The Winter season can get more hectic than you thought if you are not fully prepared. One minute you could be experiencing light snowfall and the next a blizzard. Digging out the snow using a shovel is a lot of work that takes up a lot of time, but having an alternative way of doing the job goes a long way.
The snow coating might be light, and you will probably see no need for powering up a snowblower. Today, you will learn whether it is advisable to use a leaf blower for snow removal, as this article will majorly dwell on that.
Can I use my leaf blower to clear snow?
Yes, you can use a gas leaf blower to clear snow in your garden or on the driveway. However, you should know that the snow thickness should be less than four inches for the process to be successful. Do not use an electric leaf blower because if the snow is wet, chaos might arise as water and electricity are sworn, enemies.
Clearing wet and heavy snow is complex and not recommended because it will overwork the leaf blower, leading to overheating of the engine. For success when removing snow using a leaf blower, there are safety tips you should know. These tips will ensure that you and the blowing machine are in good shape when the process is complete, and they are as follows;
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Use A Gas-Powered Leaf Blower
Using a gas-powered leaf blower is safer than electric leaf blowers when dealing with snow. You are more likely to get shocked by an electric blower when removing snow because the snow might still be wet, and if water comes into contact with the blower, everything will go south.
From a scientific view, an electric blower has less power than a gas-powered blower; hence you will take too much time doing the chore. If you want the best results, find a gas-powered blower.
Wait for the Appropriate Weather Conditions
Never use a leaf blower to clear snow when it is warm outside, precisely not more than 00C because the snow will melt and the blower will not handle the heaviness. If the moisture gets into the blower’s engine, it might blow up and cease to function.
It is also not recommended to use the leaf blower when the temperatures are very low. The engine might find it hard to start because of the cold. If possible, store the machine in a warm place rather than a cold, dump place.
Use Ear Protection
Some leaf blowers are very loud and exposure to very loud sounds for a long time might lead to loss of hearing. Protect your ears by having earmuffs or earbuds especially if you will be working for long hours. Even if the sound does not affect you immediately, it might have an impact when you are older.
Get earmuffs to keep away the noise, as they will protect your fragile eardrums from getting damaged. Most people do not think that this is important, but research has proven that exposure to moderate noise may lead to gradual hearing loss over a long period.
Store the Leaf Blower Appropriately After Use
After clearing the snow, you should store the tool properly since it may come in handy next time. The leaf blower should be stored in a dry place, preferably warm. If you leave it in a cold place, the wet spots will freeze and make some parts of the equipment crack or loosen. Storing the device in a warm location will make it easier to start the engine when you use it again.
How To Use A Leaf Blower For Clearing Snow
Clearing away snow using a leaf blower is not as easy as it seems. You ought to use proper techniques to make the work easier. If you blow the snow in every direction, you will be adding more work to your plate because you will end up with a bigger mess.
If there are chunks of wet snow stuck on sidewalks, do not concentrate on them. A leaf blower is not strong enough for such a task. You are supposed to use a shovel instead after removing the rest of the snow.
The same technique you use when removing snow from a car is what you should apply when working on sidewalks, driveways or backyards. Begin from one side and proceed from there. Remove every bit of snow before going on the road and not wait for the snow to stop falling to get started. Clearing a large pile of snow is more complicated than clearing bit by bit. The longer the snow sits, the harder it is to remove it using a snowblower.
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Which Type of Leaf Blowers Is the Best for Removing Snow?
Considering the risks at hand when using an electric blower, it is best to use one that runs on gasoline. Choose a gas-powered leaf blower that is powerful enough to take the job. If your leaf blower finds it hard to clear leaves, it will not work as a snowblower.
You do not need a commercial-grade unit but a high airflow cubic feet per meter with high speed. Generally, it should range from 400-700 CFM and 145-250 MPH. Backpack leaf blowers are known to have these qualities.
Conclusion
You can now let your shovel retire and use a leaf blower to remove snow from sidewalks, backyards, and driveways. Using a shovel to remove all that snow will leave you with a backache because of the constant pressure applying on your back. Make your work easier by using a leaf blower as a snowblower and watch your work become more accessible than ever.
If you do not want to incur the cost of buying a snowblower, you can get a powerful leaf blower. This way, you can use it to blow leaves during fall and snow during winter. Ensure you take the safety precautions mentioned in this article for the process to be successful.
