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Electric Versus Gas Snow Blowers
An electric snow blower can be a much better option then using a gas snow blower, particularly if you have a short driveway. It will take longer for you to clear away the snow, but the entire startup process, including maintenance and storage, is less for an electric snow blower than for a gas snow blower.
Snow blowers have made snow cleanup infinitely easier then spending all day clearing snow with the result of being exhausted afterwards.
Electric snow blowers do not require any gas, oil, or tune ups; they are very lightweight and easy to store and are not as noisy as gas snow blowers. Since they must be plugged in, you need a long enough cord to reach all areas of your driveway, and you need to be careful of the cord when using the snow blower. They also tend to be not as powerful as gas snow blowers.
Important Snow Blower Information
There are two types of snow blowers, and which type you use will depend on the size of the area you need to clear, as well as the amount of snow you tend to receive each winter. If you tend to receive on average around 6 inches or less with each storm, then a single stage snow blower should be your choice. The single stage snow blower chips away the snow using a single auger that throws the snow away from the snow blower, up to 35 feet away. The auger performs the best on pavement and other smooth surfaces and can clear paths between 12 to 22 inches wide, depending on your machine. A single stage snow blower will be best for small driveways.
Two staged snow blowers are used for large areas and very heavy snow fall. They work very fast. Instead of an auger, they use a spinning impeller that can go through the snow very far, about 45 feet and can cut paths up to 35 inches wide. This type of snow blower has wheels and does not actually touch the ground, so it can be used on any surface. Two stage snow blowers are designed to work at freezing temperatures and have speed adjustments including a reverse mode. You can get some great features on a two stage snow blower such as drift cutters, headlamps, heated handgrips, safety features, and variable speed transmissions. Most two stage snow blowers have freeze resistant starters.
Electric snow blowers tend to cost around $300; gas single stage snow blowers around $600, and a two stage blower for around $1000 or less. Toro, Stihl, John Deere, Craftsman, Snapper, Honda, and MTD all make excellent snow blowers. When operating any type of heavy equipment, it is very important to read the directions, as those that have difficulties with snow blowers should know how to use them properly.
Tips For Electric Snow Blowers
Electric snow blowers are very small and light, so they can be maneuvered easily. They do not create as much noise, but the length of the cord limits them. When using an electric snow blower, you should be within 100 -150’ from the power source; if you go further, then the power source cannot provide enough energy to run the snow blower. Also, the electric cord can be a serious hazard if you are not careful because water and electricity are a dangerous combination. Electric snow blowers are less powerful then gas ones and can only handle snow that is around 6 inches deep.
Top Rated Electric Snow Blowers
Toro produces some of the top rated electric snow blowers. The Toro power shovel is the perfect electric snow blower to clear sidewalks, decks, and front stoops. This snow blower does not have wheels, so you have to push it along, but it still works very well. This top rated snow blower is a great option if you have back problems; there is no bending or lifting as the auger throws the snow away. This can also be used to sweep grass clippings and leaves to get even more use out of your snow blower year round.
The Toro 1800 Power Curve is another top rated snow blower made by Toro. If you are not hit with deep snow storms, then this snow blower is an ideal machine. The cord for this electric snow blower is only about 35 feet long, so you may need an extension cord, but the blower has wheels and is self propelled so get ready to push. However, it is a very light machine, so you will only need one pass to clear light snow and possibly two for heavier snow fall. This particular electric snow blower is considered a best buy based on its price of around $300.
One of the best snow blowers produced by Yard Machines is an electric snow blower, the Yard Machines 31B-040-800 Snow Fox. This blower clears a path of 12.5 inches with 8.5 Amp. It is about 22 lbs in weight and can throw snow as far as 25 feet. The electric start ensures that it will start every time no matter the weather. It comes fully assembled and has a cord retention device to ensure your cord will not become tangled. Most customers love this snow blower and rank it between using a snow shovel and heavy duty snow blowers, perfect for those light storms.
The Snow Joe 332 snow thrower is also ranked highly as one of the best snow blowers for light snow fall and small areas. It is an extremely light snow thrower, at 12.5 lbs, and works solely off electricity. The handle was designed to reduce stress and fatigue when using, and it has a three blade rotor, which easily disposes of light snow fall. This snow thrower is perfect for sidewalks, patios, decks, and steps and has great maneuverability. The Snow Joe Company specializes in winter products, and all its products come with a warranty.
Choosing A Snow Blower
There are many top rated snow blowers to choose from, but it is important to choose the best snow blower for your needs. You need to take into consideration your typical winter snow fall, the size of the area you want to clear, and how far away from your home is the farthest point. For areas with light snow fall and small areas, an electric snow blower is the best option and will easily handle your snow.
