Snow blowers are nice to have in the winter months, but they’re not always straightforward to use with snow on gravel. Unlike smooth surfaces, gravel driveway snow removal presents a unique challenge: larger rocks can get scooped up and flung by the blower, potentially causing damage to property, windows, vehicles, or nearby structures. It's also dangerous for anyone in the vicinity or vehicles in the road. Fortunately, you can minimize the risk of rock-throwing with a combination of careful setup and proper technique. Here’s how to use your snow blower on a gravel surface while protecting your property and staying safe.

Adjust Your Snow Blower’s Skid Shoes

When using your blower on gravel, one of the most effective ways to prevent picking up and flinging stones is to tweak the adjustable skid shoes. Skid shoes (or skid plates) are the small, flat components located at the bottom front of the machine that help lift the front slightly off the ground. On the average driveway, this adjustment can make all the difference.

  • Raise the scraper blade above ground level: Adjust the skid shoes so the scraper blade and auger height is enough to keep the machine from scooping up loose gravel or larger rocks.
  • Set the right blade and auger height: For most gravel driveways you don't want the blade on gravel, you want the blade height to be above the gravel drive, a gap of about ½ inch to 1 inch of clearance between the scraper blade and the ground is usually sufficient. This height allows the layer of snow to be cleared effectively while leaving the layer of gravel undisturbed.
  • Check regularly: Over time, skid plates on some types of snow blowers can wear down or shift out of position. Inspect them before the next heavy snowfall.
Lawn mower moves snow in a driveway.
Raising the scraper blade on your snow equipment makes it possible to throw snow with fewer rocks. Credit: Toro

Master the Right Technique

Your snow removal process also plays a role in preventing rocks from being flung. Using the right technique not only protects your driveway surface but also makes your snow-clearing process more efficient.

  • Blow deep snow in layers: Instead of trying to get through deeper snow in one pass, a traditional method is to make multiple passes. Gradually work through the difficult snow down to the gravel. This method reduces the chance of the snow blade digging into loose stones when you have inches of snow to navigate.
  • Avoid rushing: Moving the blade over gravel too quickly can cause the snow blower to dig into uneven surfaces, increasing the likelihood of picking up rocks. Use a steady, controlled pace.
  • Adjust direction carefully: Always angle the discharge snow chute away from areas where flying debris could cause damage, such as windows, cars, or pedestrians.

Use a Single-Stage Snow Blower with Caution

If you’re using a single-stage snow blower, be aware that it’s less suited for gravel driveways compared to a two-stage model. A single-stage blower has a minimal scraper bar and usually doesn't have adjustable skid plates. This means the cutting edge makes almost direct contact with the ground, increasing the risk of rocks being picked up. And you might not even notice it in dense snow.

If a two-stage snow blower isn’t an option, you can still use a single-stage model on gravel by taking extra precautions:

  • Set the controls to the largest height setting, if possible.
  • Operate slowly and carefully, keeping an eye out for exposed gravel.
  • Use a rubber edge kit, if available, to minimize contact with the ground.
A long gravel driveway to a house in a rural area during winter.
Clearing your gravel or stone driveway comes with specific considerations. Credit: Adrijan Mosesku / Getty Images

Additional Tips For Tricky Snow Conditions

To make removing snow on gravel driveways safer and easier, consider these practical solutions:

  • Mark the driveway edges: Wide driveway? Use driveway markers to outline the path you’ll be clearing. This helps you avoid veering off course in heavy snow, and can prevent the snow thrower from kicking unnecessary rocks.
  • Wait for a good compacted snow base: Avoid clearing if it's only a light snow dusting. A layer of packed snow provides a buffer between the blower and the gravel.
  • Spread sand or salt after clearing: Once the snow is removed, spread sand or rock salt to improve traction on the gravel and prevent ice buildup.

Man pushes electric snow blower on a driveway with a few inches of snowfall.
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Can you use a snow blower on a gravel driveway without causing damage?

Yes, you can use a snow blower on a gravel driveway by adjusting the skid shoes to keep the auger housing elevated, using a two-stage model, and adopting the proper snow-blowing technique. These steps help prevent rocks from being picked up and flung while clearing snow.

What’s the difference between single-stage and two-stage snow blowers when it comes to a stone driveway?

Single-stage snow blowers contact the ground directly, making them more likely to pick up gravel. Two-stage models, on the other hand, are equipped with adjustable skid shoes that raise the front, making them better suited for gravel surfaces. If you have a gravel driveway, a two-stage snow blower is usually the safer choice.