If you live in an area that gets a significant amount of snowfall every winter and have a driveway that needs to be cleared regularly, you likely know how difficult it is to shovel snow all season.
It’s physically taxing, takes a lot of time, and while you’re doing it, you’d probably rather be doing anything else.
You’d also likely be wondering whether it’s time for you to buy a snow blower. If so, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are six reasons why you should consider buying a snow blower:
1. Ditch The Shovel And The Back Pain
Working in cold, snowy weather is tough to bear at the best of times, let alone when you’ve got to carry and push shovelfuls of snow around your driveway in the middle of a storm.
That type of work can be exhausting and, in some instances, can lead to injury. Buying a snow blower will help reduce that risk.
Not only does a snow blower considerably ease the workload it takes to remove snowfall from your driveway, but it also decreases the likelihood of injuries – like tweaking your back or straining your neck – that can be caused by shoveling. Snow blowers also help to stabilize you throughout the clearing process so you can better avoid slips and falls in even the iciest conditions.
Depending on the type of snow blower you ultimately decide to buy, your new machine could make the job even easier with features like power steering, self-propelled drive and one-hand operation.
Regardless of the machine you purchase, one thing is certain: clearing your driveway with a snow blower is easier and safer than shoveling.
2. Less Time For Snow, More Time For You
Let’s face it: clearing snow from your driveway is never convenient.
Usually, you have to do it at a time when you need to be doing something else. Whether you’re clearing your driveway in the morning before work, in the evening after dinner, or on the weekend, it’s likely a task you want to get done as quickly as possible so you can check it off your list and move on to the next item.
Unfortunately, using a shovel to clear snow doesn’t really allow for that to happen. It takes time – often more time than you have.
With a snow blower, you can save a significant amount of time clearing your driveway. The big blockage of ice and snow at the end of your driveway that takes forever to bust through? The power of a two-stage or three-stage snow blower can break it down in no time.
In most cases, you can remove all the snow from around your property while barely breaking a sweat and cutting the time it’d take you to shovel by more than half.
3. Clearing Snow Can Actually Be Fun – Seriously
While the idea of having to shovel out your driveway after yet another heavy snowfall is daunting, and can lead to procrastination, the thought of firing up your trusty snow blower and making quick work of a large amount of snow can be gratifying.
When hard work becomes much less demanding, it’s easier to find pleasure in how satisfying it can be. Get a snow blower with heated grips and in-dash headlights, and suddenly throwing a driveway’s worth of snowfall aside in mere minutes to create the perfect snow-free path becomes a job you no longer want to put off… and maybe even look forward to doing.
4. Blow Snow, Not Your Budget
Those of us who don’t have the time to shovel snow out of our driveway on a regular basis sometimes turn to professionals who, for an annual or per-visit fee, will remove snow from our property when necessary. Doing so saves time and provides peace of mind, but there are downsides to hiring a professional snow removal service, the biggest of which is the cost.
While the initial cost of a snow blower is more than hiring a snow removal service, buying a snow blower will likely be the more cost-effective option of the two over the life of the snow blower.
If you properly maintain your snow blower during the snow season and in the off-season, purchasing one will likely save you money in the long term.
5. A Favor For A Neighbor
One of the most underrated benefits of buying a snow blower: the ability to be even more neighbourly.
Thanks to your snow blower, you’ll spend less time clearing your own driveway, plus you’re not feeling the aches and pains of shoveling, so you’ll have more time and energy to lend a helping hand to your neighbors.
6. Shopping For Snow Blowers
If you’re ready to start shopping, take a look at reviews online. You’ll find plenty of articles, videos, and individual user reviews that will go through the pros and cons of different brands, models, and types of machines.
When you’re ready to buy think about a stop in at your local retailer or dealership. Big-box retailers tend to offer a good range of cheaper to mid-priced options with a few higher end models. Independent dealerships will be more likely to stock mid-to-higher-end models, and offer expert advice and excellent long-term service for your purchase. You might also be able to go straight to through the manufacturer for your purchase too.
Some snow blower manufacturers, such as Troy-Bilt, now offer the ability to purchase online directly. Major retailers are also list larger items online for delivery in many areas too. You may also have some success keeping an eye on second hand listings, but be sure to try the machine out before finalizing any deals. Whichever option you choose, make sure you consider information and opinions from a variety of sources.
Once you have your new snow blower in hand, invest some time into learning about it. Read the manual carefully. As mentioned earlier, consider picking up some attachments or accessories, and you may also want to invest in replacements parts for common failure points so you’re not left scrambling the day of a storm.