Choosing your first snow blower can feel overwhelming because there are so many models with different features. To make the decision easier, think about your property size, the average amount of snowfall you get each year, and your budget.
From my experience living on a corner lot with a fire hydrant and a long sidewalk, I’ve spent plenty of time clearing snow. If you only consider price, you might end up with a snow blower that doesn’t suit your needs or breaks down easily. It’s important to find a balance to ensure you pick the best option before making a purchase.
There are different types of snow blowers for different property sizes and amount of snow.
This type is recommended for smaller properties. It can work well for removing snow from patios, walkways, and other paved surfaces. It’s an excellent option for areas that receive light snow.
A cordless snow blower runs on a high-voltage battery. It’s a light unit that can handle various types of snowfall on smaller properties without maintenance costs. Cordless and electric snow blowers are less expensive and are nice alternatives if you don’t want to shovel.
This type of snow blower is nimble and uses a high-speed auger that scrapes the snow off your driveway or sidewalk and launches it through the air. This snow blower is best for light to moderate snowfall and small-to-medium-sized properties. If you have a gravel driveway, this type of snow blower shouldn’t be used as it’ll scrape off the stones and shoot them in the direction of the chute. This could cause property damage or injury. Lastly, over time the auger will wear out and need replacing. When your snow blower stops throwing snow efficiently, you’ll know it’s time to replace the auger.
This type of snow blower is more powerful than a single-stage. It’s self-propelled, so you can get through a lot of snow and ice without stopping and starting. Also, because this snow blower doesn’t scrape the ground, it can be used on gravel driveways. The downside to this snow blower is that it’s heavier, bigger, and not as nimble. Because it removes large amounts of snow, it’s recommended for properties with larger, longer driveways and climates receiving significant snowfall each year.
This type of snow blower is the strongest and toughest. It can clear over 20 inches of wet, heavy snow and chop the ice chunks like nothing. While these machines are expensive, if you live in a climate with heavy snowfall, this one is for you.
Once you’ve identified the type of snow blower you need to remove snow from your property, it’s then time to look at some of the features offered. Depending on your selected features, it could make your job even easier. If you’re like me, the quicker you can get back into the warm house, the better!
Here’s a list of features that can be found on the different types of snow blowers.
Finally, if you're planning to purchase a snow blower this year, it's best to do so before the first snowfall. Shopping early gives you plenty of choices, while waiting until it snows may mean fewer options as demand increases.