Advantages of Using a Snow Blower Over a Snow Plow

When it comes to snow clearing, homeowners and property managers often face the choice between a snow blower and a snow plow. Both are effective in their own right, but a snow blower stands out as a superior choice for smaller areas such as driveways, sidewalks, and other short to medium-sized spaces. This article explores the key advantages of using a snow blower over a snow plow, highlighting why they are often better suited for these tasks.

Non-Slushy Snow and Precision Clearing

The primary advantage of a snow blower lies in its ability to handle lighter, non-slushy snow more efficiently. Unlike heavier, wetter snow, light snow is easier to push through and clear. When using a snow blower, you can aim and direct the cleared snow to a location of your choosing, throwing it to the side. This feature is particularly beneficial for areas where you want to avoid excess snow buildup, such as near entrances or driveways.

Reduced Pile-Ups and Better Visibility

One of the most significant drawbacks of a snow plow is the creation of large piles of snow at the end of driveways or roads. As you plow, you eventually reach a point where you can no longer push more snow, leading to the necessity of repeatedly lifting the plow to create these piles. These pile-ups can severely limit your visibility as you attempt to exit your driveway, leading to potential accidents and hazards.

Challenges with Snow Piles and Environmental Impact

Using a snow plow on softer soil or turf can also pose additional challenges. Plows often sink into the ground, damaging the lawn and potentially leading to re-turfing efforts. Additionally, the snow left behind by a plow can form large snowbanks, which typically melt slowly but can result in large amounts of water pooling. This pooling can eventually lead to flooding, particularly in the basement, which can be a significant and costly problem.

Limitations and Considerations

While snow blowers offer numerous advantages, it's important to note that they may not be as effective for very large yards or during wet spring snow events. In these scenarios, a snow plow might be more suitable. For instance, during a mix of snow and wet conditions, a snow blower's performance can be hampered by the tendency to push slush and wet snow, which can clog the machine and reduce its efficiency.

Some users have suggested using silicon spray to help reduce this issue, but even with these measures, a snow blower can still struggle with heavy, wet snow. In such cases, a snow plow might be the better tool, as it can handle tougher snow conditions more effectively.

Conclusion

While both snow blowers and snow plows have their place in winter snow removal, a snow blower clearly offers advantages for smaller, more precise tasks. Its ability to clear snow efficiently, create fewer piles, and avoid environmental damage makes it a preferred choice for many homeowners and property managers. Whether you're clearing a driveway or a small sidewalk, a snow blower is often the better tool for the job.

Overall, the advantages of a snow blower over a snow plow are clear: reduced snow piles, better visibility, and a lower environmental impact make it the ideal choice for many winter clearing needs.