I don’t know what’s worse: Shoveling my driveway in subfreezing temperatures or shoveling my driveway in subfreezing temperatures while looking at my snow blower that only works when there is less then 4 inches of freshly fallen snow… and that’s if I can get the damn thing started…
We purchased our 3.5 hp. Yard Machines snow thrower four seasons ago… year one it paid for its self, after the first use it never snowed enough to need it again. Year two I got some good use out of it because it didn’t snow over 4 inches at one time… now, last year we got dumped on… and the thing was worthless… I shoveled a lot of snow last year.
We received our first major snow this past week… it was a perfect snow, nice and soft… about 4 inches… shouldn’t be a problem for my snow blower. After exhausting myself getting it started I dive in for my first swipe and the auger clogs up with snow… it can’t handle it. I apply some of the techniques I’ve adapted to help make the snow blower more efficient… like raising it up and shaving the snow in layers, going forward and backwards to help the auger keep up… after a half hour of freezing and fighting the snow and the machine and not really getting anywhere I gave up on it… and finished by shoveling my wife’s side of the drive so she could leave easier in the morning.
Why don’t I upgrade you ask… well there is always the cost to factor in… and the fear that after purchasing a new snow blower it doesn’t snow again for the season… which again might be a good investment…
What I have.
What I want.
Ouch, that’s tough. I’d sell the Yard Machine, and use that money to put toward something with a bit more muscle. There is always somebody looking for a good used snowblower. Then after the next blizzard, you’ll be saying “Glad I did” , instead of “Wish I had”! Good post!