Utah winters can be brutal.
Experiencing lake-effect snow can quickly turn 2 inches of freshly
coated snow into 2 feet of packed powder that leaves our driveways buried
in. Digging our way out of that snow
without a snow blower can be daunting, to say the least. Most of us can recall stories from our
childhood of being woken up by Dad hours before dawn to head outside with the
shovel and get to work. It’s a wonder
many of us don’t walk around with debilitating back injuries from all that
heavy lifting.
Even to this day, many people haven’t made the move to buy a
snow blower. If you’re a newbie, it’s
hard to know which snow blower is best.
There are two primary types of snow blowers: single-stage and
double-stage. Single-stage models also
offer gas and electric options, further confusing the uninitiated. Knowing which type to buy may seem daunting,
but in reality, the decision is easy once you understand what you are looking
for.
A single-stage gas snow blower is ideal for a flat, midsized
paved driveway. They are most effective
in areas that receive an average snowfall of 8 inches or less of snow or
less. Single-stage blowers are light,
easy to handle, and require the same amount of garage storage as a typical
lawnmower. A single-stage gas model will give you a 20-
to 22-inch swath when clearing your driveway. Gas-powered models are two-cycle
engines and require regular maintenance and most offer electric starters. Single-stage snow blowers are not a good
choice for gravel driveways as the auger contacts the ground, and the limited
drive action makes steep hills undoable, as the machine will pull from side to
side.
Single-stage electric models are ideal if you have a short,
flat paved driveway and walk while electric snow blowers are most effective in
areas that receive an average snowfall of 4 inches while an electric model will
give you an 11- to 18-inch swath. Single-stage
electric snow blowers offer many of the same advantages and disadvantages,
while being quieter and not requiring regular maintenance. Just be aware that you’ll require a long
extension cord you will have to tote with you.
Double-stage snow blowers are the best option for you if you
have a long, wide, or hilly driveway and receive a typical snowfall of 8 inches
or more. Two-stage blowers clear a 24-32
inch swath, ensuring your job is done much more quickly and efficiently. Double-stage blowers are required for gravel
driveways, as the awning won’t contact the ground. They offer electric starting and have driven
wheels and an impeller to throw snow. Two-stages
are quite heavy and take up as much space as some sit-down mowers, while
requiring regular maintenance.
When choosing any model, be sure to try the controls to
ensure that you are comfortable with the way it handles, the height of the
controls, and the ease of chute adjustment.
One-handed drive and auger are important on a double-stage model. Keep your eyes open for models with headlights
and dead-man control.
When the time comes to repair your new investment, Crowell’s
Flying Wrench offers local, mobile snow blower repair throughout the Salt Lake
Valley and we are a top pick for snow blower tune up's and repair in Park City. We offer
outstanding customer service and competitive pricing that will fit any
budget. Our trustworthy team brings
years of repair experience to meet any need.
By: Kyson Crowell
