Snow Blower Guides

What are the Different Stages of a Snow Blower

What are the Different Stages of a Snow Blower? Snow blowers come in various widths and can either be powered by gas, or be electric.Typically a snow blower will come in; Single-stage Two-stage Three-stage Single-stage and two-stage are more common however, three-stage is useful for larger areas or very deep snow. Knowing which snow blower to buy is important, so let’s go through what each one is good for to help you find which stage best suits your needs. Single-stage Single-stage snow blowers are used for light to moderate levels of snow. They are suitable for use on small driveways and pavements and will be able to clear the snow off your porch with ease. You can be expected to clear around 8 inches of snow with this compact snowblower. How it works The name single-stage derives from the snowblower scooping up the snow and spitting it out in a single motion. A single-stage snow blower uses a rubber auger, sucks in the snow, and discharges it through the chute. Two-stage If you are needing to clear a larger area, then two-stage is more ideal for the job. Two-stage snow blowers are useful for grassy areas or gravel driveways, however, there may be some snow left behind. They will clear a larger width at a time than single-stage and can clear snow between 12 and 23 inches in depth. Two-stage snow blowers normally have engine-driven wheels which will help to prevent any faults or failures with the machine. How it works This snow blower is typically self-propelled and has forward and reverse functions. Combining the power of the two-stage snow blower with the auger and impeller, it clears snow faster. It chews up the ice and snow and spits it out through the chute. Three-stage Three-stage snow blowers can be up to 50% more powerful than two-stage and leave less snow behind, which makes for a cleaner driveway. For spaces larger than 18 meters, two-stage or three-stage are the most effective. Three-stage snow blowers can handle sloped ground, either paved or unpaved, and will clear snow as deep as 23 inches. If you are dealing with a large amount of ice, a three-stage is particularly helpful. How it works In addition to the auger and the impeller, the three-stage also uses an accelerator. The accelerator spins at a 90-degree angle from the auger, working like a screw. Together they force the snow into the impeller where it gets discharged. Conclusion Which snowblower you should buy is dependent on your needs, and what you will use it for. For smaller jobs, a single-stage is sufficient whereas larger areas or deeper snow will require a two-stage or three-stage snowblower.

Snow Blower or a Snow Thrower?

Which Should I Get? The Difference Between a Snow Blower or a Snow Thrower? Here it is, wintertime, and if you live where snow is common, you are plotting ways to tackle all of that snow and at least make your walkways and driveways passable, so people can stay healthy and injury-free. If you don’t have a snow removal tool in your garage yet, don’t worry. It’s never too late to get one and start removing snow like a pro. You will be confronted with two choices for automatic snow removal; a snowblower or a snow thrower. With this article, you’ll know how they differ, and the choice will be easier. How Does Each One Work For the most part, a snow thrower is exactly like the name says; they are used to throw a relatively small amount of snow off the ground. They simply throw the snow off the sidewalk or driveway in a single motion. That means you don’t have to push the machine too far; you don’t have to clean sections over and over. That said, a snowblower removes snow in two stages. The first stage blows the surface snow off the lower layer, which is essentially scratched away by the repeller, which will scrape through the snow repeatedly until it’s all gone. In other words, snow blowers tend to be noisy because they do a lot of intense work and because they do two things. So, What are the Most Obvious Differences? The most obvious difference between a snow thrower and a snowblower comes with its size. Blowers are far larger than snow throwers, in part because they do more work. Throwers are more compact and lighter in weight, so they are easier to maneuver. So, Which is the Best Choice for Me? The right choice between a thrower and a blower. If you have a small property and you don’t want to carry much weight, a snow thrower may be your best choice. Of course, it also depends on the type of snow you tend to get. If the snow is usually powdery and relatively dry, you might be able to use a snow thrower. On the other hand, if your snow tends to be saturated with water and gets slushy relatively quickly, the snow is heavier, and the snow thrower may not work well. If you have a large property and/or a lot of sidewalks and driveways that need cleaning, it is unlikely that a snow thrower will do the work you need, so a snow blower will be your best bet. Good luck on your search.

