Why is a snow blower a good investment?
A snow blower is a great tool for anyone who lives in cold, snowy areas. Shoveling snow manually is not only extremely arduous, it can also be dangerous, especially for older people. You can throw out your back or strain a muscle shoveling snow by hand; it also takes a lot longer, so you are exposed to the cold for extended periods of time, making you susceptible to hypothermia or frostbite. A snow blower makes removing snow painless and quick, so you can get it over with quickly and without worrying about hurting yourself.
How does a snow blower work?
Regardless of the type of snow blower, all snow blowers utilize the same basic concepts for removing snow. Basically, the engine powers a spinning, metal auger that throws snow from underneath the engine through a chute, which then propels the snow far away. An auger will usually be made from stainless steel or some other highly-durable metal, and some are rubber-tipped for additional safety during use. Snowblowers have tires that make them easy to walk down your driveway or sidewalk.
What types of snow blowers are there?
There are multiple types of snow blowers available today. Snow blowers come in one or two stages, and either in electric or gas powered models.
What is the difference between single- and two-stage snow blowers?
Single stage snow blowers are ideal for clearing smaller spaces for a few months each year. They don’t usually have tires, so you will have to lift and drag them from place to place. They are usually the same size as your average lawn mower. A single-stage snow blower is great for driveways and sidewalks, but tend to underperform on hilly or highly slanted surfaces. Two-stage snow blowers are better for snow blowing in gravelly areas or slanted surfaces. The main difference is that two-stage snow blowers have an additional fan impeller that helps to disperse snow as it is thrown to the side. Two-stage snow blowers can handle much larger spaces and areas, as well. However, they are more expensive and are a lot heavier; plus, they require more maintenance than single-stage blowers.
What is the difference between gas and electric snow blowers?
Despite the obvious difference that electric snow blowers are powered by electricity, and gas snow blowers are powered by gasoline, they also offer different results. Electric snow blowers are lighter, smaller, quieter, and easier to handle than gas snow blowers. However, the way they are designed makes removing snow a slower and harder process; you will need to go over the same area twice, most likely. Also, because you need a power cord, you have less mobility and range. Gas snow blowers offer more power and make for an easier cleaning experience, and since there’s no cord, you have full range of mobility. In general gas snow blowers can clear a wider path than electric snow blowers. Gas snow plows also require more maintenance and tend to be more difficult to start.
How much power should I look for in a snow blower?
Snow blower power can be measured in amps on electric models or horsepower in gas models. What sort of power you’ll need depends on how you plan to use your snow blower; for example, the 7.5 amp motor on the Snow Joe 322P is suitable for lighter snowfall and can throw 300 pounds of snow per minute, while the more powerful 13.5 amp motor on the Snow Joe SJ621 can throw up to 650 pounds of snow per minute.
How much electricity do electric snow blowers require?
How much electricity a snow blower will use up depends on how powerful its motor is; the larger the amps, the more electricity. If you’re concerned about conserving electricity, consider buying an eco-friendly model from GreenWorks.
How much snow can I clear with my snow blower?
How much snow can be cleared at one time with a snow blower depends on many factors like whether it is gas or electric, one- or two-stage, and the brand. For example, a Toro electric blower can clear between 12-18 inches of snow at a time, while a Craftsmen gas model can clear between 20-28 inches at a time
What features should I look for in a snow blower?
Some good features to look for in a snow blower include a dead-man control, a long handle, a headlight, electric starters, and heated hand grips.
What is a dead-man control?
A dead-man control is a vital safety feature that will stop all of the snow blower’s mechanical motions when the handlebar grips are released; this keeps you safer during operation because it means that if something should cause you to slip or fall, you won’t be caught in the snow blower’s path.
Why is a long handle beneficial?
A long handle makes it easy for you to alter the height of the snow blower, as well as the direction, during use. If you are looking at two-stage models, a long joystick will be beneficial as well.
Why is an electric starter useful?
Even if you decide to go with a gas-powered model, an electric starter can make a huge difference in your ease of use. Electric-starting snow blowers take away the strain and hassle of pull-cord models that don’t always start right away in the cold weather.
Why should I look for a snow blower with a headlight?
A headlight is a great feature if you live in a snowy area and want to get a head start on snow removal by working at night.
What are heated hand grips?
Heated hand grips are like seat warmers that you might have in your car, except they are built into the handlebars of your snow blower. Heated hand grips are very useful because you’ll be outside in the cold, and even with gloves your hands can be susceptible to frostbite or general discomfort.
What safety precautions should I know before using a snow blower?
Like any heavy machinery, snow blowers can pose a threat if not used properly. The most common injury when using a snow blower is a finger injury, so always be cautious near the machine’s moving parts, and never try to clear a chute or auger using your hand; use either a broom or the clearing tool that comes with the snow blower. Also, be wary of flying gravel or other small objects that can be picked up and thrown by the snow blower; keep your pets and family inside or away from the snow blowers trajectory during use. If you have an electric snow blower, be careful of the cord and don’t let it get too close to the machinery. If your snow blower seems very loud, use hearing protection.
What sort of maintenance do snow blowers require?
Snow blowers do require some simply regular and yearly maintenance. You’ll want to change the spark plug and oil on a gas-powered blower every year, and you should use a fuel stabilizer between uses to keep your gas stable. You’ll also want to keep an eye on the tightness of nuts and bolts, which can become loose during operation.
