Buying Guides For The Best Deals on Snow Blowers
Are you looking for a way to make the Winter months easier? Investing in a snow blower can be the perfect solution! Snow blowers are ideal for removing piles of snow quickly and efficiently, so you don’t have to spend hours shoveling or dealing with snowy messes.
We know that finding the right equipment can seem overwhelming, but we’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll provide insight into selecting the best deals on available snow blowers! Read on for more information about what makes a great purchase and tips for getting maximum value from your investment.
What is Snow Blowers?
Snow blowers are machines designed to remove snow from paths, sidewalks, driveways, and other surfaces. They work by using a combination of augers and impellers which rotate in order to scoop up snow, compress it and then disperse the snow away from the surface, usually through a chute or tube leading away from the area.
Snow blowers come in both gas-operated and electric models; gas powered models tend to have more power for larger jobs, while electric ones are more convenient for lighter duty jobs.
Benefits of Snow Blowers
- Save money – Deals on snow blowers can help you save a lot of money. Many retailers offer discounts or sales when purchasing a snow blower, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal.
- Reduce downtime – Snow blowers are powerful machines and can quickly clear large areas in no time at all, meaning you don’t have to spend hours shoveling manually. This reduces the amount of time spent clearing the area and gets you back inside faster!
- Increased safety – Snow blowers are designed with safety features like electric starters and augers that safely remove ice from sidewalks and driveways without causing harm to bystanders or property damage.
- Reduced stress – Clearing snow can be a time-consuming and labor-intensive task. By utilizing a snow blower, you’re able to quickly and easily clear large areas without having to worry about backaches or weariness.
- Improved curb appeal – A well-maintained driveways and sidewalks can add value to your home and increase its overall curb appeal. Deals on snow blowers will help you get the job done without breaking the bank.
- Durability – Snow blowers are built for extreme weather conditions, so investing in one now may save money in the long run by avoiding costly repairs or replacements down the line due to damage from heavy snowfall.
- Multifunctional – Many snow blowers now come with multiple features such as mulching, shredding, and blowing capabilities. This means you can use it for more than just clearing snow, which can be a great way to get the most use out of your machine.
- Environmentally friendly – Snow blowers are powered by either gasoline or electricity, so they produce no emissions that would harm the environment. Plus, there’s no need for additional chemical agents when using a snow blower, making them an eco-friendly option for winter cleanups.
Pros and Cons of Snow Blowers
Pros:
- Snow blowers are fast and efficient at removing snow from large areas. They can quickly clear driveways, sidewalks, and other surfaces in a fraction of the time it would take to do it manually with a shovel or rake.
- Snow blowers can be used for more than just clearing snow – they can also be used to mulch leaves, spread gravel, or create neat rows in your yard.
- Snow blowers save energy and effort as compared to manual labor because you don’t have to lift heavy amounts of snow over long distances.
- Most models allow you to adjust the settings so that you can control the amount of snow being blown away as well as the speed and direction of the snow blower.
Cons:
- Snow blowers require periodic maintenance such as changing the oil, replacing spark plugs and filters, and cleaning out the chute to prevent clogs. This can be time consuming and costly over time.
- Snow blowers are loud so they may not be suitable for residential areas where noise can be an issue.
- They are also larger and heavier than other tools used for clearing snow like shovels or rakes, making them harder to store in smaller spaces or transport from place to place if needed.
Types of Snow Blowers
Snow blowers come in a variety of sizes and styles to meet the needs of every homeowner. The most popular types are:
1. Single-Stage Snow Blower: This type of snow blower is designed to be used on flat surfaces or driveways with light amounts of snow accumulation. It uses an auger system that scoops up the snow and then throws it out through a chute at the back. These models are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for small jobs or narrow spaces.
2. Two-Stage Snow Blower: This type of snow blower is designed for larger areas with deeper accumulations of snow. It uses an auger system to scoop up the snow, which is then thrown out through a discharge chute. This type of snow blower is heavier and more powerful than the single-stage model, enabling it to tackle deep, heavy snowdrifts with ease.
