So, I have never had a snowblower before full disclosure. I would like to have one to do my driveway but most of my driveway is stone only the bottom is paved. I would also like to be able to blow snow out of the way over to my paddock gates. Please let me know your experience with trying to use snowblower across grass or gravel? Thanks so much!
- just make sure whatever snowblower you buy has the capability of setting the height of the shoes, so you can control whether the augur / skid plate runs at, or above, the gravel surface
- engines need to be exercised every so often. If you’re getting a self-powered snowblower (vs. Electric), be sure to run the engine 1a few times during the offseason, just to make sure it starts ok once fall/winter roll in.
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We use a snowblower on our gravel drives here in New York. It definitely takes a little finesse at times, and I frequently have to use my arms to lift the front a bit off the ground since our old machine is not adjustable.
It does help to make sure you don’t have any big stones or sticks that might get stuck in the mechanism, and to have extra shear pins so you can replace them immediately.
My wife and I will use our snowblower in one of our paddocks if the snow gets too deep, because we have to keep it cleared for access to a barn. It’s only difficult if the snow has been trampled down in places; then we get uneven levels of snow to clear.
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https://www.cubcadet.com/en_US/snow-blowers/two-stage-snow-blowers
You want at least a 2 stage if you’re wanting to throw far.
See the little blue runners on the bottom of the one above? That’s how you stay out of the gravel.
For summer storage, I siphon all the gas out of the tank that I can (some tanks have drains, mine does not), then I put a glug of Stabil in there and run the thing until it starts to sputter. That means the Stabil is in the carb, and it’s not getting good ignition at spark - that’s what you want. Then you can just leave it until the next winter, and it will start just fine with fresh gas in it. Might take a pull or two extra, but nothing major.
Annual maintenance is an oil change, lubing wherever there are zerks, and a new spark plug (I never fuss with gapping unless I’m having issues, it’s fine 99% of the time). Sometimes I skip a year, if there wasn’t much snow. I’m a little lazy on that stuff.
Agreed with having extra shear pins.
You will be SOAKED at the end if it’s windy at all. Wear your best waterproof winter stuff, and expect to get a face-full of snow at least once a year before you remember how to use the damn thing.
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All up thread have provided great advice.
If you have adjustable shoes on your machine, you can easily blow snow that is on grass. My husband uses our walk behind unit to carve paths to the chicken coop, the compost pile, etc.
Make sure that you are on top of collecting newspapers that get thrown on the driveway.
A frozen, hidden newspaper can do serious damage to your machine.
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