Snow Blowers

Overview:

If you live in a snow region a snow blower or snow thrower is one of those must things to have. Most households have some sort of a snow blower. They have become as common as the shovel was twenty years ago and for the most part it has taken their place.

Snow blowers are excellent for removing piled snow from driveways, roadways, and sidewalks. Hey, it sure beats shoveling, especially if you’re not able to handle the physical stress of shoveling snow. The snow blower only takes a fraction of the time that you would have spent shoveling. A snow blower does a great job and permits you more time inside a warm and toasty home working on the “honey do” list.

When you purchase a snow blower for your needs, you will need to consider the size of the area you plan to use it, such as a driveway. Then consider the average amount of snowfall for the region where you live. In my area we receive approximately ten six inch or more snow storms a year. This is considered a nominal winter. The typical snow blower most often used in the region is a self propelled two-stage unit. Single stage snow blowers have their place, most often where there is occasionally light snow.   

A single-stage snow blower:

First it is not a self propelled unit. You have to provide the forward motion by pushing it through the snow. It uses an auger assembly, which is made from a type of hard rubber or plastic and metal. The way it works is that the auger spins at a very high speed to chop up limited amounts ice and snow which is collected and shot out of a discharge chute. The single stage snow blower simply is not adequate for areas where there is serious snow fall.

The two stage snow blower is designed with a spinning impeller that sits behind the location of the auger. The function of the impeller is that it collects the ice and snow that has gone through the auger and then pushes it out the discharge chute but at a much higher rate of speed. The reason this is beneficial is that the snow can be moved from a greater distance. For example, if you have a very large area to clear but want the ice and snow to land away from the surface, the two-stage can do that. Most quality units will throw the snow as far as twenty feet.

Two-stage snow blowers are self propelled with a four-cycle engine that is equipped with a multi-speed forward and reverse option. They can handle very deep snow and come in widths up to 48 inches. The 36 inch width is the most common. The two stage snow blower auger does not contact with the cleaning surface. The front portion of the thrower is adjustable on skids or metal plates. You can use the two-stage blower on all surface types. A good quality two-stage snow blower costs between $1,000 and $2,000, depending on the brand and where you purchase it.   

Both the single-stage and two-stage snow blower are both great choices but each has its limitations.  These units are a powerful piece of equipment so safety is a crucial factor. Always wear shoes with proper traction and warm clothing. If the snow blower becomes clogged, never try to unclog it while the engine is running or you will probably lose a finger or worse.

When you do have a clog do not use your hand to clear it. Use a piece of broom handle or some other type of stick to dislodge the clog. Make sure the discharge chute is always pointed away from people or animals and always set the parking brake if you leave the blower in the operating position. You should avoid rocks and other objects hidden beneath the snow.

Home supply centers such as Home Depot and Lowe's have an excellent variety of snow blowers to choose from at very reasonable prices.

See more Lawn and Garden Suggestions