New Snow Blowers for 2012

"The coldest winter in 30 years was recorded across many parts of the US during the 2010-2011 winter. Eastern parts of the US plunged to a record -50F with the Northeast of the US also seeing records broken. Temperatures were also largely below normal averages for New York, Chicago, New Orleans, and Minneapolis. Snowstorms shattered New York City in December 2010 and January 2011 to become the snowiest January ever recorded."

"With low solar activity levels, changes to the Gulf Stream, the negative Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), and the general trend for a much colder winter [in the 2011/12 season] after the onset of last year's La Niña, this winter could prove to be a record breaker with extremely cold temperatures and exceptional levels of snow for many parts of the US."

Much of the country has already had significant levels of snow this year. Others have been unseasonably warm, but even here in Colorado, we've already had 50% as much snow in the foothills as we had last winter. In fact, as I write this, we're expecting another storm in two nights (which is what prompted me to look for the long term outlook).

Bottom line: I expect to get some good use out of my snow blower this year!

Excerpts from www.ExactaWeather.com

The country has been getting hammered with snow. I've had huge interest in this Squidoo lense, and traffic really picks up when there's a big snow storm someplace.

I got myself the Toro Powershovel in December. It works great! You can raise or lower the handle for a bit of control on how far you throw the snow. And, by pushing at a slight angle, you get a bit of control to throw the snow right or left. One strong suggestion for those shoveling dry snow. When the blades hit the snow, it just POOFS everywhere. Definitely wear warm, water proof clothes.

It's a great product and I love it!

My father-in-law picked up a nice two stage snow blower. I need to get pictures!

A good friend bought a Yard Machines Snow Fox from Amazon from this site and is eagerly waiting for snow!

The first thing I needed to figure out is what the difference is between single-stage and two-stage snow blowers. I kept thinking it had something to do with the engine and I just couldn't figure out how a single-cycle motor worked. (Really? Yeah, really.)

It made so much more sense once I realized that the difference was in how they moved snow. A single-stage snow blower relies on the action of the auger to blow the snow. The auger is the nasty, cork-screw shaped blade mechanism in the front of the snow blower. The auger on the single-stage blowers may be metal, metal tipped with rubber, or even completely made of rubber.

So, then, what's a two-stage snow blower? This adds an additional mechanism in the back of the snow blower called an impeller. This is designed to suck up the snow delivered by the augers and chuck it out the chute.

One key difference between single-stage and two-stage blowers is the speed of the auger. A single-stage blower relies on the auger to blow the snow, so it has to move pretty fast. The result is gearing that trades torque for speed. Consequently, single-stage blowers perform best on dry snow. Two-stage blowers' auger just needs to get the snow moved to the center impeller which is moving at seriously high speed. It both breaks up the packed snow delivered to it from the auger and gets the snow moving up and out the discharge chute really well. So, two-stage blowers will work well for both dry and wet snow.

Here's some more details:

• Single-stage electric - A single-stage electric snow blower is often ideal for homes with moderate snowfall and short driveways. These usually have a rubber-tipped auger that picks up and throws the snow. Some don't even have wheels, and those that do are not usually self-driven - you've got to push. However, the action of the auger helps to pull the blower through the snow. Many just throw the snow straight ahead. Manufacturers may rate these as being able to move as much as 8" deep of snow, but the reality is probably a bit less. What's the best thing, however, about electrics? Maintenance. Or rather, that there isn't much. When using them, use power cord rated for outdoor use and be mindful of where your cord is (don't run over it). Also, this style of snow blower can pick up gravel and debris and throw it, so it's not really suited to gravel or dirt driveways. On the other hand, these actually get all the way down to the concrete - you probably won't have to shovel much leftover snow when you're done.
  
  
• Single-stage gas -- Usually a bit wider than an electric snow blower, single-stage gas snow blowers are well suited to moderate snowfall and medium sized driveways. Most are not driven, still requiring you to push, but they are usually fairly light. They'll usually be powered with a two-cycle motor, so maintenance is going to be close to what you'd expect of most lawn mowers. Remember that two-cycle motors need gasoline with oil mixed in. Most of these have a pull starter, but for $60-100 premium, some models do have electric starters. They still aren't suitable for gravel or dirt driveways.
  
  
• Two-stage gas - The range of options and power on two-stage gas snow blowers make them difficult to classify. They come in widths up to 30"; some models are tracked; they are usually self-propelled - and usually quite heavy. The auger on these doesn't actually touch the ground, so they are suitable for gravel or dirt driveways. On the other hand, you may find it necessary to shovel the snow they sometimes leave behind - which will now be packed down a bit from the blower and you walking over it. However, they can move an impressive amount of snow. These are not maintenance free, and from a comparison perspective, are probably equivalent to maintaining a lawn tractor.

OK, so, maybe the color isn't the most relevant feature area to discuss. However, there are several features you should consider before you buy.

• Controls - The complexity and user friendliness of snow blower controls can vary a great deal. Make sure you're comfortable with being able to safely operate the snow blower before you purchase it.
  
  
• Starting - Gas-powered snow blowers will either have a pull start or an electric start. From what I can tell, this can cost $60-100 on your more cost effective snow blowers. More expensive two-stage snow blowers may just have this included and the price is harder to figure out. However, electric start does make starting the snow blower on cold, windy days a much less daunting task.
  
