Winter can be festive or fun, but you can easily get frustrated when it comes to snow. There are events where your entire driveway can be covered with snow, and movement will be prohibited.
If you do not own a snowblower, it can be difficult to get rid of all the snow, especially if you intend to do it manually. Many people recommend using leaf blowers, but should you use a leaf blower for snow removal?
This article has covered all you need to know about using a leaf blower for snow removal, including some safety tips and what kind of leaf blower to use.
Should You use Leaf Blower For Snow Removal?
Yes, a leaf blower can be used in place of a snowblower. However, not all leaf blowers can be used to remove snow from your yard.
Some leaf blowers are powered with electricity (electric leaf blower), making them unsuitable for use as it can be dangerous when the electric wires contact water.
Gas leaf blowers are deemed the best for removing snow. They do not have any electrical components and will not be bothered by a little water. They are also known for their high blowing power than electric leaf blowers.
Safety Tips for Using a Leaf Blower For Snow Removal
Some accidents can be associated with using a leaf blower wrongly when getting rid of snow; these accidents can be avoided by knowing some basic safety tips.
Do not use a leaf blower to remove thick snow; if there is light and dry snow on your car or driveway, you can use a leaf blower; however, thick and wet snow can be too much for a leaf blower.
Leaf blowers are designed and manufactured to clean out light and fallen leaves. Using the power of this device for thick and wet snow can cause it to overheat. It is recommended that you don’t use a leaf blower for wet snow that is more than 4 inches thick.
1. Work in the right temperature/weather
Do not use a leaf blower in a very cold temperature or a very warm one. Using a leaf blower is a cold temperature can destroy the engine as it is not made to function at a very low temperature.
At 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is relatively warm, the snow begins to melt and get heavy, making it difficult to remove with a leaf blower. Also, switch to a winter-grade fuel as it is the best for this task compared to a summer-grade fuel.
2. Cover your ears
Leaf blowers are loud and can cause ear damage when used for a long time without covering your ears. You can purchase ear mufflers when removing snow with this device.
3. Proper storage of leaf blower after use
After removing the snow, you will need a leaf blower during fall to get rid of the leaves. Leaving this equipment in bad condition after usage in winter can cause damage, so dry your leaf blower properly and keep it in a warm place after use. Leaving this equipment outside to dry during winter can freeze some parts.
What kind of Leaf Blower Is Best For Snow Removal?
We have explained earlier that a gas leaf blower is the best type of leaf blower for this task. It has no electrical component like wire, unlike an electric leaf blower, making it safer and easier to use.
A gas leaf blower also has better blowing power than an electric leaf blower. It has a high airflow cubic feet per meter (CFM) that blows within about 400-700; it also has an excellent MPH of 145-200.
Leaf blowers that can barely blow away dried leaves should not be used to eliminate snow. Other leaf blowers like the backpack are great for removing wet and thick snow because they have very high airflow.
How to Remove Snow Using a Leaf Blower
Using a leaf blower to get rid of snow requires great skill and patience. One mistake most people make is using the leaf blower to blow away snow in every direction, this will only waste your time out in the cold by creating more mess, and at the end of it all, you will feel frustrated.
You should aim your leaf blower downward at an angle, gradually pushing the snow side to side. With this technique, you have more organized work that is done quickly.
You should also not be aggressive when carrying out this task; it requires some time to accomplish and patience.
Another mistake that takes a lot of time is removing thick and wet snow on concrete using a leaf blower. This will only consume your time while achieving nothing, so move.
You should repeat the same procedure for your car, bending the blower at an angle and removing the snow from side to side.
This snow removal should be done every day or after two days. This gradual removal will save you a lot of work compared to removing the snow after it stops falling. This detailed guide should help you get through removing snow without complications.
Leaf Blower vs Snowblower
You may feel like getting a snowblower is unnecessary especial when you have a leaf blower, but you should know that these equipment are made separately for a reason. There are some advantages of using a leaf blower over a snowblower and some disadvantages.
Snowblower: Pros and Cons
A Snowblower is an equipment designed especially for removing snow. It works by loosening compacted snow, sucking it in, and disposing it at the side.
It is manufactured for this specific task; it clears more dry and wet snow than a leaf blower. It can be powered by gas or electricity (electric cordless). If you want to avoid buying gasoline, you can opt for the electric cordless.
Pros
1. Can easily get rid of wet, thick, and compacted snow
2. Works faster than a leaf blower
3. Have more airflow, which signifies more power
4. It Is made especially for winter
Cons
1. Uses a lot of energy in a short time
2. They are usually big, which means that they require more storage space
3. It can only be used during winter
4. This equipment is high maintenance
Leaf Blower: Pros and Cons
A leaf blower brings out air powerful enough to move leaves. This device can be powered by electricity or gas, but you should go for the gas if you cover a large area as the electric cord may not be long enough.
A leaf blower is originally used to blow leaves during fall, but it can be used to remove light snow.
Pros
1. Can be used throughout the year
2. Smaller and lighter
3. Easy to maintain
4. Needs less storage space
5. Capable of clearing snow from corners that a snowblower fails to reach
6. Easier to use
Cons
1. Not strong and efficient
2. Not resistant to the cold weather
3. Cannot remove wet, thick, and compacted snow
Frequently asked questions
This section has covered every possible question you have about using a leaf blower to remove snow.
Which kind of gas-powered leaf blower should I buy?
Leaf blowers powered by gas are always recommended for removing snow. To choose the right leaf blower, read the product description or label. Some brands produce a lot of noise compared to others. You can check this in decibels.
You should also read customers’ reviews as they are honest and determine if the purchase is worth it. If the product has a lot of bad reviews and ratings, then it is a red flag, and you shouldn’t buy that product.
Can I use a cordless leaf blower for snow?
A cordless leaf blower is different from a gas leaf blower. While we highly recommend a gas-powered leaf blower, a cordless one can be used, but it should have a stable power source and be used to remove light and dry snow.
How is a leaf blower better than a shovel?
Manual labor is stressful in many ways, and using a shovel requires you to physically engage your body which may eventually lead to soreness of the body. A shovel can remove snow from your pathway or driveway, but it cannot be used to remove snow from your car.
Conclusion
Waking up to find snow on your car or pathway can be annoying; fortunately, a piece of simple backyard equipment can help you solve the problem. Observing safety measures, you can easily use a leaf blower to remove light and dry snow.
A snow blower can remove wet and compacted snow, but it can only be used during the winter and is difficult to maintain.
When using a leaf blower, point it downwards and at the appropriate angle to avoid messy work. We have given a detailed comparison between a leaf blower and a snowblower to help you understand their advantages and disadvantages. We have also answered some of your frequently asked questions concerning this topic.
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We trust this article helped you figure out if a leaf blower can be used for snow removal. You may also want to check out Best Ways to Clear Snow from Both Gravel and Asphalt Paved Driveway.
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