There are several options available to you when you go shopping for a snowblower; from electric, two-stage, to single-stage blowers. Due to the varieties, it is possible to get confused.
All you want to do is get the snow out of your walkway or driveway; we bet you didn’t think getting a piece of equipment to do this would be anywhere daunting. The gimmicks and features they offer are ever-changing that even someone who could once boast of getting the best battery snow blower may get confused with what is in the market now.
Despite these changes, some factors remain constant when you need a snowblower. Focusing on these factors not just help you pick a good one, it will also ensure you get one that best meets your needs.
Hence, in this article, we will be discussing some of these important factors you have to consider when you go shopping for a snowblower. Let us get right into it.
1. Type and Amount of Snow You Will be dealing with
The type of snowblower you decide on should be based on the amount of snow you will be dealing with. If you will be dealing with a lot of snow, you will need equipment that will suit the need. In this case, we suggest you go for either a three-stage or two-stage snowblower instead of a single-stage one.
If the type of snow you want to get rid of is light and powdery and doesn’t cover more than 6 inches, you can opt for a single-stage one.
2. Pavement or Gravel?
What is the floor you intend to work on made of? If it is gravel, then we advise you avoid single-stage. These have rubber paddles underneath that are there to ensure contact with the ground. If these rubber paddles come in contact with gravel, they may throw loose particles or rocks at you, bystanders, or any near objects. This may result in injury or damage to the person or object the rocks are thrown at.
Rather than risking this, a good option would be to get a three-stage or two-stage power. You can adjust the height of these so they can easily pass over the ground.
On the other hand, if you have a paved walkway or driveway, you can use just about any stage power. So, your personal preference should dictate which power you opt for. If you want a very powerful machine, you can go with a three-stage or two-stage. However, single-stage machines work wonderfully on pavements; they may even outperform other powers since their contact with the clearing ground is closer.
3. Noise
The noise of the machine may be an issue if you live in a residential area. This is especially true when you have to clear the path in the morning when some persons are still trying to get some sleep.
Luckily, electric snow blowers do the job while ensuring the noise is kept to the bare minimum. All you need to run these is electricity, and because they don’t have gas engines, they are quite smaller and a lot quieter than machines that run on fuel.
Also, they require very low or no maintenance. However, they best suit lighter snowfall, so if you get heavy snowfalls, they may not be the one for you.
4. Size of the Path
Another thing you have to consider is the size of where you will be clearing. If you are a typical homeowner, you may benefit more from getting a single-stage machine. This is because this will typically cover between eighteen to twenty-two inches in width.
It also has a better chance of fitting into a tight area than other power machines will. This way, you can easily maneuver on your small walkways or decks.
If where you intend clearing is a large, multiple-car driveway, then you may have to go for either a three-stage or two-stage power machine. An average three-stage power snow blower can range between twenty-four or twenty-eight inches in weight.
This coverage will enable you clear big paths quickly. These machines’ engines are also more powerful than single-stage engines. So, they offer better performance for areas that have diverse or hilly terrains.
5. Maneuverability
Despite where you intend to use the machine, you have to get one that you can easily maneuver. Big three-stage and two-stage machines are often self-propelled. This takes away the stress of having to push around the big machines.
A single-stage snow blower on the other hand is not self-propped. However, they can easily move forward as their rubber paddles are pulled. If you have a single-stage machine that has refused to push itself forward, you may have to replace the scraper bar or rubber paddles to get it working properly. You can watch this video to learn how to change your single-stage machine’s rubber paddles.
Also, single-stage machines are built to be lighter and smaller than their three-stage and two-stage counterparts. So, even if you have to push them about, they do not have an extra mass that will wear you out.
6. Bonus Point
When you go shopping, you may be on the lookout for machines made by big brands. As you shop, know that the design of the machine contributes more to its performance than its engine does.
Also, remember that the engine size does not determine the quantity of snow the machine can clear. So, instead of looking at size, use the above factors to determine which would best work for you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the snowblower you buy should be based on the area that you intend to clear with it. The factors that should be considered include your location, the size of the path you intend to clear, and the terrain.
If the path is considerably big, you may need to buy a three-stage or a single-stage machine as these cover bigger areas in little time. But if you are an average homeowner, you can go with the less bulky single-stage snowblower. Above all, ensure you consider your needs and not the features of the machine.