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Most homeowners and DIYers like the idea of getting more than one use out of their tools. It can help them justify a purchase or simply get more bang for their buck. With a lawn mower snow blower combo, these value-minded folks can cut the grass during the spring, summer, and fall, then turn their lawn mower into a snow blower during the winter. They’ll be able to clear driveways, walkways, and other areas quickly and efficiently, all while sitting down.
This guide will explain everything DIYers need to know about choosing the best lawn mower snow blower combos for their needs. Keep reading to learn more about these versatile tools and compare some of the best models on the market.
- BEST OVERALL: Husqvarna E-Lift 50″ 2-Stage Snow Thrower Attachment
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Husqvarna E-Lift 42″ Snow Blower Attachment
- BEST FOR LARGE DRIVEWAYS: NorTrac 3-Pt. Snow Blower 60–64″ W Intake
Before You Buy a Lawn Mower Snow Blower Combo
Lawn mower snow blower combos aren’t for everyone. Folks who live in warmer climates or who simply don’t see a lot of snow can surely pass on one of these tools, choosing a standard or cordless snow blower instead. Riding lawn mowers with snow blowers are better suited for those with long driveways who see significant amounts of snow each year or folks who may not be as able-bodied as they used to be.
Keep in mind that these tools are attachments, and they require a lawn mower or tractor to carry and operate them. The user typically has to remove the mower’s deck assembly and replace it with a pulley system that will operate the snow blower. Larger models for compact and midsize tractors may attach to hitch systems and run off of power take-offs (PTOs). Small lawn tractors may not have the oomph to get the job done or may lose traction if the machine is too front-heavy.
Also, it’s important to ensure that whichever lawn mower snow blower combo is chosen is compatible with the tractor. The blower may not attach or run correctly if not.
How We Chose the Best Lawn Mower Snow Blower Combos
Choosing a list of the best lawn mower snow blower combos wasn’t a small task. We had to draw upon all our experience with lawn equipment, lawn mowers, snow blowers, and snow removal. This allowed us to pick out the features we felt were most necessary in a lawn mower snow blower combo.
Next, we performed extensive product research to find models we felt met our criteria. With a pool of eligible models to choose from, we started comparing the features, functions, prices, and quality to ensure that we were recommending models that offered actual value. Lawn mower snow blower combos that failed were discarded, while those that remained were given rewards based on their strengths.
Note: Although there are lawn mower and snow blower combination machines available in one kit, none of them made our list. They were often underpowered or far too expensive. We found that a DIYer should know and trust their tractor or lawn mower before adding the snow blower attachment to their yard equipment arsenal.
Our Top Picks
That’s a lot of information about the best lawn mower snow blower combos, but now it’s time to shop. The following models are some of the top products on the market for turning a lawn mower into a full-fledged snow blower.
Best Overall
Husqvarna E-Lift 50" 2-Stage Snow Thrower Attachment
Pros
- Fits most Husqvarna lawn tractor models
- Toolless hookup and removal (after initial installation)
- Electric lift from the seat
- Deflector and chute angle adjusts from the seat
Cons
- Wheel weights and chains recommended
Folks looking for a lawn mower snow blower combo with all the features should check out Husqvarna’s E-Lift Snow Thrower Attachment. This snow blower has a 50-inch clearing capacity, which is enough for the typical driveway. It’s also a two-stage setup, allowing it to handle heavy, deep snow.
This lawn mower snow blower combo attachment has some extra features that make it even more desirable. First, after the initial installation, hooking it up and removing it doesn’t require any tools. Also, the user can lower and raise the snow blower from the seat of the lawn tractor as well as adjust the chute angle and deflector. While it’s compatible with most Husqvarna models, the manufacturer recommends wheel weights and chains to maintain traction.
Product Specs
- Stage: 2-stage
- Clearing capacity: 50 inches
- Additional features: Electric lift, replaceable wear plate and skid shoes, chute and deflector adjustment from seat
Get the Husqvarna E-Lift Snow Thrower Attachment at Acme Tools or Husqvarna.
