Snow is a very essential part of living in cold regions. During the snowy season, you get to make snowballs, and snowmen and go on snow skating. It has some kind of beauty that comes with it but also has a share of its problems.
This problem is how to remove it from passageways, stairs, and driveways. Most people are forced to work the job of creating clear pathways for easy movements.
Before now, people would normally clear the snow using shovels. Digging and tossing to one side, so tasking you would agree.
But with the help of technology, machines such as snow blowers and leaf blowers for proxy now exist to assist with this. Both have their purposes but still serve as a backup plan for the other.
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Leaf Blowers Vs Snow Blowers
Leaf blowers are the best solution to a yard or garden full of fallen leaves. Instead of using a broom to sweep through a yard as large as 500 acres, a leaf blower will save you stress and time. Snowblowers have reduced the option of shovelling through the snow to clear a path. They have also saved a lot of muscle power as well as time.
But then while snow blowers are specifically designed to blow snow, leaf blowers can blow both leaves and snow. Practically killing two birds with one stone.
When using snow blowers, you do not need to wait for the snow to dry. They are built powerful enough to cut through patches of both wet and dry snow, no matter how deep, and blow to the side. You can just whip out your machine, turn it on and start using it. Unlike the leaf blower which needs the snow to be powdery and dry.
Leaf blowers serve all season long. It can be used in fall to clear your yard of fallen leaves and still be able to clear snow from pathways, driveways, and stairs. They are also light and easy to navigate than snow blowers.
Leaf blowers are also made with compact designs and do not take up much space in your garage.
If you ask me the best part of having a leaf blower is the fact that it can be used for both snow and leaf blowing. Most power tool brands produce leaf blowers that come as 3-in-1 machines. That is a leaf blower, vacuum, and leaf shredder.
Fun fact, this 3 in 1 nature does not stop it from being used to blow snow too. Now if you compare the price of getting these tools individually and getting the leaf blower that has the 3 in-one feature, you will find that the latter is more affordable. It is a great investment; you should try it.
Also Read: Unflood Leaf Blower Engine
Can I Use my Leaf Blower as a Snow Blower?
In the absence of a snow blower, Yes, you can use a leaf blower to clear pathways of snow. But there are a couple of things to note before you decide to do this.
Leaves are lighter than snow even when they are packed in piles. So a leaf blower would work better on light layers of snow. That aside, leaf blowers are lighter to carry and easier to operate than most snow blowers.
Using a leaf blower to blow snow is not much different from using it to blow a leaf. It is also almost the same, if not the same as using a snowblower. Well, you might want to add a little more to your technique to make it more effective.
When getting the leaf blower, you must have considered the size of your yard and all. That also counts for when you want to blow snow. Most people have strategies on how to use the leaf blower to effectively clear their pathways of snow, you should too.
Check if the snow is falling heavily. If it is, you might want to do something else or just stay indoors. it’s best that way.
Wait for the snow to dry. Blowing wet snow with a leaf blower is just a waste of time so you should wait for the snow to turn powdery and dry before you blow it. This you check by directing the nozzle of the switched-on blower to the snow, if it does not move then you should leave it and do some other chore. Then come back later.
When the snow is dry and before you start blowing, have in mind where you want the snow to move to. That way, you can directly make a clear pathway or stairs as you make a pattern for the snow.
Walk in one direction and in an arranged pattern. This is so that you do not get to blow snow towards the lath you already cleared. It keeps you organized and less frustrated.
With the leaf blower at your side and switched on, point the long nozzle at the snow. Move back and forth slowly to move the snow to where you want it to be.
How To Clear Away Snow With Leaf Blower?
An excellent solution for snow is to use a leaf blower. Many people use a leaf blower that runs on a gasoline engine for good results. This can be appropriate whether you want to clear the driveway or porch of your home and other important spaces.
Despite this, it is important to avoid any electric leaf blower. Don’t forget that snow is only condensed water. Of course, electricity and water should not mix in any situation. So, both corded and battery-powered leaf blowers should be avoided.
A gasoline-powered leaf blower can be truly efficient in certain conditions. This solution is most appropriate when dealing with light, dry snow. When dealing with heavy, wet snow, the result will be very incomplete. The leaf blower may even break down or end up with an overheated engine.
Benefits of Using Leaf Blower for Snow
Although it is not made for blowing snow, leaf blowers do have a knack for doing it even more effectively than a snowblower. The benefits of using a leaf blower instead of a snowblower are very obvious.
One of them is weight. Leaf blowers are light and very easy to carry around. It does not require extra strength when in use. Its lightweight nature allows the user to carry out the task without feeling tired. This is most helpful for people who have back pains, knee pains, and elderly people who do not have much energy to exert.
It is also easy to use. It is easier to pick up a leaf blower and operate it than it is with an actual snowblower. The parts of most leaf blowers are made to fit perfectly into each creating a perfect balance when in use. Unlike snow blowers that are quite much in grip and can result in clumsy unhand work.
The leaf blower blows snow easily, and faster and saves time. It is better than picking up a snow shovel to dig out snow and toss it. This demands a lot of muscle power and sweatiness.
