A snow blower is a machine used for the snow removal process. This machine can remove snow from sideways, roads, outdoor spaces, etc. It has an auger that pulls the snow. In many models, the snow is passed further to the impeller to get discharged through the discharge chute. Snowblowers come in gas, diesel, and electric variants. The machine with the two-stroke engine is powerful enough to handle deeper snow depths. This snow blower buying guide helps you buy the right model.
Snow Blower Buying Guide
Snow Blower Stages
Snowblowers come in different stages. The single-stage models like Briggs & Stratton feature only a corkscrew-shaped auger to pick up the snow and discharge. Snowblowers with a two-stage design include an impeller to collect snow faster. Three-stage models have the most advanced feature and equip an accelerator along with the impeller. You can go with the three-stage models for quick and efficient operations.
Power Source
The power source of most snowblowers is gas and diesel, but you can also find battery-operated snowblowers like EGO Power+ SNT2112 in the market. The electric variants also include corded models that come with a long cord of 12-gauge and up to 50 to 100 inches long. You can go with electric models for low-duty tasks. Gasoline models are good for removing heavy snow.
Reviews of Greenworks show that it is one of the best-corded snow throwers in the market. It comes with a 13 amp motor and 12" cord for convenient operation.
Wheels vs Tracks
Snowblowers come with wheels and tracks for easy maneuverability. Wheels are most common in first-stage models, but you can also get second and third-stage models with wheels. Wheels in advanced machines are run by the engine or battery, whereas in first stage models, you will have to push or pull your machine. Tracks are best-suited for moving your machine at steep angles or hills. Machine with tracks offer better traction, but they are not ideal to move on plane terrain.
Consider the Area
It is important to consider the area you want to clean before buying the right snowblower. Areas with up to 1 - 8 parking spaces are easy to clean with single-stage blowers. You should go with powerful three-stage blowers to clean 8 - 15 parking spaces. The powerful snow blowers are good for long continuous usage. The Snow Joe SJ620 snowblower has got positive reviews for its maximum throw distance of 20 feet.
Consider the Snowfall
The snowfall depth you want to remove can also help you determine the right model. You can go with single-stage snowblowers to clear light snow to up to 8 inches depth. The second stage models can help you remove snow for depths of up to 12 inches. Third-stage blowers are made for higher depths of snow. You can easily remove the snow for depths of up to 16 inches with such models.
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Snow Blower Buying Guide: FAQs
Does a Snow Blower Work on Ice?
Many powerful snowblowers can work fine with ice. The auger of these models crushes the ice and breaks hard-packed snow into small chunks. They can easily remove small chunks of ice with snow. The efficiency of your snowblower, when removing ice depends on the size and thickness of ice, and the power of your snowblower.
How Long Does a Snow Blower Last?
Snowblowers can easily last for about 15 to 20 years. The low-end models with regular usage can also last for around 10 years. This makes them a long-lasting machine, but it is also important to keep them well maintained. We recommend you clean your snow blowers regularly and store them in a dry and covered area.
The top-ranking Snow Joe Single Stage Snow Thrower is an electric variant that comes with a 15-amp motor. Customer reviews show that this model can move up to 720 lbs. of snow per minute.
Can You Use a Snow Blower on Wet Snow?
Yes, you can use a snow blower on wet snow without facing any problem. Even the first-stage blowers are well-built to handle some amount of wet snow. You can go with higher stages for extensive usage. It is good to run your snowblowers slow while removing wet snow. This will help you prevent snowblower clogging and other technical issues.
Conclusion
A snowblower is the best solution to keep your home outdoors clean. You can get rid of snow at your doors and driveways after buying the right snowblower. The first stage snowblower can be your best go-to choice for normal use. You should go with higher-end models to remove more snow. Make sure you keep points like cleaning area, power source, snow depths, etc in mind while buying the right model. You can read through our blog to know about the top 10 winter home appliances.
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