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Are you from those parts of the world where it snows a little too much and too often? Do you peek through your window every now and again to find your driveway covered with snow regardless of the times you’ve made your way out in the cold just to clear it? The struggle is real and a tough one, for sure. However, it’s always good to have it snow because it’s the sign that Christmas is just around the corner- mostly, not always. Now, who doesn’t enjoy Christmas, families coming together, coffee, and cozy stuff? I know I went a little too far.
Coming back to the topic, snow can be a nuisance, at times, due to the fact that it comes with a lot of effort and hassle. Clearing the snow off your highway, trying to get to your car, giving all you have to not your tires drift like an action-film sequence; it’s all too tough. However, not anymore. Snow Blower is the solution to your unanswered prayers. Although using a tool that you haven’t worked with before can be tricky. I understand the dilemma when it comes to using new tools; is it worth the money? Is it actually going to work?
Well, yes. Best Snow Blower is the only thing that is perfectly going to work in such uncertain weather. However, if it’s worth buying, or capable enough to do the job are the biggest concerns. Moreover, with new tools comes anxiety- almost free of cost. The fear of getting yourself in trouble with a big tool, one similar to Snow Blower, is quite natural. Without further delay, let’s dive into all the necessary details you need to know before buying a Snow Blower.
Best Snow Blower
What is a Snow Blower?
A snow blower or a snow thrower is a machine used to clean off the snow from places where it’s not needed, for instance, the backyard of your house, sidewalk, pavement, or driveway. Let’s get into a little technical detail of the tool. As the name suggests, a snow blower does not blow the snow; instead, it removes it by storing the excess of snow.
How does snow blower work?
A snow blower mechanism works in a way that when the engine is started, either electrically or with a push-button. The operator moves the snow blower forward with the help of two handles/lever, making its way to the desired places where the snow has to be cleared. The auger sucks in the snow, and into the auger housing, the impeller (spinner) throws the snow out of the chute.
What is the difference between a Snow Blower and Snow Thrower?
A snow thrower is a single-stage machine that gathers the snow in the auger housing and throws it out the chute repeatedly. Single-stage simply means that the whole process is done within a single action, sucking in the snow and throwing it out the chute. Whereas, the snow blower is a two-stage machine that sucks in the snow into the auger housing (1st stage) and fetches it the impeller (2nd stage), which throws the snow out of the chute.
Snow blower tends to be more powerful than snow thrower. A snow thrower can work with 8-9inch snow while the snow blower digs a lot more deeper than the thrower due to being a two-stage machine.
Choosing the right Snow Blower
Where snow blower has either the 1st stage type or the 2nd stage type, choosing the right one is not that difficult. Snow blower also comes with a 3-stage, which is not much common. Hence, considering the factors such as the area to cover, how deep the snow is depending upon how heavy or light, will help you identify the type of snow blower you need.
How big of an area can a snow blower manage?
For sidewalks or small driveways, single-stage would be the best snow blower for you. However, if you want to cover larger driveways, roads, or backyard, the 2ndstage snow blower is the right choice for you.
How much depth can a snow blower handle?
Depth is another factor you need to consider when opting for the best snow blower for your need. If it doesn’t snow like it’s going to kill you, go for either a single-stage snow blower or 2ndstage, which can handle 12-inch snow.
The single-stage is perfect for light snow, while the 2nd stage blowers are preferably the best snow blowers for heavy snow as the auger and impeller do not get clogged in wet or heavy snow. For brutally thicker and deeper snow of around 16″ depth, go for a 3-stage snow blower because they’re even stronger and heavier, capable of working in solid icy-packed snow.
A detailed single-stage snow blower explanation
A single-stage snow blower is lightweight and easy to work with. Preferably best snow blower for clearing up a moderate area with 12″ of snow or lesser. The feature you need to be aware of is that single-stage snow blowers do not have engine-driven wheels. However, some models do come with the desired features, not all. The auger makes the forward-movement of the blower. For pavements or sidewalks, single-stage is the best snow blower as it doesn’t pick up unwanted rocks. For flat surfaces, single-stage blowers come with skid plates/shoes for much better cleaning experience.
Detailed 2nd stage snow blower explanation
2nd stage powerful snow blowers can work up to 12 inches of stubborn snow. These models come with engine-driven wheels to properly clear off larger and uneven areas with snow. The mechanism works in a way that the auger sucks in the snow and gives it to the impeller, which throws the snow out the chute. This fast mechanism is ideal for clearing off larger areas in a significantly short time.
Another point to consider about the 2nd stage blower; they come with a variety of features than the single-stage blowers. Hence, the 2nd stage is considered to be the best snow blower for large areas.
