A self propelled snow blower is a machine that moves itself forward while clearing snow. You don’t have to push it, which makes clearing your driveway a lot easier.
I used to hate shoveling my long driveway. It took hours and left my back sore. Then I tried a self propelled model, and it changed everything.
These machines do the hard work for you. You just guide them where you want the snow to go. It feels like the machine is pulling you along.
This guide will explain everything about these handy tools. We’ll cover how they work, why they’re great, and what to look for when you buy one.
What Is Self Propelled Snow Blower? The Simple Answer
Let’s break it down in simple terms. A self propelled snow blower has a drive system that moves its own wheels.
You control the speed with a lever or a trigger. You don’t need to use your muscles to push it through heavy snow. The machine provides its own power to move forward.
Think of it like a car in first gear. You press the gas pedal to go, but you still steer. A self propelled snow blower works the same basic way for clearing snow.
This is different from a push model. With a push snow blower, you provide all the forward force. That gets very tiring, very fast.
Understanding what a self propelled snow blower is helps you see the big benefit. It turns a hard job into an easy one. You save your energy for steering and aiming the chute.
Many people ask me, “What is a self propelled snow blower good for?” It’s perfect for big driveways, long sidewalks, or wet, heavy snow. It handles jobs that would wear you out with a shovel.
How Does a Self Propelled Snow Blower Work?
The magic is in the drive system. An extra set of gears connects the engine to the wheels.
When you engage the drive control, power goes to the wheels. They start to turn and pull the machine forward. You can usually pick from a few different speeds.
You still have a lot of control. A speed lever lets you go slow for deep snow or faster for light powder. You can also stop the drive completely to reposition the machine.
The auger and impeller still do the snow clearing. The self-propelled part just handles the movement. This split in jobs makes the whole process smooth.
It’s a simple but smart design. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) notes that using the right tool reduces strain. A self propelled snow blower is a great example of that principle.
Now you know what a self propelled snow blower is and how its parts work together. The engine powers two jobs: throwing snow and moving forward. This teamwork is what saves your back.
Key Parts of a Self Propelled Snow Blower
Let’s look at the main pieces. Knowing the parts helps you understand what a self propelled snow blower really is.
The engine is the heart. It provides power for everything. Bigger engines can handle deeper snow and self-propelled movement more easily.
The drive system is the special part. It has a belt or gearbox that sends power to the wheels. This is what makes it “self-propelled” instead of just a push-along blower.
The auger is the spinning blade up front. It grabs the snow and feeds it into the machine. It’s usually made of metal or tough rubber.
The impeller is a fan inside the chute. It takes snow from the auger and throws it out the discharge chute. This part creates the throwing power.
The speed control lever is your command center. You use it to tell the wheels how fast to go. Some models have a simple dial, while others have a handgrip trigger.
When you see all these parts, you understand what a self propelled snow blower is built to do. Each piece has a job that makes snow removal less work for you.
Big Benefits of a Self Propelled Model
The main benefit is obvious: less pushing. Your arms and back will thank you after a big storm.
It saves you a ton of time. You can clear snow faster because the machine keeps a steady pace. You don’t stop to catch your breath from pushing.
It handles tough snow better. Wet, heavy, or deep snow is hard to push through. A self propelled snow blower has the power to keep going where you might get stuck.
It’s great for uneven ground. The driven wheels can pull you over small bumps or ruts. A push model might stop dead on an uneven driveway seam.
It reduces fatigue. Shoveling snow is hard work that raises your heart rate. The American Heart Association says to be careful with sudden cold-weather exertion. A self propelled machine helps you avoid overdoing it.
When you think about what a self propelled snow blower is good for, these benefits top the list. It turns a chore into a quick, manageable task. That’s a win in my book.
Self Propelled vs. Push Snow Blowers
This is a common question. What is the difference between a self propelled snow blower and a push model?
A push snow blower needs you to push it to move. The engine only spins the auger to clear snow. All the forward motion comes from your muscles.
A self propelled model moves itself. The engine powers the wheels and the auger. You just walk behind it and steer.
Push models are often cheaper and lighter. They are good for small, flat areas with light snow. They are simpler machines with fewer parts.
Self propelled models cost more but do more. They are the right choice for large areas, hills, or heavy snow. The extra cost buys you a lot of ease.
