Thursday, December 17, 2009

It's that Time of the Year - Snowblower Time!

Well, it’s that time of year again! Freezing cold and promising to be a white Christmas – at least where I live, it is. Unfortunately, sometimes the Christmas is TOO white. I remember one year we got 24 inches of snow! I can’t tell you how badly I ached after shoveling all that snow. It won’t happen this year, though. I finally broke down and got a snow blower.

No more shoveling for me! There were a ton of models to choose from. If you’re anything like me, you will probably be stuck – with no idea of which one to buy. No problem, I got you covered. I’ve compiled a list of reviews on some of the most popular snow blowers – this way, you can see which is ones are good and which ones are…not so good! Here’s to a beautiful, white Christmas!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Tips for Choosing a Used Snowblower

A snowblower is a great way to get the snow off your driveway and sidewalk quickly. It also helps eliminate the backache that typically follows an afternoon of shoveling. While they are very helpful, they can be quite expensive. A used snowblower is a great alternative to new because you can save yourself a lot of money.

There are a lot of things to look at when considering a used snowblower. If you are looking for a single stage snowblower, look for one that has a 4 cycle engine. These are nice because it does not require any mixing of oil and gas. This will make maintenance a lot more easy.

If you are looking at a two stage snow blower, make sure it has a working drive system. This type of snowblowers are heavy machines, and if there is anything damaged, it will make it difficult to use these in the freezing snow. These are the two main different types of snowblowers, and it is all based on personal preference.

You can search many places for a used snowblower. Local classifieds and garage sales are great places to start because you can typically find really good deals. People are either looking for upgrade or downsize, and they want to get rid of the old one to put the money towards a new one.

A lot of older people who are selling their snowblowers are great candidates to purchase from. They most likely have hired a snow removal service and are no longer in need of it. You can trust them that they have most likely taken great care of the machine, and will not scam you.

Some things to avoid when shopping for a used snowblower would be commercial use snowblowers. Generally, these snowblowers have had quite a bit of use, and you just never know what kind of problems you may have with them. The maintenance was probably not kept us as well than someone who used it for personal use.

Check the blades to see if they have excessive wear. Make sure the blades are not too rusted, as well as they are not stiff. This is a sign that this particular snowblower has seen better days, and it might be time to keep looking for other deals.

There are several places that you can find used snowblowers, and save yourself a lot of money. You just have to have an idea of what you are looking for, and you can find yourself a great deal

Tips for Choosing a Great Snowblower

There are many things to consider when choosing the best snowblower for you. Snowblowers are a great way to remove snow, and eliminate many backaches you get from shoveling by hand. While they can be quite costly, it is also a time saver, and a back saver.

The first thing you need to ask yourself before shopping around for a snowblower is for what purpose are you going to be using it for. Depending on where you live, you may only get one use out of it for a whole season, or be using it every day. The more money you invest in a snowblower, the better of a machine you will typically get.

If you live in an area which only receives a little light and fluffy snow a couple of times a year, a single stage blower or even an electric snowblower would do the job for you. These are a lot more inexpensive than bigger snowblowers, and they would do the job just fine.

If you live in an area where you get a lot of heavier snow falls, you will want the power or a two stage snowblower. Slush, and even wet blizzards require a lot more power to move the snow, therefore, needing a bigger machine. They are a lot more expensive but they will get the job done.

Electric snowblowers are the smallest of the bunch, and typically require the least amount of maintenance. They plug into the wall and they usually have around a 100 foot cord. They are also a lot more narrow than other snowblowers, which are great for smaller or narrower areas, like sidewalks and driveways.

Your traditional snowblowers do not plug in, and need gas to keep it going. They are also not self-propelled like electric blowers, so you will need to put a little bit of force into it. They have a wider base, so you can get a bigger job done in a lot smaller amount of time. These machines can plow up to eight inches deep of snow at a time, which is great in cooler and snowier climates.

It is recommended that you visit several snowblower dealers and talk to knowledgeable employees who can help you make the right decision when choosing a snowblower. It is a big investment, and you want to be sure you are buying the right machine for the job.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Snow Joe 622U 19-Inch 13 Amp Electric Snow Thrower

This snow blower seems to be a very popular product! Customers love the fact that it’s lightweight and handles easily – and the fact that it’s stored easily. It’s almost like pushing a vacuum cleaner, which saves backs and time. Many customers compare this to larger, gas blowers and are pleased with the speed of this one and the durability. It cuts about 19 inches wide and up to 11 inches deep with just one pass.

If you get moderate to heavy snow, this bad boy will get you out of the driveway quickly. It has a push-button start and pivoting wheels, so while your neighbor is still trying to start his gas-guzzler, you will be halfway finished with your driveway. This is a great blower and is the perfect way for you to ‘quit the shovel’ for good.

Toro 38361 Power Shovel 7.5 Amp Electric Snow Thrower

This is a smaller style blower, which seems to be perfect for small amounts of snow on a fairly small driveway. This will save you from having to wield a shovel, and will quickly get small but slippery or dangerous patches of snow out of your driveway. The eco-friendly option is nice, and it’s easier to handle and maneuver than larger, gas powered blowers.

It comes pre-assembled and is very easy to use as well as being durable. Customers enjoy the easy use and storing options with this blower, as well as the ability to use this on non-covered decks rather than shoveling over the railings. The snow is thrown about 25 feet with this blower. It’s not recommended for any more than about 6 inches of snow – so if you get a low to moderate amount of snow and have a small driveway or walkway – this one is perfect!

Lawn Boy 34001 Insight Series 21-Inch 5.5 Tecumseh Snow King 4-Cycle Gas Powered Self-Propelled Single Stage Snow Thrower (Non-CARB Compliant)

This gas snow blower eliminates the need for oil/gas mixing. At 90 pounds, it’s easy for almost anyone to push and has a scraping tool at the bottom which helps propel it forward. One of the greatest features of this tool is the height adjustor, which makes this blower easy for anyone to use – no matter how tall or short. With one hand you can control the thrower and the angle, which makes it more convenient. Another great thing about this blower is it comes with a 2 year warranty – all parts covered. So, you don’t have to worry about paying for maintenance for that first 2 years. This product is recommended for moderate to heavy snow.

Poulan PR524 Pro 5 HP 24-Inch 2 Stage Snow Thrower (Non-CARB Compliant)

This snow blower is a 24 inch, two stage blower. It is plow style, so it’s perfect for heavier snow. If you live in an area where the snow really comes down, this will easily clear the snow out of your way. It only takes around 10 minutes to set up when taken straight from the box and has a super-slow setting for really heavy, icy snow. It’s a big one – around 240 pounds, so it will definitely require both hands to get this sucker going. This one is not recommended for small amounts of snow or areas where it doesn’t snow heavily. It also may be difficult for some people to operate, because it can require a bit of muscle. For heavy snow, though – this one’s a winner.