Playing on snow is fun. However, it entails hard work after a snowfall; you need to clear the sidewalk and your driveway to avoid accidents. Using a snow blower is the most effective method to execute the tough job. Read the tips below to hunt for the most effective snow blower for your home.

Two-stage or single-stage snow blower. These two classifications have differences. Read their dissimilarities below to help you decide.

Single-stage snow blowers

They are lighter and need lesser maintenance. The only drawback is they contain two-cycle engines that have more emissions. Single-stage blowers have rubber and metal auger that quickly spins. It will scoop the snow through the ground and will direct it in a discharge shaft.

You also need to mix gasoline and oil before filling your tank. You can’t use them on gravel planes because the auger touches the ground which can create accidents because the blower can scoop and throw little rocks. Single-stage blowers don’t have the power of double-stage snow blowers; they don’t suit locations that are having 6-inches or more snowfalls.

Double-stage snow blowers

They are more expensive and heavier but they can clear wider paths, between 20-31 inches. These blowers have a slow-turning auger that’s made of metal. It scoops up snow, which will be sucked-up by its impeller to chuck the snow into its discharge chute. Its auger doesn’t touch ground so you can use it on gravel. Set the scraper bar high enough if you don’t want to contact gravel.

They can handle the heaviest and wettest snowfalls easily

They can also dig deeper snowfalls up to 12-inches. You just need to guide these blowers because they are self-propelled. However, be careful if you’ll clear a high level snow for your safety and for the security of your equipment. Most of these blowers have two or more forward speeds and one reverse tempo.

They have a cleaner four-cycle engine which doesn’t’ need mixed fuel. The disadvantage of these blowers is they don’t give a clearer path like single-stage blowers because their augers don’t touch the ground.

Determine how wide your blower’s clearing path must be. Decide on it after you’ve determined what snow blower type you need. Some vital factors that can affect your decision are the storage space for your snow blower, and your comfort in using it. Double-space blowers will eat up more space because they have a broader clearing path and they can be much difficult to use, especially during turning.

Tips in clearing snow

You need a headlight during short winter days so you can clear snow even when it’s dark. It will also help you avoid electric start. Buy a blower that has a heated handgrip.

You need an adjustable discharge chute while you’re using a blower so you won’t throw snow on cleared areas. Some blowers have manual crank that can be found on its handle while other models use joysticks. The joystick can control the chute’s direction mechanically.

Consider using electric snow blower and power shovel for light occasional snowfalls. A power shovel has the effectiveness of scoop shovel and weed trimmer. Plan and choose the best snow blower that suits your need.