The Best Snow Blower for Gravel Driveways Doesn’t Have Wheels

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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
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2. RUNNER-UP: Toro Power Max HD 828 OAE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
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3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: PowerSmart DB7109 24″ Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower
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4. UPGRADE PICK: Ego Power+ SNT2405 24″ Two-Stage Snow Blower
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5. BEST FOR LONG DRIVEWAYS: Toro Power Max 824 OE Gas Snow Blower
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6. BEST ELECTRIC: Toro Power Max e24 60V Snow Blower
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7. BEST FOR SMALL DRIVEWAYS: Ryobi 40V 22″ Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower
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8. ALSO CONSIDER: Husqvarna ST 224 Snow Blower
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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. 

Snow Blowers for Gravel Driveways Comparison Chart

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. 

Best Overall

Troy-Bilt Storm Tracker 2890 Snow Blower

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What We Like

• Track-style drive provides excellent loose-surface traction
• Adjustable blade height offers plenty of clearance
• Cuts a broad 28-inch-wide swath of snow with each pass
• Trigger-controlled power steering makes changing directions easy

What We Don’t Like

• A bit pricey since it’s a snow blower with tracks

Specs

• Power source Gas
• Clearing width 28 inches
• Max depth 12 inches

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 The Home Depot,Walmart,Northern Tool + Equipment, or Troy-Bilt.

Runner-Up

Toro Power Max HD 828 OAE Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

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What We Like

• 28-inch width makes quick work of clearing
• Joystick control enables easy chute adjustments
• 16-inch tires are large enough for deep snow

What We Don’t Like

• Skids require manual adjustment

Specs

• Power source Gas
• Clearing width 28 inches
• Max depth 21 inches

With its joystick-like controls, wide coverage, and ability to handle deep snowfall, Toro’s Power Max HD 828 is well suited to areas that spend much of the winter covered in snow. The large intake sits above the ground, making it ideal for gravel surfaces. It covers a broad 28-inch swath with each pass and can remove snow up to 21 inches deep and throw it up to 45 feet.

The model also comes equipped with Quick Stick, a joystick control with power steering that allows for easy one-handed turning, and its knobby 16-inch tires provide ample traction in slick conditions. Its anti-clogging system manages snow intake to prevent delays, and an LED headlight brightens dark paths for nighttime snow-blowing. It also has solid skids to adjust blade height above the ground.

During testing, this model performed exceptionally well. In addition to its powerful motor and drive system, the tires offered great traction. We especially appreciated the joystick controls, which made moving the chute throw direction and angle a breeze. 

What our tester says: “The Toro came in a very close second, and only because it was pitted against a track system with height adjustment control. Otherwise, it’s an absolute beast that can charge through the biggest storms.”—Zach Lazzari, Product Reviews tester and writer 

Get the Toro 828 OAE snow blower for gravel driveways at Tractor Supply Co., Acme Tools, or Toro. 

Best Bang For The Buck

PowerSmart DB7109 24" Two-Stage Gas Snow Blower

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What We Like

• Very affordable price relative to similar models
• Chute allows for clearing snow at almost any angle
• Push-button electric start, anti-clogging system, and self-propelled design

What We Don’t Like

• Less capable on steep inclines and icy surfaces

Specs

• Power source Gas
• Clearing width 24 inches
• Max depth 20 inches

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 Amazon, Walmart, or PowerSmart.

Upgrade Pick

Ego Power+ SNT2405 24" Two-Stage Snow Blower

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What We Like

• Powerful yet quiet enough to prevent disturbing the neighbors
• Throws snow up to 50 feet
• Clearly labeled, sturdy controls make it easy to use

What We Don’t Like

• Can stall if overloaded too quickly with heavy snow

Specs

• Power source Two 56-volt (V) batteries
• Clearing width 24 inches
• Max depth 20 inches

Battery-powered blowers are starting to dominate the single-stage market, and the trend is extending to the two-stage category with options like this Ego Power+ model. Whether snow piles up on the sidewalk, patio, or even a gravel driveway, this two-stage battery-powered snow blower can push through it all, holding its own against gas models. 

We really enjoyed using this rechargeable snow blower and absolutely loved how quiet it was: no fumes or rumbling engines, and it always started without resistance. Better still, we found the controls intuitive and appreciated the heated grips. The headlight is fantastic, and the self-propelled power drive and grippy tires tracked well on loose surfaces. But it doesn’t end there—we were also impressed with its ability to scoop and blow snow up to 50 feet as well as its adjustable skids, all-steel auger, and generous 24-inch clearing width. 

