What's the difference between a snowblower and a snowthrower?

The two terms seem to be used interchangeably but after extensive research here's what I found.

A Snowthrower throws snow A typical snowthrower has a high speed auger like a giant rubber screw which grabs the snow as the machine is pushed forwards and literally throws the snow up and forwards. The direction the snow is thrown (to the left or right) is controlled by vanes which are set in position by a lever. The snowthrower is also known as a single stage machine. I guess because it gets rid of the snow in one stage or action.

A Snowblower blows snow The snow is gathered up by a lower speed auger and fed back into a high speed impeller which literally blows the snow up and out of a chute. The direction the snow is blown is controlled by a moveable nozzle. The snowblower is also know as a two, or dual, stage machine. Presumably because the snow is processed in two steps or stages.

So there you are. I own a snowthrower. My neighbor owns a snowblower. He always finishes his driveway in half the time it takes me. Next year I'm getting a snowblower!

By: Pauly