In this video, This Old House landscape contractor Roger Cook shares tips for safely clearing snow from driveways and walkways with Kevin O’Connor.
How to Turn on and Use a Snowblower:
There are two basic types of snowblowers: single-stage and two-stage.
Starting a single-stage snowblower
- A single-stage model has a rubber auger that scoops and throws the snow.
- To start a single-stage snowblower, use the pull cord or electric start.
- Wear hearing protection when using any snowblower.
- Single-stage snowblowers are efficient when blowing snow up to about 8 inches deep. To clear away deeper snow, get a two-stage machine.
Starting a two-stage snowblower
A two-stage snow blower has a steel auger that feeds snow into a high-speed impeller, which then throws the snow through the chute.
- Two-stage machines have two handle levers: one drives the self-propelled wheels; the other lever engages the auger and impeller.
- Pull open the choke, slide up the motor-speed lever, then push the primer bulb three times to prime the engine.
- Yank hard on the pull cord to start the engine. Press in the choke.
- Before it snows, clear the driveway of all downed branches, toys, newspapers, and other debris.
- Be sure to know the location of all landscape light fixtures positioned along the edge of the driveway. You don’t want to run over them with the snowblower.
- Have a few extra shear pins on hand, in case one breaks.
- Never clear a clogged impeller or auger with your hand. Turn off the engine and use a wooden stick to dislodge the clog.