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Power Up for Snow Removal Season If you're like me, you made a solemn promise last winter - no more shoveling! Wise decision, and not just for your aching muscles, but your heart! According to a recent study, snow shoveling requires between 6 and 15 times as much energy as watching television. It's equivalent to play singles tennis or downhill skiing. Cold temperatures can camouflage the symptoms of overexertion, so it's no surprise we often read about heart attacks resulting from snow shoveling. Now that you have an even better reason to trade in your shovel, here's a good reason to start shopping now. Record snowfalls over the last three years have wiped out retailer snowthrower inventories. Buyers who were turned away in the past are ready to pounce as soon as the new models arrive. Here are a few basic guidelines to help you determine which model is right for you: · What Size Unit? Walk-behind snowthrowers generally fit into one of three categories - single-stage, two-stage and electric. Single-stage units are light and easy to maneuver. They gather snow with a high-speed rotor and throw it out of the machine in a single action. Two-stage units are more powerful and first break up the snow with a slow-turning auger, then pass it to a high-speed impeller that blows it out through a chute. If you are looking for the latest two-stage snowthrower technology, check out Toro's new Power MaxTM line. Power Max snowthrowers feature Quick StickTM Chute Control, which is a joystick that allows the operator to easily adjust the chute rotation and snow deflection angle. The new line is also engineered to virtually eliminate clogging hassles typically associated with two-stage units. · How Much Power? As a general rule of thumb, electric snowthrowers are not built to be as powerful as larger gas-powered models. But, for those with smaller areas to clear, the little bit of power lost is exchanged for lighter weight and a lower price. For heavy-duty snow removal, gas-powered equipment is the answer. Light, fluffy snow can be handled with a single-stage machine. For snow depths of more than 6 inches, or heavy, wet or icy snow, a two-stage snowthrower is going to be your best bet. Two-stage snowthrowers can range in price from $700 to $2,000. · Important Purchasing Tips - Always consider the throwing distance and ability to control snow placement. The unit you buy should have enough throwing power and a quick swivel chute system so you're not blowing snow back on areas that you've just cleared. Easy starting is another important feature. Many gas-powered models have electric start options, which are highly recommended on the larger two-stage units. Look for manufacturers offering engines with starting guarantees. Since problems can arise from time to time, make sure there's a service center in your area that can handle the type of snowthrower you buy. Be sure to read the warranty before buying any snowthrower. The best warranties cover all defects in materials and workmanship for two years or more. |
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