Imagine this: Summer heat has you mowing the lawn, but suddenly, winter storms leave you staring at feet of snow. Do you really need two big machines sitting in your garage? Many homeowners face this exact dilemma. Choosing a single machine that handles both tasks—a riding lawn mower that can also become a powerful snow blower—sounds like a dream, but the reality of picking the right one can be confusing. You worry about power, compatibility, and whether it truly handles both jobs well.
This combination machine promises to save space and money, but how do you separate the great models from the mediocre ones? Understanding the key features, like attachment systems and engine strength, is crucial before you invest. This post cuts through the confusion. We will break down exactly what makes a great 2-in-1 mower, explaining the pros and cons of each function.
By the end of this guide, you will know precisely what to look for. You will feel confident selecting the perfect all-season workhorse for your yard. Let’s dive in and explore how to conquer both grass and snow with one smart machine.
Top Riding Lawn Mower With Snow Blower Recommendations
- 60 in. wide clearing width with high strength steel body and auger
- Electronic auger engagement and shoot adjustability from the comfort of your UTV cabin
- Easily raise and lower utilizing your UTV winch
- Equipped with a strobe light for safety when auger is engaged
- Adjustable skid plates ensure you're not damaging driveways and roads
- 24-INCH TWO-STAGE GAS SNOW BLOWER: This heavy-duty gas powered snow blower clears a wide 24-inch path and 20-inch depth in one pass — ideal for large driveways, sidewalks, patios, and parking lots. Perfect 2-stage self-propelled snow thrower for removing heavy snow and ice during winter storms.
- POWERFUL 7HP 212CC OHV ENGINE: Equipped with a 212cc 4-cycle OHV gas engine, this high-performance snow blower delivers strong torque and reliable power to tackle deep, wet, or compacted snow. A durable and efficient gas snow thrower designed for long-lasting winter use.
- SELF-PROPELLED WITH 13-INCH SNOW TIRES: This 2-stage self-propelled snow blower features 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds for better control. The 13-inch snow tires ensure traction on slippery driveways, icy surfaces, and uneven terrain — making it easy to clear large driveways and walkways with minimal effort.
- ELECTRIC START & RECOIL BACKUP SYSTEM: Start your gas powered snow thrower instantly in freezing temperatures using the 120V electric start button or manual recoil. Reliable ignition ensures hassle-free operation in any winter condition.
- DUAL LED LIGHTS & HEAVY-DUTY STEEL CONSTRUCTION: Bright dual LED headlights provide clear visibility during early morning or nighttime use. The heavy-duty steel auger housing and durable frame make this Amerisun snow blower perfect for winter driveway cleaning, heavy snow clearing, and long-term outdoor use.
- Remote control operation and adjustable mowing height. With the intuitive and user-friendly remote, you can easily control every detail of your remote control lawn mower, adjusting the mowing height at any time to create a completely customized lawn care plan. Whether performing fine trimming or general lawn maintenance, you can quickly make adjustments based on the specific needs, ensuring that each mowing achieves precise, even results for an ideal lawn quality.
- This remote control lawn mower, equipped with a brushed motor, offers exceptional power and excellent durability. It is specifically designed to handle large lawns, uneven ground, and various complex terrains. As an efficient and flexible tracked lawn mower, it can operate steadily in different environments, providing reliable performance to ensure your lawn care is both easy and efficient.
- This remote control lawn mower uses two alloy blades, achieving precise, even cuts and providing stable performance similar to a traditional push mower. The blades also feature a rebound function, automatically bouncing back when encountering hard objects to protect the machine and extend its lifespan. Through precise cutting, this remote control lawn mower promotes healthy grass growth while offering the convenience of remote operation, ensuring a clean, professional cut every time.
- This remote control lawn mower is equipped with a dedicated snow plow, easily converting into an efficient and reliable snow removal machine during the winter. It helps clear snow, rocks, dirt piles, and other road obstacles. Whether you're clearing driveways, sidewalks, or pathways, this versatile attachment handles the task with ease, ensuring excellent performance during winter snow removal.
- With its zero-turn design, this electric lawn mower offers exceptional maneuverability, allowing you to easily navigate around obstacles and tight corners. Whether you're tackling complex landscapes or managing large lawns, this mower delivers precise cutting results and smooth operation.
- High-Power 212cc Single-Stage Performance for Tough Winters - This 212cc single-stage snow thrower delivers strong and reliable power for heavy, wet, and packed snow—perfect for households needing efficient snow clearing on driveways, sidewalks, and walkways during harsh winter storms.
