Buying a snow blower is a very good decision to make when the weatherman is forecasting a heavy snow. Clearing your driveways, walkways, and steps may even become a daily routine for a few months at a time – so it makes sense to look into the tools that can help ease the stress of snow removal. Snow-blowers provide efficient snow removal and if you live in a snowy part of the state, one of these machines can be a very time- and labor-saving alternative.
There are a few different types of a snow blowers. You don’t want to invest in a machine that doesn’t meet your needs. So here are some things to consider before investing in your new wintertime “best friend”.
Buy Early
Buying your snow blower early will save you money
You should not wait for the snow to block your door before buying a snow blower. This is when prices are the highest. Make sure to shop as early as possible, ideally before the winter season knocks on the door. Snow-blowers are usually on sale pre-season with discounts of up to 15% off. But once the first big snowfall hits, all bets are off. If you wait, you’ll pay much higher prices and most likely wind up with a machine that’s too small for your needs.
Choose the Right Type and Size of the snow-blower
You can choose between an electric or gas snow-blower, and each can be found in different sizes and styles.
- A single-stage gas snow-blower is ideal for light to moderate snow up to 12 inches deep.
- The two-stage gas snow-blower is a good solution for moderate to heavy snow up to two feet deep.
- The three-stage gas machine is ideal for moderate to heavy snow up to two feet deep.
- The electric snow-blower is the best solution for light & fluffy snow under 6 inches.
Single-stage snow-blowers are smaller and manually powered while two-stage and three-stage models push themselves.
Consider the Average Snowfall Depth and the Type of Snow
As mentioned above, you should consider the snow-blower size depending on the average snowfall depth and the type of snow. Single-stage snow-blowers have a hard time throwing deep and sticky snow. If that’s the type of snow you get most often, a self-propelled two- or three-stage snow-blower would be best. A two-stage snow-blower is easier to handle since it doesn’t have to be pushed into heavy snow. As well, two- and three-stage machines have more powerful engines, so they won’t bog down in heavy, wet snow.
Don’t Overpay
More expensive doesn’t always mean better. Not all expensive models are the best, and sometimes it is not worth spending the money for the most expensive machine. Before you make a final decision, consider the right type for your needs. By choosing the right model, you will also save money you would spend on snow blower repair.
Snowblower Maintenance
Good snowblower maintenance during the season and proper storage in the off-season lets you get the most out of your snow-moving machine, year after year. Maintenance may differ depending on the blower model. You should read the documentation before beginning work and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and maintenance. For example, if your model has a key, remove it. On a gasoline-powered model, disconnect the spark plug ignition wire, grounding it against the engine. The electric model has to be disconnected from the power source.
Choosing the right model of snow blower can be a difficult decision, especially if you don’t have previous experience with this type of machinery. Choosing the right one could save you a lot of time and money and be a very valuable investment for years to come. However, if you still have doubts and cannot decide which model is the one right for you, do not hesitate to contact us. We would be happy to help!
