Just Say No to Snow … with Feature-Rich Throwers
By Todd Baumer of E&E Online Sales
Old man winter is right around the corner, and you’d better be ready for him.
Tired of shoveling
snow off your driveway, sidewalks, patio and porch? Are you spending more time
and effort ridding your property of snow than frolicking in it, or shushing
down ski slopes?
And, perhaps most
importantly, are your muscles crying out for relief after another hours-long
battle with the remnants of the latest blizzard?
It may be time for
a snow thrower. That’s right, snow “thrower”, which is a much more efficient
and targeted method for maneuvering the white stuff away from paths and
roadways than the more random “blowers” of days gone by.
Today’s
high-capacity snow throwers are well-suited to the needs of homeowners or even
farmers who need to quickly and easily move aside heavy snowfalls. Here are
some features to look for when shopping for the best snow thrower to address
your toughest wintertime jobs.
·
Two-stage is best. A two-stage auger/impeller
system is the fastest and most efficient method on the market. Here’s how it
works – a revolving auger grinds down the snow and feeds it into the thrower’s
housing, where an impeller discharges it through a well-positioned chute.
Quick, easy and powerful.
·
Variable speeds. With a variable-speed snow
thrower you’ll have enough muscle to tackle even the toughest jobs. A faster
speed ensures that the auger can grind through even heavily-packed or icy snow,
while you can switch to a slower speed for lighter and fluffier precipitation.
·
Car-like controls. These days, operating a snow
thrower should be as simple as driving a riding mower. Choose an ergonomic
design with adjustable, heated handles and easy-to-reach controls for optimal
comfort.
·
Electric Starter. Make sure it has an electric starting system so you never have to worry
about a dead battery. Simply connect the
snow thrower to a power outlet and start the engine by pressing a button.
·
Power steering. The best snow throwers have
convenient, trigger-control power steering that allows for superior
maneuverability and safety in even the harshest weather conditions.
·
Accessorize. If you use a snow thrower for
bigger jobs, like on a farm or church parking lot, you may want to purchase a
cab with a heavy-duty fabric shell to provide protection from blowing wind and blow-back from the discharge chute. Today’s fabric shells have freeze-resistant,
super-clear vinyl windows and won’t shrink or stretch. Another popular option
on rougher terrain is a set of tire chains.
At my store, wesell snow throwers manufactured by Husqvarna, the world’s largest producer of
outdoor power products. The quality is superior and they have models and
features to fit all circumstances and price ranges.
Stop by anytime
and try one out. You’ll never dread a blizzard again!
