Tricks For Removing Snow Easily Using Snow Throwers

Snow throwers will allow you to cozy up inside your house

When it snows, it is the worst time for men folk of the house. (I know, I know, it is not politically correct to say this, but give that guy some credit) while the government and municipal corporations try to keep the highways and streets clear of snow. The snow removal, starting from the roof by using rakes , the front of the house to the gate is the family responsibility. To ease this work we have snow throwers that can do your job in a jiffy, allowing you to go back into the house quickly.

Single Stage Snow Throwers Are Gas Engine Operated

A snow thrower can be single stage or two stages. A single stage snow thrower has an auger made out of combination of metal and plastic or hard rubber. The Engine drives an auger through a series of gears. This auger cuts through the thick coat of ice by chipping, collects it, and then directs it out of the machine with some force. This way the ice on the ground is cleared from the driveway. In a single stage thrower, the machine is self-propelling as it rides on snow. Single stage machine clear a width of 12” to 22’ and multiple passes are required to clear the snow in the driveway.

A Two-stage Machine Is More Powerful

A two-stage machine has a pump in addition to the auger in a single stage machine. The ice churned by auger is sent to pump. Additional force imparted to snow by the pump makes it possible for the machine to throw the cleared snow to greater distance. Distance can be up to 45’ in some cases. Children enjoy this and with a double throw machine, laughter of children comes free. (Keep your children out of the landing place of snow) This makes the work of clearing snow easy and enjoyable. Double stage machines clear the width of 2’ to 3’ in one pass and this reduces time required for clearing

Tricks For Removing Snow Easily.

• The snow can be cleared easily by sprinkling salt over the snow. (Check with authorities though, before sprinkling salt on snow to check if it is permitted).
• When you go out in the snow for clearing it, use layered clothing instead of a single layer of thick clothing.
• Take precaution, and do not to slip on the hard snow. There is a possibility of landing on the head. Use spiked shoes if possible.

Andrew Caxton is the webmaster of lawn tractors and lawnmowers . A guide on mowers and garden tractors, with industry news and how to choose the right type for your garden; including snow removal tools for the winter season, such as snow throwers, shovels and roof rakes.

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.

Tips for maintaining your Snowblower

If you don't want to be standing out in the cold arguing with a snowblower that doesn't want to run, then do the annual maintenance before the snow starts flying. Regular maintenance will give you years of hassle free use, and less attitude from your blower. Don't forget the safety aspect, because without proper maintenance your snowblower could become a hazard.

Each fall before winter arrives, you should check all bolts, belts, and moving parts, to ensure they are not frayed, loose, or worn. Belts are best checked by removing and checking for cracks. Replace any worn parts, and tighten any loose bolts.

Turn your snowblower on its side and check the scraper bar. This is the bar that rubs against the ground and scrapes the snow off. This item wears, so check to see if it need replacement. If you neglect to replace the bar when it is worn, it will lead to damage on the snowblower's housing, and that's will hurt your pocket book. In fact, if your snowblower gets a lot of use through out the season, check it regularly.

Check the rubber paddles and the rubber on the auger. If your finger fits between the rubber and the housing it's time to replace the rubber. A new rubber will help your snowblower operate at its optimum performance levels.

Check tires for wear and proper inflation. Adjust as needed. If you have tire chains for your snowblower, have them handy or put them on in advance. There's nothing worse than searching in the freezing cold, while trying to remember where you put the chains.

There are only two types of snow blower engines: The two cylinder engine which uses mixed gas and oil. You'll just need to replace the spark plug on this style of engine.

If you have a four cylinder engine which uses straight gas, with the oil in the crank case just like your vehicle, you'll need to change the oil, spark plug, and filter. You should also check the oil each time before you start it. Most four cylinders use 5W30 oil, and hold approx 20 ounces. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct oil weight, and replacement part numbers.

Lube the drive and chassis. If you have two stage blower, make sure you check the lube in the gear box. Check with your owners manual whether you have a one stage or two stage. It will also tell you the type of lubricant to use.

If there was fuel left from the previous year, you'll need to siphon it off, and fill the gas tank with fresh gasoline. It doesn't hurt to add some methanol in with the fuel, once or twice a season, to avoid condensation from building up in the tank, or the carburetor icing up.

Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher who is an authority on a wide variety of subjects. Find out more about his reviews on snowblowers at http://www.snow-removal-online.com/