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#troy-bilt-storm-tracker-2890-snow-blower>)* 2. **BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:** [PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#powersmart-db7109-24-two-stage-gas-snow-blower>)* 3. **BEST FOR LONG DRIVEWAYS:** [Toro Power Max 824 OE Gas Snow Blower]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#toro-power-max-824-oe-gas-snow-blower>)* 4. **BEST ELECTRIC:** [Toro Power Max e24 60V Snow Blower]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#toro-power-max-e24-60v-snow-blower>)* 5. **ALSO CONSIDER:** [Husqvarna ST 224 Snow Blower]() *[↓ Jump to Review](<#husqvarna-st-224-snow-blower>)* ![The Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways Options]() *Photo: Zach Lazzari for BobVila.com* ## Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways Comparison Chart | **Product Name** | **Type** | **Clearing Width** | | --- | --- | --- | | [Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Blower]() | Gas | 28 inches | | [PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower]() | Gas | 24 inches | | [Toro Power Max 824 OE Gas Snow Blower]() | Gas | 24 inches | | [Toro Power Max e24 60V Snow Blower]() | Two 60V batteries | 24 inches | | [Husqvarna ST 224 Snow Blower]() | Gas | 24 inches | ## Our Top Picks All of the selections listed below are suitable for gravel driveways. Our lineup includes both gas-powered and electric [cordless snow blowers]() and features models for small and large driveways alike. While keeping rocks out of spinning tines is crucial when snow-blowing a gravel driveway, getting traction on this loose material is also important, which is why the Storm Tracker 2890 is such an ideal option. The track system creates more surface contact with the ground than a set of wheels, leading to significantly more traction on icy inclines where tires tend to spin and struggle. Like other quality snow blowers designed to work on gravel surfaces, the Storm Tracker is equipped with adjustable skid shoes that create necessary clearance for the spinning auger blade. Though it uses a standard skid system, the Storm Tracker amplifies it with an adjustable handle that raises and lowers the bottom blade height—a major differentiator for working safely on gravel. These adjustments prevent dirt and rocks from being ingested by the auger and allow users to gradually lower the blade when working through deep snow banks. In our tests, we found ourselves using the height adjustment frequently, but that wasn't the only thing we liked about this model. The motor started on the first or second pull in cold conditions, and it fired up immediately using the electric start. All of the controls were easy to use, including excellent chute adjustment controls. **What our tester says:** "We were very impressed with how useful this machine's six forward-speed settings and two reverse speeds were. We could throttle down to a crawl or hit the high gears and really move. Everything about this model is made for heavy-duty snow-blowing, and it did not disappoint."—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer ***Read our full review:*** [**Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Blower**]() **Get the Troy-Bilt snow blower for gravel driveways at [Northern Tool + Equipment]() or [Troy-Bilt]().** With a price tag that’s significantly less than many other snow blowers, this two-stage model from PowerSmart is a good snow blower for those looking to clear a gravel driveway without breaking the bank. As with other two-stage snow blowers, the PowerSmart’s auger uses skids to remain above the ground, ensuring it won’t pick up gravel as it goes. Its 180-degree chute is easy to control from the handles with one hand, enabling quick changes after each turn. Not all affordable snow blowers offer the array of features found on top-rated machines, but the PowerSmart is quite competitive with what it includes. This model has a push-button electric start, an anti-clogging system, a self-propelling design, and 13-inch inflatable tires with traction. It also has six forward speeds and two reverse speeds, which helped us work through powder, wet snow, and icy snow without issue. It doesn’t quite have the traction and power of some more expensive models, but it’s more than ample for the average user.ction and power of some more expensive models, but it’s more than ample for the average user. We really enjoyed this unit and although it’s not the top choice, it does offer a great value for budget shoppers. **Get the PowerSmart snow blower for gravel driveways at [PowerSmart]().** A blower for a gravel driveway should run efficiently, pivot quickly, and be capable of moving large snow loads in a single session, and the Toro Power Max 824 OE can do it all. We used the Toro to plow through a long stretch of hard-packed gravel road, clearing 6 to 8 inches of snow, and were amazed to see how much ground we covered simply by sliding the throttle to rabbit speed and setting the snow blower to the six-speed position. By the time a snow plow arrived, we'd already cleared a major section of the road. While other top choices in this category have larger 28-inch-wide clearing widths, this 24-inch model is more than capable of clearing a long driveway that receives moderate snowfall with the occasional heavy storm. Like many Toro blowers, it has a joystick control for easy chute adjustments. It also features a convenient electric start, best-in-class chute controls, and a reliable engine, making it hard to go wrong with this model. Although we gave it the award for long driveways, it’s suitable for just about any snow removal need. **Get the Toro 824 OE snow blower for gravel driveways at [Ace Hardware]().