Essential Snow Removal Equipment: The Snow Blower
Depending upon where you live, you may be required to remove from your sidewalks and other walkways. For example, in Guelph Ontario, naturally, the City is responsible for clearing the streets. The municipality also provides city-wide walkway clearing services. However, in Kitchener Ontario, residents must clear their own sidewalks within 24 hours of the end of the snowfall. Furthermore, they must remove all snow and ice right down to the sidewalk’s surface.
In all communities, everyone takes personal responsibility for their driveways – no matter how short or long they may be. For them, snow removal may involve a simple shovel. If the driveway is more of a laneway, snow removal could also involve a small snow plow attached to a garden tractor or skid steer. However, one of the more common pieces of motorized snow removal equipment for those living in urban areas is not the snow plow but the snow blower
What Is a Snow Blower?
A snow blower is a fast, efficient, and effective tool for removing snow from driveways and sidewalks. It was first invented by J.W. Elliot from Toronto, Ontario. However, it did not go into production. It was, instead, Orange Jull from Orangeville, Ontario, who designed and refined this machine from 1884 onward. However, it was not until 1925 that Arthur Sicard (1876–1946), another Canadian, unveiled the first snowblower in Montreal, Quebec.
Since then, changes have ensued. The result is a machine that can clear away large amounts of snow faster than a shovel. According to their fuel use, they can be classified as gas or electric. However, they may also be cordless or corded. They may also be referred to accordingly:
- One-stage: The simplest of the types of snow blowers, they are also the lightest and easiest to handle. However, they are only good for snow removal of up to 8 inches
- Two-stage: These are designed for snow removal that exceeds 8 inches
- Three-stage: These are faster than two-phase snow blowers at removing the snow
It is important to remember certain things when purchasing a snowblower. Each snow blower is designed to handle specific snow removal demands. Always buy one that meets your physical needs as well as the requirements of the property and the winter weather. Would you really need a three-stage snow blower if the amount of snow you get barely covers the ground? The same applies if you do not have a long driveway or long stretch of sidewalk.
Do not forget storage. The snowblower must go somewhere when the winter season ends. Most important of all is this. Remember, a snow blower is a piece of snow removal equipment. As such, it can be very dangerous when not operated properly or incorrectly maintained.
Cautionary Information
Possible injuries are not uncommon with snow blower use. They include both minor and major injuries. Among the more common ones are:
- Back and shoulder strains
- Broken bones or fractures
- Bruises
- Burns
- Cuts
- Removal of digits and other limbs
- Pinches
Harm can also arise when the machine crushes the body, or an electrical problem occurs.
Snow Removal: Avoid Injury – Hire Professionals
Snow removal equipment such as snow blowers can be dangerous. Take all the precautions recommended by the manufacturer before using them. If you do not feel safe or are not physically able to handle the demands of snow removal tools, do not hesitate to call in a professional. Check out what is available in your area by finding a third-party app such as Eden App.Eden App can help you avoid serious injury when the snowfalls. They might suggest a one-time snow-removal service. Alternatively, you may want to sign on for automates snow removal. Services such as this are meant to help you enjoy the long, harsh winter until it melts into spring.