Stay safe with snow blowers and snow shovels

Keep your home and walkways safe with a durable snow blower, roof rake and snow shovel.

The traditional gas snow blower is ideal for large driveways and heavy snow--just remember to keep the tanks full and ready to go. Electric snow blowers and cordless snow blowers are lighter, easier to handle, and well-suited to sidewalks and walkways. You'll also want a tough, durable snow shovel to keep steps and patios clear. A large push shovel will get the job done quickly, or consider an ergonomic snow shovel to help ease the strain on your back. Snow buildup on your roof can cause leaks in your home and potentially damage the roof itself. Make sure you have a good telescopic roof rake or snow rake on hand for use after heavy snowfalls. Ice removal requires a different set of tools. A good ice scraper or ice chopper will help keep your stairs and pathways safe and clear. Ice melters and deicers are also essential: spread them around liberally to help your family and friends avoid slips and falls.

FAQs

What kind of snow blower do I need?

It all depends on who will be using it and how it will be used. Homes with large driveways and multiple walking paths require more snow removal, so a larger 2-stage or 3-stage snow blower might be the best option. Smaller single-stage snow blowers are easier to handle and better suited to lighter snow on smaller properties. Check out our buying guide to help you choose a snow blower that best suits your needs.

What does 2-stage snow blower mean?

A 2-stage snow blower has both an auger that collects the snow and a high-speed impeller that throws it into the expulsion chute. This two-step process provides much more power and allows the machine to throw snow much further. 2-stage snow blowers also feature a self-propelled transmission that makes the unit easier to handle. 3-stage snow blowers include an extra auger to better break up ice and frozen snow. A single-stage snow blower does not have a transmission or fan: the auger collects and throws the snow out of the chute all in one motion. This makes single-stage throwers better suited to lighter, less compacted snow.

How much oil does a snow blower take?

Most newer snow blowers have four-stroke (vs. two-stroke) engines and do require you to add oil to the fuel. The amount and type of lubricating oil your snow blower needs depends on the model. Check the manufacturer's user guide or website for the correct information.

How do I clean the carburetor on my snow blower?

If your snow blower runs sluggishly or emits black smoke, it could be due to a dirty carburetor causing an imperfect air/fuel mixture. Here’s how to clean a snow blower carburetor:

Turn off the snowblower, let it to cool, then remove the carburetor bowl, float bowl and flathead.
Spray the dirty carburetor with a carburetor cleaner and rub vigorously with a cloth.
Allow it sit for several minutes to remove other impurities.
Remove any rust from the bowl, nuts and holes with sandpaper.
If you have an air compressor use it to blow away any additional debris.
Reassemble the parts you removed.
Make sure the air filter is clean before you start the engine.

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Keep your home and walkways safe with a durable snow blower, roof rake and snow shovel.

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