Electric snow blowers
Electric snow blowers are not at all a hassle. Being lightweight and easy to start with, these have proved to be the most selling ones out there. Two modes of electric snow blowers are in the market:
Cordless snow blower
Works best without making much noise and fumes. The cordless ones have power similar to that of the gas. The mobility ratio in cordless is much higher than any other blower.
Corded snow blower
Corded blowers do not have much of a mobility ratio. They tend to remain connected to a power source. Mobility isn’t the only issue here; the cord should come with flexible material in such cold weather in order to work properly. Make sure you study it carefully before making up your mind.
Detailed Gas Snow blowers explanation
Gas blowers are always winning with a high mobility ratio as they do not require a cord. Moreover, a powerful system lets clear large areas with greater widths snow intake. Gas blowers also come with the engine-drive wheels, making the blower easy to move than the auger-assisted ones. Gas blowers are available in single and 2nd stage blower modes.
Snow blower features
Best snow blowers with Single or 2nd stage types come with different features. Make sure you go through the list till the very end to decide which feature is a must-have for your requirement.
- The electric push button is ideal to start a cold engine. It’s better to have an electric start feature that requires connecting the snow blower to the nearby power source rather than a manual start-up mechanism.
- Powerful electric motors with higher amps give the powerful boost to your blower for removing all the snow from unwanted areas.
- A greater cubic centimeter engine allows the same powerful operation to gather all the snow with greater width intake for gas snow blowers.
- Greater width and intake height tell how much the blower can clear off in a single go. It enables the removal of snow at a much faster rate.
- Speed control lets you set the blower according to your own pace.
- The single-handed feature lets you manage the blower quite easily.
- Plastic skid shoes and plates save your garage from unwanted marks and scratch.
- Headlight enables you to work at night with greater visibility and without having to carry an additional torch.
- Heated handles make sure your hands stay warm while you work your way into the thick snow and chilling – degrees.
- Remote chute-control lets you control the direction in which it throws the snow.
- Drift cutters slice the icy-packed solid snow to make it easy for you to work with.
- The clean-out tool attachment cleans all the clogged pieces of ice in the chute.
Safety guide
If you have reached to the very end of the snow blower guide, you must have made up your mind as to which is the best snow blower for you and which snow blower is a no-no. Considering all the factors and providing each with its due attention, you’re all set to make your decision. However, the safety guide is yet to explain the significance of avoiding risks of all sorts.
As much as the snow is beautiful, it adds up to an unpleasant incident percentage. Risks of getting yourself in trouble are considerably high, where snow landscapes stretch as far as the eye could see. In case of wet slippery snow, never forget to add tire chains to the wheel-driven snow blower. Before you gear up to clean the snow off your driveway, sidewalk, or backyard, GEAR UP! Proper gear is required to go cleaning rather than just about anything you could wear. Lose a piece of jewelry is a no-no and, of course, slippery shoes. Also, make sure you have properly read the instruction manual or inquired the guy at the shop about the cord’s material before buying a corded snow blower.
Never, I repeat, never unclear snow from the blower with your hands. It’s always wise to use a shovel in that case. Another point to consider is that always remember to check the spark plug for any damages or cracks in the wire. Using a blower after summers require thorough checking. Pay proper attention to the corded snow blowers as they can get tough to handle in terms of the cord. You are a smart-decision away from getting your hands on the best snow blower as per your requirements.
Recommended Models
1.PowerSmart PSS2240-X 24 in. 212cc 2-Stage Electric Start Gas Snow Blower
212cc PowerSmart engine offers powerful snow-clearing actionBlower allows a snow clearing width of 24 in. and a clearing depth of 20 in. making it a perfect choice for regions receiving heavy snowfall.
2.Briggs & Stratton 1022E 22-Inch Single-Stage Snow Blower with Push Button Electric Start
The Briggs & Stratton Snow Series Engine with electric start is designed to deliver optimum power in extreme winter conditions. Its oversized controls provide mitten-friendly operation.
3. Ariens ST24LE Deluxe 24″ Two-Stage 254cc Snow Blower 921045
Dash Mount Crank Fuel Tank Capacity: 11.6 qt. Fuel Type: Gas Inlet Height: 24″ Skid Shoe Type: Polymer Reversible Clearing Path: 24″ Drive Type: Disc-O-Matic Wheel Dia.: 16″ Stages: 2 Features: Auto-Turn Steering Technology, Cast Iron Gear Case Drive Gears: 6 Forward/ 2 Reverse Wheel Width: 6-7/8″ Chute Construction: Steel.