Anyone who has ever shoveled snow before needs no convincing about the convenience of a snow blower. Shoveling snow is backbreaking work and is responsible for more than a few heart attacks every snow season. Yet, in most locales, removing snow from your driveways and sidewalks is required by law. The obvious alternative to a snow shovel is a snow blower. But what kind do you need?
Choosing a suitable snow blower really starts with asking yourself a series of questions about your situation. First of all, how much area do you need to clear? A short sidewalk and one-lane driveway can be handled with the most basic snow blower. Larger areas will need more power.
How wide is the area you need to clear? If you need to remove snow from a wide area, then you will have to make several passes with your snow blower. The wider your snow blower is, the fewer passes you will need to make. Also, the distance that it throws the snow should also be considered. You don’t want to throw snow from the second pass into the middle of your cleared first pass.
How often does it snow, and how much? Chances are that if it doesn’t snow very often in your area, you won’t be considering a snow blower purchase at all. But if it snows even a couple of times a year, it’s worth getting a low-end snow blower just to save your back. Of course, frequent heavy snows call for more powerful help in clearing your pathways.
How heavy is the snow? For example, if your area receives light, dry snow, then you won’t need the same heavy-duty snow blower that someone who needs to clear heavy, wet snow.
A general rule of thumb is that single stage gas-powered snow blower will work for most city dwellers. For bigger areas and more frequent heavy snows, you might want to step up to a two stage blower. An electric snow blower will work fine for occasional light snowfalls.
Tags: driveways and sidewalks, dry snow, heavy duty, pathways, sidewalk, snow blower, snow season, snow shovel, wet snow