Snow might be a gorgeous sight, but it can be quite the monster when it comes to removal. Using a snow thrower can help; however, this is generally only the case if you're using it correctly. Before heading out to remove snow from your sidewalk or driveway, make sure you know what you're doing.
Start Early
Don't want until it has stopped snowing to start removal. Think of your laundry. You don't want until all your clothes are dirty to start washing. You do a little at a time to keep from being left with a seemingly endless amount of loads to wash.
If you're expecting significant snowfall, head outside and use your snow thrower periodically to remove a little at a time. This way, once it does stop snowing, you won't have as much work to do.
Clear the Area
Ideally, before the snow starts to fall, make sure you're clearing your property of debris. Yard toys, water hoses, and even newspapers can create an issue when using your snow thrower.
When these small items get caught inside the thrower, they can damage its belts and pins, which can be expensive to repair, not to mention the fact that the unit won't function correctly until its fixed. If you didn't get a chance to do so, at least spend a few moments combing through the area to ensure there isn't anything in your path.
Use Fresh Fuel
If you're using a gas-powered snow thrower that you haven't used in a while, it's always best to start off with fresh fuel. This is especially important if the gas has been in the can since the previous winter.
Old gas won't necessarily damage your snow thrower, but it can cause startup problems. Always try to use all your fuel before the end of the season so that you can start with a fresh batch of fuel for your thrower.
Work in Small Areas
Snow throwers are designed to clear snow from a large area; however, they are meant to do so in small batches. Always work in smaller areas. For example, instead of plowing the length of your sidewalk with one motion, divide it up into sections.
When you try to take in too much snow, too quickly, you're more likely to deal with a clog. Clogs will require you to keep stopping to unplug the chute, only extending the time it takes to clear the area.
When you use your snow thrower properly, not only will it perform better, but you can cut down on your effort so make sure you're using it the right way. For more tips, talk to a professional like those at Wagoner Power Equipment.
