Looking for a snow blower for the season. It is just about that time again, so you need to get started choosing that snow blower. Do not let your haste get the better of you though. Take a few minutes and sit down and think about what you really need. Take the time to do a little research and get a snowblower that ill serve you well through the season.
Here is what you need to know about choosing a snow blower.
- You need to shop early.
First and foremost, you need to know that you need to shop early for your machine. Your retailer will be fairly stocked at the beginning of the season, but they are only going to get so much inventory. This is the ultimate seasonal item, so they are not going to overstock the shelves. This means that if you want the perfect machine for you, you need to grab it before it sells out. Buying a machine early can also save you money because when inventory runs low, retailers are unlikely to lower prices. If you plan on financing your snow blower, this can save you money every month. - Know your stages.
Depending on the snowfall that you will need to deal with you may need a 1, 2 or a 3 stage snow blower. A 1 stage machine has a single speed auger and can handle up to 6 inches of snow. A 2 stage machine has a slow speed and a high speed auger and can handle up to 12 inches of snow. If you expect to need to handle even more snow or need to do the job faster a 3 speed snow blower might be for you. 3 speed machines can handle up to 18 inches of snow. - You should get a light.
It gets dark early in the winter and chances are that you will be doing a good amount of your snow blowing at night when you get home from work. This makes a light a necessity on your blower and it should be a bright one. - Steel is not always better.
Steel usually has the reputation of being better and lasting longer, but this may not be the case with snow blowers. In fact, plastic may be preferred as far as chutes are concerned at least, because they are slicker. This makes plastic chutes much less likely to clog. - You can get power steering.
A snow blower can be difficult to turn, or at least they used to be. Nowadays, you can get power steering equipped units that can let you turn them on a dime. Even better, you can also get auto chute rotation and pitch control. Today’s machines are easier than ever to use. - Avoid rope pull machines.
Ever try to start a rope pull piece of lawn equipment in the cold? Not a lot of fun and it can kill your back. Invest a few extra bucks in an electric start and you will be glad that you did. - Tire selection is key.
Air filled tires are great when they are working right, but in the winter, they can be a pain. You will always be dealing with flats and/0r loss of pressure. Solid plastic tires may be a better way to go. - Electric machines are becoming more popular.
If you have a very small area to maintain that sees light snowfall, choosing a snow blower that is electric may be the way to go. You will not have to worry about having fuel or all of the maintenance that gas powered machines have.