Best Bang for the Buck
Husqvarna E-Lift 42" Snow Blower Attachment
Pros
- Electric lift system, chute, and angle adjustments
- 42-inch clearing capacity for sidewalks and walkways
- Affordable price point
- Toolless hookup and removal
Cons
- Requires wheel weights and chain
- Only compatible with Husqvarna lawn tractors
Folks looking to remove snow while keeping cash in the bank might check out this lawn mower snow blower combo attachment from Husqvarna. This model has a reasonable price tag and a two-stage design, with the augers grabbing the snow and feeding it to the impeller for long-range throwing. It has a 42-inch clearing capacity, which may be ideal for some sidewalks and walkways.
This Husqvarna features the brand’s electric lift system, allowing users to lift and lower the snow blower without getting off the seat. They also have access to the chute and deflector angle adjustments on the fly. It’s worth noting that after the initial installation, users can hook up and remove this snow blower without tools. Keep in mind that although this snow blower attachment is compact, Husqvarna recommends wheel weights and chains. Also, it’s not universally compatible—it’s designed only for Husqvarna lawn tractors (2006 and newer).
Product Specs
- Stage: 2-stage
- Clearing capacity: 42 inches
- Additional features: E-lift, replaceable skid shoes and wear plate, chute and deflector attachment, toolless hookup and removal
Get the Husqvarna 42″ Snow Blower Attachment at Lowe’s or Husqvarna.
Best for Large Driveways
NorTrac 3-Pt. Snow Blower 60–64" W Intake
Pros
- Attaches to a 3-point hitch system on larger tractors
- Uses power take-off system instead of a pulley
- Has a large 60-inch clearing capacity
Cons
- Attaches to tractor rear, not ideal comfort for long periods
Those looking to clear long or wide driveways with as few passes as possible might consider NorTrac’s 3-Point Snow Blower. This model attaches to heavy-duty tractors with a three-point hitch system, getting power from the tractor’s power take-off system for quick and easy installation and removal. While it does require a 25 to 40 hp tractor, the two-stage system will clear deep snow quickly, making it one of the best tractor snow blower combinations.
This model has a manual crank chute that allows the user to adjust it up to 340 degrees. The two-stage system also works together to throw heavy snow up to 40 feet. Also, one of the biggest benefits is that this model is almost universal, attaching to most compact- and midsize tractors. If there’s a downside, it’s that this model typically attaches to the rear of a tractor, which could get uncomfortable for long periods of snow removal.
Product Specs
- Stage: 2-stage
- Clearing capacity: 60 inches
- Additional features: 3-point attachment, manual chute adjustments
Get the NorTrac 3-Pt. Snow Blower on Amazonor at Northern Tool + Equipment.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Lawn Mower Snow Blower Combo
Lawn mower snow blowers are not inexpensive. These are large purchases that require careful thought, research, and planning. However, with smart shopping, a lawn mower snow blower combo can make short, easy work of heavy snow. The following includes some of the most important considerations to keep in mind when shopping for one of these snow removal systems.
Type
Like traditional snow blowers, lawn tractor with snow blower combos come in a few different types, also known as stages. The stages refer to how the machine scoops up the snow and discharges it.
Single-stage snow blowers have an auger that grabs the snow and pushes it out of the chute. They’re limited in the distance they can throw as well as the height of the snow they can handle.
Two-stage snow blowers have the standard auger as well as an additional impeller in the chute. As the auger collects the snow and funnels it toward the chute, the impeller forces it out. These snow blowers can throw snow as far as 50 feet in some cases.
Three-stage snow blowers have an auger, an impeller, and an additional grinder that shreds chunks of ice. They’re able to throw snow extremely far, but they’re often very expensive because of the extra mechanical systems.
Compatibility
The riding lawn mower snow blower combo attachment that a would-be snow remover chooses needs to be compatible with their lawn mower. Smaller mowers typically don’t have the power or traction to utilize a snow blower attachment to its full potential.
