Does the thought of another winter storm make your back ache already? You look out at the deep drifts, and a familiar dread sets in. Shoveling heavy snow is tough work. Even standard wheeled snowblowers sometimes spin out on slick ice or deep powder, leaving you stuck and frustrated.
Choosing the right track snowblower is a big decision. These machines promise serious power, but the features—like engine size, clearing width, and chute control—can quickly become confusing. You want a machine that grips the driveway and throws snow far, not one that struggles halfway through the job. Getting it wrong means wasting money and still wrestling with snow.
This guide cuts through the noise. We break down exactly what makes a track snowblower effective. You will learn the key specs to look for, helping you match the machine to your specific driveway size and snow challenges. Prepare to choose your new winter workhorse with confidence!
Top Track Snowblower Recommendations
- Powerful, Electric Start Honda GX Engine: This Honda snow blower uses a commercial grade GX270 OHV engine for plenty of power to churn through snow; Starting is easy, even in cold weather, with automotive-style DC electric key start
- Exceptional Snow Thrower: With a throwing distance of up to 52 feet, this gas snow blower features a 28-inch clearing width and 21.7 inch clearing height; This Honda snowblower clears up to 1900 pounds of snow per minute
- Dual Track Drive: This gas powered snow blower features pliable, low temperature rubber tracks with sure-gripping cleats for superior traction and ideal balance on inclines, rough or uneven ground, and icy conditions
- Self-Propelled, Hydrostatic Drive: This snow blower's hydrostatic transmission lets you move the lever forward or backward to go in the direction you want, at the speed you want; No shifting, and the ground speed doesn't affect the auger rotation speed
- Auger Height Control: The auger height control lever allows you to easily adjust auger housing height with just the press of a thumb; Variable positions let you choose the best height for different surface conditions
- Powerful, Electric Start Honda GX Engine: This Honda snow blower uses a commercial grade GX390 OHV engine for plenty of power to churn through snow; Starting is easy, even in cold weather, with automotive-style DC electric key start
- Exceptional Snow Thrower: With a throwing distance of up to 56 feet, this gas snow blower features a 31.9-inch clearing width and 21.7 inch clearing height; This Honda snowblower clears up to 2750 pounds of snow per minute
- Dual Track Drive: This gas powered snow blower features pliable, low temperature rubber tracks with sure-gripping cleats for superior traction and ideal balance on inclines, rough or uneven ground, and icy conditions
- Self-Propelled, Hydrostatic Drive: This snow blower's hydrostatic transmission lets you move the lever forward or backward to go in the direction you want, at the speed you want; No shifting, and the ground speed doesn't affect the auger rotation speed
- Auger Height Control: The auger height control lever allows you to easily adjust auger housing height with just the press of a thumb; Variable positions let you choose the best height for different surface conditions
- Powerful, Easy-to-Start Honda GX Engine: This Honda snow blower uses a commercial grade GX270 OHV engine for plenty of power to churn through snow; Starting is easy, even in cold weather, with a standard recoil pull-start
- Exceptional Snow Thrower: With a throwing distance of up to 52 feet, this gas snow blower features a 28-inch clearing width and 21.7 inch clearing height; This Honda snowblower clears up to 1900 pounds of snow per minute
- Dual Track Drive: This gas powered snow blower features pliable, low temperature rubber tracks with sure-gripping cleats for superior traction and ideal balance on inclines, rough or uneven ground, and icy conditions
- Self-Propelled, Hydrostatic Drive: This snow blower's hydrostatic transmission lets you move the lever forward or backward to go in the direction you want, at the speed you want; No shifting, and the ground speed doesn't affect the auger rotation speed
- Auger Height Control: The auger height control lever allows you to easily adjust auger housing height with just the press of a thumb; Variable positions let you choose the best height for different surface conditions
- Powerful, Easy-to-Start Honda GX Engine: This Honda snow blower uses a commercial grade GX270 OHV engine for plenty of power to churn through snow; Starting is easy, even in cold weather, with a standard recoil pull-start
