I clean off four good sized parking lots in the winter for local business's including my own. (For reference, I have a 42" blade, and a 45" 2-stage snowblower.) The blade is fine if we have 4" or less, but the real problem is you run out of room to pile the snow. If you are just clearing your driveway I'm sure a blade only is fine. With my lot here at the shop, I'm on a main hi-way and end up with a 3" drift from the snowplows on the hi-way. As far as I'm concerned, the blower is the only way to go! Much faster! You don't have to run full throttle either. Yes, it can plug the chute if you don't keep the snow moving, but you can feather the throttle to control how far it goes. I modified my chute so I can actually blow the snow "over my shoulder" so to speak, so I can drive right up to a car or building. Usually all the snow ends up in one place about 12' high! I will say, though blowing snow does make my tractor drink gas!! It takes more power to run the blower than any attachment I have! Maple Cabin is right, a good 2-stage will blow water!
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