When it comes to buying a snowblower, timing is everything. Purchasing a snowblower at the right time of year can help you get the best price and avoid shortages during peak demand. So when is the optimal time to buy a snowblower? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of buying a snowblower in different months to help you decide when to shop.
Page Contents
- 1 January
- 2 February
- 3 March
- 4 April
- 5 May
- 6 June
- 7 July
- 8 August
- 9 September
- 10 October
- 11 November
- 12 December
- 13 In Conclusion…
- 14 What features should I look for in a new snowblower?
- 15 How much snow can a snowblower handle?
- 16 Do I need a single-stage or two-stage snowblower?
- 17 How much does a snowblower cost?
- 18 Should I buy a used snowblower?
- 19 Where can I find the best snowblower deals?
- 20 Conclusion
January
January sees heavy snowfall in many parts of the country, which creates high demand for snowblowers. Retailers know this and often raise prices in January to take advantage of desperate consumers who need a snowblower ASAP. While you may be able to find a good deal on remaining inventory from the previous winter, selection is usually limited this time of year. January is generally not an ideal time to buy unless you need a snowblower right away.
February
February isn’t much better for snowblower deals. In colder climates, it’s still peak snow season so retailers can still command full price. You may see some price drops on entry-level models as retailers try to clear out inventory before spring. But discounts aren’t too deep yet. Buying in February means paying more but still getting a full winter’s use out of your snowblower.
March
As spring nears and demand starts to drop, March offers better snowblower deals than January or February. Retailers are motivated to move remaining inventory off their shelves to free up space for spring merchandise. Look for discounts of 10-20% off original prices. Keep in mind that stock is limited to leftover models from the prior year.
April
April sees snowblower demand drop drastically in most regions, giving consumers some real negotiating leverage. Retailers offer deep discounts this month, averaging 20-30% off original prices. However, selection is quite limited at this point unless you’re looking at a high-inventory retailer such as a home improvement warehouse. Buying in April means getting a great deal on a snowblower you can store for next winter.
May
With winter long gone in most areas, snowblower discounts deepen in May as retailers heavily discount remaining inventory. Discounts typically range from 30-50% off original retail prices. Selection is heavily picked over, making it tough to find a specific model you may want. But if you aren’t too choosy and don’t need the snowblower until next winter, May offers outstanding savings.
June
June offers the best snowblower deals of the year. Retailers are eager to clear out any remaining winter merchandise to free up room for summer inventory. Look for discounts up to 50-60% off original retail prices. The main downside of buying in June is that you’ll have very limited selection to choose from at this point. If you aren’t picky and just want a low-cost snowblower, June is your best bet.
July
July sees most retailers fully transition their inventories over to summer merchandise. Very few snowblowers remain on shelves. However, you can sometimes find leftover stock being cleared out at 60-70% off original prices or more. Discounts may be deeper than June but with even fewer models to choose from. Buying in July could net you an incredible bargain if you find a hidden gem still lingering on clearance.
August
Snowblowers go into true off-season mode in August as retailers prep for fall and holiday merchandise. You likely won’t find any snowblowers left at regular retailers and dealers. Your only options are hunting for old stock at wholesalers, liquidators, and auction sites. Expect to pay 70% or more below list prices. But the extreme lack of selection means you’ll have to compromise on features and specs.
September
As temperatures start to cool in September, retailers begin stocking the new year’s snowblower models. This is the first chance to see and compare the latest features and technologies. Limited-time preseason sales may offer modest discounts off new models to entice early buyers. If you want one of the new snowblowers on the market for next winter, September is a good time to start shopping.
October
More preseason snowblower sales take place in October as retailers heavily market to consumers planning ahead for winter. Discounts may range from 10-20% off on new models. Retailers are still trying to move leftover old models at even steeper discounts. Overall selection is decent and pricing is attractive on both new and old snowblowers.
November
November continues preseason snowblower sales but discounts start to taper off as winter nears. Expect to see deals around 10% off on new models. Old model closeouts offer better discounts but dwindling inventory. Selection of makes and models is still relatively robust in November before the holiday shopping rush depletes shelves.
December
December wraps up the preseason sales as retailers make a final push on snowblower inventory before heavy winter demand arrives. But discounts are minimal at this point, often 5% or less. Retailers know customers will pay full price soon and hold the line on markdowns. Get your snowblower in December to be fully prepped for winter.
In Conclusion…
When is the best month to buy a snowblower? Here’s a quick recap of the pros and cons by month:
| Month | Price | Availability | Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | High | Low | Not ideal – pay more for less |
| February | High | Low | Full price but get full winter use |
| March | Moderate discounts | Limited models | Discounts start |
| April | Good discounts | Very limited models | Big savings but low selection |
| May | Deep discounts | Sellouts likely | Great deals if model available |
| June | Deepest discounts | Hard to find models | Huge savings but nearly sold out |
| July | Ultra-deep discounts on remaining units | Good luck finding one! | Cheapest prices but almost zero inventory |
| August | Rock bottom prices on stray units | None | Don’t expect to find any in stock |
| September | Modest discounts on new models | Solid inventory | First chance at new models |
| October | Bigger discounts on new and leftover models | Good selection | Aggressive preseason sales |
| November | Minimal new model discounts but closeouts on old models | Inventory still decent | Best chance for closeout deals |
| December | No discounts on new models | Starting to sell out | Last call before heavy winter demand |
As you can see, the best snowblower deals happen in the spring and summer months from April through August. However, selection is extremely limited as retailers sell out of prior year models. If you want the widest choice of the newest snowblower models, aim to shop September through December.
