Why You Need a Snow Blower This Winter

Winter is here, and with it comes the dreaded task of clearing snow from your driveway and walkway. Not only is clearing snow annoying, but it can also lead to unwanted injury or prolonged discomfort. Instead of spending hours shoveling, consider investing in a snow blower. Snow blowers make clearing snow easier and can significantly reduce your winter workload. In this post, we’ll explain why you need a snow blower this winter and share some factors to consider when purchasing one. 

Reasons You Should Own a Snow Blower This Winter

The winter season can be incredibly stressful when it comes to property maintenance, and taking care of a large area of snow can be especially difficult. Fortunately, a snow blower can help alleviate some of this burden by making snow removal easier. Here are some reasons you should consider owning a snow blower this winter.

Increased Convenience

Using a snow blower means that clearing away large amounts of snow takes significantly less time than if you were to do it by hand with a shovel or scraper. This can be especially helpful if you have to clear large areas such as driveways or sidewalks.

Cost Savings

If you are a homeowner with a larger driveway, you may have hired a company to remove snow in the past. This cost year-over-year can add up. Purchasing a snow blower will save you money in the long run because you will no longer need to contract a company to remove the snow. As a bonus, you can remove the snow on your timeline rather than wait for a company to fit you in on their route.

Safety Advantages

With a snow blower, you can easily remove large amounts of snow from slippery surfaces such as steps and walkways, reducing the chance of slipping or falling during the process. If the surface is covered in ice, you may be able to break up the ice with the auger on the snow blower for easier removal. If you plan on using a two-stage or three-stage blower, make sure you invest in a good quality snow blower cover for extreme weather conditions. Doing so will protect your investment and prolong the life of your snow blower.

Features To Consider When Choosing a Snow Blower

When selecting a new unit several factors need to be taken into consideration to find one best suited for your specific needs. 

Clearing Width

The width of your unit’s clearing path is a crucial factor to consider when choosing one, as this will determine how much area you can clear in one pass. Smaller single-stage models usually only have clearing widths up to 24 inches, while more powerful two-stage units feature wider paths up to 30 inches wide or more depending on the model you choose. 

Snow Throw Distance

This refers to how far away from the unit your cleared path will reach after each pass. Distances typically range between 15 and 35 feet depending on the model and type selected. If you need to remove large amounts of wet or heavily packed snow then look for machines with longer throw distances since they will move more material with each pass they complete.

Engine Size

Look for machines with higher-powered engines if you’re dealing with tough surfaces covered in deep layers of wet and heavy snow. Mid-range models should suffice for light jobs involving lighter amounts over smaller surfaces such as sidewalks or patios. Gas engines do better over rough terrain than electric models, so keep this in mind.

Power Type

Deciding whether you’d like an electric-powered model or a gasoline-powered unit will depend on two factors, how much power output you need from your machine and how often it will be used. Electric models are typically cheaper but have lower power outputs and require recharging between uses. Gasoline-powered machines offer more power but require more maintenance over time due to their reliance on fuel sources. Both offer advantages, but ultimately it will come down to personal preference when deciding which type is best suited for your needs.

Conclusion

Investing in a snow blower this winter is essential in making snow removal easy and convenient. Snow blowers offer a variety of features and come in a variety of sizes, so you can get the perfect model for your needs. Once you’ve decided on the right snow blower for you, make sure to keep up with regular maintenance to ensure peak performance and make your snow-clearing experience as easy and hassle-free as possible. With the right snow blower, you can quickly and conveniently make short work of even the deepest and most inconvenient piles of snow.