What Is a Single Stage Snow Blower?
A single stage snow blower is so-named because a single part, the auger, does all the work. The auger spins at a high speed, scraping up snow and throwing it out a discharge chute. Single stage snow blowers are light, efficient, easy to use and inexpensive when compared to two-stage snow blowers or plows. A snow blower is also faster and easier to use than a shovel, which means after clearing the driveway you might still have the time and energy to enjoy the snow. Does this Spark an idea?
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Function
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A single stage snow blower is a power tool designed to move snow from one area to another, much like a lawn mower cuts grass and shoots the cuttings off to the side. Single stage snow blowers have a gas or electric motor which powers an auger on the front of the machine. The auger pulls snow up into the discharge chute, which can be aimed to shoot the snow up to 35 feet away in any direction the operator chooses. With each pass, the single stage snow blower clears a path in the snow up to about 20 inches wide, in snow up to 8 inches deep (depending on the model), making quick work of the average residential driveway.
Benefits
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When it comes to moving snow, single stage snow blowers are much less work than shoveling. Compared to other snow blowers, they are also relatively light and easy to handle. Single stage snow blowers can be stored in the same amount of space as many push lawn mowers, making it easy to trade which machine is in storage seasonally. Single stage snow blowers start at around $ 300. Considering the time and effort of shoveling, and the cost of commercial plowing, owning a single stage snow blower could save both time and money.
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Features
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For safety, all snow blowers should have a "dead-man" control, meaning that if the operator lets go of the handle for any reason, the auger stops turning. Most single stage snow blowers also have a cleaning tool, usually a plastic stick or scraper, attached to the handle. It is also convenient to have a discharge chute that can be adjusted from the operating position, rather than from beside the snow blower. A few single stage snow blowers even offer headlights. Since the days are so short during the winter, a headlight comes in handy throughout the snowy season.
Considerations
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Single stage snow blowers work best on paved surfaces, since they scrape the snow directly off of the ground. A single stage snow blower will pick up and shoot rocks and debris if used on a dirt or gravel driveway. Single stage snow blowers are available with either gas or electric motors. Snow blowers with gas engines can generally handle deeper snow and a wider path than those with electric motors, but electric motors require less maintenance and run more quietly. Single stage snow blowers range in price from $100 to $900.
Warning
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The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports that there are approximately 3,600 finger injuries every year due to snow blower accidents. Always turn off or unplug a snow blower before attempting to clean the auger. Use the cleaning tool, rather than your hands or feet, to clear any clogged snow or ice from the snow blower. Dress appropriately for working outdoors in cold weather, and use hearing protection. Using a single stage snow blower takes a bit more effort than using a self-propelled lawn mower, so check with a doctor before using a snow blower if you have medical problems or a particularly large driveway.
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