Electric Snow Shovels
Are you looking for an Electric Snow Shovel?
If you live where it snows regularly like I do, you know what a pain it is shoveling it off of sidewalks and decks.All that bending and stooping, the heavy lifting and throwing.The sore muscles and aching back.Who needs it?
A gas or electric snow thrower is usually too much just to clean some steps or stretch of sidewalk.A shovel takes too much effort and a broom is too light.This is where an electric snow shovel comes in really handy.
Just get out your extension cord(first making sure that it is rated for use outdoors and use with power equipment)and plug it in.Plug the snow shovel into the cord,squeeze the trigger and away you go.It is just that easy.
Amazon has a couple of nice looking models on their website if you would like to take a look.One is made by Toro and the other is called the Snow Joe.A similar product is made by MTD and is available at Snow Blowers Direct.Both cost about 99 dollars.
One nice thing about these types of units is that they are relatively light weight.Generally in the 12 to 15 pound range about the same as some home vacuum cleaners.Which makes it nice for cleaning stair treads and multitiered decks and walks.You can easily pick it up and maneuver it where you need it most.The weight is in the lower half which is where you want it.This helps to keep the shovel down in the snow where it needs to be, not floating on top.
Electric snow shovels are eco friendly as well.No gas to mix like two cycle engines.No oil to burn.No fouled sparkplugs.No more trips to a small engine mechanic for yearly tune ups.No smelly gas spilled on your clothes when you fill it.And no worries about catching on fire from that spilled gas hitting a hot muffler.
These types of snow throwers are not designed for deep snow.Six inches are about their limit,so several passes may be needed to clear away the snow build up.But with their lightweight and manueverability they can make short work of it.Most can throw the snow that they pick up approximately 20 feet away.This usually enough to clear railings on porches and decks.One thing to be aware of is that they aren’t good with gravel.So if you have a gravel driveway you may want to rethink purchasing an electric snow shovel. They tend to pick up the gravel and throw it with the snow,Which could be potentially dangerous especially near a house.
Telescopic handles aid in adjusting these units to get a comfortable,customized fit.There is nothing more uncomfortable than having to stoop to use a piece of equipment or to have one that is unwieldy and awkward to use.
So if you are like me and live where it snows and you hate to shovel as much as I do,you may want to check out an electric snow shovel.It just may be the best thing for clearing the snow off of your deck or sidewalk,while saving you from getting a sore back.With the ease of use,you just might find yourself looking forward to snow.An option to buying these models at Amazon would be for the Toro you can try True Value Superstore.com.For the Snow Joe try Aqua Superstore.com.Can’t say that I have tried either place but they do show them on their websites.
I did find one other similar model also made by MTD that appears to be slightly heavier duty?According to what I read in the description at Walmart .com the MTD Snow Fox model has a slightly larger frame work,heavier motor,weighs about 20 pounds and they claim it will work in snow up to 10 inches deep.It retails for about 160 dollars.
As with any piece of outdoor electrical equipment always read and follow the manufacturers directions for proper usage.Use an extension cord that is UL approved for outdoor power equipment use if possible.A ground fault circuit interruptor either separately or as part of the cord would be a good idea as well.Just remember that you are working outdoors in a wet condition and that you don’t want to have a shocking experience!