How to store your snowblower

Guide to storing your snowblower Is it okay to leave it outside? Snowblowers have become an essential addition to every home that experiences heavy snowfall. After all, the last thing you’ll want to experience is to trudge through inches of thick snow to get outside. However, storing a snowblower once the winter blows away has become a headache for many smaller households. While the most recommended way for you to store a snowblower is to keep it in a dry and clean shed, not everyone would be able to afford the luxury of having the extra space in a small home. So, can you leave your snowblower outside as a temporary storage solution? The answer is, yes, you can. Snowblowers can typically be left outside and it wouldn’t cause too much harm to your machine or home, although you should take some precaution on how you’re storing them outdoors. Typically, you’ll have to prepare an elevated space to safely store your snowblower outside. This raised platform should be set several feet off the ground, so the snowblower doesn’t make contact with the gravel below. Be sure to also block off the snow thrower and finally cover the snowblower with a tarpaulin. This is the best way to store your snowblower if you must leave it outside but do be sure to check on the appliance every few months. Doing this ensures that you’ll be aware of any wear and tear on the machine resulting from sun and rain exposure. How to store your snowblower in 5 steps Now that you know your snowblower is safe to be store outside, perhaps it’s also a good idea to know how to store it properly. Here’s how you can safely keep your snowblower away in 5 steps come summer, so it’ll be ready to jump back in action come winter. Step 1: Clean out the fuel system, ensuring there are no gum deposits that may clog your snowblower’s tank, filter, hose, or carburetor. If you’re planning to store your snowblower with the remaining fuel in the tank, be sure to store your snowblower away from sparks that can cause a fire. Step 2: Wash and dry the snowblower accordingly. Take caution to clean off any salt deposits to minimize rust and corrosion damage during storage. Step 3: Cover any exposed parts with a rust preventative agent. Light oils or silicone works best for areas that have poor ventilation. Step 4: If you have a snowblower with a folding handle, you can detach the handle by loosening the bolts and knobs. Fold the handle for easy storage. Step 5: Keep your snowblower in a dry and clean shed. For outdoor storage, be sure to keep your snowblower off-ground and cover it with a tarpaulin until it’s ready for use during the next snow season.

5 HP Snow Blower

Is a 5 HP Motor Large Enough for a Snow Blower? The vast majority of homeowners who deal with a lot of snow seem to prefer to spend some extra money hiring a service to remove their snow after every storm, rather than buying the right equipment to do it themselves. It should be an easy decision to make between paying someone $20 to clear a driveway after every storm, or to spend a few dollars to buy a decent snowblower once and clear the driveway yourself every time there’s a storm. However, there are other questions to be asked. If I Buy a Snow Blower, How Much Power Do I Need? If you make the decision to buy a snow blower and handle storms yourself, you will still have to know which kind f snowblower to get. For example, how much power will you need to be effective at clearing the snow? It’s probably the most common question among new customers. It should be obvious that the more powerful the snowblower, the larger the motor and the larger and heavier the snowblower itself. On the plus side, the more power, the faster it will clear snow. However, you must keep in mind that you also have to carry it while you clear the snow. Therefore, if you have a large property and you need to clear a wide area of a large property, the power may become less important than the impact on your back. On the other hand, since a higher-power blower will have the torque to clear the snow more quickly, the strain on your back may be a lot less than if you were to use a smaller motor. So, How Much Horsepower Should a Snowblower Have? If you examine online reviews, the preferred minimum horsepower varies widely, but most seem to believe 5 HP is large enough for most jobs. Some people say 5 hp may be a little too much, in fact, but 5 horsepower seems to be sufficient for most snow clearing jobs, regardless of the amount of snow. In fact, a 10 hp snowblower has suggested that 10 hp is often cited as way too much, and just adds extra weight and noise, without a resultant advantage in snow clearing capacity. What all that adds up to is, having a 5 HP snowblower should be sufficient for most snow clearing jobs, unless you’re clearing 40 acres for a farm that gets 2-4 blizzards per month. And Few people get that much snow, outside of the Alaskan Tundra!