Think about your property. Do you have a long driveway or a big sidewalk? If yes, then you now know what a self propelled snow blower is for. It’s for saving your energy on those big jobs.
The choice comes down to your needs. For most people with a standard two-car driveway, self-propelled is the way to go. The help is worth every penny.
Types of Self Propelled Snow Blowers
Not all self propelled models are the same. They come in different styles for different jobs.
Single-stage self propelled blowers are less common. They are usually smaller and good for light to medium snow. The auger touches the ground and also helps pull the machine.
Two-stage self propelled blowers are the most popular type. They have a separate auger and impeller. The driven wheels are strong and can handle deep snow.
Three-stage models are the most powerful. They have an extra accelerator inside to break up ice. These are for the toughest conditions and the biggest driveways.
Track-driven models use tank-like tracks instead of wheels. They offer amazing traction on hills or very uneven ground. They are a special type of self propelled snow blower.
Electric self propelled snow blowers are a newer option. They are quieter and need less upkeep than gas models. Their power is getting better every year.
When you ask “what is a self propelled snow blower,” the answer includes all these types. Picking the right one depends on your snow, your land, and your budget.
How to Use a Self Propelled Snow Blower
Using one is simple. First, you start the engine just like any other snow blower.
Let it warm up for a minute. Then, stand behind it and hold the handlebar. Use one hand to squeeze the lever that engages the auger.
With your other hand, press or pull the drive control. This is often a bar near the handle or a trigger on the grip. The machine will start to move forward.
Steer it by gently pushing left or right on the handlebar. Aim the discharge chute where you want the snow to go. You control the direction and the speed.
To turn, you usually let go of the drive control. The wheels stop, and you can pivot the machine. Then re-engage the drive to go in your new direction.
This process shows you what a self propelled snow blower is in action. You are the pilot, not the engine. Your job is to guide, not to push.
Important Features to Look For
If you’re shopping, keep an eye out for these things. They make a big difference in how well the blower works for you.
Variable speed control is a must. You want to be able to go slow in deep snow and faster on the return pass. A single speed is not very useful.
Power steering is a fantastic upgrade. It helps you turn the machine with less effort. This is great if you have a lot of obstacles to go around.
Look for heated hand grips. Your hands will thank you on a cold morning. It’s a small feature that makes the job much nicer.
An electric start is a huge convenience. Pull-starting a cold engine can be hard. A push-button start is worth the extra cost for many people.
Check the clearing width and intake height. A wider machine clears a path faster. A taller intake can handle deeper snow without clogging.
Knowing what a self propelled snow blower is includes knowing what features matter. These extras turn a good machine into a great one for your specific needs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I’ve seen people make a few errors. Avoiding these will make your experience better.
Don’t set the speed too high at first. Start slow until you get used to the machine’s power. You can always speed up later.
Never leave the drive engaged when you are not holding the controls. The machine could lurch forward if you let go unexpectedly. Always disengage the drive when you stop.
Avoid trying to clear snow that is too deep in one pass. Even a self propelled snow blower has limits. Take a shallower cut if the snow is very deep.
Don’t forget to check the shear pins. These are safety bolts that protect the auger if it hits something hard. The Consumer Reports guide to snow blower safety mentions this important step.
Never use your hands to clear a clog when the engine is running. Always turn the machine off first. Use a clearing tool or a stick, not your fingers.
Understanding what a self propelled snow blower is also means using it safely. These tips will help you avoid trouble and get the job done right.
Maintenance Tips for Long Life
Take care of your machine, and it will take care of you for many winters. The upkeep is pretty simple.
At the end of the season, run the engine until it’s out of gas. This keeps old gas from gumming up the carburetor over the summer. Stale fuel is a common problem.
Check the oil level before the first big storm. Clean oil keeps the engine running smooth. Change it as often as the manual says.
Look at the scraper bar and skid shoes at the bottom. These parts wear down from touching the pavement. Replace them when they get too thin.
Lubricate the control cables and chute mechanism. A little spray lubricant keeps everything moving easily. This prevents controls from getting stiff.
Store it in a dry place. A shed or garage is best. Cover it to keep dust off the engine and controls.
When you know what a self propelled snow blower is, you know it’s an investment. A little bit of care each year protects that investment and keeps it ready to go.
Is a Self Propelled Snow Blower Right for You?
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