  
• Lights - Some higher end models may come with a built in light. This is convenient, but may not be as good as where a good head lamp on a head harness over your hat.
  
  
• Discharge chute - The chutes can be directed, and may have a control for the height (distance) of the discharge. They may be directly controlled with levers on the chute, or they may be remotely controlled from the back of the blower.
  
  
• Size - Big moves more snow, but may also be harder to turn. Make sure you're comfortable with the height of the handle and your ability to turn it - they can be quite heavy. Also, a large snow blower may be hard to store -- you might find a smaller one much more convenient.
  
  
• Clearing paddle - NEVER STICK YOUR HAND INTO THE AUGER, THE IMPELLOR, OR THE DISCHAGE CHUTE. I read someplace during my research that over 3000 people are injured every year by sticking their hands in the snow blower. If the snow blower clogs up, TURN IT OFF, and then use the plastic paddle that came with the blower. Can't find it or it didn't have one? Use a broom stick -- but don't stick your hands in there.
  
  
• Speeds - Self-propelled snow blowers may have only one speed; others may have several. It's nice to have a few speeds, but you really don't need more than five.
  

There are a few specific concerns when working with snow blowers. Safety comes down to eyes, ears, fingers, and toes.

• Eyes - You're going to be blowing snow, and whatever else was in your drive way all over the place. Wear eye protection.
  
  
• Ears - Snow blowers can be loud. Very loud. However, you also need to be mindful of what's going on around you. So, wear good ear protection, but not so much somebody can't shout at you if there's a problem.
  
  
• Fingers - NEVER STICK YOUR HANDS INTO THE AUGER, THE IMPELLOR, OR THE CHUTE. If there is a problem, like a clog or chunk of ice someplace, TURN IT OFF, and use the clearing device or a stick to clear the obstruction. I read someplace that there are over 3000 injuries a year caused by not following this simple, practical safety rule.
  
  
• Toes -- You're operating in the cold, obviously, and it's wet. So, wear good boots (toes), gloves (fingers), and water resistant clothing. Dress in layers and stop to remove layers if you start to sweat. But, stay DRY.
  

Well, I guess there are a few more safety factors - explosions, burns, and shock. Gas snow blowers use, well GAS. Just like your lawnmower, if you need to fill it up, let it cool down first. Don't put gas in a hot motor. Also be mindful that some surfaces can be hot enough to seriously burn you, even on a cold day. Don't touch them. Finally, electric snow blowers are electric. So, use an outdoor rated extension cord and keep junctions dry. Remember its electric and if you do something stupid, you can electrocute yourself.

You need to "summerize" your gas powered snow blower. Generally, the larger the blower, the more involved the maintenance will be. Refer to the owner's manual for details. Some of the items it may include:

• Stabilizing the fuel - putting fuel stabilizer into the fuel tank, fill it, and run for a few minutes.
  
  
• Changing the oil-- Refer to the owner's manual for the proper kind and weight of oil. Dispose of the used oil properly for your city or county.
  
  
• Replacing your sparkplug - Insure to gap it properly as specified in the owner's manual. Before putting it back in, put a couple squirts of oil (use an oil can) into the spark plug hole and then put the hand crank or turn the motor with the starter a couple of times to coat the cylinder heads and valves with oil. Replace the plug to the owner's manual torque suggestion (usually hand tight and then half a turn).
  
  
• Lubrication - The manual will specify if lubrication is necessary, and will advise where the grease fittings are. You'll probably need a grease gun and Number 2 grease. Many of these pionts may be in and around the auger and impeller.
  

You can probably take the mower to a specialist for this kind of maintenance. I've seen rates run from $80-160. But, honestly, given the effort and time to transport it to the shop, you're probably better off trying to learn how to do it yourself.

I live in Colorado. Almost all my neighbors have snow blowers. I've bought snow blowers for family members who live in the mountains. So, you might be surprised when I start this blog off asking you this simple question: Do you NEED a snow blower? I ask because several of the snow blowers I've bought were used ones that either weren't used or were too much for the original buyers' needs. So, I think it's an important question to ask yourself before you buy. I want you to buy something that is going to bring you satisfaction and get used by YOU -- I don't want you to get something you'll be selling at a garage sale in three years.

I think whether you need a snow blower comes down to a few very key things: how much snow do you get, what type of snow, how much sun you get, how often does it snow, how much real estate you have to clear, and what physical condition are you in. According to the NOAA, Denver gets around 60" of snow a year, usually fairly dry (we get only 15" of precipitation a year). That's five feet. However, the average snowfall per snowfall month is less than 13". Most of our storms are well under that much snow and we have sun shine 70% of the year. So, for me, a light duty snow blower should be sufficient. However, we do get the odd 36-48" storm. Is it worth spending $500, $1000, or even $1500 to deal with the big storms we get sometimes three times a year but other years not at all? Three years ago, I would have said no. Today, I think it might be.

I think this is where physical condition comes in. Shoveling snow is definitely hard work. It could be considered aerobic if you stick with it. However, is it good exercise? Probably not the best. You are at a very unnatural position as you lift several pounds of snow. Over and over and over. And then you are tossing it from that position, and sometimes even twisting at the same time. Maybe it's not that good of exercise.

So, I guess the question of should you get a snow blower comes down to how many hours a year do you shovel snow at a rate that is safe for your physical condition. This needs to be balanced against what you can afford and what value you put on your time and health.