This type of snow removal equipment employs a dual process for clearing snow. First, an auger, resembling a corkscrew, breaks up and gathers the snow. This auger then feeds the snow into a high-speed impeller, or fan. The impeller then forcefully discharges the snow through a chute, directing it away from the cleared area. This contrasts with single-stage models that use only an auger to both collect and discharge snow.
The advantage of this design lies in its ability to handle larger volumes of snow, including heavier, wetter accumulations, and even icy conditions. It allows for clearing wider paths more efficiently than single-stage counterparts. The two-stage process also minimizes the risk of damage to the pavement beneath the snow, since the auger does not directly contact the ground. Early iterations were manually propelled, however modern designs often incorporate self-propelled features to reduce operator strain and improve maneuverability.
