A snow blower is a pretty significant investment. So, you might be wondering if the snow removal tool is worth the hefty price tag. To help you decide whether or not you should pull the trigger on the purchase, you should answer one question – can a shovel be faster than a snow blower? Knowing the answer to this question makes it easier to understand whether or not a snowblower is right for you.
Snow Blower Basics
A snow blower is a relatively heavy machine that takes in snow and shoots it out through a chute. Although there are a variety of models, they all function in a similar manner. You push the machine across the snow, and it blows the snow to another location. Available in gas or electric models, snow blowers can move large amounts of snow in a short period of time.
As you may already know, snow blowers aren’t cheap. The cost varies significantly, but you can expect to spend around $500 for a single-stage snowblower. Additionally, you should factor in the cost of maintenance and gas if you use a gas-powered model.
A snowblower does require some effort on your part. Pushing the machine takes energy and can result in injury. Furthermore, a snowblower is noisy. Before getting started, you should use ear protection.
Snow Shovel Basics
You might think there’s not much variety among snow shovels. But that’s far from the truth. There are many snow shovels available, and each one is unique. Typically, the handle, blade, and size vary. If you really want to get fast at your shoveling, you should have at least two shovels available. A plow shovel is ideal for a driveway, but a traditional snow shovel works well on narrow paths.
Shovels are much more affordable than snow blowers and don’t have any maintenance or operating costs. However, the shovel only moves as fast as you do. It takes a surprising amount of energy to move snow around. If you’re not careful, you could be one of the many individuals to receive an injury. Before shoveling, take measures to prevent and prepare for a disaster. That means dressing warm, wearing non-slip boots, and having someone around to help you if you experience an injury.
Speeding Up the Process
There are ways in which you can speed up your shoveling. For one, use salt before a snowstorm. Less snow will accumulate, and your shoveling won’t take as long. You can use a salt spreader to make the process more efficient.
Using an ergonomic shovel also helps. If you’re comfortable, you can shovel snow faster. The grip of the handle and the padding makes a difference.
Finally, you can enlist help. While it’s not safe for kids to operate a snowblower, almost anyone can safely use a shovel. Take turns and have your kids or other family members help you clear your driveway.
Which is Faster?
There’s no easy answer to this question. If you had someone shoveling snow in a flat, broad area, they would probably be slower than someone using a snowblower. But driveways aren’t always flat and broad. Snowblowers don’t work on narrow paths and can be cumbersome to move around.
You also need to consider the time it takes to set up the equipment. With a shovel, you can get started right away. A snow blower requires more set-up time. If the snowblower collapsed for storage, you need to put it back together. You may also find yourself moving your garage around to get the snowblower out. As you pull out lawn equipment and toys, you waste time.
Once the snowblower is out, you have a few other preparations to make. If you have a gas model, the equipment may need gas or oil. Meanwhile, an electric model needs either a battery or an extension cord. Getting the snowblower ready takes time.
A shovel requires almost no preparation. Usually, it hangs on the wall or in some other accessible spot. As soon as you’re dressed for the cold, you can get it and go.
Who’s the Winner?
When it’s all said and done, there’s no clear winner. If you have a small area to clear or many narrow pathways, a shovel is the faster option. However, if you have a large area to clear, a snowblower is faster.
Your own health and fitness also matter. If you enjoy a workout and can shovel quickly, you might win in a race against a snowblower. But people with illnesses or injuries will be faster when using a snowblower.
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Dani Gallagher is a freelance writer who has spent more of her life outdoors than she has indoors. She loves teaching her kids that playing outside is more fun than sitting on the couch. She spends as much time as she can with her family going on hikes and sitting on the beach.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
