The very first snow of the winter season is always welcome.
Almost everyone rejoices at the first snow of the season. As the season drags on all the hard work of shoveling snow begins to take its toll. The task of clearing snow off of the sidewalk and driveway can be much easier if you have a snow blower. There are some important things to look at when selecting which model is best for you.
The two main types are single stage and two stage snow blowers. Single stage models will weigh less and require less maintenance. They use an auger made from metal and rubber which spins to scoop up the snow and throw it out of the way. The biggest reason not to use a single stage snow blower is that is uses a two stroke engine which creates more pollution. Two stage snow blowers are more powerful. They do not work as well in places that get snow that is wet or very heavy or more than half a foot at a time.
Two stage snowblowers tend to be heavier and more expensive than single stage models. Two stage snow blowers use a spinning metal auger that sucks up the snow, pulls it through and impeller and then blows it out a discharge chute. They do an excellent job with heavy snow as well as snowfall as deep as a foot. They have a four cycle engine which is less polluting than a two cycle engine used by single stage snowthrowers. Once you figure out which type of snow blower is best for you you then need to figure out how wide of a clearing path you will need. Snow blowers which can clear a wider area will take up more room in your garage.