- 21-Inch Gas Snow Blower with Fast Snow Removal Capacity - Equipped with a 21-inch gas snow blower housing, this machine clears wide paths in one pass, improving efficiency for medium to large residential areas while maintaining excellent maneuverability in tighter spaces.
- 12.5" Clearing Height with 180° Adjustable Chute Control - The 180° adjustable chute snow thrower lets you direct the snow stream away from cars, doors, and walkways, while the 12.5-inch clearing height handles deeper snow accumulation typical of winter storms.
- Lightweight 21" Snow Removal Machine for Easy Handling - Designed as a lightweight gas powered snow blower, this unit reduces user fatigue and makes pushing effortless, ideal for older users or anyone needing smooth, easy control in snowy conditions.
- Durable Gas Powered Snow Cleaner for Long-Lasting Use - Built as a high-performance gas powered snow cleaner for driveways and sidewalks, this model features reinforced augers, sturdy housing, and 8-inch all-weather wheels for consistent performance through multiple winter seasons.
- Built Like a Barn: Rain, sun, snow, or your neighbor's leaf blower—it shrugs them all off. Made from high-density Oxford fabric with waterproof and UV resistant coating, this riding lawn mower cover guards your machine like Fort Knox
- One Size Fits Darn Near All: Fits most riding lawn mowers with decks up to 54 inches—compatible with Craftsman, John Deere, Husqvarna, including Toro, Craftsman, Honda, Husqvarna, John Deere, Law Boy, Greenworks, Troy Bilt, Cub Cadet, Exmark, Gravely, Ferris and more. Elastic hem and adjustable buckle straps keep it hugging your mower tighter than grandma at Thanksgiving
- All-Weather Defense: Storm rolling in? Sunny day? Surprise hail? No problem. With double-stitched seams, windproof straps, and UV protection, this cover is ready for "mower Olympics," keeping your mower dry, clean, and sharp
- Cover It. Carry It: Pop it on, pop it off—no tug-of-war needed. Two quick-release straps give you a fuss-free fit. And that included storage bag. That's your new glovebox MVP and always ready for the next use
- Outlasts the Weather: Tear-resistant? Check. Crack-proof? Check. Built for real weather, not showroom drizzle. Reinforced corners and durable construction mean this cover's in it for the long haul—just like your trusty mower
- Durable 48" steel blade with replaceable scraper bar
- Blade can be lifted and lowered from the tractor seat
- Designed with 11 gauge steel & 48-Inch working width
- Blade pivots left or right up to 30 degrees and adjustable skid shoes for use on smooth surfaces or gravel drives
- Works best when working with 8-in of snow or less
- COMPATIBLE SNOW BLOWERS: Fits Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Craftsman, Yard Machines, Ariens, Toro, Husqvarna, Brute, John Deere and most medium and large two-stage & three stage snow blowers
- DURABLE AND RELIABLE: Solid protection from the wind, snow and cold and strong powder-coated steel tubular frame
- TEAR RESISTANT: Durable clear vinyl and heavy duty tear-resistant fabric that is also reflective for safety
- SPACIOUS: Includes convenient storage pouch Interior has 360 degree visibility
- EASY TO INSTALL: Installation and disassembling are seamless processes Cab extends approximately 42 inches above handle grips
- NOTICE: Compatible with S100/S240 lawn tractors built after 3/2/2014. This includes Tractor models: S100, S110, S120, S130, S140, S160, S170, S180, & S240
- NOTICE: For kit to be compatible it also requires 700AM 44-in. (112-CM) snow blower model year 2018-Current
- Electric Lift Kit for John Deere 100/S240 Series with 700AM Snow Blower (Replaces OEM LP68150)
- Controllable down pressure - the limited down pressure feature enhances the efficiency of snow removal, contributing to improved cleaning and scraping performance on hard-packed snow for an optimal snow blowing experience.
- Steel components with a powder-coated finish - ensuring years of durability by providing enhanced resistance to wear and corrosion.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Riding Mower Meets Snow Blower Power
Combining a riding lawn mower with a snow blower attachment gives you one machine for year-round yard work. This guide helps you choose the best one for your home.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for this dual-purpose machine, focus on these important parts:
Engine Power and Size
- Horsepower (HP): Look for a powerful engine, especially if you get heavy snow. For standard lawns, 18 HP might work. For deep snow or large yards, aim for 22 HP or more. A strong engine runs both the mower deck and the snow blower well.
- Fuel Type: Most use gasoline. Check the fuel tank size; a larger tank means fewer stops for refueling during big jobs.
