Another Omaha winter is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start thinking about snow removal. Whether you’re a homeowner with a driveway to clear or a commercial operator managing large lots, having the right equipment is key to tackling the season safely and efficiently.
We sat down with Cameron Belt from Ty’s Outdoor Power to get his expert advice. He shared his top recommendations for every property size and offered tips on how to choose the best snow solutions for your needs.
First, What Are You Clearing?
When a customer walks in looking for snow equipment, Cameron’s first question is always the same: “What are they clearing off?”
The answer matters because the type of property determines the best equipment for the job. “Whether it’s a homeowner from driveways to sidewalks or a commercial guy doing apartment complexes or big open parking lots, [we’re] just trying to nail down what they’re trying to accomplish,” Cameron says.
Once the Ty’s team understands your specific needs—like whether you have a smooth or rough surface to clear, or if your sidewalks are near a busy street—they can help narrow down the options and find the perfect fit.
Snow Solutions for Homeowners
For homeowners in the Omaha area, a good snow blower is a must-have. It not only saves you from the back-breaking work of shoveling heavy, wet snow, but it also gets the job done fast. A quality snow blower “can throw the snow 30 feet, get it out of the way, and just makes it super quick to get everything cleaned off,” Cameron notes.
A common misconception Cameron hears is that bigger is always better. He clarifies that “a lot of the time, a single-stage snow blower is going to be enough to do what they’re doing.” The key is matching the machine to your typical snowfall and the size of the area you need to clear.
Recommended Equipment
- Single-Stage Snow Blowers: Cameron says, “Our biggest seller, especially for homeowners, is single-stage snow blowers.” These machines are perfect for single-car driveways and sidewalks. The Toro single-stage is a popular choice because it does a “really great job of clearing smaller amounts of snow, and they clear almost down to the concrete.”
- Two-Stage Snow Blowers: If you have a larger two-car driveway or live in an area that gets heavier snowfall, a two-stage snow blower provides the extra power you need to handle bigger jobs with ease.
Snow Equipment for Commercial Properties
For commercial operators, landscapers, and municipalities, efficiency and reliability are non-negotiable. Your equipment needs to handle heavy, continuous use in the toughest conditions. Cameron highlights several options depending on the job.
Recommended Equipment
- Two-Stage Snow Blowers: When dealing with deep snow, especially along busy streets where plows push heavy slush onto sidewalks, a powerful two-stage snow blower is essential.
- Sidewalk Snow Vehicles (SSVs): For crews managing miles of sidewalks, SSVs from brands like Ventrac and Boss are game-changers. These units offer multi-attachment capabilities, allowing you to “put a straight blade, snowplow, broom, [or other] different options to be able to get different tasks done quickly,” says Cameron.
- Truck Plows: For clearing large, open areas like apartment complexes and commercial parking lots, nothing beats a plow mounted on the front of a truck.
A Key Asset for Municipalities
Cameron points to Boss V-blades as a critical tool, especially for city and municipal crews. “They’ve been a huge help,” he explains. He specifically mentions the 9-foot-2 V-blade with a DXT option, which features a secondary trip edge. This design prevents the entire plow from tripping on an obstacle, making it a “pretty key asset” for subcontracting commercial operators as well.
Plan Ahead for a Stress-Free Winter
The single most important piece of advice Cameron offers? Don’t wait until the first snowflake falls.
“The sooner you think about it, the faster you can get in here, get it installed, to get it done,” he urges. Every year, he sees people wait until the last minute, only to find out there’s a long wait for installations. “Then we’re four weeks out on trying to get plows installed.” Planning ahead ensures your equipment is ready to go when you need it most.
Find Your Winter Workhorse at Ty’s
Whether you’re upgrading your home setup or outfitting your entire commercial fleet, Ty’s Outdoor Power has the equipment and expertise to get you ready for winter. We’ll help you find the right tools for the job and provide reliable service to keep them running all season long.
Stop by our store in Gretna or give us a call today. We’re here to help you conquer the snow with confidence.