Get the Ego snow blower for gravel driveways at Lowe’s, Ace Hardware, Walmart, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Best For Long Driveways

Toro Power Max 824 OE Gas Snow Blower

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What We Like

• Joystick offers perfect chute direction and angle controls
• Speed options help cover more ground with less effort
• Durable steel auger is great for gravel environments

What We Don’t Like

• Smaller width may not be right for larger properties

Specs

• Power source Gas
• Clearing width 24 inches
• Max depth 20 inches

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 Tractor Supply Co., Ace Hardware, or Toro.

Best Electric

Toro Power Max e24 60V Snow Blower

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What We Like

• Performance and features modeled off gas version
• Auger doesn’t use shear pins, minimizing potential for damage
• Third battery option significantly extends runtime

What We Don’t Like

• Each battery requires 3 hours to charge

Specs

• Power source Two 60V batteries
• Clearing width 24 inches
• Max depth 20 inches

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 Tractor Supply Co.,Acme Tools, or Toro.

Best for Small Driveways

Ryobi 40V 22" Two-Stage Cordless Snow Blower

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What We Like

• Cuts a reasonably wide path and changes direction easily
• Plenty of power for moving through deep snow
• Controls and drive system work great on gravel

What We Don’t Like

• Batteries only run for 30 minutes

Specs

• Power source Two 40V batteries
• Clearing width 22 inches
• Max depth 18 inches

Gravel driveways come in several shapes and sizes, and they don’t all call for an especially large snow blower. The Ryobi two-stage brushless snow blower has a steel auger, a speedy self-propelled drive system, and skids for raising the blade over gravel. With its 22-inch-wide cutting path, it’s smaller but more than sufficient for clearing the average driveway. 

To be honest, the Ryobi was a big surprise in our tests. It had a ton of power, tires with great traction, and impressive overall performance. Its ease of use and ability to turn and pivot to clear tighter spaces were excellent. The only limiting factor is the limited battery life, which may not be enough for large jobs or heavy snow. We only got about 30 minutes of runtime when precipitation was on the wet side, but the battery definitely lasted longer than that in light snow.

Get the Ryobi snow blower for gravel driveways at The Home Depot.

Also Consider

Husqvarna ST 224 Snow Blower

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What We Like

• Durable steel auger and design that is built to last
• Powerful engine for pushing hard and climbing hills
• 6 drive speeds and reverse for easy use

What We Don’t Like

• Must manually adjust skids to raise blade height

Specs

• Power source Gas
• Clearing width 24 inches
• Max depth 23 inches

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 Amazon, Tractor Supply Co., Walmart, or Northern Tool + Equipment.

Jump to Our Top Picks

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.

What to Consider When Choosing a Snow Blower for Gravel Driveways 

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.

Q. What is the best way to remove snow from a gravel driveway?

The best way to remove snow from a gravel driveway is to adjust the snow blower’s skid shoes to elevate its intake above the ground. This will prevent the machine from picking up and throwing gravel. If you don’t have a snow blower for your gravel driveway yet, check out our guide on clever hacks for how to shovel show. 

Q. What kind of snow blower can I use on gravel?

The best kind of snow blower to use on gravel is a two-stage model. The auger on a single-stage snow blower makes contact with the ground, so it will pick up gravel and throw it. A two-stage or three-stage snow blower has an intake that is elevated above the ground, allowing it to pick up snow without disturbing the gravel beneath it. Three-stage models work similarly, but they are heavy-duty options generally used by professionals.

Q. How long do snow blowers last?

They can last 10 years or many more if properly cared for. Snow blower maintenance includes changing the oil (for gas-powered models); lubricating the axle and augers; and periodically checking the shear pins, skid shoes, and belts for wear. Electric snow blowers require battery replacement about every 3 years if used regularly or up to 6 years if used intermittently. 

Q. What is the best time of year to buy a snow blower?

The best time to get a good price on a snow blower is in either May or June, when manufacturers are introducing new models and demand for these winter-weather machines is low. If you need to buy outside this period, our guide on the best cheap snow blowers offers some excellent options. 

Q. How do I stop my snowblower from scratching my driveway?

We asked Thomas Vanneli, founder and CEO of Minneapolis, Minnesota’s Tomms Property Solutions, for advice on this problem. He said, “To avoid scratching concrete, rubber or polymer skid shoes should be installed. Skid shoes stop the metal from coming into contact with the concrete, which will protect it from dings and scratches.” You can also prevent damage to concrete surfaces by adjusting the skid shoes so the intake sits about an inch off the ground. 

Q. How much does a snow blower for gravel driveways cost?

The snow blowers for gravel driveways we recommend in this guide cost between $600 and $1,900. 

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. 

 

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