Ruffles, what kind of snowblower do you have? Can you push it? Does it throw over a sizable snow bank?
Any others of you from frigid climes, feel free to chime in. We always shoveled, but with our youngest shoveler about to leave home and our backs and shoulders not getting any younger, we think it's time to invest in a little machinized help. We had an old freebie that sent up plumes of black oily smoke, but that died in the middle of last winter.
It's a Snapper, 5.5 hp, electric start. LOVE IT!!!!!!!! It attacks the plowed snow heaps at the end of my driveway with relish. I have complete control over it. The best time to clear those is when they are fresh. Frozen ice chunks can break the pin. This hasn't happened because I'm particular about that. ..... One of the things I like is my ability to clear out the whole area in front of my mailbox which is on the street. It is so easy. I enjoy clearing my driveway.
Slush doesn't clear very well at all. It is too heavy and wet. That's a do it yourselfer. Thankfully, those storms are rare. I think Sears sells Snappers. I bought mine through a lawn mower place but that place is closed now.
My driveway is huge plus it is T shaped because my garage faces sideways. There is no way on earth I could clear a major snow storm by hand. I'll do the 2 inchers via my push shovel.
HINT: Only use fresh gas. Something about old gas will put the blower out of commission. I don't know why that is. I have three gas cans. One is always empty and able to be filled just before a storm. Old gas can always be added to your car with no problem. Gas storage is an issue which I hate. I use a covered galvanized barrel that is in the garage. I don't like having that around but don't know what else to do.
In the spring, I run the blower while its sitting in the driveway until it is out of gas. Then it can be stored in the cellar until fall.
The one thing that can be tricky is if there is a wind when you are trying to blow snow. You need to blow the snow with the wind, otherwise it will come back all over you and in your face and on your glasses. LOL!
I like to keep my driveway nice and clean, especially at the street end. If there is ice on the driveway and it snows again, my car will get stuck right there!!!!
