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Back in NJ I had a small 3hp two stroke Toro/Sears. If the storm is that bad, I would run the blower every few hours depending on the snowfall. I rarely waited until the storm was over if it was a big one. But more importantly is the consistency of the snow. The light fluffy dry powder type is easy to move. A few inches of heavy wet can be impossible.
Be cautious about the cheaper larger hp blowers. The engines are being replaced with cheap Chinese versions that don't last nearly as long.
I'm in the market for a SB. I've never operated one to begin with (one of the few advantages of growing up in Brooklyn). Couple questions. Are they fairly easy to operate? What is the best strategy? Do you wait for a good 6"-12" before you start? Or is it best to handle it in smaller amounts 3"-6". Does the snowblower process all the snow all the way to the ground? or does it usually leave about 1"? can that be adjusted?
And last but not least? What is the etiquette? Meaning, where we live homes are fairly close to one another. Is all the snow to be blown to my lawn? what about the sidewalk by by home? Can I blow that snow toward the street or am I likely getting a ticket for that? Is it common courtesy to pave a path for your neighbor? If so, how far do i go doing that? Sorry for the silly questions, sort of new to true 'burb living so just trying to get an idea and not look so stupid with a new machine!
You want to do the snow when it about 1/2-2/3 the amount that your SB is made for if its a 12" Vertical feed, then you want to be doing it when its 6-9". You go down to abut 1/2-3/4" above the pavement. (That is adjustable). More or less you want to blow the snow on to your lawn, not your neighbors. You can't blow the snow into the street, you will get a ticket. If you like your neighbors you can do there sidewalk, Would only take a few minutes more to do, Not sure I would do there driveway, unless they are real good friends, elderly, Handicap'ed. I would let them use the SB to do there own driveway.
Also try to avoid doing your SB duties at 3am, 5/6am-9/10p are sort of the timeline.
Don't overbuy. Some run out and buy the 9hp monsters which they will rarely need. Then they find out that are huge and difficult to maneuver. Unless you have a three car garage, many times you will be forced to leave a car out or move the car to get to the blower. For most needs the smaller ones are fine.
No, they won't move 12 inches of heavy wet snow. Most won't as they will clog. Staying ahead of it is the trick.
Depending on your neighbors they may not mind if you throw snow into their yard. I do it all the time because I don't have much choice, but my neighbors don't mind at all. If you help them out by snowblowing their sidewalk or driveway I'm sure they will cut you some slack when you do yours
In terms of operation, a snowblower really isn't much different than a lawnmower. The biggest difference is adjusting the chute to direct where the snow will be thrown.
Thanks to all.
@rscalzo, funny you say what you say, because I was planning on getting some monster!
@flyonpa, I knew you would say those wee hours! so much for hitting the on gym on snow days!
Seems like a two stage is necessary for the snow we get correct?
Yup. Two stage is necessary period-single stage blowers are worthless in the sense that if a single stage blower can handle it, you could probably just use a push broom instead:
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