When you read this article, winter is probably full-blown, and you’ll soon notice all that snow piling up outside. It can be tough to keep up with, making it difficult to get around—and worse, it can be downright dangerous. Slippery sidewalks and heavy snow accumulation can pose serious hazards to anyone visiting your house, so buying a snow blower can be a game-changer for your winter routine.
With so many options available, choosing the right one can be challenging. That’s why we’ll help you with some practical tips before you buy one.
Why Invest in a Snow Blower?
Apart from the safety reasons we just mentioned, buying a snow blower can be a game changer for your winter snow routine. Instead of spending hours clearing your driveway and walkways using a shovel, a snow blower lets you do the job quickly and efficiently. Whether you’re facing light flurries or deep drifts, investing in a snow blower ensures you can tackle winter weather with ease and convenience.
Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Snow Blower
Type of Snow Blower
- Single-Stage Snow Blowers: This model typically handles up to 8 inches of snow; therefore, it’s ideal for light to moderate snowfall in your smaller driveways, sidewalks, and paved surfaces. What they do is use a single auger to scoop and throw snow in one motion. The best part of all is that it’s lightweight, easy to maneuver, and cheaper than bigger models.
- Two-Stage Snow Blowers: Do you have a larger area to cover with heavier snowfall? Don’t worry; this powerful solution can help. In addition to the auger, it uses an impeller to throw the snow, making it perfect for 16 inches of snow depth. Since the auger doesn’t touch the ground, this model can also handle gravel driveways or uneven terrain.
- Three-Stage Snow Blowers: However, if you live in an area that often faces extreme weather with deep, heavy snow, a three-stage model might be your best bet. Equipped with an accelerator that speeds up the cleanup process, it can handle over 18 inches of snow in a larger property.
Engine Type
- Two-Cycle Engines: Before buying a snow blower, you must familiarize yourself with the types of engines that power it. One such engine is rather simple and light. However, using two-cycle engines requires a mix of gasoline and 2-cycle oil, and this need for proper fuel mixing can be a downside for those who prefer a straightforward refueling process.
- Four-Cycle Engines: On the other hand, the four-cycle engine has separate tanks for gasoline and oil, eliminating the need for manual fuel mixing. It is friendlier for users and generally more powerful, making them better equipped for clearing heavy snow in areas with harsh winter conditions and easily tackling larger areas.
Clearing Width and Snow Throw Distance
- Residential Options: For regular residential use, you need a unit that can be easily maneuvered in tight spaces and stored without taking up space. Hence, a residential model with 20-24 inches clearance is a good choice, as it perfectly balances efficiency and size for your standard driveway and sidewalk.
- Larger Areas: When your home is bigger than most, opting for a model with a 28- —to 33-inch clearing width can significantly reduce the time and effort required. This model guarantees quicker clearing, as it is typically found in two-stage or three-stage snow blowers with stronger power.
- Compact Electric Models: These alternatives are fueled by electricity, either through a rechargeable battery or corded connection to a power outlet, which makes it an eco-friendly choice. As the name ‘compact’ also implies, this model is very lightweight, with a 12-inch clearing width made for smaller walkways, decks, or patios.
Starting Mechanism
This may sound like a smaller deal to consider when buying a snow blower. But in frigid temperatures, it can make all the difference. A snow blower with a manual start requires you to pull a cord to ignite the engine. Although it’s a straightforward and more affordable option, turning over when the weather is freezing can be harder.
On the contrary, an elect electric-start blower provides a hassle-free way to get the blower kind of start, which can be beneficial in freezing conditions as it eliminates the need for strenuous pulling. ModelTwo-stage- and three-stage models prioritize this kind of convenience; they cost slightly more and offer added comfort and reliability.
Snow Blower Power and Performance
Horsepower (HP)
Effective snow removal depends on your horsepower choice when buying a snow blower. Here are some of what’s available out there:
- Small Jobs (3–4 HP): These lightweight models are ideal for walkways or small driveways and are perfect for light snowfalls.
- Medium Jobs (5–6 HP): Suitable for standard residential driveways, offering a good balance of power and efficiency for moderate snow accumulation.
- Heavy-Duty Jobs (7+ HP): These powerful machines efficiently handle deep snow and are designed for heavy snowfalls and long driveways.
Terrain and Surface Type
Before buying something expensive but unusable, make sure you also consider the type of surface and terrain of your house because, as we stated before, different types are also built for different grounds:
- Flat, Paved Surfaces: If your home is like most homes with flat, paved, smooth surfaces, a single-stage snow blower may be sufficient as its auger makes direct contact with the ground for efficient clearing.
- Gravel or Uneven Terrain: In other cases where your home is built on gravel or uneven terrain, two or three-stage snow will do. However, for sloped areas, a self-propelled vehicle with multiple speed settings is what you want for better control when maneuvering uphill or downhill.
Additional Features to Look For When Buying a Snow Blower
Some models offer bonus features. One helpful feature is adjustable chute direction, which allows you to control where snow is thrown so you don’t build up in unwanted areas. Another one to look for in sloped terrain is a self-propelling property that makes snow removal less strenuous. Last but not least, LED headlights are meant for better visibility during early morning or late evening snow clearing.
Comparing Gas vs. Electric Snow Blowers
Gas-Powered Snow Blowers
These models are known for being reliable in handling any situation, whether small or heavy snowfalls or smaller or larger areas. All three models we mentioned earlier are also available for this gas-powered machine. However, using gas requires maintenance through fueling and oil changing. Besides, they tend to be heavier, noisier, and produce emissions, which may not be ideal for environmentally conscious users.
Electric Snow Blowers
As an alternative, electric snow blowers are more friendly to the environment and the user. They are lighter, perfect for smaller spaces, and offer zero emissions and quiet operation. There are two models to choose from: one with a cord connected to the power provides more consistent power but is limited by cord length, and the battery counterpart gives better flexibility but needs to be recharged between uses.
Budgeting for Buying A Snow Blower
Last, if not, the budget is the most crucial consideration when buying a snow blower. For entry-level models ($200-$500), you can get the electric one ideal for a smaller area. With a slightly higher budget, you can get the mid-range models ($500–$1,000), which offer better power with single- or two-stage blowers for your average driveways. If budget is not a concern, high-end models ($1,000+) can give you maximum power through two or three-stage gas blowers for heavy snow.
Choosing the right snow blower within your budget ensures you get the performance needed without overspending.
Why Buy Your Snow Blower at Johnson’s Ace Hardware?
Johnson’s Ace Hardware can help you buy a snow blower with the right specifications without overspending. By combining our local expertise on Pittsburgh winters with your knowledge of your property, we can make a personalized recommendation that suits your needs.
Don’t hesitate to drop by our store today.
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