Mower Deck and Clearing Width
- Deck Size: This matters for mowing. A 42-inch deck cuts grass faster than a 30-inch deck.
- Blower Clearing Width: For the snow blower attachment, a wider chute (e.g., 44 inches) clears snow faster.
Transmission Type
- Automatic (CVT) vs. Manual (Gear): Automatic transmissions let you change speed without stopping or clutching. This makes mowing easier. For snow blowing, having good control over speed is vital.
Durability and Build Quality
- Frame Construction: A heavy-duty, fully welded steel frame lasts much longer than a stamped metal frame. This frame supports the weight of the snow blower attachment.
Important Materials for Longevity
The materials used directly affect how long your machine lasts, especially when dealing with harsh winter conditions.
Chassis and Body
- Steel: The main body and frame must use thick, high-quality steel. Cheaper, thin metal rusts easily after exposure to road salt and wet snow.
- Plastic Components: Look for high-density polyethylene (HDPE) plastic on the chute and housing of the snow blower. This material resists cracking in cold weather.
Engine Components
- Cast-Iron Cylinder Sleeves: Engines with these sleeves handle heat and wear better than aluminum-only engines. This increases the life of the mower.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Some features clearly signal a quality machine, while others suggest cutting corners.
Quality Boosters
- Electric Start: A reliable electric start ensures the machine starts quickly, even on freezing mornings.
- Adjustable Skid Shoes: These metal or heavy-duty plastic pieces on the snow blower housing let you adjust the height. They protect the auger from scraping asphalt or gravel driveways too hard.
- Hydraulic or Power Steering: This feature makes turning a heavy machine much easier, especially when the snow blower is attached.
Quality Reducers (Things to Avoid)
- Lightweight Wheels: Thin plastic wheels wear out fast. Look for durable pneumatic (air-filled) tires with deep treads for good traction in snow.
- Belt-Driven Attachments: While many systems use belts, direct-drive systems (where possible) often transfer power more efficiently and require less maintenance than complex pulley systems.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you will use the machine throughout the year.
Mowing Scenarios
If you have a large, flat lawn (over one acre), the ease of the automatic transmission helps you mow quickly. If your yard has many trees or obstacles, you need a smaller turning radius, which sometimes means choosing a slightly smaller deck size.
Snow Blowing Scenarios
If you face heavy, wet snow (like after a plow leaves a drift at the end of your driveway), you need a two-stage snow blower attachment. Single-stage blowers struggle with heavy snow, but two-stage models chew through it efficiently. Consider how easy it is to switch from the mowing deck to the snow blower attachment. Quick-change systems save a lot of frustration.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How hard is it to switch between mowing and snow blowing?
A: This varies greatly by brand. Some systems allow for quick-change attachments that take less than 20 minutes. Others require more involved mechanical work. Check user reviews specifically about the attachment swap process.
Q: Do I need a special battery for the snow blower function?
A: Most riding mowers use the same 12-volt battery to run the electric starter for both the engine and the electric controls (like chute direction) on the snow blower.
Q: Can I use the mower engine to power the snow blower?
A: Yes. The snow blower attachment uses the mower’s engine power, usually through a Power Take-Off (PTO) system or specialized belts, to drive the auger and impeller.
Q: Are these machines good for very long driveways?
A: They are great for medium to large driveways. For extremely long driveways (over 300 feet), a dedicated, high-powered walk-behind or dedicated snow blower might move faster, but the riding mower offers much more comfort.
Q: Will the snow blower attachment damage my lawn in the spring?
A: If the skid shoes are set correctly, the blower housing rides slightly above the grass. However, if you use it on gravel or if the shoes are worn down, damage can occur.
Q: What is the main difference between single-stage and two-stage blowers on a rider?
A: A single-stage blower uses one part (the auger) to scoop and throw snow. A two-stage blower uses the auger to scoop, and then a second part (the impeller) throws the snow much farther.
Q: How much maintenance does the snow blower attachment require?
A: You must clean the housing after every use to prevent rust. You should also grease moving parts before winter and check the shear pins (safety bolts) before the first snowfall.
Q: Can I buy the snow blower attachment later?
A: Yes, many manufacturers sell the riding mower base first and offer the snow blower attachment as an optional accessory kit you can purchase later.
Q: Does the weight of the snow blower affect the mowing performance?
A: Yes, the added weight makes the front end heavier. You might notice slightly less responsive steering during the summer months.
Q: What should I check before storing the machine for the winter?
A: Before putting it away for the summer, drain the fuel or add a stabilizer. Clean off all salt and corrosive debris from the snow blower parts.