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Snow blowers have come a long way from the first one built by an
enterprising farmer in rural Canada in the 1920s. Snow blowers, or
snow throwers as they are also referred to, are the perfect
solution for snow clogged driveways. However, that does not mean
that any snow blower will do. There are several points to be
analyzed before you find the perfect snow blower for your driveway
and the weather conditions of the place you live in. Manufacturers
of snow blowers make both lightweight and heavyweight models to
suit differing weather conditions.
Snow Blower Types
Single Stage Snow Blowers
The two basic types of snow blowers are single stage and double
stage blowers. Also, snow blowers may be either gas powered or may
run on motors powered by electricity. Single stage snow blowers are
generally used in areas that receive light snowfall. Single stage
snow blowers can also be used to maintain short walks or driveways
in areas receiving heavy snowfall.
Double Stage Snow Blowers
Double stage snow blowers are used to clear heavy snowfall.
However, these tend to be very expensive and may not be the most
economical choice if you intend to use it just to clear out the
driveway.
Know Your Snow Blower
The part of snow blowers that cuts into snow and lifts it up is
called an auger. It rotates constantly and has curved blades fitted
on to its drum-shaped surface. Some snow blowers are propelled
forward as the auger comes into contact with the surface of the
snow laden path. Not all surfaces are conducive for using snow
blowers of this kind. Also, some snow blowers need to be pushed by
the user to move on ahead.
The snow that is loosened and picked up by the snow blower is
directed away from the path by the discharge chute. This chute is
operated by rotating a crankshaft. A small wheel with blades is
fitted behind the auger to propel loosened snow into the discharge
tube. This bladed wheel is known as an impeller. Some models are
fitted with drift cutters that help the auger slice neatly though
snow drifts.
Snow blowers that use only an auger to collect and discharge
snow are known as single stage snow blowers/throwers. Two stage
snow blowers/throwers have both augers and impellers. The power
rating of the engine that a snow blower is fitted with gives an
indication of the kind of performance you can expect from the
machine in question.
Gas powered snow blowers and electric snow blowers – a
comparison
Some snow blowers use continuous electric supply to operate.
With electric snow blowers the most obvious advantage is that you
do not have to worry about gas and oil supplies. Electric snow
blowers are also much quieter than their gas powered counterparts.
Being relatively light weight, electric snow blowers are easy to
use and store. This feature makes them a preferred choice for
elderly people.
There are quite a few restrictions placed on the user while
using electric snow blowers. Of course the area of reach of an
electric snow blower is confined to the length of the cord since
there is a limit to how far you can move away from the electrical
socket. This length is usually between 100'-150'. So, it will not
be possible to use electric snow blowers to clear driveways that
are over 150' in length. Users have to be careful with cord
placement too, running the snow blower over the cord is a
possibility if due care is not taken. Extension cords may be used
but with due caution to avoid mishaps of any kind.
Gas powered snow blowers are generally powerful machines. They
tend to be a bit unwieldy especially when you have to lug them out
from a garage or over the patio steps. Once on the driveway,
however, they finish the clearing job in a jiffy. Gas powered
blowers can handle even wet snow quite well. Snowfall that measures
more than 6 inches on average calls for the use of powerful gas
powered snow blowers.
Specifications – Sizes and Engine Power
Snow blowers come in different sizes for paths of differing
widths. The sizes are further classified on the basis of the engine
power. In areas that receive a snowfall of 60-75 inches, a light
single stage snow blower with an engine capacity of 5 to 8 HP is
the usually preferred choice. Areas that get to see an average of
150 inches of snowfall will need at least a 7 HP double stage snow
blower to be able to maintain a driveway in usable condition. The
type of snowfall can also make a difference to your requirement of
engine power. Wet snow will need powerful machines to clear while
dry snow can be managed with less power.
Snow blowers come in different sizes for paths of differing
widths. The sizes are further classified on the basis of the engine
power. In areas that receive a snowfall of 60-75 inches, a light
single stage snow blower with an engine capacity of 5 to 8 HP is
the usually preferred choice. Areas that get to see an average of
150 inches of snowfall will need at least a 7 HP double stage snow
blower to be able to maintain a driveway in usable condition. The
type of snowfall can also make a difference to your requirement of
engine power. Wet snow will need powerful machines to clear while
dry snow can be managed with less power.
Single stage snow blowers are the ideal choice for homes that
have small spaces to be cleared. The many features in their favor
are that they are lightweight, compact, easy to use and easy to
maintain. Heavier snowfall can be handled by multiple runs over the
same area.
Single stage snow blowers are the ideal choice for homes that
have small spaces to be cleared. The many features in their favor
are that they are lightweight, compact, easy to use and easy to
maintain. Heavier snowfall can be handled by multiple runs over the
same area.
Single stage snow blowers are the ideal choice for homes that
have small spaces to be cleared. The many features in their favor
are that they are lightweight, compact, easy to use and easy to
maintain. Heavier snowfall can be handled by multiple runs over the
same area.
Features to check for while buying a snow blower
Whatever type of snow blower you are looking at, look for a
comfortable height at the handles. Try out the handles, controls
and grips and see if it would suit your gloved hand. The next
feature to check is weight, especially if you have to lug it up and
down a flight of stairs every time your pathway needs clearing.
Check for added features which can help in making your clearing
task easy and more efficient. Drift cutter kits, chains that reduce
wheel spinning, shear pins and locking pins are accessories that
are a real value for the money. These might just do the trick on
heavy snow fall days when just your snow blower seems no match for
nature’s white carpet in front of you.
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