How to Pick the Perfect Snow Blower

How to pick out the snow blower that's perfect on your needs

Spend less time shoveling snow and more time inside where it's warm with the help of a snow blower. Buy a snow blower now before they sell out. Demand is high after last winter's many snow storms. It’s not too early to start shopping for a snow blower. The stores are stocked with a fresh supply after last year’s rough winter when many retailers sold out.

Choosing the best snowblower for your needs is somewhat dependent on the area you need to clear, but it’s also determined by the type of snow you typically remove.

A snowblower should be considered differently than a lawnmower or other similar pieces of power equipment. If there's a problem with your mower, no big deal, just mow the grass next week after you get it fixed. Things don't quite work out that way when there's a foot of snow on the ground and you need to go to work the next day.

There's no way I'd buy a single-stage snow blower. I had one several years ago and literally gave it away before its second season. They work pretty well from 6", or less, of light powdery snow, but for any more than that or wet, heavy snow, you really need/want a two-stage blower. If you live in an area that receives moderate to heavy snowfall, you'll want one of these snow throwers to help you quickly clear walkways, driveways and more.

We can't help you escape the snow but we can help you avoid hours in the cold shoveling -- and the sore back. Actually in heavy wet snow the narrower one will do a little better because it's got the same size engine clearing a narrower path. If you are planning on staying in the Rochester area for a while you should definitely look at both Arens and Honda blowers, they will hold up a lot better.

• Consider your snow profile. There are all kinds of snow blowers, but the trick is finding one that fits your potential workload.
• Take it for a test drive. Many stores may have floor models for the products they sell so don't be afraid to take a few for a spin. A snow blower won't save your back if you're struggling to push the thing around.
• Safety first. There are some safety measures you'll want to take before you power up your snow blower. If you're using a gas-powered model, start it up outside to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Maintain your snow thrower. Gas-powered snow blowers require regular engine maintenance. According to Lou Manfredini at Ace Hardware, you've got to stay on top of it to keep your new investment in tip-top shape.

You'll also want to take into account what type of surface you're clearing, as not every snow remover is designed to handle unpaved driveways.

Powered Shovels: If you live in an area that receives light snowfall and you have only a walkway, porch or patio to clean off, consider a powered shovel. These lightweight electric units are pushed along the ground and automatically clear snow out of your path, eliminating the need for any heavy lifting.

Electric Snow Blowers:  electric snow blowerElectric snow blowers are capable of clearing light snow from sidewalks and small driveways. These extremely lightweight machines are commonly used on decks and steps where larger gas-powered models simply don’t fit.

Gas Snow Blowers: Gas snow blowers provide plenty of power and are available in both single-stage and two-stage models. Single-stage blowers feature an auger that breaks up snow and then lifts and tosses it aside.

Single-Stage
In very basic terms, single-stage snow blowers only throw the snow once. A Single Stagegas-powered engine spins an auger that scoops up the snow and throws it out the chute.

Two-Stage
Two-stage snow blowers, on the other hand, throw the snow twice. First, a two stage snow blowersmetal auger scoops up the snow and ice. Then, a high-speed impeller throws it out through the discharge chute.

Three-Stage
Three-Stage Snow BlowerThree-stage snow blowers are the most powerful and efficient snow blowers on the market. First, two metal augers scoop up the snow and ice. Then they move it toward the center where an accelerator chops and pushes the snow to the impeller, launching it out of the chute at high speed.