Table of Contents
When possible, use the snow blower before the snow stops falling if significant accumulation is expected. Making multiple passes – while taking more time – can be easier and often gives better results than trying to clear a heavy snowfall with just one attempt.
When should you use a snow blower vs shovel?
A snow blower will clear snow off your driveway and sidewalk for you. A snow blower clears snow faster than a shovel. The wider the intake housing of the blower is, the quicker you will finish clearing your driveway. Single-stage snowblowers clear 12 to 21 inches wide.
How deep does the snow have to be to use a snowblower?
Snowblowers work on any depth of snow. However, you will find the best results on snow deeper than two inches. There are some additional factors you should consider when removing snow including the type of snow and the surface you will be working with.
How early can I use my snow blower?
Do your best to avoid snow blowing late at night or early in the morning. Doing the work between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. is generally a good idea, unless you absolutely must get the car out of the driveway for an emergency or to get to work.
When should I clear snow from my driveway?
Shovel after every few inches of snow that falls or wait until the storm ends and remove the snow in layers. Remove only as much snow as you’re comfortable lifting. Hado recommends clearing your driveway in two stages. First push the snow to the edges with a pusher shovel, such as #8 in the graphic below.
At what age should you not shovel snow?
Beaumont cardiologist Dr. Barry Franklin says in the 1990s, he lost two close friends who died while shoveling snow. That sparked decades of researching this strenuous activity and the potential for harm. He found some startling results: You should not be shoveling snow if you’re over the age of 45.
Can you use a snowblower on wet snow?
A single stage snowblower can handle a little wet snow, while two or three stage snowblowers are better built to handle heavy wet snow. When snow is wet, move slower to take in less snow at a time so your snowblower doesn’t clog due to ice and snow buildup.
What to do after using snowblower?
After use, run the snow blower for a few moments to clear out snow and to prevent freeze-up of the auger or impeller. Sweep off the machine and dry it with a cloth to help keep melting snow and ice from causing corrosion or rust.
Can you use snow blower on grass?
Although the answer is yes you can use a snowblower on grass and gravel, it does actually depend on the snow blower and setup you have. However, certain types of snow blowers are equipped with skids and these are the snow blowers that can be used on grass, uneven, or unbound surfaces.
How do you clean a driveway with a snow blower?
2. Center Yourself. As you’re rolling your snowblower out of your garage, you should immediately head for the middle of the driveway. By starting in the middle, you can work your way outward in a circular motion and blow the snow away from where you’ve already been.
Should you shovel snow off your roof?
According to most roof warranties, snow should be shoveled off roofs before it reaches a depth of 2′; however, local snow removal companies may suggest sticking to the 6” depth to help prevent ice dams.
How do I keep my snow from accumulating on my driveway?
The best way to prevent snow from sticking to your driveway and other paved surfaces is by applying a specialized deicer product to the concrete before the snow arrives. Use a concrete-safe deicer such as Magnesium Chloride or Calcium Chloride.
Is a snow blower worth it?
In short, snow blowers are worth it if you get a significant amount of snowfall each year or have large areas that need cleared from snow. A small investment in a snow blower pays dividends in manual labor savings and risks.
Should a 70 year old shovel snow?
How old is too old to be shoveling snow? Older middle-aged adults should try to avoid shoveling snow, experts say. Dr. Barry Franklin has conducted studies on the topic after he knew two people who died during or after snow removal.
Why does shoveling snow cause death?
While most people won’t have a problem, shoveling snow can put some people at risk of heart attack. Cold weather can increase heart rate and blood pressure. It can make blood clot more easily and constrict arteries, which decreases blood supply.
Why does my head hurt after shoveling snow?
And it’s what causes you headaches: tension from the body’s efforts are being pass on to the head and neck, and amplified by an unhealthy and inefficient jaw position. This makes jaw muscles and other muscles in the head and neck work harder than necessary, leading to tension headaches.
Can I use wd40 on snowblower?
Can I use WD-40 on a snowblower? You can use WD-40 to help lubricate the snowblower chute. It’s easy to apply, dries quickly, and acts as both a water repellent and corrosion inhibitor.
Can snowblower remove ice?
Ice Removal Techniques If you’re facing chunks of ice within snow, you’re very much in luck. This is one of the easiest situations you can encounter because all you have to do is run your gas-powered dual stage snow blower over the ground, and let the augers break up the ice chunks.
Why does my snowblower not throw snow far?
Gas Snowblower: Why won’t my snowblower throw snow far enough? A clogged chute won’t throw snow very far. If the chute isn’t clogged, check the augers and auger drive system. A damaged auger blade can’t push snow through the shoot, and broken shear pins keep sections of the auger from spinning.
Should you drain gas from snowblower?
Drain the Fuel Even if the gas has been stabilized, we recommend completely draining your snow blower’s fuel system before storing it away for the season. Gas oxidizes and breaks down over time, creating sludge that can build up inside your snow blower’s fuel tank, carburetor and fuel lines.
How do I prepare my snowblower for summer?
Snowblower Storage Prep Add Fuel Stabilizer. Every time you refill your gas cans with fresh gasoline, the first step is to add fuel stabilizer to the can before filling it up. Drain the Fuel. Seal and Protect Your Engine. Wipe it Down and Lubricate. Wrap it Up.
Can a snowblower be left outside in winter?
If you have a home that’s on the smaller side, or one without a garage or shed, you’re probably wondering, “Can I store my snowblower outside?” The answer is yes: You can safely store your snowblower outdoors by elevating it away from the ground, blocking up the snow thrower, and covering the unit with a heavy.
