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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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