Some regions of the United States have been fairly lucky when it has come to snowfall. As we move from December into January, you can expect more snow that sticks and stays with you for more than a day. Of course, clearing the sidewalks and driveway of the white stuff can be a chore. Most of us probably pull out the snow shovel and attack like it’s the Battle of the Bulge. On the other hand, some may be fortunate enough to have an actual snow blower on hand to do the work. This option of ridding your driveway or sidewalk of snow is best in most cases, but if you have a leaf blower, then you can use it to perform this task, too.
A leaf blower can be used to move away dry, powdery snow from sidewalks, steps, driveways, and vehicles.
(Courtesy: Kelly & Debra Fuller on flickr.com)
When blowing snow away with a leaf blower, you will need to use the most powerful blowers you can find. That would include such popular brands as Echo, Stihl, and Craftsman. No matter which brand you have, to assure that the particular brand you use does the job on a consistent basis, then it is up to you to make certain that the blower is properly maintained.
The benefits of using a leaf blower for doing this type of work start with the fact that it is easier to operate than a standard snowblower. The sheer size of the snow blower can result in an awkward performance. The leaf blower is also superior to a snow shovel because you don’t have to lift heavy amounts of snow with muscle power. This results in quicker removal snow from steps, vehicles, driveways, and sidewalks.
However, be aware that leaf blowers perform best when working against light layers of snow. Depending on the power of your machine, it should be able to push aside snow that it no more than 1-inch thick.
Another thing to keep in mind when tackling snow with a leaf blower is that the leaf blower won’t perform well against wet snow. Instead, it is ideal for use against dry, powdery snow.
It is also suggested that you don’t use the leaf blower for an extended period of time. You don’t want the blower to confront the elements for too long because it could cause problems with the machine. If there are moments when the blower doesn’t seem to be working effectively, just turn it off and let it rest awhile.
One more call for caution. Don’t use an electric leaf blower to blow snow. One simple fact is that electricity and water don’t match up very well. If moisture gets into the motor, then the machine could shock you and you definitely don’t want that to happen.
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