Shovels, blowers, and plows are essential tools for effortless snow removal. Shovels efficiently clear sidewalks and smaller areas, while blowers swiftly move snow from driveways. Plows, often attached to vehicles, ensure large-scale snow removal with ease. Together, these tools make winter maintenance a breeze, keeping pathways safe and accessible.

The Mighty Shovels

Snow removal can be a daunting task, especially during the chilly winter months. However, with the right tools at hand, clearing snow off your property can become a manageable and even enjoyable activity. Whether it’s a small snow-covered walkway or a larger driveway, a shovel can be your trusted companion in tackling the white stuff.

Types of Shovel

When it comes to shovels, there are various types available, each designed for specific snow removal needs. 

The types of shovels are as under:

• Snow shovels

Snow shovels, also known as scoop shovels, are the go-to option for many homeowners. The designs allowed by shovel blades are efficient for snow removal, particularly when dealing with lighter, powdery snow.

• Snow pushers

Snow pushers often have a wide, flat blade with no scoop-like feature. They work best for clearing large areas quickly, such as driveways or sidewalks, and are especially effective for pushing heavy, wet snow.

• Roof Snow Rakes

Roof snow rakes, although not precisely shovels, are worth mentioning as they serve a vital purpose in snow removal. These long-handled tools have a rake-like head, allowing you to safely clear snow buildup from your roof without the need for climbing. This helps prevent potential roof damage and ice dams.

Pros of Using Shovels:

1. Versatility: Shovels offer a wide range of uses beyond just snow removal. They can be utilized for gardening, moving soil, or even creating small outdoor activities such as building a snowman.
2. Portability: Shovels are lightweight and easy to maneuver, making them ideal for smaller areas or hard-to-reach spots.
3. Cost-effective: Shovels are generally more affordable compared to snow blowers or plows, making them a budget-friendly choice for homeowners.

Cons of Using Shovels:

1. Physical exertion: Using a shovel requires physical strength and can be tiresome, especially when dealing with heavy, wet snow or larger areas.
2. Time-consuming: Clearing snow with a shovel is a manual process, which means it may take more time and effort compared to using powered tools like snow blowers or plows.

Snow Blowers:

For those seeking a more efficient and time-saving option, a snow blower can be a game-changer. Snow blowers are powered machines that help remove snow quickly with minimal physical effort.

Types of Snow Blower

The main types of snow blowers are as under:

• Single-stage snow blowers

Single-stage snow blowers are compact and typically used for clearing light to moderate snow accumulation. They have a single spinning auger that scoops up snow and throws it out through a discharge chute. These machines are best suited for smaller areas like walkways or decks.

• Two-stage snow blowers 

They have an auger to gather the snow and an impeller to propel the snow out through the chute. Two-stage snow blowers are advantageous for clearing large areas, such as driveways or wide pathways.

• Three-stage snow blowers

They have an additional accelerator that breaks down tough, icy snow before sending it out through the chute. 

Pros of Using Snow Blowers

• Efficiency: Snow blowers can clear snow much faster than shovels, reducing the overall time and effort required for snow removal.

1. Less physical strain: Snow blowers are self-propelled, meaning you don’t have to push or lift heavy piles of snow manually. This makes them suitable for individuals with physical limitations or those who prefer a less physically demanding option.

Cons of Using Snow Blowers:

1. Higher cost: Snow blowers can be a significant investment compared to shovels, especially when considering the more powerful models. 
2. Maintenance requirements: Snow blowers require regular maintenance, including oil changes and proper storage to ensure their longevity and optimal performance.

The Snow Plows

For large areas, such as parking lots, roads, and commercial properties, snow plows are a powerful option. Snow plows are usually attached to trucks, tractors, or heavy machinery, and they can clear vast expanses of snow in a relatively short time.

Types of Snow Plows

• Straight blade plows

Straight blade plows are the most traditional type and consist of a single, straight blade. Straight blade plows work for both residential snow removal or commercial snow removal.

• V-plows:

V-plows, also known as multi-position plows, have a V-shaped blade that allows for more efficient snow clearing. With V-plows, you can choose various angles to push or scoop snow, making them highly versatile in different snow removal scenarios.

• Wing Plows

Wing plows, also referred to as expandable plows, are equipped with side panels that can extend, providing a wider clearing path. These plows are commonly used for clearing highways or wider roads, allowing for increased efficiency.

• Box Plows

Box plows, as the name suggests, resemble a box shape. They consist of a main blade with two smaller wings on each side. Box plows are particularly effective for pushing large amounts of snow to the side, creating neat piles along roadways, parking lots, or other vast spaces.

Pros of Using Snow Plows

1. Fast snow removal: Snow plows are designed for large-scale snow clearing and can cover significant areas in a shorter amount of time compared to other methods.
2. Increased efficiency: Snow plows, particularly the more specialized types, offer enhanced efficiency for specific snow removal needs, such as pushing heavy snow or creating organized snowbanks.

Cons of Using Snow Plows

1. Initial investment: Snow plows can be quite expensive, making them more suitable for commercial use or homeowners in regions with frequent heavy snowfall.
2. Requires specialized equipment: Snow plows are typically attached to vehicles, so their use may require additional machinery or modifications, which can add to the overall cost.

Factors of choosing the Right Snow Removal Tool:

When selecting the most suitable snow removal tool, several factors should be considered:

• Property Size:  Larger areas might benefit from the power and speed of snow blowers or plows, while smaller areas could be efficiently cleared with shovels or snow pushers.
• Snow Type: The consistency and weight of the snow in your region can impact the effectiveness of different tools. Heavy, wet snow might require the power of a snow blower or plow, while lighter, drier snow could be adequately handled with a shovel.
• Physical Abilities: Consider your physical abilities when choosing a snow removal tool. If lifting or pushing heavy piles of snow is challenging, a snow blower or plow could be a more suitable option, as they require less physical exertion.
• Budget:  Shovels are generally the most budget-friendly option, while snow blowers and plows can be more expensive but offer increased efficiency.