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The last few winters have brought some heavy snowfalls to Ontario residents. Why not make your life a little bit easier this winter and invest in a snow blower? You’re sure to appreciate it when the snow really starts falling.
A good snow blower can take the back-breaking task of snow removal and completely change the way you feel about it. It makes the job a snap; you can quickly clear laneways, driveways, paths, decks and any other areas around your home.
If you’re thinking about purchasing one, it can help to start by considering how big an area you have to clear. This can help determine which type of snow blower will best meet your needs.
To learn more about how to choose the best snow blower for your property, we spoke with Rick at Heritage Home Hardware. Since there are several different types of snow blowers, you should pick the one that will make snow removal easiest for you. Thinking about the following will help.
Choose by power source
Electric snow blowers
These are a popular choice for everyday use. They’re great for cities and suburbs and are ideal for clearing patios, porches, walkways and driveways. They’re lighter, quieter and generally less expensive than gas versions; they’re also easy-to-use and low maintenance. Keep in mind that electric snow blowers work best on smooth, paved surfaces and are best suited for light snow and smaller areas.
Battery-powered snow blowers
Battery-powered snow blowers have the advantage of being cordless, which many people like. They operate very much like normal corded electric snow blowers but offer easy portability. These run on batteries, are light, compact and much easier to manoeuvre than gas models. They’re great for use on walkways and driveways and there’s no cords to get tangled in or to limit your clearing distance. They are, however, less powerful than gas models.
Gas snow blowers
This is the most powerful type of snow blower. If you have heavy-duty jobs, gas snow blowers are best equipped to do the work quickly and effectively. They are great for rural areas and any areas that receive heavy snowfall. They offer greater clearing width and intake heights and come in different power levels. They do require more maintenance and access to gas; they’re also heavier than other types.
Choose by stage type
Think about the terrain you need to cover and the kind of snowfall you receive. It can be helpful to consider the different stage types that are available.
Single-stage
These are often referred to as snow throwers. They feature an auger that directs the snow through a discharge chute in one single movement. Single-stage snow blowers are the lightest and easiest to handle and are ideal for clearing small and mid-size areas. They’re available in gas, electric and battery-powered models. These work best on smooth, paved surfaces where they won’t pick up any rocks or gravel and are recommended for light snow removal.
Two-stage
Two-stage snow blowers feature an auger that lifts snow and an impeller that throws it. Because of this, they provide a more powerful throwing capacity, which allows the snow blower to clear a wider path. These are recommended when moderate or heavy snow removal is required, and they are ideal for clearing large areas. They are suitable for use on gravel or paved surfaces.
Three-stage
Three-stage snow blowers are the strongest kind; they use an accelerator in addition to an auger and an impeller. Want a machine that clears the fastest and throws the farthest? This is the one. Three-stage snow blowers are ideal for businesses and large rural properties; they can handle wet and heavy snow and ice. They are suitable for use on gravel or paved surfaces.
Key features to look for—and why they’re important:
Clearing width and intake height
Snow blowers that have wider clearance widths can clear an area in fewer passes, saving you time and effort. Higher intake means the auger on a snow blower sits higher off the ground so it can handle deeper snow drifts. Greater clearing width and intake height make clearing snow quicker and easier.
Speed control
Snow blowers that offer speed control provide multiple speeds in both forward and reverse. This means you can customize the speed of the machine according to your needs. Speed control can help prevent clogs in heavy snow.
Electric start
Attempting to use the pull cord on a gas snow blower in frigid weather can be frustrating. Thankfully, many gas snow blowers now offer electric start mechanisms; instead, you can start it with the touch of a button.
Chute control
If you have to manoeuvre around curves, you’ll want a snow blower that offers chute control. It allows you to control the direction of the chute and adjust the direction snow is discharged in.
Drift cutters
These are the narrow steel bands you’ll find on the sides of the auger. If you have deep and high snowdrifts, drift cutters help you power through that snow faster and clear it more efficiently.
Power rating
Check the power rating of the snow blower before you buy it. A more powerful engine (higher cc, or cubic centimeter, rating) or electric motor (higher amps rating) offers more clearing ability.
Heated handle
Don’t be quick to dismiss this as a mere luxury, because you’ll appreciate having a heated handle when it’s brutally cold out. It offers much greater comfort than a simple pair of gloves.
Headlights
You’ll want a snow blower that comes equipped with headlights if you find yourself clearing snow in dark or low-light conditions.
Universal cab and covers
Most medium to large two-stage and three-stage snow blowers can accommodate a cab cover. They are usually constructed from durable clear vinyl and offer a universal fit. A universal cab or cover attachment helps shield you from the driving snow, wind and sleet; they’re especially useful if you need to clear snow in active storms.
For more information about selecting the perfect snow blower, visit Heritage Home Hardware or call 705-759-5101.