Waking up early to clear snow from your paths and driveway by hand is one of the most tiresome winter chores. To make this challenging, wet task far simpler, invest in a snow blower. Before buying one, learn more about your options and how they can help below.

Types of Snow Blowers

Snow blowers are available in one-, two-, and three-stage configurations. Single-stage blowers are often called “snow throwers,” as they use motorized paddles to fling light quantities of snow away from an area. They’re typically less powerful than genuine snow blowers, but they’re more than adequate for areas with less than 12 inches of accumulation. Because moving parts in single-stage blowers don’t make contact with the ground, they’re also good for preventing debris from being thrown into the air.

Two- and three-stage snow blowers use one or two augers to capture snow, carry it back through the machine, and then eject it through a chute using a rotating device called an impeller. These heavier blowers often feature powered wheels to make your work easier, and they can clear snow deeper than 12 inches. Three-stage blowers are capable of handling the largest loads.

How They Work

A blower is powered up either by pressing a start button on an electric model or pulling a cord for a gas-powered, recoil start engine. If you’re using a single-stage blower, the next step is to simply push the device through the area you want to be cleared.

If you're using a two- or three-stage machine, the drive lever is engaged to start the powered wheels. As you move into the snow, the auger switch is then thrown to activate both the wheels and the impeller, drawing the snow in and launching it out and away as you work. The auger's length determines how wide a path it can clear, while its diameter will determine the depth it can reach.

 

If you’re ready to make winter mornings easier with a snow blower, get in touch with All Seasons Honda & Ski-Doo in Homer, AK. For over 30 years, these professionals have provided communities on the Kenai Peninsula with an extensive selection of snow blowers, generators, and outdoor gear. Visit their website to learn more about their products, or call (907) 235-8532 to ask about their inventory.