Winter is here, and the snow is piling up. What if you want to clear away the snow outside your home but don’t want to invest in a snow blower? Can you use a leaf blower for snow?
To answer this question, let’s start by talking about what a leaf blower is and how it compares to a snow blower and a shovel for clearing snow. We will also talk about the benefits of using a leaf blower for snow, how to do it safely, and which kind of leaf blower is best for the job.
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What Is a Leaf Blower?
Leaf blowers are the handy garden tools used to tidy up leaves and debris in the yard. They have a powerful motor (either electric or gas-powered) that blows air at high speeds. Depending on the model, you will find different kinds of leaf blowers, including handheld, cordless or corded, and even backpack leaf blowers.
Can You Use a Leaf Blower for Snow?
Leaf blowers are excellent tools for clearing away light debris, but will they work for snow? By understanding the differences between a snow blower, a leaf blower, and a trusty shovel, you can decide the best way to clear away snow from your property.
Leaf Blower vs. Snow Shovel
If you don’t want to invest in a leaf blower, you can always rely on your trusty shovel to clear away snow. However, shovels are not as efficient as leaf blowers when it comes to clearing away heavier snowfall.
A leaf blower is not designed to blow away wet, heavy snow, so if you are expecting a heavy snowfall, a trusty shovel may be the way to go. On the other hand, if you are dealing with powdery snow or fresh snow, a leaf blower could be a better alternative.
You can use electric models, like cordless leaf blowers or a backpack leaf blower, to move small amounts of snow. For larger areas or heavier snowfalls, a corded or gas-powered blower is a much better option.
Snow Blower vs. Leaf Blower
When compared to a snow blower, a leaf blower might seem like a less time-efficient and less effective way to clear away snow. Even so, it may still be a viable option, depending on the kind of snow you are dealing with.
When it comes to snow removal, most people think of snow blowers. Snow blowers are powerful machines designed to quickly and easily remove inches of snow from a variety of surfaces. But what if you don’t have a snow blower? Can you use a leaf blower for snow?
The answer is yes, but it is important to be aware of the differences between a snow blower and a leaf blower to do the job correctly.
Snow Blower
Snow blowers are designed to handle heavier, wetter snow, while leaf blowers are designed to handle lighter, powdery snow. Snow blowers usually have powerful engines, while leaf blowers are usually electric or gas-powered.
Leaf Blower
Leaf blowers can be a great alternative to snow shovels, especially for fresh snow accumulations. Electric leaf blowers are usually the best option, as they are lightweight and easy to use. They can also get the job done much faster than shoveling by hand.
That said, using a leaf blower is not without its drawbacks. As mentioned, you can only use it to move light layers of snow, as it will not work well in heavier snowfall. Also, since you’d be using it for something it’s not designed for, it is also important to be aware of safety considerations.
It is also important to choose the right kind of leaf blower for the job. Handheld blowers are not powerful enough for larger jobs, and gas leaf blowers are not ideal for smaller jobs. A too-powerful leaf blower can blow the snow further than expected.
Tips for Using a Leaf Blower to Clear Snow
While it may seem counterintuitive to use a leaf blower for snow, it can be an effective way to clear your driveway or walkways. With a nice blower and the right technique, you can get the job done in no time.
1. Use the right type of leaf blower.
Before you start using a leaf blower on light snow or dry snow, check if it is the right blower option for the job. If you are dealing with wet snow, powerful gas-powered models or an electric commercial-grade blower are the best options.
Note that electric models are generally less powerful than gas-powered ones. Since they may struggle with heavier snowfall, you’d be better off using them on powdery snow or light snowfall.
For heavier snowfall, a gas-powered or backpack leaf blower may be necessary. However, they are noisier, heavier, and require more maintenance.
Cordless leaf blowers are suitable for small jobs, but they may not be powerful enough for wet snow. If you are looking for a more powerful blower, consider a corded blower or a backpack leaf blower.