- Exceptional Snow Thrower: With a throwing distance of up to 52 feet, this gas snow blower features a 28-inch clearing width and 21.7 inch clearing height; This Honda snowblower clears up to 1900 pounds of snow per minute
- Dual Track Drive: This gas powered snow blower features pliable, low temperature rubber tracks with sure-gripping cleats for superior traction and ideal balance on inclines, rough or uneven ground, and icy conditions
- Self-Propelled, Hydrostatic Drive: This snow blower's hydrostatic transmission lets you move the lever forward or backward to go in the direction you want, at the speed you want; No shifting, and the ground speed doesn't affect the auger rotation speed
- Auger Height Control: The auger height control lever allows you to easily adjust auger housing height with just the press of a thumb; Variable positions let you choose the best height for different surface conditions
- Powerful, Electric Start Honda GX Engine: This Honda snow blower uses a commercial grade GX390 OHV engine for plenty of power to churn through snow; Starting is easy, even in cold weather, with automotive-style DC electric key start
- Exceptional Snow Thrower: With a throwing distance of up to 56 feet, this gas snow blower features a 31.9-inch clearing width and 21.7 inch clearing height; This Honda snowblower clears up to 2750 pounds of snow per minute
- Dual Track Drive: This gas powered snow blower features pliable, low temperature rubber tracks with sure-gripping cleats for superior traction and ideal balance on inclines, rough or uneven ground, and icy conditions
- Self-Propelled, Hydrostatic Drive: This snow blower's hydrostatic transmission lets you move the lever forward or backward to go in the direction you want, at the speed you want; No shifting, and the ground speed doesn't affect the auger rotation speed
- Auger Height Control: The auger height control lever allows you to easily adjust auger housing height with just the press of a thumb; Variable positions let you choose the best height for different surface conditions
- THROWS SNOW UP TO 60 FEET – Peak Power technology combines the power of any two EGO ARC Lithium batteries to clear heavy, wet snow and throws it up to 60 feet away without the noise, mess, or fumes of a gas snow blower
- 28-INCH CLEARING WIDTH AND 21-INCH INTAKE HEIGHT – This electric snow blower can handle the worst winter can unleash while its variable speed steel auger breaks up heavy snow and ice; 16- x 5-inch snow tires deliver added traction
- CLEARS UP TO A 32-CAR DRIVEWAY – Clear up to a 32-car driveway with 8 inches of snow on a single charge with two recommended 12.0Ah ARC Lithium batteries (available separately); compatible with all EGO 56V ARC Lithium batteries
- SELF-PROPELLED WITH TRIGGER-CONTROLLED STEERING – This variable speed self-propelled EGO snow blower features trigger-controlled steering that assists turning for better control
- 2-IN-1 ELECTRONIC CHUTE ADJUSTMENT – Joystick delivers effortless control of 200-degree chute rotation and deflection while heated handle grips keep your hands warm in the coldest, snowiest conditions
- IDEAL FOR ANY AREA: Our WSnow22 electric snow thrower has a rubber-tipped steel auger that’s perfect for safe, easy and quick snow removal from driveways, sidewalks, walkways, porches and decks
- PLUG IN, POWER UP: The 120V 15A corded electric motor powerfully throws 840 pounds of snow per minute, clearing a 22-inch wide, 13-inch deep path in every pass, making short work of a long driveway
- EASY & EFFECTIVE: Light weight and easily maneuverable, yet powerful enough to throw snow; 7-inch snow grabbing wheels; soft grip handle; 180 degree adjustable snow thrower chute
- BRIGHT IDEA: Our corded snow thrower has dual LED headlights for winter nights
- PERFORMANCE & PEACE OF MIND: All Westinghouse snow blowers are functionally tested in the factory and have a 2-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support, backed by our nationwide Westinghouse Service Network
- Wide Snow Clearing Path: Equipped with a powerful 15A, 2200W motor, this snow thrower easily tackles wet and heavy snow. It clear 23-inch-wide and 12-inch-deep path in one pass, saving you time and effort by reducing the need to go back and forth.
- 25FT Snow Throwing Distance: The electric snow blower throws snow up to 25 ft / 7.5 m away, offering an extended clearing radius to cover large areas with fewer adjustments.
- 180° Adjustable Chute: Our corded snow blower features a 180 ° rotating chute, allowing for easy control of snow discharge direction. Aim the snow exactly where you want for precise clearing.
- Dual Safety Switch: To start the winter snow blower, press the safety lock button before pulling the trigger—an added layer of safety to help avoid accidental activation, especially with winter gloves on.