** Not surprisingly, the Toro Power Max e24 has many similarities to the Power Max 824 OE. In fact, the body, auger, and control designs are nearly the exact same. This makes sense because there is no reason to reinvent the wheel when Toro already offers exceptional controls, a durable steel auger, and a great set of features and functions. The main difference is the motor. Rather than a gas engine, it has an all-electric motor powered by up to three batteries. While it can run on a single battery, adding a second extends the runtime up to 70 minutes, and a third extends it even more. We tested the snow blower with just one battery, and it performed exactly like the gas model for over 30 minutes before requiring a recharge. There are plenty of great electric options on the market, but the advantages this one offers are why we awarded it the title of the best electric snow blower for gravel driveways. The fact that the steel auger doesn’t require shear pins is a major bonus since there's nothing to break (and then replace) if the machine is under excess stress. Purchasing a third battery also makes it among the longest-lasting snow blowers on the market. **What our tester says:** "We loved this snow blower’s performance and ability to churn through difficult snow. It was significantly quieter than the gas version, and because it’s both heavy duty and durable, it may well be the best electric snow blower available today."—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer y to churn through difficult snow. It was significantly quieter than the gas version, and in large part because it’s both heavy duty and durable, we found it to be among the best electric snow blowers tested. **Get the Toro e24 electric snow blower for gravel driveways at [Acme Tools]().** For those looking for a durable, all-around performance machine, the Husqvarna is a great option. The brand is known for its small engine-operated power tools, and this snow blower lives up to the high brand standards. In fact, we liked this 24-inch two-stage snow blower so much that we found it difficult to rank because it could have won almost any category on the list. It’s a solid unit made to work hard, and we were impressed with its combination of power and speed. Like every option we recommend, it has adjustable skids, a solid steel auger, and a powerful drive system. The Husqvarna's 212 cubic centimeter (cc) engine offers 5.9 horsepower, making it a good choice for gravel driveways with inclines. Its rugged tires offer excellent traction when working over icy surfaces, and we liked the user-friendly controls and good-size headlight for working in the dark. We loaned this model out to a local property management company to assist with a gravel driveway on a rural rental property, and they said it did a great job.durable, all-around performance machine, the Husqvarna is a great option. The brand is known for its small engine-operated power tools, and this snow blower lives up to the high brand standards. **Get the Husqvarna snow blower for gravel driveways at [**Northern Tool + Equipment**]()**.**** ## [Jump to Our Top Picks](<#recap>) ![close up of the models of best snow blower ]() *Photo: Zach Lazzari for BobVila.com* ## How We Tested the Best Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways While there are many [top-rated snow blowers]() available today, not all are right for clearing a gravel driveway. When selecting the picks for our list, we stuck with models well suited for this type of terrain, namely two-stage blowers. Beyond type, we looked for features that make snow blowers easier to operate, such as push-button starters, heated handles, and sturdy materials that can power through packed snow. We tested our selected models by clearing snow from multiple storms in rural Montana, using a loose-substrate gravel driveway and a hard-packed gravel road as our testing grounds. While much of the testing area was level, we also hit a few inclines and ran through mounds of piled-up snow. We rated the snow blowers based on performance in each gravel environment. We looked at skids and adjustments that made it easier to run over gravel, and power, handling, and traction also factored high in the ranking process. Lastly, we assessed build quality, ease of use, battery life, engine performance, and the rest of the nitty-gritty details that make some snow blowers more capable on gravel surfaces. | Products tested | 8 | | --- | --- | | Time spent testing | 2 weeks | | Tests performed | 8 | | Price range | $600 to $1,900 | ## Before You Buy a Snow Blower for a Gravel Driveway Before purchasing a snow blower for a gravel driveway, it’s important to understand that not all machines will work for this type of surface. For example, most single-stage snow blowers and [electric snow shovels]() have augers that scrape along the ground. While this design is great for snow removal from smooth pavement, sidewalks, and [heated driveways](), it doesn't work well on gravel driveways since it will pick up gravel in addition to snow. Still, there's no need to resort to using a standard [snow shovel](). Two-stage and three-stage snow blowers have augers that operate an inch or so above the ground as well as adjustable skids that provide clearance to prevent the machine from scooping up gravel. ## What to Consider When Choosing a Snow Blower for Gravel Driveways ![cleaning the snow with Ryobi Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower]() *Photo: Zach Lazaari for BobVila.com* Understanding which types of snow blowers are suitable for gravel driveways and which are not is the first step in selecting the right model. Ahead, learn more about the three types of snow blowers as well as other important features, such as power output and intake width. ### Type There are three main types of snow blowers: single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage. Each one clears snow a bit differently, but for gravel driveways, two-stage models are ideal. Here’s how each of these snow blowers works. #### Single Stage Like all snow blowers, a single-stage [snow blower or snow thrower]() uses an auger with serrated metal blades to scoop snow and launch it through the chute. Since the auger on this type of snow blower skims along the ground, it’s an excellent option for smooth pavement but a poor choice for loose gravel. If used on a gravel driveway, a single-stage snow blower will gather and throw rocks along with snow. #### Two Stage Similar to a single-stage snow blower, a two-stage model uses an auger to pull snow into the chute. However, rather than use the force of the auger to launch the snow, two-stage snow blowers rely on large impeller fans to propel the snow out of the chute. In addition to being able to throw snow much farther than a single-stage model, a two-stage snow blower’s auger does not come into contact with the ground. Instead of resting on the auger, the