Limitations You Might Face
Although a leaf blower can also serve as a snowblower, you need a powerful one. This is because the more powerful a leaf blower is, the more effective it is. Look out for brands that manufacture powerful leaf blowers.
But whatever brand you choose to use, make sure you carry out maintenance routines for it. Maintaining the tool extends its life span and helps its effectiveness.
Leaf blowers are not to be used for very long hours. When using the leaf blower, you should be careful not to overwork. Overworking it will make it less effective and burn out entirely. If your yard is a large one, you can switch off the leaf blower after some time to allow it to cool off and then continue. You can also take that time to rest for a while.
Leaf blowers do not work well with wet things even leaves that it was made for. So you should know that it also does not work well with wet snow. It can only move dry powdery snow.
When using a leaf blower to blow snow, the distance it would normally cover when blowing a leaf will reduce. It is most likely to blow the snow a little less in distance than it would a leaf. Most leaf blowers are even designed to produce less noise.
Another thing to keep in mind is the source of power. It is not new to the ears that electricity does not mix well with water. And you know snow is most likely frozen water. So when blowing your snow do not use an electric leaf blower.
This is because if moisture enters the machine, it might cause electrocution or a short circuit and you do not want to experience this. Thus goes for both the snowblower and leaf blower.
What Kind Of Leaf Blowers Is The Best For Snow Removal?
A gasoline leaf blower is the safest option to use for this task among all the leaf blower options. A gasoline leaf blower does not require electricity to operate. So, this avoids the risk of suffering any kind of mild or severe shock between the leaf blower and the snow.
Similarly, electric leaf blowers should be avoided. This includes both corded and cordless, i.e., battery-powered, leaf blowers. Both options run on electric power, which is not advisable to mix when working with snow. Some people have no objection to this, even though it is not necessary to take risks.
A gasoline-powered leaf blower can be efficient when dealing with light snow up to 4″ thick. Working with snow that is too heavy should also be avoided. This can become detrimental to the leaf blower when you are not getting adequate results.
Safety Tips For Using The Blower For Snow Removal
The following safety tips will allow you to work more efficiently and safely.
- Hearing protection:
Any gasoline-powered leaf blower can be very noisy. This tool may even damage the hearing of the user who frequently uses a leaf blower. So, hearing protection will prevent damage to your ears, which is permanent in most cases.
- Storage:
When you have finished using your leaf blower for snow removal, storage is important. All equipment should be stored in a cool, dry place away from rain and sun. In addition, the gas tank of the leaf blower should be properly closed.
- Weather:
When the snow melts, it can also be somewhat heavy. This occurs when the weather is above 32 °F. It is also necessary to avoid using the leaf blower if the temperature is too low. Finally, gasoline should be adapted to each season of the year to avoid damaging the engine of your leaf blower.
- Avoid electricity:
As we have mentioned, any electric leaf blower is an option you should avoid. This tool increases the risk of an electric shock that can be mild or downright dangerous. That is why a gasoline leaf blower is a more efficient option for you or any user. read more
Will a Leaf Blower Melt Ice?
A leaf blower can melt ice, but it’s good to know some cautions before using it. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “Leaf blowers are effective at removing surface ice from sidewalks and driveways, but they can cause damage to nearby surfaces and cause frozen objects such as outdoor furniture or plants to crack or break.”
When using a leaf blower, be sure to wear protective gear such as gloves or goggles. You should also make sure that your leaf blower is working properly before you start blowing (if you’re unsure, try blowing in a smaller area first). And if you’re trying to clear snow, be sure to check the temperature first if it’s too cold, you’ll end up hurting more than helping.
Can You Use an Electric Leaf Blower for Blowing Snow?
Dry, powdery ice no more than an inch thick can be blown away using an electric leaf blower. Electric blowers are ideal for blowing snow and creating a compacted snow surface that’s safe to drive on. They are also great at clearing sidewalks, gutters, and pathways. However, it’s important to use caution when using an electric leaf blower.
To be effective as a snowblower, however, the blower model employed must be very robust. Since snow is heavier than dry leaves, you can’t use it to blow them if it isn’t powerful enough.
It’s not safe to use one indoors, and it should never be used outdoors without protective gear, such as a face mask and gloves. Make sure the cord is kept away from the body at all times as well.
Dry, powdery ice that is light enough to be lifted by the blower is required for this to be accomplished. It can easily move an inch of snow, letting you get back on the street or pavement right outside your door.
Conclusion:
If you have been searching for a way to keep your yard looking beautiful and your pathways clear of snow, you have gotten yourself an answer. Somewhere to start from.
Now that you know all of this, all that’s left for you is to get your hands on a leaf blower, if you are convinced it is the one for you. You can do more research for the best leaf blower recommendations.
But if not, you can go ahead to get a snow blower or snow shovel as it pleases you. At least, you’ve got another new workout routine that does not require going to the gym.
Whichever power tool you choose to use, maintenance is one way to keep them effective and longer. Hope this article was helpful and you enjoyed it. You can visit Yard Advices for tips.
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