You’ve probably heard about snow blowers before, but did you know they come in different sizes and models? When choosing one for your home, what should you look for?
Snow blowers are machines designed to clear snow from sidewalks, driveways, patios, or other areas where snow accumulates. They typically consist of a motorized auger pushing snow into a hopper, which then ejects it through a chute.
There are several types of snow blowers, each suited for different purposes. For example, some are designed to push snow along a driveway, while others are better at clearing large amounts of snow from the sidewalk.
Whether you need a small, compact model that will fit in tight spaces or a larger machine that can handle large amounts of snow, we’ve got you covered. The right snow blower will also be shown to you based on your needs.
Choosing a Snow Blower
If you’re looking for a new snow blower, you should consider what type of snow you typically encounter. How heavy is the snowfall in your area?
Or do you spend more time shoveling than clearing paths?
You may find yourself needing a smaller, lighter model that won’t take up a lot of room. Alternatively, you may wish to buy a heavier, more powerful machine if you clear walkways most of the time.
There are three main categories of snow blowers: push, pull, and self-propelled. Push snow blowers require you to push or drag them through the snow. Pull snow blowers are attached to a tractor or truck and pull the snow into a hopper. Self-propelled snow blowers are powered by their own motors and don’t require any attachments.
A snow blower should be purchased according to your driveway size and snowfall amount. If you live in an area where snow falls frequently, then a self-propelled model might be the way to go. Otherwise, a push or pull type would probably work better.
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Types of Snow Blowers
The type of snow blower that you can buy today depends on what you are looking for. The standard type is a walk-behind snow blower. Snow blowers with this design have a long handle at the back.
The operator walks behind the snow blower, pushing it forward. Another type of snow blower is the front loader. Snowblowers with large buckets are often used for clearing snow. The operator pushes the snow into the bucket. Both types of snow blowers are very effective at clearing paths.
Electric snow blowers are usually cordless and battery-operated. Gas-powered snow blowers run on gasoline or propane.
The size of the area you plan to clear is the most important consideration when purchasing a snow blower. You may not need a large model if you live in a rural area. It will be necessary to purchase a larger model if you live in an urban area.
Single-Stage Snow Blowers
A single-stage snow blower has two main parts: a rotating blade and a discharge chute. The blade rotates at high speed, cutting through snow and ice and pushing them into the discharge chute. Therefore, it is possible to clear a large area quickly.
Single-stage snow blowers are ideal for homeowners who need to clear their sidewalks and driveways. They are also great for commercial properties such as parking lots, walkways, and loading docks.
The lightest and most manageable snow blowers are single-stage models. They can manage both light and wet snow, making them ideal for cleaning medium-sized areas with snowfall of 12 inches or less. The snow is thrown up to 35 feet away by a single-stage snow blower’s auger through a discharge tube.
However, most single-stage blowers work best when used on level or slightly slanted paved surfaces, as the auger won’t take up rocks or gravel. Some versions have an auger that hits the surface and provides some forward-drive motion.
Two-Stage Snow Blowers
Snow blowers with two stages can efficiently shovel large areas without repeatedly backing up. The first stage uses a powerful blade to blow away loose snow from the area, and then the second stage blows the remaining snow into piles.
They can move wet, icy snow with bigger intakes on two-stage snow blowers. Two-stage blowers are best for cleaning broad areas, such as driveways over 60 feet.
Wheels that are powered by an engine help them handle inclination easier and lessen operator fatigue. One of the best two-stage snow blowers models is Ariens deluxe 28 sho. A powerful 4-cycle engine and 28-inch clearing path will make your life easier.
Two-stage snow blowers collect snow with augers, which are discharged with impeller fans via chutes. Snow can be thrown up to 60 feet away with this two-stage procedure, which moves snow faster and farther than single-stage blowers.
Three-Stage Snow Blowers
A three-stage snow blower requires less effort because it moves more snow in less time. They work similarly to two-stage snow blowers on inclined paved and unpaved surfaces up to 43 inches deep, including driveways longer than 60 feet.
Along with the auger and impeller, a three-stage blower also uses an accelerator. This accelerator, which rotates like a screw perpendicular to the auger, works with the auger to collect snow before pushing it into the impeller, where it is released.
The accelerator can also be used to melt snow covered in ice. Due to the combination of the auger, accelerator, and impeller of three-stage snow blowers, heavy snow can be removed more quickly than with two-stage models.
Electric Snow Blowers
There are many benefits to using an electric snow blower over a gas-powered one, including the ease of maintenance, the easy start, and the fact that it runs without gasoline. Additionally, because the motor is electric, there is no need to replace or change the motor oil.
You can select the right electric snow blower for you because they come in corded and cordless models. Comparing them to gas-powered devices, these snow blowers are typically lighter and more portable.
Electric snow shovels with augers that may be propelled to collect and toss snow out of your path are also available. These tools are more cost-effective for removing snow from a small area like a deck, sidewalk, steps, or patio because they are smaller and lighter than snow blowers.
Gas Snow Blowers
Because they do not require a power cord to operate, gas snow blowers provide excellent mobility. Gas-powered snow blowers frequently feature wider clearances and higher intake heights than electric ones.
The machine is easier to move than models with the auger-assisted drive because they are also available in self-propelled models, which use the engine to power the wheels. The most prevalent gas snow blowers are single- and two-stage models, but three-stage models are also available in select locations.
Snow Blower Add-Ons
There are several ways to improve your snow blower performance. You can utilize these add-ons to accelerate your experience:
- Various medium and big snow blowers come with snow blower cabs, which can protect you from snow, sleet, and freezing rain. The snow blower cab forms a dome with a front and side panel of clear vinyl. The cab folds for simple storage when the season is done.
- Using a clean-out tool, you may clear snow and ice from a discharge chute. Never clean a discharge chute with your hands. Be aware that some snow blowers come with cleaning supplies.
- Self-propelled snow blowers with engine-powered wheels have superior traction and are easier to maneuver, thanks to snow blower tire chains.
- Your garage or storage shed’s floor will be shielded from scuffs, water, and other damage if you use a heavy-duty snow blower floor mat.
- A snow blower cover guards against dust, dirt, rust, and the elements.
How to Start a Snow Blower
Depending on the type of snow blower you have, there are several steps to starting them. A switch or button is used to start electric snow blowers.
Gas snow blowers may have a plug-in electric starter or can be started manually with a pull or recoil start, but they normally need to be operated with a choke control. Observe the operation guidelines provided by the manufacturer for your model.
Taking Care of Your Snow Blower
Although snow blower repairs are typically best left to licensed technicians, you might be able to swap out specific wear parts like skid shoes, drive belts, and shear pins.
Like any instrument or piece of power equipment, there are maintenance procedures you can adhere to prolong the useful life of your snow blower and maximize your investment.
For information on repairs, troubleshooting, and upkeep unique to your equipment, check the guideline or device manual on maintaining a snow blower.
Conclusion
Snow removal is a big job. If you don’t want to spend too much time or money on it, then you should consider buying a good quality snow blower. Many models are out there, but not all of them are worth investing in.
If there is excessive snowfall and your house is buried under snow, you might need to hire a snow removal company.