when is the best time to buy a snow blower

When is the best time to buy a snowblower? If you live somewhere that gets a lot of snow, then a snowblower will be a pretty useful bit of kit. You have no idea how much time it will save you to just blow away all of that snow instead of raking it up or just living with the fact that your driveway, home, or what have you is going to be blocked for a short while. The thing is, there are a lot of people out there that will leave it too late to pick up a snowblower. This is something that has always baffled us. If you want a snowblower, then buy it before it snows. There are a few reasons for this. Snowblowers sell out quickly Alright. The snow comes. Guess what? Everybody will start getting ideas about picking up a snowblower. If you buy any sort of snow-focused equipment when it is snowing, then you are in for a hard time. You would even struggle to find grips for your shoes, let alone big, bulky bits of machinery. If you want to stand a chance of getting your hands on a snowblower, then pick it up before it snows. You will have no competition. Prices go up close to the snowy months The basic economic principle of ‘supply and demand’ applies to snowblowers. When the snow rolls around, demand goes up. When demand goes up, prices go up. Why wouldn’t a company put up their prices? It is a quick way to make an extra bit of cash. Now, this may sound wild, but we recommend that you pick up a snowblower during the summer months, or at least early fall. It may seem crazy, but this is when you will often find the lowest prices for snowblowers. Nobody is picking them up then, so they are on sale. It gives you time to actually learn how to use that snowblower Picking up your snowblower before it snows also gives you time to read the manual. It makes no sense picking up a snowblower and trying to fumble about with all of the features while a blizzard is pounding you in the face, right? Learning how to use your snowblower before it snows means that you are going to be able to clean up that snow a whole lot quicker. Of course, it also gives you time to do your research and pick up the right snowblower. Nothing worse than not having time to read snowblower reviews, right?

How to Start a Snow Blower

How to Start a Snow Blower: Easy Step-By-Step Guide You Can Follow Winter is here and it is probably the most beautiful time of the year. However, you can’t deny the fact that removing the snow from the driveway or sidewalk is another tedious task. Make your work easy by getting yourself a snowblower and follow the below-mentioned steps to get it started. How To Start A Snow Blower? Step 1: Check-Up On the Fuel Level You don’t want your machine to run out of oil midway. Therefore, before starting off your cleaning always check that your machine is fueled up. The drive control should ideally be set to neutral because you don’t want to over-work your machine when it is getting started. Step 2: Ignition Settings Set the level of the choke to fuel. This will help the machine to mix the fuel well with the air. However, if you are using it within a gap of fewer than 5 minutes then set it to warm start setting Increase the throttle to a fast setting. Always, keep it at this setting to get it started. Step 3: Turn on the Fuel Get your machine started by pressing the on button. If you are unsure about where it is then look up the user manual. Never forget to switch the fuel valve back to off once you are done using it. This will reduce the chances of gas leaks. Step 4: Turn the Ignition Switch On Usually, it’s more like a normal switch where you just have to turn it into an “on” position. Step 5: Insert the Key If You Are Required To Some Snowblowers come with an extra precaution of a key, wherein in case of emergency you have to just remove it. So you need to insert the key because otherwise, it won’t start. Step 6: Primer Bulb Settings Push this button a few times so that you start getting fuel circulated. If the temperature is above 15-degree Fahrenheit, do this twice. Step 7: Get the Engine Started Pull the starter rope slowly and when you feel the resistance then quickly pull upwards to get the engine started. If your model has a power cord, plug it in to get it started. If your model has an electric start, press the start button. Step 8: Turn the Choke Off Let your snowblower warm-up for a few minutes, then turn the choke off. After following these steps, you are good to go! Final Thoughts So, with the above-mentioned tips, get started with cleaning the snow easily and effortlessly with a snowblower.

