In the struggle of electric vs. gas snow blowers, there are many points to consider, before reaching a conclusion about which type is better than the other.
In brief, gas-powered snow blowers have wider augers and more horsepower: as a result, gas snow blowers can throw more snow farther away when compared to electric models. Furthermore, a self-propelled gas snow blower can go to areas that the power cord of an electric machine cannot reach. In addition, a gas snow blower can still work even if there is a power outage after a snow storm. However, an electric snow blower does not use any fuel or oil, and requires less mechanical maintenance. Indeed, an electric snow blower is cheaper, easier to assemble and use, simpler to maintain, and requires less storage space.
How do gas snow blowers work?
A gas-powered snow blower gets its power from either a two-stroke or a four-stroke gasoline engine. Two-stroke engines are now very rarely found on snow blowers, for the reason that they cause more air pollution when compared to 4-cycle engines. The engine on a single stage blower turns the auger paddles that cuts through the snow and throws it out of the discharge chute. The engine on a two stage snow blower powers both the auger blades that churn up the snow, and the impeller that blows it out of the discharge chute.
A three stage gas snow blower has another smaller auger blade in the middle, in addition to the large auger and the impeller. Two stage and three stage gas snow blowers are usually self-propelled with forward and reverse gears, because they are heavier and harder to handle. Furthermore, the gasoline engine might provide power for other features such as lights, power steering or heated handgrips. Overall, gas-powered snow blowers work the best for clearing snow from large driveways, whether it is paved or covered with gravel.
How do electric snow blowers work?
An electric snow blower has the same parts that a gas snow blower has, except that the gasoline engine is replaced with an electric motor. This electric motor is powered by either an electric cord plugged into an outdoor power outlet, or by rechargeable battery packs. At the present time, there are both single stage and two stage electric snow blowers on the market.
Similar to the gas snow blowers, two stage cordless snow blowers are also self-propelled, even though the battery packs might provide less than an hour of power before needing to be recharged. At least, you do not have to worry about accidentally running over a power cord if you use a cordless snow blower.
Electric vs. Gas Snow Blowers
The snow has fallen, and it looks like a winter wonderland, but now you have to get the snow out of the driveway and walking paths. You can shovel it out of the way if you have the time and the strength to do so. However, most people these days choose to use a snow blower to remove the snow quickly and with the least amount of effort. Of course, this brings up the decades-old question of whether to use a gas-powered snow blower, or an electric snow blower.
In essence, electric snow blowers are better for clearing smaller spaces that are covered by a few inches of snow. If you have a large driveway that gets covered with a few feet of snow, then you might choose a gas-powered snow blower. Be that as it may, let us discuss this issue in more detail below.
Which type of snow blower is the quietest?
An electric snow blower is definitely quieter than a machine that is powered by a small gasoline engine, because of its quieter electric motor. This effect would be most noticeable when you compare a two stage gas snow blower with a two stage cordless snow blower. If you live in an urban or suburban neighborhood, then clearing snow with an electric snow blower will not annoy the neighbors early in the morning or late at night.
Which is more eco-friendly: electric or gasoline?
Electric snow blowers are probably more eco-friendly because they do not pollute the immediate environment with exhaust fumes or petroleum products. However, an electric snow blower still uses electricity from the power company. How is this power generated: from fossil fuels or renewable energy? What happens to that old snow blower battery that no longer holds a charge? How do you get rid of that used oil after changing the oil of a snow blower’s gasoline engine? There are quite a few things to take into account when deciding which power source is more eco-friendly than the other.
Is an electric snow blower more portable than a gas-powered model?
An electric snow blower weighs a lot less when compared to a gas-powered snow blower. It is both easier to store and to move around compared to the heavy gasoline snow blowers. Then again, there are advantages to having a large, heavy gas snow blower with self-propelled wheels: it can handle deeper and wetter snow while being able to propel itself forwards and backwards. Also, it is not tethered to a power outlet by way of an outdoor electric cord like an electric snow blower. If you live in a rural area with a very large driveway, then you will probably have a two stage gas powered snow blower instead of an electric model.
Do gas snow blowers need more maintenance than electric machines?
A snow blower with a gasoline engine require more attention and maintenance when compared to an electric model. Besides checking the levels of gasoline and oil, you also need to change the engine oil regularly, and keep an eye on the air filter and spark plugs. In contrast, you never have to worry about gas or oil levels when using an electric snow blower. Although, you will need to charge and maintain the batteries if you have a cordless snow blower.
Which snow blower is more powerful: electric or gas?
A gasoline powered snow blower is probably more powerful when compared to a similar size electric machine. It can handle snow up to 22 inches deep, while electric snow blowers can only handle snow up to 12 inches deep. Furthermore, the biggest gas powered snow blower can have an auger drum intake size of up to 45 inches wide, compared to a maximum intake width of about 21 inches for a large electric snow blower. Nevertheless, this amount of power does have its disadvantages, seeing as gas snow blowers are heavier and louder than electric models.
Conclusion
There are a number of reasons why you might prefer one type or the other. You might take into consideration the frequency, depth, and texture of the snowfalls in your area. Other points to ponder could include the surface and length of the driveway, sidewalk, walking paths, and patio that needs to be cleared after snow has fallen. In the long run, electric snow blowers are probably going to become more popular, and more competitive, while gasoline powered snow blowers might see a decline in popularity.
Photo by Thomas Kelley on Unsplash