Winter is a beautiful season, but everyday life gets a little more challenging. Clearing away icy snow is hard enough, but if you want to run snow blowers on gravel driveways, it can quickly add to the inconveniences. While you can use many types of snow blowers on gravel, be diligent. Don’t inadvertently destroy it or send loose gravel flying all over your yard in your efforts to simply relocate a few inches of snow.

Challenges With Snow Blowing a Gravel Driveway

  • Potential for Gravel Displacement: Without exceptional control, a snow blower’s powerful engine and spinning auger can easily pick up gravel and dirt from the ground, tearing up your driveway’s previous smooth surface.
  • Depth of Snow: With deep snow, you may need to make multiple passes to avoid catching on stones, which can be time-consuming.
  • Slippery Conditions: If dealing with icy surfaces or compacted snow, it can be more difficult to navigate a heavy-duty snow blower without disturbing a gravel drive.
Woman operates a two-stage gas snow blower in a long driveway.
A two-stage snow blower dominates in heavy snow and ice. Credit: Emily Fazio
Person uses Toro's 60V Power Max e26 HA two-stage electric snow blower.
Toro's 60V Power Max e26 HA is a two-stage snow blower that includes two batteries and a charger. Credit: Toro

Should I use a gas or electric snow blower over gravel?

Gas-Powered Snow Blowers

  • Power and Performance: Gas models typically deliver a more powerful drive, making them ideal for heavy, dense snow on a dirt surface. A gas version is an excellent option where heavy snow accumulations are the norm.
  • Mobility: A gas engines heavier design yields a more reliable performance on deeper snow and uneven surfaces.
  • Durability: Generally built to withstand tougher conditions, gas-powered models are designed for consistent performance with heavy-duty work.

Electric Snow Blowers

  • Quiet Operation: Electric models are quieter than their gas counterparts if you want to appreciate the winter wonderland of it all as you work.
  • Less Maintenance: Electric blowers have intuitive controls, require less upkeep since you don’t need to worry about engine maintenance, gas, oil, or spark plugs. Corded models may require an extension cord while cordless snow blowers have you at the mercy of their battery life.
  • Lightweight: Electric models have the grips, but are typically lighter and easier to handle. This may be a benefit on steep inclines or a gravel driveway with light snow but overall they may not be the best choice for gravel driveways. Battery-powered models may deplete fast when dealing with substantial amounts of snow from the biggest storms.

Combination of Features to Consider When You Have a Gravel Driveway to Clear

  • Adjustable Skid Shoes: Look for models with adjustable skid shoes that allow you to set the height, and avoid digging into a hard-packed gravel road as you snow blow.
  • Auger Design: Choose a snow thrower with a durable steel auger design that can remove a layer of snow but keep the blade over gravel and prevent damage from the friction of stones. Adjust the auger speed at the belt to maximize efficiency with heavier snow.
  • Clearing Width: A standard two-stage snow blower can clear just a few more inches wide means fewer passes, saving you time and effort on wide driveways.
  • Discharge Chute Control: A high-capacity auger has plenty of power to send even wet snow flying. Remember that packed snow may have loose gravel stuck to the bottom layer. If using a blower on gravel driveways, make sure your chute throw direction is not toward any windows.
  • Model type: A two-stage model is a great choice for a gravel driveway because they are a manageable size to maneuver, can self-propel, and handle most heavy snowfall. A single-stage snow blower is generally more compact and great for lighter snowfall and may work well on an average driveway with gravel. A three-stage blower is likely to chew up broad swaths unless it’s being used on the deepest, most difficult snow.

Person uses a snow blower in his driveway.
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How to Clean Up Displaced Gravel in the Spring

  • Rake It Back: Use a landscaping rake to redistribute any gravel that’s been pushed aside. It’s a straightforward way to restore your driveway’s surface.
  • Use a Leveling Tool: For larger areas of displacement, consider using a leveler to ensure even distribution.
  • Assess and Replenish: If you’ve lost a significant amount of gravel, it may become a full DIY project to replenish with a fresh layer. It needs to be a few inches deep to maintain your driveway’s integrity. Assess for uneven surfaces and unusual features to correct while you’re at it.