3. Three-Stage Snow Blower: This type of snow blower is the most powerful and is designed for tackling the deepest, heaviest accumulations of snow. It uses a combination of an auger, impeller, and accelerator to scoop up and throw out the snow at high speed through a discharge chute. This type of blower is usually gas-powered and perfect for large areas with tough winter conditions.
4. Electric Snow Blowers: This type of snow blower is designed to be lightweight and easy to use in small areas or tight spaces. It uses an electric motor instead of gas and oil, making it quieter, cleaner, and more efficient than gas-powered models. The limited power output makes these models suitable for light tasks only.
5. Cordless Electric Snow Blower: This type of snow blower is an electric model with no cord. It uses a rechargeable battery instead and has all the benefits of an electric snow blower, such as quiet operation and clean emissions. The main downside to these models is the limited runtime due to the size of the battery.
How to use Snow Blowers?
- Assemble the Snow Blower: First, you need to assemble the snow blower according to the instructions provided in the product manual. This includes connecting the handle and gas tank, attaching hoses, and any other necessary components.
- Prepare for Operation: Before starting up your snow blower, make sure it is properly fueled with fresh gasoline and engine oil. Check the air filter and spark plugs as well to ensure they are in good condition.
- Start-Up: Once everything is assembled and all of your safety checks are complete, it’s time to start up the snow blower. Make sure you are standing at a safe distance away from the machine before turning it on. Most snow blowers have a pull-cord or electric start option.
- Clear the Area: Before using the snow blower, make sure that any obstacles in your path are clear of debris and branches. These will only get tangled up in the machine and make it hard to maneuver around them.
- Move the Snow Blower: To move the snow blower, use two hands on the handlebars while pushing down with your feet on either side of the machine. Push it forward in a straight line until you reach an area that needs to be cleared of snow.
- Control Flow: Depending on how much snow is falling at once, you may need to adjust the flow control settings for optimal results. Make sure you are familiar with your snow blower’s settings before attempting to use it.
- Clear Snow: Once you have the flow adjusted correctly, start clearing the snow from the surface. Move back and forth in a pattern until all of the snow is gone. Make sure that you don’t leave any behind as this can lead to slippery surfaces which can be dangerous for those walking around them later on.
- Disengage and Turn Off: After all of the snow has been cleared, make sure that you disengage all controls before turning off the machine. This will help ensure that no further damage is done to the machine while it is being stored or transported elsewhere.
- Storing the Machine: Once you are done using the snow blower, make sure to store it in a safe location. This means away from any sources of heat or moisture that could potentially damage it over time. It’s also important to make sure that all components are securely fastened before storing the machine for an extended period of time.
Common mistakes when using Snow Blowers
- Not checking the snow blower’s oil level before starting it up. Snow blowers can leak oil, and failing to check your machine’s oil level can lead to a fire. Make sure you check your blower’s oil level before using it and change it as needed.
- Not clear away any snow before starting up your machine. If there is snow on the ground when you start up your machine, it may kick up and become lodged in the engine or other parts of your snow blower, causing damage that could result in an expensive repair bill down the line. Always clear off any snow from around where you’re going to start up your machine so that none gets into moving parts like gears or belts—and make sure no children or pets are nearby as well!
- Not checking for cracks in the housing before use (especially if you’re using an older model). Cracked housings can cause serious damage to engines and other internal components over time because moisture gets inside them easily through cracks; this leads to rusting which causes further damage as well as performance issues for your snow blower over time. Check your blower’s housing often, and if you do notice any cracks, it might be time to invest in a new machine.
- Not remove any ice or debris from the auger before use. Ice and other debris can quickly cause damage to the internal components of your snow blower as well as prevent it from moving snow properly. Remove any ice or debris you may see stuck between the auger blades each time you use it—this is especially important after long periods of storage or when using an older model snow blower.
- Using too much fuel for your machine. Overfilling a snow blower with fuel can create dangerous situations like fires, floods, and explosions; make sure you always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when filling your machine with fuel. If possible, use a funnel to pour fuel into the tank as this will help you avoid overfilling it.