- Dual LED Headlights: The walk-behind snow blower features two built-in LED lights that provide clear visibility for snow removal in low-light conditions. Perfect for sidewalks, driveways, patios, and multi-car parking areas
Your Essential Guide to Buying the Best Track Snowblower
Track snowblowers are tough machines. They use tracks instead of wheels. This gives them amazing grip. They are perfect for heavy snow and steep hills. This guide will help you choose the right one.
Key Features to Look For
Engine Power and Size
Look at the engine’s horsepower (HP). More HP means more power. For light snow, a smaller engine works. For deep, heavy, or wet snow, you need a big engine (usually 250cc or more). Good engines start easily, even when it’s very cold.
Clearing Width and Intake Height
Clearing width tells you how wide a path the machine clears in one pass. A wider path means you finish faster. Intake height shows how deep the snow can be. If you get huge snowfalls, choose a higher intake.
Throwing Distance
This is how far the snowblower throws the snow. A good machine throws snow 40 feet or more. This keeps snow away from your driveway. Check the chute controls. Remote chute control lets you adjust where the snow goes without stopping.
Drive System and Speeds
Track systems need good controls. Look for multiple forward and reverse speeds. More speeds give you better control. You can go slow for icy patches or fast for light snow.
Important Materials and Build Quality
Auger and Impeller Construction
The auger chews up the snow. The impeller throws it out. These parts must be strong. Heavy-duty steel construction is best. Plastic parts break easily under stress. A shear pin protects the engine if the auger hits a large rock. Make sure the machine has good shear pins.
Housing Durability
The main body (housing) protects the engine. Thick, coated metal housing resists rust. Rust weakens the machine quickly. Check the chute material too. Aluminum chutes are lighter but sometimes less durable than steel ones.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality Improvements
Heated hand grips are a huge plus on cold mornings. Electric start makes starting simple. Headlights help you see early morning or late evening snow. Good quality machines have easy-to-reach controls.
Quality Reducers
Cheap bearings wear out fast. If the machine uses low-quality plastic for critical parts, its lifespan shortens. A complicated starting procedure reduces the user experience. Poorly balanced machines vibrate too much, which is tiring.
User Experience and Use Cases
Ease of Maneuverability
Tracks offer great traction, but they can be heavy. Test how easy it is to turn the machine. Some track systems have a “quick-turn” feature that helps with tight corners. You should feel in control, not like the machine controls you.
Ideal Use Cases
Track snowblowers shine in specific situations. They are perfect for long, steep driveways. They handle deep, heavy, wet snow much better than wheeled models. If you live where snow drifts pile up against your garage, a track blower handles that drifting power.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Track Snowblowers
Q: Are track snowblowers better than wheeled snowblowers?
A: Tracks provide superior traction, especially on ice or steep slopes. They are better for very heavy snow conditions.
Q: How much maintenance do track snowblowers need?
A: They need regular maintenance, like oil changes and spark plug checks. You also need to keep the tracks clean and check the tension.
Q: Do I need a track blower if I only get a few inches of snow?
A: Probably not. Wheeled blowers often work fine for light, fluffy snow. Track models are best for deep, heavy, or icy snow.
Q: How fast do track snowblowers move?
A: Most have multiple speeds, sometimes up to six forward gears. Speed depends on the model and the snow conditions you face.
Q: Are track snowblowers harder to steer?
A: They take more effort to turn than wheeled models because they are heavy. However, many modern models include steering levers to help you pivot easily.
Q: What is the typical lifespan of a good track snowblower?
A: With proper care and regular maintenance, a high-quality track snowblower can last 15 to 20 years or more.
Q: Should I buy an electric start model?
A: Yes. Electric start is highly recommended. It removes the struggle of pull-starting the engine when the temperature drops.
Q: Can tracks damage my paved driveway?
A: Generally, no. Tracks distribute the weight better than wheels, reducing ground pressure. However, always check the manufacturer’s recommendation for surface types.
Q: What is the most important safety feature?
A: The safety feature is the quick-stop mechanism. This immediately stops the auger and impeller if you let go of the controls.
Q: How do I store a track snowblower for the summer?
A: Clean it thoroughly, drain the fuel or use a fuel stabilizer, and store it in a dry place. Cover it to protect it from dust and moisture.