Shoveling snow is a tough job that nobody likes doing. Unfortunately, for those who live in cold-weather climates, it’s inescapable. Driveways and paths on your property are going to need to be cleared of snow. If you have the right tool for the job, you need not break your back while shoveling. You won’t have to stay out in the cold, wet weather as long either. The right snow blower can make all of the difference. We will be looking at the different types of snow blower to help you decide which one is right for you. We will then review the Troy-Bilt Squall 2100 Snow Thrower.
Different Types of Snow Blowers
Snow blowers could be divided into two major categories with three further divisions. The two categories are electric powered and gas powered. The Troy-Bilt Squall 2100 Snow Thrower that we are reviewing is a gas-powered blower. This means you won’t need to have it plugged into an outlet. There are no limits to where you can use it, making it great for larger properties. This type of snow blower is also more powerful than an electric model.
The three major divisions after this are single, two and three-stage models. One-stage models are your basic snow blower that should meet the needs of most homeowners. They scoop up the snow and blow it out of a chute in one motion. A two-stage model will add a second step, first scooping the snow into a metal auger before blowing it out of the chute. Finally, three-stage machines add a step where the snow is chopped up before being ejected. The Troy-Bilt Squall 2100 Snow Thrower is a single-stage model that keeps things simple.
Snow Blower Features
In addition to how many stages the model has and how it’s powered, there are some other features to look out for when choosing a snow blower. Models either have an electric starter or a recoil starter. Electric, push-button starters are not essential but they do make things easier. When it comes to gas-powered snow blowers, pay attention to the engine size. A higher CC rating means it’s more powerful and will work to remove snow faster. The intake height will help you decide of the model can handle the terrain you need to use it on. The path width number tells you the size area your machine will clear with one pass.
There are other non-essential but handy features to be aware of too. Multiple speeds, powered steering and self-propelled models can all make your life easier. Heated handlebars can make the job more bearable. One-hand operation and remote-controlled chutes make things easier as well. You may need to clear a path to your car early in the morning to get to work on time. If this is the case, a headlight can certainly come in handy to help you see better. The size and quality of the tires is another thing to take note of when comparing different models.
Troy-Bilt Squall 2100 Snow Review
The full name of this model is the Troy-Bilt Squall 2100 208cc Single-Stage Gas Snow Thrower. That’s quite a mouthful, but it also conveys a ton of information about this model. It’s a gasoline-powered model and a single-stage blower. The engine is a powerful 208cc model. This model can clear snow up to 13″ high. It clears a path that is 21″ wide in one pass. This is a high-quality snow blower that is built like a tank. It should hold up to many years of use. The nice thing about this model is that it comes in at a very affordable price too. This makes it an excellent value purchase.
The 208cc is a 4-Cycle OHV type engine. This engine style negates any need to mix oil with gasoline for your fuel as some other models require. A 120-volt electric starter removes the need to use an awkward pull-cord starter. Getting the machine going is a simple task. This model may be a single-stage blower but it does come equipped with drift cutters. This makes it possible to cut through and clear out taller snow banks during the harshest winter weather. The auger and impeller are both 9″ wide and the chute opening is 6″. It does a great job of churning through snow without ever getting clogged up.
The chute is made of a rugged plastic material. The auger is constructed of welded steel. It grips the ground as you work to provide maximum ground clearance. The tires are a plastic-wheel type, but they are robust and covered with heavy treads. They should get the job done. Chute rotation can be achieved remotely via a simple lever which makes your job easier. The chute can be rotated up to 190 degrees to make sure you blow the snow in the right direction. Using this blower is simple and comfortable. This is in part thanks to a folding gull-wing handle. This design even allows for one-handed use.
Final Thoughts
The Troy-Bilt Squall 2100 Snow Thrower is a solidly built machine with a very affordable price. If you need a basic snow blower for a small or medium-sized property, this model is a great choice. Best of all, it won’t break the bank. This snow blower represents excellent value in its price range. The quality is great and the motor is powerful and efficient. This machine is easy to use, making it a fine choice for first-time owners as well. Troy-bilt also offers a nice two-year warranty. This snow blower comes highly recommended to anyone who wants to make life a bit easier during the winter.
If you’re interested in reading more Troy-Bilt snow blower reviews, make sure to visit our dedicated page.
