Sore Hands? Sore Back? Get a Snow Blower

Shoveling snow off your sidewalk can be an enjoyable winter ritual. Until you get dumped on by a lot of snow and have to go out day after day to do that shoveling, while your hands ache and your back stiffens. When that happens, it's time to get a snow blower.

Cost
The main reason why people resist buying a snowblower is the cost. A shovel costs $30, they think, and with a little free muscle power and several hours they can clear their sidewalks and driveway with no problem. They don't consider the possibility of doctor's bills in future because they've strained their back trying to shovel too much snow. And it's not even the case of doctor's bills, but simply general uncomfortableness caused in later life by a bad back. When looked at in that perspective, the cost of a snow blower isn't that much.

Models
And that's not to say that snow blowers are ridiculously expensive. Obviously if you want a snow blower with all the bells and whistles it will cost more than a machine that simply sucks in the snow and throws it out again, far away from the sidewalk.

There are so many manufacturers that it is best to take note of all the features and compare them - either by visiting their websites, or viewing Consumer Reports or other consumer watchdog groups which tell you which model of snow blower is the most reliable.

Stages
Snow blowers come in two "stages" - a single stage machine in which the blades suck in the snow and spit it out again, and a two-stage machine in which the blades break up the snow first, then suck it in and spit it out. A single-stage snow blower would obviously be less expensive than a two-stage machine.

Power
Gasoline powered engines are by far the most popular motive force for snow blowers, but it is possible to get electric powered machines - which do not pollute and are not as noisy. However, the electrical-power machines are not as powerful as the gasoline engines. If you live in an area which gets several feet of snow at one time, the gasoline-powered engine is still the way to go.

Safety
* Do not allow your child to operate a snow blower. It doesn't matter how mature they are - it simply isn't safe.
* Do not do any snow blowing when there are children about. They will think it fun to watch the snow being blown over their heads in an arc, perhaps, then for sure one of them is going to get a face full of power-driven snow and it will hurt quite a bit.
* Always wear safety goggles and ear protectors, and non-slip shoes.
* If the machine jams, turn it off completely. Never attempt to clear a jam with your bare hand - always use a tool, such as a long-handled broomstick, to do the job. Sure, nine times out of ten using your hand will be quick and easy. On the tenth time...something will go wrong and it's bye bye, fingers.

Save your back. Save time. Get a snow blower.

Andrew Caxton is a consultant who writes on many consumer topics like lawn care for http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com. You can find more information and resources on snow blowers at his website.

The Many Varieties Of Snow Blowers

Buying a snow blower is sometimes very overwhelming with all of the choices available. In this article, you will learn about the different varieties of snow blowers available and what you need to keep in mind when choosing one for your home.

Selecting A Snow Blower
Buying one of the many snow blowers available can be a good investment. Snow blowers have several different benefits, including saving your back from shoveling. You need to keep several things in mind when looking for a snow blower or snow thrower, as it is known in some areas.
1. Keep in mind how much snow you get each year and how dense it is. Both of these factors will help you to find the snow blower that is best for you and your particular needs.
2. Try out the snow blower before you buy. This will give you a feel for how the snow blower works and you can learn how to use it properly. This will also give you a chance to try out several different ones to find the one that you are most comfortable with.

Costs of a Snow blower
Snow blowers can be quite an investment. One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the price will increase when the demand increases for the item, so during a blizzard is not the best time to purchase a snow blower at a discount.

You can find a single stage machine that is priced anywhere from $350 to $800. If you want a two-stage machine, then you could spend as much as $1000. Costs can also be dependent upon the throw distance of the snow blower and the capacity.

Snow Blower Varieties
Your most obvious choice is between the single stage and a two-stage machine, but you will also find that you have to choose between a gasoline powered drive and electric driven machine also. A gasoline engine driven machine is usually a two stage machine and can be a source of both air and noise pollution. An electric driven machine has quite a disadvantage because there is a limit to the power that it has. The electric snow blowers are usually single-stage machines and if you live in an area of heavy snowfall, then you will find that this machine is not as efficient as a gasoline powered machine.

Staying Safe with Snow Blowers
Using any kind of tool requires safety and snow blowers are no different. You need to take the following precautions when using your snow blower.
1. Children should never use a snow blower. The rotating impeller of a two-stage machine can cause amputation of hands or other serious injuries if there is contact.
2. If you are using an electric snow blower, then you need to take the normal precautions that are associated with using electricity.
3. Children love watching the snow fly out of a two-stage machine. It is important that you keep them at a safe distance to keep them from being under the thrown snow.

Andrew Caxton is a syndicated writer of http://www.lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com . If you would like more information on this topic please checkout his website at snow blowers

The Truth About MTD Snow Blowers

Ask anyone who lives in areas that receive snow, and they will tell you that it's shoveling snow more than the cold temperatures that they would list as the worst part of the season. Fortunately, there are options out there which will make your time outside shorter, and more importantly, less stressful on your back.

Snow blowers provide a great solution for those who hate shoveling snow! One of the more popular snow blowers is an MTD Snow Blower due to the ease of use, durability and of course, power. Take care of your snow blower, and it will last you a lifetime.

Keeping your snow blower in optimum shape is easy with a MTD Snow Blower parts and accessories. These snow blowers are prized for their ease of use and their electric push button starters. They are durable and many people find them to be the sturdiest snow blowers on the market. MTD has been an established company for over forty years, and has built a strong reputation of sturdy and resilient machinery and accessories.

Throw the Snow, Not Your Back

Shoveling snow can be a stressful experience for your back, which combined with cold and low temperatures, can cause a double dose of back pain. Using a good snow blower is a great way to save your health and clear excess snow from your yard.

The MTD Snow blower has earned the reputation of being able to handle even the toughest jobs. By using your MTD snow blower you can take the pressure off your back and let the machine handle the work for you. . Whether you need to remove snow and get your car out in time for work or just clear a walkway from your front door to the sidewalk your MTD snow blower can handle the work for you. Many of the blowers will clear widths of up to 24” or two feet, the perfect size for a walkway in one shot.

When you find the MTD snow blower that you want to purchase, make sure that you save all of your pertinent documentation and warranty information. If you ever need to order MTD snow blower parts, the documentation will have the appropriate phone numbers for you to call. Not only are MTD snow blowers a popular choice due to their outstanding performance capabilities, they are also a favorite because they are readily available at many home and garden supply stores for a price that homeowners can afford.

No one likes to shovel snow, so why make it more of a chore than it needs to be. You'll enjoy plowing and clearing your driveway so much, that you'll probably end up doing your neighbours sidewalks as well, earning a big thank you and probably a beverage when they come out of hibernation from their homes!

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