What Is a Two-Stage Snow Blower

What Is a Two-Stage Snow Blower: Everything You Need to Know! Cleaning up snow is a daunting task during the winter season. However, with the help of a snow blower, you can easily clean up the snow around your house. Now, snow blowers are also available in different types, depending on the configuration and built. For instance, you have a single-stage or two-stage snow blower. Let’s see what a two-stage one is. What is a Two-Stage Snow Blower? Unlike a single-stage snow blower that is more ideal for small distances and jobs, the two-stage snow blower is a bit more advanced. A two-stage snow blower has an extra set of power-assisted wheels that can help you get rid of more than 8 inches of snow. Moreover, it is also more compatible with sloppy areas or rough terrain. Working of a Two-Stage Snow Blower The working mechanism of the two-stage snow blower is more different than the single-stage one. In this, the two main processes take place. Hence, the name two-stage snow blower. The auger (or the blade of the blower) accumulates the snow It then passes it to a fan The fan propels all the snow via a chute Thus, helping in throwing the snow away faster and making it ideal for places with high snow. Another great thing about this snow blower is that, unlike the single-stage, this blower’s auger doesn’t come in contact with the surface. So, you can use it over surfaces with dirt and gravel as well. Benefits and Features of a Two-Stage Snow Blower If you’re wondering whether to go for a two-stage snow blower or not, here are the best benefits and features of it. Best for sloppy areas Best for gravel driveways as the auger has no contact with the surface Best for removing slope faster and throwing it further away Final Thoughts Any snow blower can help you with removing snow. However, if you require one for sloppy areas with a lot of accumulated snow or gravel areas, then go for the two-stage snow blower.

How to Use a Snow Blower on a Gravel Driveway

How to Use a Snow Blower on a Gravel Driveway? A snow blower is one of the best tools out there for cleaning pavements or driveways full of snow. However, many people refuse to use a snow blower on a gravel driveway as it may lead to damage. Yet, did you know that with the help of a proper technique and machine, you can definitely clean snow on a gravel driveway. Here’s how. Which Snow Blower to Use for a Gravel Driveway? Before you use any snow blower, know that there are some types of it. For instance, you have single-stage snow blowers or two-stage snow blowers. In single-stage snow blowers, the auger is in direct contact with the gravel surface that can lead to many problems, such as property damage or even injury. On the other hand, if you have a two-stage snow blower, the auger won’t come in any direct contact with the surface. Thus, reducing the chances of any damage. So, if you want to use a snow blower on a gravel driveway, go for a two-stage one. Now, let’s see how to use it. Step-By-Step Guide of Using a Snow Blower on a Gravel Driveway Step 1: Make Use of Skid Shoes With the Snow Blower If you don’t want your snow blower to take up the gravel and process it in the chute, try using skid shoes. With the help of these, your machine will leave behind just an inch of snow and reduce the possibility of picking up gravel. Step 2: Start From Upwind Section When you start, start from the end of your driveway with the chute pointing in the downward direction. With the help of this, you’ll reduce the chances of throwing the snow in the same place from where it was picked. Step 3: Raise the Blower Properly If you have layers of snow, raise the blower just a bit to remove the first layer of snow. Slowly, you can dig in deeper and clean the lower layers. Step 4: Clean Your Snow Blower Lastly, make sure that you clean the machine as any failure in doing it can lead to potential damage to it. Final Thoughts Whenever you try using a snow blower on a gravel driveway, make sure that you see how it is done once and then go ahead. This can help in reducing any risks and also cleaning the driveway!

How to Use a Snow Blower

How to Use a Snow Blower First snowfalls are always so much fun. The way everything looks in the morning before cars are sliding all over the place can be really beautiful. But then there’s the other side of the first snow. Roads need to be plowed and driveways need to be shoveled. Let’s go over some basics of having a snowblower You Still Need a Shovel There are a few things you want to check before you fire that baby up. One of them is that you still have a shovel. Having an awesome snowblower doesn’t mean you won’t ever touch a shovel again. There might be angles you can’t quite get your blower to get to, or you might run out of gas and you’ll still need to shovel your sidewalks. Check the Weather We know you are super excited to take the snowblower out for a spin, but you need to check the weather first. You don’t want to wait until all of the snow has dumped before you plow. Wait until you have about 2 inches, then go ahead and do your first round. You will probably have to do another go, but it’s better for you and your snowblower to not have to do it all at once. If you wait and find you have at least 6 inches of snow, you’re going to have to get that shovel out. Prep Like You Would To Rake You don’t want to take your blower out and go crazy. You still need to check for rocks, sticks, cables, hoses, and anything else that might be in your yard or driveway. It would be really, really bad if you started throwing rocks into your neighbor’s yard or at their cars. Don’t Add Work to Others Watch out for others. You don’t want to throw the snow into your neighbor’s yard, or worse, in the street. That could cause other cars to get stuck or get in the way of the city snowplows. Use the power of having a snowblower wisely.