There are two basic types of snowblowers or snow throwers. They are the Single-Stage and the Two-Stage Snowblowers. John Deere Snowblowers make both types.

Single-Stage Snowblowers

Single-stage gas snowblowers have an auger assembly made from a metal and plastic or hard rubber. It spins at high speed to collect the snow, and sends it out of a discharge chute. Not propelled by engine-driven wheels, the auger propels it forward. The operator still has to guide the snow thrower. Single stage snowblowers are should only be used used on pavement or other smooth surfaces.

Single-stage blowers vary in clearing width from about 12″-22″.
Most models have directional chutes that can be aimed in the direction you want to blow or throw the snow. Most of these snow blowers all have wheels and can throw and blow snow 25′-35′. Used for residential use snow deptpts of 3″-5.”

Two-Stage Gas Snow blowers

The big difference from Single-stage gas and Two-Stage Gas blowers is the use of an impeller behind the snow collector. The impeller works like a pump. It gathers the snow from the auger and throws it from the chute at speed. Snow is movedgthrows a farther distance which allows the snowblower to work in more snow and bigger areas. They can clear an area width from 20″ to 36″ or more depending on the snowblower model.

The Two-Stage Gas models has engine-driven wheels or tracks. not like a Single-stage gas model, the auger does not make contact the road surface. The fron snowblower is on metal plates or skids which can be adjusted. This controls the height of the main auger which you replace when they become worn. Because of the the adjustable height, Two-Stage Gas John Deere snowblowers can be used on almost anywhere. The different models all uses multiple speeds, reverse. Some snowblowers allow the user to put power to each wheel which helps in turning in tight spots.
Almost all two-Stage Gas snowblowers are 4-stroke winterized engines made to run in very cold temperatures. Their starters are freeze-resistant and cooling systems are made for use in vey cold temperatures.

Two-Stage Gas snow throwers intended for residential users and professionals have many features. Heated handgrips, variable-speed transmissions, electric starters, headlights, utters for deeper snow. Snowblower and Snow thrower options are different models and manufacturers.