Making a large purchase like a snow blower is something most consumers take into heavy consideration. Snow blowers come in many different styles and have a variety of features.
That’s why Blain’s Farm & Fleet is here to show you what to consider before purchasing a snow blower for the coming winter season.
First thing you want to consider is size. The size of the snow blower you need will depend on how large of an area you have to clear.
The larger area you have to clear, the bigger the auger blade, or front surface area, you want.
Power is not necessarily the largest factor to consider, as all snow blowers will do the snow removal job. It just depends on how fast you want it done.
A snow blower with an eight horsepower engine will be sufficient enough for most snowstorms.
Keep in mind more horsepower doesn’t always mean you’ll be getting a better performance. A more expensive machine may be bigger and faster, but it doesn’t mean it will be more reliable.
Most machines you buy these days will have the same warranty no matter what the cost.
Next, take into consideration whether you want a single-stage, two-stage, or three-stage machine. A single-stage machine, which is technically called a snow thrower and not a snow blower, will only push the snow out.
It requires the user to do most of the work to push the snow thrower through the snow. It’s good for light snow. But this can be a particularly daunting task when the snow is heavy and wet.
A two-stage machine, on the other hand, will pull the snow in and throw it out, requiring less pushing by the operator. Two-stage machines will always work better, as they pull the snow in for you and throw it further away from where you are plowing.
Three-stage machines are similar to the two-stage machines. The difference is that three-stage machines have an accelerator that clears snow quicker than a two-stage machine.
Also, don’t be dazzled by drive speeds. Most two-stage machines have five or six forward speeds, useful for going slowly through heavy snow or quickly when returning to the garage.
On most models, the gear speeds are pretty much standard. So don’t be fooled into thinking more speeds are better.
One additional add-on to consider for your snow blower is a removable cab for your machine. This product attaches to the back of the snow thrower, keeping the snow off you, and keeping the wind at bay to help make the job a little bit more enjoyable.
In terms of maintenance, you want to be sure to run your machine dry at the end of the season. This will prevent the engine from gumming up because of bad fuel sitting in the system.
When fall rolls around, check the spark plugs and filter to be sure they are still in good condition. Also, be sure to drain any old fuel that may still be in the machine, as fuel is only good for 30 days.
Finally, always be sure to have fuel on hand when you know there is a bad snowstorm approaching. This will ensure that you have what you need to get the job done as soon as you can, leaving more time to sit inside and stay warm!
For more tips and buying guides, check out our Outdoor Power Equipment Blog.
