Snowplows have changed very little in the last fifty years. Perhaps the most notable innovation is the creation of electric models. These plug-in snow blowers are easier to use and smaller than conventional gas blowers, but they are not suitable for everyone.
Electric snow blowers run entirely on electricity from an electrical outlet. People like them because they don’t have to worry about running out of gas and there is no oil to change. They start with the push of a button – no need to pull a jumper cable! They are also lightweight, easy to maneuver, and relatively quiet.
Because of these advantages, electric blowers have become very popular in homes across the country, especially among the elderly and those less mechanically inclined. They’re also cheaper than their gas counterparts, available for as low as $ 100. As popular as they are, electric snow throwers have limitations that you should be aware of before purchasing one.
First of all, they are best 2 stage snow blower much less powerful than gas snow blowers. Their small size means they are only suitable for smaller entrances, walkways, and porches. They cannot withstand large amounts of snow at once. A typical electric blower will be able to handle six inches of white material at a time, while a gas-powered snow thrower could handle up to two feet in a single pass.
If anything limits the power of an electric snow thrower, it’s the length of the extension cord. Gas blowers can go anywhere. Electric models can only go as far as the power cord can reach. Fortunately, this can be alleviated by purchasing one or two extension cords. A common hazard with electric blowers is stepping over the wire. Know where the cable is at all times and never try to pass it.
When people ask me for advice on which snow blower to buy, I only recommend an electric blower if they live in a milder climate or if they only have a small area to clean. There is no need for a heavy gas blower if you only get ten inches of snow a year or are only responsible for cleaning a patch of sidewalk. But even if you have a large driveway or have a lot of snow, you may want to invest in an electric blower. Electric snow blowers are a great accessory to have on hand. I keep a large gas blower in my driveway, but I have a little electricity in my shed to clean my porch, for example. Many homes have nooks and crannies where operating a large machine is simply not practical.
Electric snow blowers are a great innovation. Small, easy to use and low maintenance, they are perfect for smaller jobs. However, those with long driveways that get a lot of snow will find a blower missing and should invest in a heavier one. Of course, you can clean a driveway of any size with an electric launcher if you’re patient, but who wants to spend six hours outside on a cold winter’s day?