How Do I Choose the Best Snow Blower?

There are several areas that must be examined to make certain you are choosing the best snow blower. The size of the area requiring clearing is one of the most important factors in choosing the best snow blower to complete the job. Frequency and amount of snow fall are other areas that must be considered when choosing a best snow blower for your needs. Physical strength of the user, the availability of fuel and the type of snow typically being removed are all factors when choosing a machine best-suited for your particular use and requirements.

The size of the intended snow removal site is a major factor in determining the best snow blower for a job. Small areas can often make do with a small power shovel or single-stage snow thrower. The large areas, such as parking lots, driveways and sidewalks, commonly require a larger, two-stage snow blower to handle the task. A single-stage snow thrower typically uses a single rubber paddle to dig into and throw the snow away from an area. A two-stage snow blower uses the first stage, an auger, to pull snow into the second stage, a blower mechanism, that hurls snow up through a chute and away from the machine.

For areas that see only occasional snow fall, an electric snow thrower is often the best choice. The electric motor withstands long storage periods much better than a gasoline-powered engine is able to. These are not often the best snow blower choices due to the fuel becoming stale over time when not used. If the area you live in sees frequent snow, the best snow blower will commonly be a gasoline-powered version that provides plenty of power and can withstand years of heavy use with a minimum of maintenance.

Your physical condition is a great identifier of what will be the best snow blower for your needs. A weaker or more frail person might choose a machine with power-driven wheels to aid in pushing the machine through the snow. Some self-propelled machines also incorporate a power-steering device to aid in turning and steering the heavy machines. When using a snow blower in a remote area, such as a hunting or ski cabin where gas stations may not be available and you spend a minimum of time at the location, an electric version may prove to be the best snow blower for your occasional needs. The benefit of this choice is the ability to power the machine off of a generator.