Tips on How to Choose the Best Snow Blower

The summer has been lovely and many will enjoy it for a bit longer. However, in a few short months winter will be upon us with all its fun and challenges. Depending on where you live, this coming season may require special preparations like special cloths, ensuring the heating system works perfectly, special tires for the cars, special footwear and not least of all, a snow blower.

We don’t all experience the same level of snow fall and will therefore not need to prepare in the same way for this season. As a result of this, we will be looking at a few different snow blower options that will suit different needs across the country.

Factors to Consider

The first question you will need to ask yourself is if you will really need a snow blower. This is a valid question that must be answered before you go ahead to decide on your next action.

There are a few questions that can arise from this initial question. Let’s address a few of these.

How Much Snowfall am I Expecting?

You need to ask yourself how much snowfall is expected in the area where you live. You should also look at the frequency to determine if it will warrant the need for a special equipment to help you handle the clearing. If you do not get much by way of snow fall and they are not frequent, it may be cheaper to simply get it done with a shovel whenever it does occur or pay someone to clear it for you.

What is the Cost to Pay Someone to Clear it for Me?

Before deciding on choosing to have someone the snow for you, find out how much this is likely going to cost you each time. Look at the cumulative cost to you and decide if it makes economic sense.

How Much will it Cost to Maintain a Blower?

When considering owning a blower, you should ensure you add the possible costs of running and maintenance. Of course the level of maintenance required will differ from type to type. This factor coupled with the others listed above can help you determine if you should go ahead and get one. You can get more information that will help you decide here.

Having looked at the questions above and decided that you indeed do need a snow blower as against using a shovel or paying someone to have it done for you, here are a few things you will need to consider.

Size

Every blower has a clearing path which is an indication of the width it will clear in a single pass. When choosing our machine, consider the size of your space, walkway, driveway etc. If you choose something that is too big or has too wide a clearing path you may find yourself unable to properly use it in your space.

In the same vein if you choose something that is too small, you will make your clearing job too cumbersome as you will need several passes to get the job done. Choose something that is appropriately sized for your space.

Stages

Every of these blowing machines have what is known as stages. You will find a single-stage, two-stage and three-stage variation. Each of these signifies different levels of capacity with the single-stage having the least capacity and the 3-stage type having the highest capacity.

For regular snow deposits of about 6 inches’ depth on a space of about two cars both in length and width, you can use a single-stage type. If, however you have a higher, denser buildup that will require to first be broken up before being swept off, then you will need either the two-stage or three-stage types depending on how tough the deposit is.

For greater clarity, a two-stage machine will handle a space that is about three cars long and two cars wide with a deposit depth of up to 12 inches. For a three-stage machine, it can handle up to 18 inches of depth in a space that is four cars long and three cars wide. It will also get the same job done 50% faster than a two-stage of machine of the same size.

Handling

Another thing to consider is the ease of handling. Look at your terrain and choose something that can be easily handled in that terrain. If for example you have a steep or rugged terrain, you need to consider this and look for features that will make the machine easier to use in such a situation. This is why it is important to check out a couple of options and feedback like the ones you can find at the Snow Blower Reviews site.

Power Source

One more important thing to consider is the type of power required. You will usually have the choice of either a gas powered or electric powered model. Look at your needs and see which will be best suited to meet them.

Conclusion

Winter can be a very lovely and interesting time if you are well prepared for it. If you are not, you will surely not find it enjoyable. Take some time within the next few weeks to ensure that you and your family are well prepared for the on-coming season. Remember, winter is coming!