Things You'll Need To Know To Buy The Right Snow Plow

Over the last couple of decades the snowplow industry has changed a lot, mainly due to the introduction of several new products that make snowplowing easier, faster, and safer.

The introduction of these new products is a two edged sword; yes it makes things easier, but at the same time it also makes the process of deciding on a snowplow a little more involved. Some of the things that you have to consider include the following:

Should I buy a straight-blade or multi-position snow plow? Does it matter if the blade is steel or poly? How easy is it to attach and detach the plow? Are the hydraulics dependable and are the controls easy to use? Does the product have bright enough lights? Is there a good warranty on the plow? These are some of the things you want to know beforehand and we will endeavor to give you as much information as possible to get you started.

For most people who are just using the unit for clearing their own driveway, a straight-blade will more than likely be just fine, but if you use it to make money then you'll want to be able to do the job quick and efficiently, so you may want to go with the multi-position. Multi-position plows are up to 50% faster due to the fact that you can reposition the blades to all straight-blade positions in addition to the scoop and V positions. This makes the plow adaptable to nearly any job you need to do.

When it comes to the composition of the blade you have the choice between steel and poly. The vast majority of snowplows on the market today come with steel blades, although the poly plows are becoming more and more popular. The reason for the growing popularity is that poly is just as strong as steel and maybe stronger. They also have a lower coefficient of friction, which saves on fuel costs and is easier on your vehicle. The poly plows are also saturated with color all the way through so nicks and scratches don't show like they do with steel, plus they don't rust.

Attaching and detaching the plow is very important as well. You don't want to be freezing and trying to deal with getting a blade on and off your truck. Try the attachment system for yourself at the dealer so you can see firsthand how easy or difficult it is to use.

Most snowplow makers use a single halogen light bulb, which are not bright enough; some makers have come out with dual halogen bulbs with the option of upgrading to High Intensity Discharge. These HID lights are four times brighter than standard halogen bulbs and also last ten times as long.

Hydraulics are probably the most important part of the plow, along with the controls. Be sure that the hydraulics system is dependable and the controls are simple and easy to use. Go for quality since the old adage, "you get what you pay for" definitely applies here.

When it comes to the warranty be sure to know exactly what you are getting and what the warranty covers. Some only cover parts, while others cover parts and labor. Warranties are usually either one year or two years; so pay attention to the warranty.

Take all of these things into consideration when shopping for a snowplow and you will be able to choose the right one to suit your needs.

Gregg Hall is an author living in Navarre Florida. Find more about this as well as Boss Snow Plows at http://www.bossplow.com

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

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/