How To Safely Operate a Snow Blower for Beginners

If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall, keeping your walkways and driveways clear is an important chore. This task can have a huge impact on the safety of your property overall. Shoveling snow can be back-breaking and time-consuming work. Snowblowers are tools that can help speed up this process to keep your home safe during the winter.

It is important that you know the correct way to use a snowblower. This quick guide will provide you with tips on how to operate a snow blower.

Create a Plan

When you head out to clear snow on your property, it is important that you develop a plan first. Snow removal can be done faster and more effectively when you have a route planned out and a plan in place. This is similar to cutting your lawn in the summertime. You will want to create a back-and-forth pattern to clear snow efficiently.

Your plan should also consider where the snow will be thrown to. The thrown snow will naturally create drifts, and you need to make sure that these drifts will not interfere with anything else on the property. You should avoid blowing snow into other pathways and certainly avoid blowing snow into the street.

Follow the Equipment Instructions

Don’t assume that you know how to use a snowblower. Each model is different. You need to review the manual thoroughly before you start using the equipment. This is an important safety precaution. The manual will provide you with information on how to start a snow blower, how to operate it safely, and best practices. 

Dress Appropriately

Clearing snow can be a time-intensive task, even with the help of a snow blower. Be sure you are dressed warmly for this job. Also, be sure to use safety goggles as well.

Remove Debris

You will also want to make sure that any yard debris is out of the way. A snowblower can send debris flying at high speeds, which could be dangerous.

Avoid Accumulation

It is best to blow snow before it has sat and accumulated for long periods of time. The longer the snow sits, the harder it will be to blow away from the areas you want to clear.

Work Alone

It is best to have small children and pets safely inside while you work on this chore. Debris can be thrown at high speeds and could hit someone. Also, you do not want children or animals getting in the way.