Out On A Limb / January 2008

Buying a Snow Blower

Winter is here and so is the snow. This year you may want to consider purchasing a snow blower. When purchasing a snow blower, consider how much snow you normally have

There are all kinds of snow blowers, but the trick is finding one that fits your potential workload. If you’ve got a long, wide or hilly driveway and you get frequent, heavy snow coverage, you’ll want to look into a more powerful snow blower. You will need a two-stage gas powered snow blower if you fit this profile. These blowers have wide augers that gather snow and an impeller that throws it. They’re also essential if you have a gravel driveway since the auger doesn’t actually touch the ground. Some of these machines can clear swaths 28 to 30 inches wide. Prices for two-stage gas snow blowers range from about $600 to $2,100.

If you’ve got a flat, mid-sized, paved driveway and you don’t get heaps of snow, you probably don’t need a heavy-duty snow thrower. You will need a single-stage gas blower for this type of property.

These machines are lighter and easier to handle and most can clear swaths 20-22 inches wide. However, these are best for paved driveways since the auger makes contact with the ground and could scoop and throw stones from an unpaved driveway. You can expect these blowers to cost $300 to $900.

For short, flat paved driveways and snow coverage of 4 inches or less, you may want to look into a single-stage electric blower. These models are smaller, lighter, quieter and easier to handle than gas-powered blowers. They clear swaths about 11-18 inches wide. Prices for these lighter-weight models range from $100 to $300
Test One at Your Local Store
Many stores may have floor models for the products they sell so don’t be afraid to take a few for a spin. A snow blower won’t save your back if you’re struggling to push the thing around, so make sure it’s not too heavy. Also pay attention to the height of the handlebars and the machine’s ease of handling around turns. Another important feature to zero in on is chute control. Check for separate controls for adjusting the direction and angle of the chute. You will need to have this so you can throw the snow in the correct direction at your home.

Always think “Safety”

Snow blowers are powerful machines and need to be treated the same as a power saw or a lawn mower.

Always think “Safety”. If you’re using a gas-powered model, start it up outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Gas-powered blowers can be pretty loud so don’t forget earplugs. Don’t wear loose scarves, paints or jackets that can get caught in the machinery.

Last but not least, NEVER use your hands or feet to clear a clog in the machine. Turn off the engine (or unplug an electric blower) before trying to clear blockages and always use the clearing tool that comes with your blower. ALWAYS! ALWAYS! ALWAYS!

Keep Your Snow Thrower Running

Gas-powered snow blowers require regular engine maintenance. For “two-cycle” snow blowers, you’ll have to mix the fuel (a combination of gas & oil) that powers it. You can’t just add gas -- it needs oil to keep the engine lubricated. If you just add gas, you can burn up the engine. Make sure you understand how to mix the fuel you’ll need to keep your snow blower going. You’ll also need to check the machine’s air filters every season. If the air filters are dirty, the engine will perform poorly. You will also want to spray WD-40 on the machine’s moving parts to keep rust away and keep components lubricated.

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