we're in a heatwave, but I'm starting to think about this.
we have a thirty five foot driveway that is part paved and part dirt. It was probably partially gravel, and there is some gravel still there, but most is gone. Can I get away with a single stage snow blower? I'm worried less about the size of the driveway than I am about the dirt part.

thanks for any info,

jeff

My single stage snow blower would probably not be good on gravel.  It uses rubber edge auger to move the snow and pull the machine where as a two stage snow blower will likely use separate drive wheels.  I have not used a two stage, but I would think it could be set to not dig into the gravel. 

Hi Jeff:

A single stage snowblower by design has to get as close as possible to the surface in order for the single auger to pick up and throw the snow. With a two stage, the horizontal augur does a better job of moving the snow into the funnel for the second stage impellor to pick up and throw the snow. You can also adjust the height of the augur so that you can limit the tendency to pick and throw the gravel. Obviously, the flatter the driveway, the lower the height you can set for the augur.

I too have a gravel driveway for the reason that I want to have the meltwater go into the ground rather than run off into the storm sewers. If I keep the augur height at the setting that works for the sidewalk, then the snow blower becomes a rock launcher. But with a two stage, I can set a compromise height that is reasonably good at clearing the sidewalk and safe for use on the gravel.