Snow Blowers for Wintry Sidewalks

Snow blowers make quick work of clearing fallen snow. They’re faster and take less effort than snow shovels. There are different types of these machines. The right one for a job depends on the size of the area you want to clear and the thickness of the snowdrift. Browse the large selection of winter and ground maintenance machines at Staples to find the right snow blower for the winter.  

Choose from different types of snow blowers
Decide between a single-stage model and a two-stage unit. Both types use corkscrew-shaped augers to move snow and expel it out of their chutes. A single-stage unit does so in a single sequence, while a two-stage blower uses its auger to direct snow to an impeller before discharging it out of its chute. A single-stage unit is ideal for clearing light to moderate snow on paved surfaces like driveways and sidewalks. Two-stage models can clear packed snow on any surface. This is the one to pick for facility grounds maintenance.

Single-stage blowers are available as gas and electric models, while two-stage ones only come as gas-powered machines. Electric models are usually smaller and require less maintenance. An electric snow blower can also be a corded or cordless machine. Corded units connect to power outlets, and cordless ones draw power from rechargeable batteries. To minimize downtimes, consider cordless blowers with swappable batteries.  

Key features to consider when shopping for a snow thrower
An electric start is a must-have feature, even for a gas model. It’s easier to start this machine in the cold with an electric start button than with a pull cord. Chute controls make it possible to adjust the direction of discharge. Some models have remote chute controls, while others have joystick controls. Variable speed control is another essential feature. It lets users change the pace of their blowers and avoid clogs when plowing through heavy snow. Multistage models can have up to six forward speeds and two reverse speeds.

Power steering and large tires make these power tools easier to maneuver. To prevent a snowblower from running without an operator, look for a unit with a dead man’s switch. Users must engage this control to keep the auger and impeller spinning. One convenient feature to look for is a heated handle. This makes working out in the cold more comfortable.

What is a three-stage snow thrower?
This is a gas-powered multistage snow blower that’s even faster than a two-stage unit. In addition to an auger and an impeller, it has an accelerator to speed up snow removal. Three-stage blowers are heavier than two-stage models and recommended for facilities that regularly need to clear wet, heavy snow measuring 18 inches or thicker.

Should you consider snow blowers with headlights?
This is a feature commonly found on two- and three-stage machines. A headlight lights up the path of the machine when working at dusk or in the dark. Facilities hoping to clear snow from the premises before the start of the workday need blowers equipped with this feature.

How do you determine the engine power of a snow thrower?
Manufacturers quote engine power in cc (cubic centimeter) for gas-powered models and amps for electric units. A machine with a higher cc or amp rating is more powerful than another with a lower rating.