First, consider whether the lawn tractor is snow blower compatible. It should have a 10-horsepower (hp) or higher engine. Models with four-wheel drive are also best. It’s worth investing in a set of tire chains as well.
Also, look for a lawn mower snow blower combo that’s made specifically for the lawn mower’s model number. This information can be a bit hard to find, but a call or email to the snow blower attachment’s manufacturer should clear up any confusion.
Clearing Capacity
Lawn mower snow blower combo attachments are categorized by their clearing capacity, or how wide a path of snow they can remove.
For standard driveway snow removals, a 40- to 50-inch lawn mower snow blower combo, or essentially a riding lawn mower with a snow blower, can do the trick. This size snow blower doesn’t require a large, heavy-duty machine, but it can clear most driveways in three or four passes.
For larger driveways and parking areas, a 50- to 60-inch lawn mower snow blower attachment will usually fit the bill. These require a bigger tractor, but they will require fewer passes to clear wider areas than a smaller model.
For parking lots and long driveways, a 60-inch or larger lawn mower snow blower combination is almost a necessity. Rather than making four passes up and down a long driveway, a snow blower with a wider clearing capacity may do it in two, potentially taking half the amount of time. These machines require large tractors with 25 to 50 hp, however.
Additional Features
There are some additional features that may make one lawn mower snow blower combo more attractive than others. Most of these features are about convenience, which can be a big deal on a cold day.
First, look for models with one-handed or electric lift systems that allow the user to raise and lower the machine from the seat. In addition, being able to adjust the angle of the discharge chute from the seat of the tractor is a big deal. It’s also worth looking for models with adjustable skid shoes and replaceable wear plates that allow the snow blower to ride along the ground without damaging the unit itself.
The Advantages of Owning a Lawn Mower Snow Blower Combo
Even with a traditional snow blower, removing snow from a long driveway can be an arduous task. Using a lawn mower snow blower attachment allows the user to sit down and steer the machine, which is much less work than pushing the snow blower down the driveway.
Lawn mower snow blower combos are able to remove more snow than standard snow blowers. By using the tractor’s more powerful mower, the snow blower won’t bog down as easily, allowing it to handle heavier snow accumulations. Some models can handle more than 20 inches at a time.
Lawn mower snow blower combos are more versatile than traditional snow blowers or snow plows. They’re able to go places snow plows cannot, such as walkways and sidewalks, but they have much more power and they’re easier to use than traditional snow blowers.
- They’re easier to use than traditional snow blowers.
- Lawn mower snow blowers can clear more snow than traditional snow blowers.
- Lawn mower snow blower combos are more versatile than plows or snow blowers alone.
FAQs
Even with that extensive background on lawn mower snow blower combos, there still may be some lingering questions. The following section aims to answer those questions, as it’s a collection of some of the frequently asked questions about garden tractors with snow blowers.
Q. Is there such a thing as a riding snow blower?
There are riding snow blowers, but these are actually just large snow blower attachments installed on compact tractors. The snow blower attachment can be removed and replaced with other attachments.
Q. Do lawn mower snow blowers work?
They do work. Unlike electric snow blowers, which use batteries or outlet power, or traditional snow blowers that have their own gas engines, lawn mower snow blowers run off the tractor’s engine. By removing the mower deck and replacing it with a snow blower attachment, the snow blower draws power from the tractor or lawn mower’s engine to operate the auger.
In some cases, the snow blower may attach to a PTO (power take-off). Regardless of the method, they turn tractors and mowers into sit-down snow blowers.
Q. Is it possible to make a snow blower from an existing lawn mower?
Yes. Some lawn mower snow blower combo models are universal, allowing them to attach to existing lawn mowers. Otherwise, simply search for a snow blower that fits your model number.
Q. Can a snow blower be attached to a zero-turn mower?
There are snow blower attachments for some zero-turn mowers, but it’s important to check that it’s compatible with the mower.
Q. What is a two-stage snow blower?
A two-stage snow blower features augers to scoop snow and an impeller in the chute to throw snow and ice further than a single-stage snow blower.
