Consider Driveway and Sidewalk Width When Purchasing a Snow Blower

Sept. 28—JAMESTOWN — Some factors to consider when purchasing a snow blower include the width of the driveway and sidewalk and whether the unit has a track or wheels, according to Gary Docktor, owner of Gun and Reel Sports.

Docktor said Honda snow blowers sold by Gun & Reel Sports are 24, 28 or 32 inches wide. He said sidewalks are typically between 32 and 34 inches wide and a 9-horsepower, 28-inch-wide snow blower would work for that.

“If you have a very large area to work with, then you may want the 13-horsepower, 32-inch cut,” he said. “It will move more snow, wider, and it won’t take as long.”

He said a 24-inch-wide, 7-horsepower snow blower is ideal for narrow sidewalks or getting into tight spaces.

Snow blowers are available in single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage. Docktor said higher-tier snow blowers move snow faster and further.

He added that the throwing distance of a snow blower is also another factor to consider.

“You don’t want to throw it in your driveway and have to blow it up twice,” he said.

Docktor said customers are asked how steep their driveway is to determine whether the snow blower should have wheels or tracks.

“The tracks will go up the driveway more easily than the wheels,” he said. “If it’s icy, then all the wheels are going to spin, whereas one track is just going to grab and go up the driveway.”

He added that tracked snow blowers are more popular.

“Some guys who buy wheels will end up putting chains on the wheels to get on the ice and start whereas on a track you don’t have to do anything,” he said. “It will work in all conditions. It’s more versatile. It will climb your driveway or cut snow better.”

Another factor to consider when purchasing a snow blower is its warranty. Docktor said a warranty would cover anything that constitutes a manufacturing defect.

“It won’t cover it if you hit a rock or something or a big chunk of ice with the snow plow,” he said. “If something goes wrong mechanically, the warranty will cover it.”

For residents who have larger driveways, Docktor said a blade can be installed on a 4-wheeler or utility vehicle.

“A lot of people put a blade on their 4-wheeler or side-by-side,” he said. “If they have a large area, they can just push the snow to the side or to the end of their driveway.”

He said a winch is installed on the front of a 4-wheeler or UTV, which allows the operator to raise and lower the blade. He said the blades also rotate so snow can be pushed to one side or the other.

Tyler Attleson, a mechanic at Gun & Reel Sports, said it’s important to prepare snow blowers before it snows.

“That means making sure it hasn’t been sitting for a year and now the gas is old and not going to start,” he said.

He said homeowners should make sure the oil in their snow blowers is updated.

“Change the oil, make sure it’s good and clean,” he said.

Attleson said to make sure everything on the snow blower is working properly. He said residents should make sure the belts are in good condition and the auger shear pins are not broken. He said cable adjustments may be needed for the auger and drive, as well as checking the spark plug. He also said to check tire pressure or track tension to make sure the snow blower is going straight when in use.

For a blade on an ATV or UTV, Attleson said the metal bar should be checked for wear.

“It can wear out and start to eat away at the blade itself,” he said.

Attleson said the metal bar bolts to the bottom of a blade. When the blade is on concrete, it wears down the metal bar before the blade.

“It’s a replaceable item,” he said. “It’s a few inches tall and there are bolts on the bottom. When one side wears out, you can flip it over again so you have a nice flat edge. When that side wears out, you need to replace it.”