When winter brings heavy, wet snow, it can put a serious strain on your snow blower. Unlike light, fluffy snowfall, this dense type of snow is tougher to move and can lead to clogging and frustration. But with the right approach, you can optimize your snow blower’s performance and get through those challenging snowfalls more efficiently.
Understanding Why Heavy, Wet Snow Is a Challenge
Wet snow contains more moisture than dry snow, making it heavier by volume and stickier. This kind of snow tends to clump, which increases the chance of it packing tightly inside your snow blower’s auger and chute. This can lead to blockages that halt the machine’s clearing action and require frequent stops for manual unclogging. Understanding this is key to adjusting how you handle your snow blower during these conditions.
Adjust Your Snow Blower Settings for Heavy Snow
Many snow blowers come with adjustable speed and chute settings. In heavy, wet snow, it’s often best to slow down your forward pace. Moving too quickly can overload the auger and cause jams. Likewise, adjusting the chute angle higher allows snow to be thrown farther away, preventing buildup near your clearing path. If your machine has multiple speed options for the impeller and auger, selecting a slower, more powerful setting can help the machine manage the heavier snow more effectively.
Break Large Snowfall Into Manageable Sections
Instead of tackling a thick, packed snow layer all at once, break your clearing task into thinner layers. Set your snow blower to remove just a few inches of snow per pass. This reduces strain on the engine and auger, minimizing the risk of jams and mechanical wear. Multiple lighter passes might take more time but will keep your snow blower running smoothly and save you from frustrating breakdowns.
Maintain Your Snow Blower for Peak Performance
Heavy, wet snow can be hard on any machine, so good maintenance matters even more. Before the season, inspect your snow blower to ensure all moving parts like the auger, impeller, and chute rotate freely. Lubricate as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent rust and sticking. Keep the scraper blade sharp to effectively clear snow and ice from surfaces. During heavy snowfall, check frequently for any snow or ice buildup inside the chute and auger housing and remove it promptly.
Consider Using Snow Blower Accessories
There are accessories designed to improve snow blower performance in tricky conditions. For example, chute liners or spray-on chute coatings can reduce snow adhesion and help prevent clogs. Heated handles or chute warmers, available on some models, are particularly handy for wet snow because they keep parts from freezing solid. Investing in these add-ons can make a noticeable difference when battling persistent heavy snow.
Choose the Right Snow Blower for Your Climate
If you frequently face heavy, wet snow, the type of snow blower you use matters. Two-stage gas snow blowers or powerful battery-operated models generally handle dense snow better than lighter electric single-stage machines. Two-stage models have impellers that throw snow much farther and augers designed for tougher snow conditions. Selecting a model rated for heavy snowfall will save you time and effort when winter hits its hardest.
Heavy, wet snow doesn’t have to overwhelm your snow removal routine. By adjusting your technique, maintaining your equipment properly, and choosing the right tools for your climate, you can keep your driveway clear efficiently and enjoy fewer breakdowns. With these practical tips, your snow blower will be ready to tackle whatever winter throws your way.