Plan How You’ll Clear Your Driveway or Sidewalk
A snow blower makes clearing snow from a driveway or sidewalk much easier and faster than clearing it with a snow shovel alone, but before you start your snow blower and begin clearing, you need to create a plan.
Look at the Area You Need to Clear
- If several inches of snow have already fallen, clear it now rather than waiting until you have to clear a heavy snowfall all at once.
- If there’s not a lot of snow on the driveway or sidewalk now and you only expect a bit more, you might decide to wait and clear it all at once.
- Clear away any debris or obstacles.
- Make sure weather conditions are safe for working.
Plan a Path Along the Driveway or Sidewalk
- If necessary, mark the boundaries of the driveway or sidewalk.
- Create a plan that avoids blowing snow onto structures, plants, vehicles, roads and your neighbor’s property. Take the wind into account.
- For a corded snow blower, plan a path that keeps the cord out of the way.
- Plan rest and hydration breaks to reduce exertion and exposure to subfreezing temperatures.
Prepare to Start and Use a Snow Blower
Before you use a snow blower, familiarize yourself with the machine, inspect it properly, ensure you’re dressed for the elements and prepare to learn the right way to use a snow blower.
Review the Snow Blower Manual
Read the manual to ensure you understand its features and safe operation: how to start and stop, steer, direct the discharge, etc. In addition to the engine or motor, there are several other key parts to be familiar with:
- The auger is the spiral metal blade at the front that scoops up and breaks snow apart.
- The scraper plate directs snow into the auger.
- Skid shoes adjust the height of the snow blower.
- The impeller, if equipped, drives snow into the discharge chute.
- The discharge chute directs the collected snow away.
- The shear pins are special soft bolts that connect the auger; they snap on purpose when you hit a hard surface. It protects the gears and engine from breaking.
Ensure You Have the Right Safety Gear
Prepare yourself for the weather and dress accordingly. Dress in layers to help manage your body temperature and moisture levels. Wear anti-fog safety glasses, waterproof insulated gloves, hearing protection and insulated, slip-resistant boots. The better prepared you are for the cold weather, the more comfortable you’ll be while using the snow blower.
Prepare the Snow Blower for Inspection
Follow any pre-maintenance or pre-inspection instructions from your manual. In general, these safety steps may advise you to:
- Turn off the engine and ensure that all moving parts have completely stopped.
- Remove the ignition key, if equipped, to prevent the snow blower from accidentally starting.
- On a gas model, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it on the engine.
- Disconnect an electric model from power.
- Disengage all operational levers and lock the parking brake, if present.
Inspect the Snow Blower Before Use
- Check for loose fasteners and damage or wear.
- Make sure shear pins, skid shoes and the shave plate are in good shape.
- Check fuel and oil levels or battery charge.
- For a corded machine, check the power cord for damage and replace it, if necessary.
- Check the tire condition.
- Adjust the skid shoes to raise the shave plate for uneven surfaces or to lower it for paved surfaces. Check your manual for specifics.
If you find any damage, repair it according to the manual’s instructions before using the snow blower.
Steps for Using a Snow Blower
We have general instructions on how to use a snow blower below. However, snow blowers and their operation vary by make and model. Always follow your manufacturer’s instructions for safe use and operation of your specific snow blower.
Take Care of Your Snow Blower
Maintenance helps keep your snow blower working efficiently and safely. Our guide, Maintain Your Snow Blower, gives you general maintenance steps, but always follow your snow blower manual for instructions recommended by the manufacturer specific to your model. Follow these general tips to maintain your snow blower:
- Check all the fasteners, shear pins, skid shoes, safety guards and the scraper plate.
- Check that controls function correctly.
- Lubricate moving parts.
- Inspect the auger or paddles for damage.
- Repair or replace any damaged parts.
- Periodically change the oil and replace the spark plug and air filter on a gas machine.
At the end of the season, prepare the fuel system of a gas-powered snow blower. Your manual has steps for removing the remaining fuel from the system. Some manufacturers might recommend a fuel stabilizer as an alternative. For a cordless snow blower, there are off-season battery care steps. See your manual for specific instructions for your gas or electric machine.
Gas Snow Blowers vs. Electric Snow Blowers vs. Battery Snow Blowers
There are several different types of snow blowers with available features. The first decision you’ll need to make is whether to buy a gas-powered snow blower, an electric snow blower or a battery snow blower. Consider the surface area you’ll need to clear as you decide. For example, if you have a long driveway, then you may want a gas-powered model so your range won’t be limited by a cord or you won’t have to worry about keeping batteries charged.
Electric snow blowers are a good choice for different reasons. They’re lightweight and easier to move around. Since they don’t require oil or gas, electric snow blowers are easier to maintain than gas models. An electric model is also typically quieter than a comparable gas model and the motor operates without the emissions that a gas engine creates.
Battery snow blowers are quiet, cordless and easy to operate. They start instantly with a simple trigger or push-button, and low maintenance with no spark plugs, belts or engine tune-ups to worry about.
Get What You Need to Use a Snow Blower at Lowe’s
Preparing for the work and having a plan makes using a snow blower easier and more effective. Keeping your machine in top shape keeps it ready for the next snowfall. Shop Lowes.com to find maintenance supplies and safety gear for your snow blower. You can also visit your local Lowe’s, where a Lowe's Red Vest associate can help you find everything you need to use a snow blower and keep your driveway and sidewalk clear.