snow blower glides on two adjustable skid pads—a design that makes a two-stage model ideal for gravel surfaces. #### Three Stage This heavy-duty snow blower uses an auger and impeller fan along with an accelerator, which is a corkscrew-shaped blade that sits perpendicular to the auger and pulls snow quickly into the machine as it spins. True to its name, an accelerator allows the machine to glide more quickly through snow. These powerful snow blowers can throw snow up to 50 feet away and have intakes that measure up to 40 inches wide. This makes them ideal for covering large driveways. Like a two-stage snow blower, a three-stage model’s auger does not touch the ground, so it’s a good choice for gravel surfaces. Three-stage blowers also come with a hefty price tag. As such, they are typically only needed for regions that see very heavy snowfall. ### Power When selecting a snow blower, consider how much power it needs to get the job done. Snow blowers have either a gas engine or, with battery-powered models, an electric motor. A gas snow blower’s power is measured in cubic centimeters. The higher the cc, the better able the snow blower is to move through deeper snow and the farther it can launch it. Two-stage snow blowers for gravel driveways have engines ranging between 200cc and 250cc. Electric snow blowers generally use two batteries to maximize runtime, though many can run on one battery (but they won’t run as long). Total runtime varies depending on the voltage and amp hours of the batteries, the number of batteries used, and, of course, the amount and type of snow being cleared. Depending on these factors, many battery-powered snow blowers can run for between 30 and 70 minutes. Some electric snow blowers also have an additional port that enables adding a third battery to extend runtime. Although battery-powered snow blowers may not be quite as powerful as gas-powered options, they operate at a much lower noise level and don’t produce exhaust fumes. They also don’t require periodic oil changes, making [snow blower maintenance]() easier. Just keep in mind that lithium-ion batteries typically only last 3 to 6 years before they begin to lose their ability to hold a charge, at which point they need to be replaced. Still, even replacing batteries may be less expensive than paying [the cost of snow removal]() in areas that receive regular snowfall. ### Width The width of the snow blower refers to the size of its intake and determines how broad a swath of snow the machine can remove with each pass. Most single-stage snow blowers remove snow in 11- to 22-inch swaths with each pass, making them suitable for small driveways and walks. Two-stage models range in width from 22 to 30 inches, making them ideal for most driveways. Large three-stage snow blowers have intakes that measure up to 40 inches wide. ### Additional Features Some of the best snow blowers for gravel driveways may come equipped with other useful features that make them easier and, in some cases, safer to use, such as: - **Speed controls**, which allow the user to adjust how quickly the snow blower’s self-propelled wheels turn - An **automatic safety shutoff** that cuts off the auger if the operator’s hands slip off the handle - **Headlights** that allow the operator to use the snow blower in dark and other low-visibility conditions - **Electric starters** that make the snow blower easier to start by eliminating the need to pull a cord ## Tips for Using Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways In addition to buying a snow blower rated to work on gravel surfaces, there are other measures you can take to improve performance when clearing snow from this type of surface. First and foremost, ensure the skid shoes—the two metal pieces that raise the snow blower intake and auger above the ground—are properly adjusted so that the intake is about 1 inch off the ground. This gap will provide enough clearance between the auger and the ground to prevent it from contacting the gravel. If dealing with snow deeper than the height of the auger, consider raising the skid shoes to their highest setting to get the top layer of snow, then lower it to remove the remaining snow. In windy conditions, start blowing upwind on the driveway and set the chute to discharge snow downwind. If the snow is particularly wet, adding [nonstick snow blower spray]() to the chute can help prevent clogging. When finished, make sure to clear any remaining snow from the auger to prevent it from freezing and clogging the intake. - Adjust the skid shoes so the intake sits 1 inch off the ground. - Start snow blowing on the upwind side of the driveway, and set the chute to discharge downwind. - For deep snow, first adjust the intake to its highest setting to get the top layer of snow. - Clear the intake after use to prevent snow from freezing and clogging the intake. ## FAQs Understanding the best strategy for removing snow with a two-stage snow blower and how to set it up to avoid throwing rocks is crucial when clearing a gravel driveway. Here is more information on proper use as well as some answers to common questions about snow blowers. two-stage snow blower and how to set it up to avoid throwing rocks is crucial when clearing a gravel driveway. Here is more information on proper use as well as some answers to common questions about snow blowers. ## Meet the Testers Zach Lazzari is a freelance writer splitting time between the great outdoors, travel, and DIY projects ranging from camper builds to home renovations and maintenance. His home base in Montana is the perfect testing ground for winter products and snow equipment. With over a decade of professional writing experience, he also covers a variety of other projects and maintenance topics for BobVila.com. Tom Scalisi is a full-time DIY and construction writer for many of the largest websites in the industry, including BobVila.com, This Old House, Family Handyman, and Forbes. He also owns and operates a pest control blog, [RiddaBugs.com](). *Additional research provided by Tony Carrick.* ## Author Tony Carrick is a freelance writer who has contributed to BobVila.com since 2020. He writes how-to articles and product reviews in the areas of lawn and garden, home maintenance, home improvement, auto maintenance, housewares, and technology. ### Author social links [LinkedIn]()