To get both a good deal and decent selection, your best bet is to shop in October or November. This gives you an opportunity to purchase either at a discount on closeout inventory, or minimized markdowns on new season models. Avoid buying in January or February unless you have an urgent need.
What features should I look for in a new snowblower?
When shopping for a new snowblower, there are several key features to evaluate:
Snow clearing width –
The wider the snowblower’s clearing width, the more snow it can handle in a single pass. Look for at least a 24-inch width for large driveways and areas.
Engine power –
Gas snowblower engines are measured in horsepower (HP) and 3-4 HP is sufficient for small jobs while 5+ HP works best for big snowfalls. Electric snowblowers use 12-15 amp motors typically.
Electric start –
Electric start buttons provide quick and easy startups versus pull-starting a gas engine manually. This is a huge convenience during cold winters.
Heated hand grips –
Heated handles circulate warm air or fluid to keep your hands from freezing when operating the snowblower.
LED headlights –
LED headlights illuminate your clearing path for safe use in dark winter conditions. Make sure they are bright enough for night use.
Steel auger –
A steel auger blade is very rugged and durable compared to plastic and great for chopping into hardened snow and ice accumulations.
Self-propel drive –
Self-propel negates the need to physically push the snowblower. Forward traction assists move it along as you guide it.
Remote chute control –
Remotely control the chute direction from the handlebars to easily redirect the snow stream while you clear snow.
Tire type –
Deep snow tread tires provide the best traction while softer inflatable tires work well on pavement and gravel.
Electric vs. gas –
Electric snowblowers are easier to use and maintain but gas models have more power and don’t have a cord. Choose based on your needs.
Brand reputation –
Stick with proven brands like Toro, Ariens, Briggs & Stratton, Husqvarna, etc. for the highest reliability and performance.
How much snow can a snowblower handle?
Snowblowers are rated by how much snow they can theoretically clear per hour when operating at full speed in ideal conditions. Here are typical rates by size:
| Snowblower Size | Snow Clearing Rate Per Hour |
|---|---|
| Light-duty | 350-650 pounds per hour |
| Medium-duty | 650-1,000 pounds per hour |
| Heavy-duty | 800-1,200+ pounds per hour |
So if you get 18 inches of dense, wet snow, a medium-duty snowblower may take 2-3 hours to clear it from your driveway. Heavier machines work faster but are more expensive. Make sure to size up if clearing large areas.
Do I need a single-stage or two-stage snowblower?
Snowblowers come in single-stage and two-stage designs:
- Single-stage – Combines intake and discharge in one auger housing. Best for smaller areas and lighter snows. More compact and affordable.
- Two-stage – Separate intake auger and discharge impeller. For bigger snowfalls and areas. More powerful but pricier.
Choose a single-stage model for driveways, walkways, and small yards. Go two-stage if tackling large driveways, long sidewalks, and big yards with deeper snow accumulations.
How much does a snowblower cost?
Snowblower prices can range quite a bit depending on size, features, and quality. Here are some typical price ranges for new snowblowers:
| Type | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|
| Compact electric | $100 – $300 |
| Gas push single-stage | $300 – $600 |
| Electric two-stage | $400 – $1,000 |
| Gas self-propel single-stage | $600 – $1,000 |
| Medium-duty two-stage | $800 – $1,500 |
| Heavy-duty two-stage | $1,200 – $3,000 |
| Professional grade | $2,000 – $4,000+ |
As you can see, you can spend anywhere from a couple hundred bucks to several thousand on a snowblower. Set your budget then look for the largest, most powerful model you can find in that price range.
Should I buy a used snowblower?
Buying a used snowblower can save you significant money over a new model. However, there are risks to weigh:
- Hard to assess condition, wear and maintenance history
- May only have a short lifespan left
- No warranty protection
- May need repairs and replacements
- Less features than new models
If buying used, have a mechanic inspect it first if possible. Test operation carefully watching for issues. Ask seller detailed questions about usage, age, repairs, etc. Offer 25-50% less than retail price of a comparable new model.
Where can I find the best snowblower deals?
Here are some of the top places to find good snowblower deals:
- Big box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes
- Walmart and other discount retailers
- Outdoor equipment dealers
- Hardware stores
- Tractor and farm supply retailers
- Manufacturer and retailer websites
- Craigslist and Facebook Marketplace
- Auctions and liquidations
Compare selection and pricing between local stores and online retailers. Sign up for retailer email lists to receive promotions and sale notices. Avoid paying full price by shopping at the right time as noted above.
Conclusion
Finding the best snowblower at the lowest price takes some strategic timing and savvy shopping. While you can certainly score deals on snowblowers any time of year with a little effort, you’ll maximize value by focusing your search during the optimal fall and early winter months. Use the guidance above to decide what type of snowblower matches your needs and budget. Time it right and you can take the sting out of that first big winter storm!