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[AngelPuppy1]

DH and I have been trying to decide whether we should get a snow blower.

I am not good with machines of any kind and am not a strong person, so I'm really hesitant. 

We were looking at them the other day and saw one that was really nice.  I at first thought the smaller, lighter one would be better for me.  But it is not self propelled so that is probably not the best idea.  

What do you all think about snow blowers?  Are they worth the money?  Hard to operate, etc?

DH and I are older now and now in that great of health and digging out the dirveway and sidwalk is getting harder and harder.  

I'm just wanting to get some opinions as to what your experiences are and how you think this would go for us.

I know DH operating one would be no problem.  But I want to be able to work it, too, so I am a bit worried.  No point in getting one if I can't handle it, also.

Thanks for all your input! 

[qualitygal]

They have smaller plug-in ones.  But, I'm with you on machinery...can you hire someone to do that job?  Got a neighborhood kid wanting some money?  You might be able to work something out.  Check with the school and see if they can help.  

It's such a pain to get older.  The body just wants to halt! Good luck.

[OKPrincess]

DH and I bought one from QVC several years ago. It had been a rough winter and first blizzard conditions that I remember. Shoveling was no longer easy and we were not going to get caught again without help. Well we've never had it out of the box due to the fact we haven't had another really bad winter since. The box is heavy but I wish I could tell you how easy it is to operate. If you want to buy one I hope you are able to see a demonstration or try it out yourself. We are the same way with machinery. Good luck.

[petepetey]

I wouldn't be without a snow blower. It's not as hard to handle as you would think.

Our has an electric start which saves your arm from the pull start. Works great.

Once you get the hang of using it, it's not that hard to operate.  

It's easier than using a shovel.  

If you don't get much snow a smaller unit will work but here we just had a foot of snow 

and we need one that can plow through that and it will. 

[In-x-s]

I have been thinking, and searching and reading reviews as well.  As we are getting older I want something that I will be able to handle myself should something happen.  I've read some good reviews on the SnowJoe battery snowblowers.  Not meant for uneven surfaces or deep heavy snow but easy to use.  An electric wouldn't be ideal for me fighting with an ext. cord nor do I want to mess with gas.  End of the season seems to be a good time to buy for next year.

[Jtdmum]

I have a mid sized John Deere and I love it.  I have it maintaned regularly and I hope it lasts forever.  It's saved me on numerous occasions.  You don't need to be mechanically inclined to operate a snow blower.  Mine has both an electric and pull start, is gas operated.  I've used it in the driveway and on my deck as well as to make a path for the oil delivery man.  I could never shovel all of that.  

Best part, easy to operate and gets me outside in fresh air in the winter. 

[queendiva]

I own and highly recommend the Snow Joe Ion battery powered snow blower sold here.

Google it: Available for less $ elsewhere. You may find it sold locally or with free shipping.

Light weight, not intimidating to start and run at all. I'm sure there are videos on You tube for easy assembly and operation. I have not picked up a shovel in years. I am over 60, live alone and clear my own driveway and walks- no problem!

Mine is 3 or 4 years old. The depth and weight of the snow determines the battery run time. Mine goes for 30-40 minutes. It takes a few hours to recharge. A second battery is expensive: Best price I could find was $100.00. My property is level: I can't say how this would work on other terrain. No gas to buy, no service needed, easy to start, very easy to store in your garage, shed or even basement or other storage room. Very light weight, especially with battery removed. I have used mine in very deep snow. 

As with shoveling, it works best if you get at the snow as soon as possible after it falls and before it gets wet/heavy/freezes. As with other tools, the technology is worth the investment for years to come.

A broom is cheaper than a vacuum; I'll bet you don't sweep the floors and carpet inside your home. Why shovel snow?

[nyc1]

@AngelPuppy1  They are pretty self propelling, and you can put it on the RABBIT or the HARE speed....  which will allow you to snow blow with more vigor, or less.  No matter what you decide, I would strongly recomment getting one with a handle that allows you to change the direction of where you are blowing the snow, without having to lean forward or stop.  It makes changing the direction of the spout that propells the snow out so much more efficient and much easier.  You should definitely have something to make things easier and now have to rely on a shovel.  Even if I were to hire a company or person to plow,  I would still own one.

[AuntG]

So much depends on how much snow you typically get. If six inches would be considered a lot, then I'd buy a single stage snowblower with electric start. If your area is prone to bigger storms, a larger, two-stage blower should be considered. I can operate the smaller option with no problems.

[Eileen in Virginia]

I bought one from QVC about 3 or 4 years ago and like it a lot. It’s 18” wide and electric. We had to buy a high capacity extension cord separately to use it (we got the 100’ cord, which covers the front of our property and the length of our driveway). It was easy to assemble and stores nicely in our carport or backyard shed. It starts very easily (we’re in our mid-60’s). The amount of snow we get in Northern Virginia can run the full gamut from a dusting to 3 feet. We usually use the snow blower for accumulations over 3 inches. We can clear a standard width sidewalk in 2 passes - once up and a return pass. It can get caught on an uneven pavement section, but you just tilt it up and it continues along. You can aim the funnel so it throws the snow over your lawn or away from another section that you’ve already plowed. The most accumulation we’ve used it on is 2 feet. In that case, we had to go over the same sections twice, but it was still pretty easy. We’ve been able to clear right down to the concrete, usually in a single pass. It also works well on snow that’s gotten tamped down in our driveway after clearing our cars. I also bought a can of silicone lubricating spray that I spray on the rotors and funnel each season to prevent clogs. We have 3 steps leading up to our front door that we shovel manually because they’re too narrow for the blower. Some of our neighbors have big, gas-powered snow blowers that will clear an entire sidewalk in one pass, but theirs are so cumbersome that they only get them out after blizzards or significant snowfalls. Since we bought it, we fight over who’s going to get to use the snowblower. LoL!