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.

Which Snow Blower Is Right For You?

If there's one thing people hate about winter, it's shoveling the driveway. Clearing snow and ice from driveways and sidewalks is hard work but doing it with a snow blower will make your job much easier than shoveling.

The type of snow blower you choose will depend on whether your driveway is gravel or paved, large or small, flat or hilly, as well as the severity of your winters. Snow blowers come in three basic designs.

1. Two-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

They are larger and can clear an area faster, with clearing widths up to 30 inches, than single-stage models. Two Stage gas snow blowers have driven wheels, a snow-gathering auger, and an impeller to help disperse snow.

2. Single-Stage Gas Snow Blowers

They are smaller (21-inch clearing width for most) than two-stage models and take longer to clear a given area. Single stage gas snow blowers are lighter to push and turn, are less expensive, and store in less space that two-stage models.

They rely on a rubber-tipped auger alone to gather snow, disperse it, and help propel the machine.

3. Single-Stage Electric Snow Blowers

They are even smaller (11 to 18-inch clearing width) than single stage gas models.

Single stage electric snow blowers cost even less and are easier still to handle and store than single stage gas models.

General Rule of Thumb

For heavy annual snowfall (over 12"), you will need a larger engine to tackle the job and a larger intake area to clear more snow quickly. Two-stage models are recommended for medium (6'-12") to heavy snow conditions, while single stage model should be sufficient for light snowfall (under 6").

Features you might consider in choosing a snow blower. Followings will help make snow throwers safer and more convenient to use.

1. Electric Start ? Simple, effortless starts
2. Single Hand Operation ? Adjust direction and height of now throwing wile you keep moving.
3. Speed Control ? Adjust to multiple forward and reverse speeds for a comfortable pace.
4. Tire Chains ? For added traction in icy conditions
5. Light Kit ? For operation at night or in early morning.Michael Lee is the webmaster of http://www.snowblowerguide.com A guide on snow blowers such as what to choose, where to buy, manuals, safety and maintenance etc.