Factors to consider before buying Snow Blowers
Size: Snow blowers come in a variety of sizes, from small walk behind models to large garden tractors with attachments. The size you choose should be based on the area you need to clear, as well as how much power is needed for the job at hand. For larger areas, a larger snow blower is recommended.
Power source: Most snow blowers are powered by either electric or gas engines. Electric models are easier to use and provide an environmentally-friendly option, but usually require an extension cord and can only be used in areas within a certain range of the power outlet. Gas models are more powerful and can cover larger areas, but they require regular maintenance and refueling.
Features: Look for features such as dual-directional rotation (allowing you to alternate between forward and reverse) and adjustable discharge chutes to direct where the snow will be discharged from the machine. Other helpful features include headlights, heated handles for comfort in cold temperatures, skid shoes for difficult terrain, and remote control capability.
Accessories: Some snow blowers come with additional accessories that can be helpful in certain situations. These include a snow cab to keep you warm while operating the machine, extra-wide tires for increased traction on icy surfaces, or heated hand grips designed to keep your hands warm while working outdoors in cold weather conditions.
Warranty: Many manufacturers offer warranties on their products. Look for a warranty that covers both parts and labor so you don’t have to pay out of pocket if something goes wrong with your machine. Also, look for extended warranties that cover more than one season of use. This way, you’ll be covered for years to come.
Price: As with any major purchase, consider your budget when shopping for a snow blower. Look for the best value within your price range and make sure to check out reviews from other consumers before making a final decision. Also, look into special financing options that may be available to help you get the most out of your investment.
Tips to use Snow Blowers
- Wear the right protective clothing and equipment when operating your snow blower. Make sure you’re wearing boots, a heavy coat, gloves, eye protection, and a hat or helmet to protect yourself from flying debris.
- Read through the instruction manual that comes with your snow blower before using it for the first time. This will ensure you know how to operate it safely and correctly.
- Check for any ice or debris in the path of where you plan on blowing snow prior to starting the machine. If there is anything obstructing the way, remove it manually before attempting to use your snow blower.
- Start clearing away smaller piles of snow before moving onto larger ones so as not to overload your machine.
- Don’t try to blow through deep snow that is more than 8 inches high. It’s better to break it up with a shovel and then blow away the smaller pieces of snow. Also, move slowly when blowing large amounts of snow.
- Be sure to use both hands on the handles at all times for maximum control and safety when operating your machine.
- Keep an eye out for any kids or pets in the area as you are working and make sure they stay far away from the moving parts of the snow blower while it’s running.
- After you’re done using your snow blower, remember to turn it off, disconnect the spark plug and perform any necessary maintenance or repairs. This will ensure your machine is in good working condition for the next time you use it.
- Lastly, follow all safety instructions that come with your snow blower to avoid injuries or accidents while using this powerful machine!
FAQs
How wide a blade do you need on a snow blower?
The width of the blade on a snow blower will depend on the size of your driveway and the type of snow you may be dealing with. If you have an average-sized residential driveway, a 24 to 30-inch wide blade should work well. For larger driveways, look for blades that are 36 inches or wider.
Additionally, if you are dealing with heavier wet snow often, consider opting for a wider blade so it can more easily handle deep accumulations. It’s also important to check your manufacturer’s recommendations prior to installation as different models may vary in how wide the blades should be.
Ultimately, when choosing the ideal width for your needs make sure it fits within the recommended range and is capable of tackling whatever winter throws at you!
Do you need to mix oil and gasoline in a snow blower engine?
2-Stroke engines are powerful and efficient, but require operators to mix fuel with oil for optimal performance. Failing to do so can lead to engine breakdowns, making it important that all users of these motors understand the importance of following proper protocol!
Conclusion
Even with the best snow blower, you’ll still have to put in some effort to clear your driveway and sidewalks. But with our exclusive deals on top-rated models, you can at least save some money while you’re doing it.
So check out our list of the best snow blowers on the market and find the perfect one for your needs. And don’t wait too long – these deals won’t last!
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