The Cost of a Good Snow Blower: Budget-Friendly Options to High-End Models

The cost of a good snow blower can vary widely depending on its features, size, brand, and other factors.

When considering the purchase of a snow blower, it's important to understand the range of options available and how to factor in ongoing maintenance costs. This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.

Price Ranges for Snow Blowers

In general, you can expect to spend anywhere from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars on a quality snow blower. The cost will significantly depend on the type and features of the snow blower:

Small Single-Stage Snow Blowers: For clearing light snow from sidewalks and small driveways, options in this category can start around $300-500.
Larger Two-Stage Snow Blowers: These can handle heavier snowfall and larger areas, with prices ranging from $500 to $1,500 or more.
High-End Snow Blowers: For those needing advanced features such as heated hand grips, power steering, and LED headlights, these can cost upwards of $2,000 or more.

It's important to factor in the cost of maintenance, such as fuel, oil changes, and replacement parts over time. Investing in a snow blower cover and proper storage can also help extend the life of your machine.

A Case Study: A Kubota Lawn Tractor with Snow Blower Attachment

A decent small snow blower can cost around $800. If you opt for more advanced features like heated grips or an electric chute, you may pay more.

However, a high-end option like a Kubota lawn tractor with snow blower attachments can come with a much higher initial investment. About 20 years ago, I purchased a BX 1800 series Kubota lawn tractor for approximately $11,000.

This lawn tractor is a diesel 20 HP engine and has proven to be durable and reliable. Initially, the maintenance requirements were minimal. Over time, I have had to replace the mower deck once due to damage from a large rock, and the hydraulic hoses for the snow blower after about 15 years.

The snow blower drive chain has needed regular lubrication with chain oil and the shear pins for the auger frequently break. While the cost of a new tractor today would be much higher, the reliability and versatility of this machine make it a worthwhile investment for me.

Key features of this lawn tractor include:

Strength and Quiet Operation: Despite the diesel engine, the tractor starts easily and uses little fuel. It has no spark plugs or carburetor to need service. Minimal Maintenance: The cost of fuel filters has been needed only once in 20 years, with about 500 hours of use. Outdoors Protection: I store the tractor outside, so the paint has faded, and the seat cover has worn out from sun and weather. Convenience and Durable Design: The tractor can mow two or three acres of grass in the summer and blow snow in the winter. However, changing from snow blower to mower and back is challenging, and the winter chains I installed fit poorly and were expensive, leading to significant modifications to improve performance.

Overall, while the initial cost of a high-end snow blower or lawn tractor may seem steep, the long-term benefits of durability, reliability, and ease of use can make it a worthy investment.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The cost of a good snow blower will depend on your specific needs and budget, but there are plenty of options available to fit a range of price points. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly solution or a high-end model, it's essential to weigh the costs of initial purchase and ongoing maintenance.

Ultimately, the right snow blower for you will depend on your specific requirements, such as the size of the area you need to clear, the type of snow you typically face, and how much time and effort you're willing to put into maintenance. By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision and choose the best snow blower to suit your needs.