2. Make sure the leaf blower has ample power to clear snow.
When it comes to choosing the best kind of leaf blower for snow removal, the most important factor to consider is the power of the leaf blower.
In terms of power, it is not easy to find an electric model that is more powerful than gas-powered leaf blowers. If you intend on using one, find an electric leaf blower with a higher CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating.
For heavier snowfall, a cordless leaf blower or backpack leaf blower can provide more power. Corded blowers are more powerful than cordless ones, but they are limited by the length of the cord.
3. Consider the weight and size of the machine.
Since you will be carrying it around to clear away snow, it is important to consider the weight and size of the machine.
Leaf blowers are often more lightweight and less bulky than actual snow blowers, so clearing up small amounts of snow is much easier. Moreover, most leaf blowers are cordless and can be taken anywhere, making them ideal for clearing away snow in hard-to-reach areas.
4. Practice safety at all times.
Since you’d be using your leaf blower for something it is not designed for, it is important to be aware of safety considerations. Using a leaf blower for snow will be more effective than a traditional shovel, but you must take the necessary safety precautions into account.
Even if you are using a less powerful blower, it’s best to be cautious and protect yourself from any potential issues. Be sure to wear eye protection and ear protection, as the noise and debris generated by the blower can be harmful. A warm jacket and proper shoes are also necessary.
Use the blower at a safe distance from people and pets. You’ll also want to follow the usage instructions to lower the risk of damage to the blower or yourself.
Don’t use a blower on snow that is over six inches deep, as the blast of power from the blower can cause the snow to drift and create a hazard. If you are dealing with heavy snowfall, you may want to switch to a trusty shovel.
5. Use a higher speed on wet snow.
If you are dealing with wet snow, use a more powerful leaf blower to help break it down. You may also want to set the machine on a higher speed setting.
It is best to use an electric leaf blower for lighter snowfalls, such as powdery snow or fresh snow. If you live in an area that receives heavier snowfall, use a more powerful tool, such as a gas-powered leaf blower or a snow blower.
How To Clear Away Snow with a Leaf Blower
Using a leaf blower for snow can be a great way to save time and effort. That said, you need to learn the proper way to use a leaf blower for snow to help you get the job done quickly and easily.
Step 1: Adjust the speed settings.
Start by setting the speed of your leaf blower to low. This will stop the snow from being blown away too quickly and make it easier to keep up with. Don’t get too close to the snow while blowing, as it could cause it to scatter in all directions.
Step 2: Start blowing snow.
Begin at one end of the area you are clearing and move slowly in a consistent direction. It’s best to work in back-and-forth sweeping motions, overlapping each pass so that you don’t miss any spots.
Step 3: Master how to use your machine.
If you are using a corded or cordless leaf blower, keep the cord or battery away from the snow to avoid any damage. Also, be sure to pay attention to the battery life if you are using a cordless blower.
For a gas-powered leaf blower, make sure not to tip it too far forward, as doing so could cause fuel to enter the motor and damage it.
Finally, it's important to be careful when using the blower on snow. Leaf blowers generate a lot of air and can cause the snow to move around quickly. Therefore, it is best to keep the blower away from your face and eyes. Additionally, keep the blower away from anyone else who may be nearby.
Step 4: Finish it up with a snow shovel.
Once you’ve finished blowing the snow, use a trusty shovel to clear away any remaining patches. This is especially important for powdery snow or if you are dealing with heavier snowfall.
Leaf Blower for Snow: Yay or Nay?
The best-priced blowers should be able to do more than just blow grass clippings. As long as you choose the right type, you can use it to effectively and efficiently clear away snow.
That said, in addition to the type of leaf blower to use, you must also consider the machine's weight, handle design, cost savings, blower strength, and blower run time.
For heavy snowfall, a gas-powered leaf blower is recommended, as these lawn tools provide more power than electric blowers. With one, you won’t have to break your back shoveling snow for hours and then do it all again the next day.
