There’s only one thing worse than getting a dozen or more inches of snow you weren’t prepared for: wondering how you’re going to handle it. Don’t put your back at risk again this winter. Humans are not made to move snow, that’s why we have snow throwers to do the heavy lifting for us.
If you’ve ever wondered which is the best snow blower for the big trails, or what size snow blower you need, this article should answer most of your questions. After all, the actual snow blowing makes the blizzard easier to handle, and even less fun, too.
Plus, you’ll be surprised how much easier, faster, and safer it is than risking serious injury by using a shovel. There are five different styles of snow blowers to choose from:
Electric snow blowers
Electric parhaat tuotteet snow blowers can remove light snow (less than 12 inches) from roads and sidewalks. These lightweight machines are often used on decks and steps where larger gas-powered models don’t fit.
Keep in mind that, unlike electric snow blowers, electric snow blowers are made from inexpensive materials, which means that they will not be used again over time, and repairing them is often not worth the cost.
They usually have plastic pads that grip the ground, which means they will throw anything they come across, including rocks and other hazards. Because of this, we advise people not to use a one-step ice pack on stone slabs for safety reasons.
Some of the advantages of electric snowmobiles include low cost points and almost no maintenance, eliminating the need for oil changes or fill-ups. All you need is a winter-weather extension cord and a power outlet and you’ll be clearing your driveway in seconds out of the box.
Battery-powered (cordless) snow blower technology is improving every year, and offers all the advantages of electric units while dropping the extra cord for portability.
Additionally, some brands are making their batteries compatible with other power sources, so your snow blower battery can power your leaf blower or chainsaw, too. These units can be used anywhere with a charged battery in hand.
Single-stage snow blowers
In basic terms, gas-powered single-stage snow blowers only throw snow once with an auger that lifts the snow and throws it out of the chute. These gas power units are light, small, and easy to handle.
They have some important features and accessories available and are ideal for urban areas that get snow. If you don’t mind cleaning your driveway frequently during the winter, this price point may be right for you.
Since the auger paddles are in direct contact with the ground, you should not use one-step snow throwers on the rocks, or you will risk injury to others or damage in your path.
Although single-level snow plows vary in size, most are 18-22 inches wide and are designed to handle snow falls of up to 8-12 inches. The main limitation, however, is their length—not their width. If you often fight 12-inch snow drifts, one-step snow won’t be strong enough; you will need 2 or 3-step instead.
Two-stage snow blower
Two-stage ice creams, on the other hand, exceed all electric and single-step throwers in all stages. These powerful machines can handle up to 18+ inches of snow with ease, and their heavy-duty, durable design helps you handle deep and heavy snow without slipping.
The only difference is that blowers throw snow twice. First, a metal device that lifts snow and ice. Then, a high-speed press throws it out through the discharge chute to keep the snow moving and prevent it from clogging the intake bucket.
The auger on the two-stage snow blower does not touch the ground, so it can be used on stone and concrete. Plus, they put tall buckets that can tear through snow and piles at the end of your driveway or mailbox.
If you need to clear large, deep expanses of snow, you will appreciate the wide and powerful two-stage snow blower.
Three-stage snow blowers
Three-degree snow blowers are the maximum effective and efficient snow blowers available on the market. First, steels deal with snow and ice. They then pass towards the center of the phase wherein the accelerator cuts and pushes the snow thru the chute, sending it out of the chute at excessive pace.
These blowers have all the features you need to make sure your time spent clearing snow is not only comfortable, but also convenient. Some common features of these models may include self-propelled wheels, heated handles, and single-press chute control. When a snow plow leaves a frozen, curled wall of snow at the end of your driveway, this machine plows through 20+ inch high piles starting 50 feet away.
Gas snow blower troubleshooting
If you have a gas freezer that won’t start, these tips can help you fix the unit. Check your manual for repair steps for your model.
- Make sure the fuel shut-off switch is in the “on” position and there is fuel in the tank. Also, make sure you have fresh oil.
- If the snow blower has a throttle, make sure it is set to 3/4 speed or higher.
- Set it too low to full mode when it’s cold. This restricts air intake.
- If your snow blower came with a key, insert it into the slot. The snow blower will not work without this key in place.
- Remove and inspect the spark plug for signs of cracks in the porcelain insulator, heavy carbon buildup on the electrode, or a burnt or damaged electrode. If the spark plug is wet with gasoline (it indicates that it is full of water), wipe the spark plug clean, turn the engine over several times and then replace the spark plug.
- If the ice cream has been stored for a long time, check to make sure that the carburetor is not covered with oil.