How to Select a Single Stage Snowblower Even a “light” snow shoveling job can be made easier
It’s not too late to determine How to Select a Single Stage Snowblower nor is it too late to purchase that snow remover. Think back to that first snowfall and how much fun it was to get that shovel out and shovel the sidewalk and have a snowball fight with the kids at the same time.
Now it’s weeks into winter and the snow keeps falling and the shovel ceases to be a tool that brings fun and games to the snow removal efforts. There are a number of items to consider when looking for the most appropriate model for the amount of snowfall that occurs each winter season.
For those living in areas of abundant snowfall, they may need a more durable and heavy duty unit than those living in areas with less frequent or lighter snowfall. Either way there is an appropriate model that is available in stores.
For those living in an area with lighter snowfall, or less frequent snow storms, a single stage snow thrower is probably a better choice than the larger two-stage snow blowers. Some of the features that make this model more advantageous are shown in the following list:
Less Maintenance – Single Stage snow throwers require significantly less maintenance than their larger counterparts.
Weight – These singe stage blowers are generally much lighter making it a lot easier to use than the larger, heavier two-stage models.
Auger – These models have a rubber and metal auger that spins rapidly to gather the snow and direct it out the shoot, and out of the way. The auger actually contacts the ground to scoop up the snow; therefore, it is not recommended on gravel surfaces because it will fling small stones toward the operator as well as the windows in the home and in neighbor’s homes.
Power – The Single Stage snow throwers are great for areas tt consistently receive six inches of snow that is the lighter, more powdery snow. These models do not overpower the operator for light amounts of snowfall.
Narrow Path – These Single Stage snowblowers also have a more narrow path that makes them perfect for the sidewalks in front of the house as well as the narrower driveway.
Features
When considering How to Select a Single Stage Snowblower, there are several issues that need to be understood in order to select the best model to meet the homeowner’s needs:
Two or Four Cycle Engine – The two cycle engine (also called a two-stroke) requires a gas and oil mixture for the engine. This means that every time gas is added the oil must be changed. The four cycle engines have a separate crankcase where the oil is placed from the gas tank for the fuel.
For the four-stroke engines, it’s recommended that the oil be changed after 25 hours of use (in most cases – for the lucky owners – this means once during the winter season). The four-stroke engines also have improved fuel economy, fewer emissions, greater torque, and provides a more effective model.
Electric Start or Pull Cranks – Certainly the electric start models are much easier to start, and are more desirable for those cold winter mornings – particularly for owners who have a difficult time pulling the cords. The pull cranks can be more reliable than the electric start models, but they can be more difficult to start. Generally, the electric start models have a pull start as a backup in case the electric starter is malfunctioning.
Rotation of the Chute – Single Stage snow throwers have a chute that is manually turned to the right or left by moving the handle that is attached. Some models feature a manual crank through the use of a handle, which the more advanced models have a lever on the handle bar that is moved to the right or left.
Top Options
Two of the most important options include the following features:
Safety Features – The most important feature is a “dead man switch” that mean if the operator releases the handle, the auger ceases to turn. These also detect if anything other than snow is picked up by the augers, which in turn stops the auger’s rotation.
Headlights – Considering it’s daylight later in the day, and sunset earlier in the day, headlights on these models are a great advantage, and very desirable feature.
Conclusion
When consumers are trying to determine How to Select a Single Stage Snowblower, they generally have a lot of questions. There are gas and electric models, two and four stage engines, manual starters and electric starters, and many other features to consider.
These models are excellent for areas that receive the least amount of snowfall, generally less than six inches during a snow storm as well as the fluffier and less heavy snow. These models come in a variety of sizes as well as a wide range of prices depending on the selected features, and make a backbreaking chore almost fun.
