Q&A for How to Snow Blow Your Driveway

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Question

Do I snow blow after 6 inches or wait? In the morning it may be 15 inches deep.

Community Answer

It all depends on what your blower can handle. If you're unsure of your blower's performance specifics, you can usually find them in the user's manual. If you have a powerful snow blower that's able to handle snow around 15 inches deep, go ahead and wait until the snow stops before blowing. This can help to save energy and gasoline. If you have a less powerful snow blower, start blowing around six inches or so.

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Question

Can you put or move in reverse to reposition while the auger is engaged without causing damage

Community Answer

Check your manufacturer's instructions. It depends on the model of snowblower.

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Question

Should I try to snow blow before a blizzard is over? Or just wait until the snow stops?

Community Answer

It really depends on how much snow there is and if you're willing to go out in the snow. If there is a medium amount of snow, such as 10cm/4inches and the snow is still going, you could certainly go out and get rid of a bit of snow. In general, just get rid of a bit here and there to make sure you can get out of your house relatively easily. This is better than having a very large amount of snow blocking your exit.

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Question

Does the scraper blade or the auger cause fine snow to stay on the surface or does it hit the surface?

Community Answer

This depends on how packed the powder is. If it has been shoveled repeatedly, or has been packed down by the snow on top of it, then it will leave snow on the ground. If not, then the blade will scrape the surface.

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Question

I have a hard time pushing the snowblower when the swidewalk is icy. Any tips?

Community Answer

Wear shoes or boots with a good grip. You can also try laying driveway salts down before you snow blow to melt some of the ice.

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Question

Should I engage blade or drive first?

Community Answer

Use the blade first, just to give it a chance to get going before the machine starts moving.

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Question

What can cause my snow blower to 'keep cutting out on me? The gas/oil level is okay?

Community Answer

Seek out professional help. There may be something wrong with your snow blower. See a repairman to have the snowblower fixed.

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Question

Is there a way to adjust the snow blower so it doesn't blow some snow up onto my feet?

Community Answer

It depends on the type of snow blower. Some have a rubber guard at the back and some don't. If it does not, try pointing the chute downwards and back diagonally.

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Question

Do you have to push the snow blower hard or lightly?

NSEasternShoreChemist

Community Answer

Most larger snowblowers are self-propelled, and will move forwards or backwards in a straight line by themselves if you put them in the correct gear. Just focus on steering and let the machine drive itself.

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Question

What if the snow is 3 feet high?

NSEasternShoreChemist

Community Answer

Just take it slowly, your machine should be able to clear the snow, even if it's above the top of the auger housing -- it will simply spill over. You can always put the machine in reverse and clean that up on a second pass.

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