Cleaning | Bite of Bend

While looking for the right snow blower for Bend winters, ensure you consider the following factors so that you can get the snow blower you want. Note that each snowblower type is available in different widths.

1. Size of the Area that Requires Clearing

Single-stage units are suitable for small driveways while a two- or three-stage unit is suitable for driveways at least 60 feet long.

2. The Kind of Snow that Requires Clearing

Light snow can be handled by single-stage units. The two-stage unit has an impeller which assists in preventing clogging in the heavy and wet snow. It also has serrated augers that penetrate hard-packed ice or snow. Three-stage units help in moving heavier and wetter snow in a short time.

3. The Type of Terrain

Models which are push-propelled and auger-assisted are ideal for level surfaces. On the other hand, wheels which are engine driven are suitable for the sloped terrain. Tire chains can be used with particular models for enhancing traction in all conditions.

Types of Snow Blowers

The major snow blower types include single-stage gas, three-stage gas, single-stage electric, and two-stage gas. Since your regular snow-clearing job can be handled by more than one of these types, consider the benefits of each.

1. Single Stage

These types of snow blowers are lighter in weight and easier to handle in comparison to two- or three-stage snow blowers. These blowers are ideal for clearing snowfall of at most 8 inches in mid-sized areas. The snow is directed via a discharge chute by an auger. The auger can contact the surface to offer limited forward-driven action despite wheels lacking an engine-driven feature. Single-stage blowers are suitable for areas you won’t pick up gravel or rocks like paved surfaces because auger contacts the surface.

i. Corded Electric

These single-stage snow blowers begin with a button’s push and require less maintenance than a gas model. They are typically more compact and lighter in comparison to gas models. However, they need an extension cord that stays flexible even when the weather is cold. Select a compatible extension cord according to the instructions of the manufacturer.

ii. Cordless Electric

This is a single-stage snow blower that features a push-button to start, and maintenance is low. It is more compact and lighter. Additionally, it does not require a power cord, unlike other electric snow blowers.

iii. Gas

This single-stage snow blower lacks a power cord, and for that reason, it is mobile. It also has greater intake heights and available clearing widths than electric models.

2. Two-stage Snow Blowers

These snow blowers are gas models and can handle snowfalls of over 8 inches. They are ideal for clearing large areas. Their wheels have an engine-driven feature which reduces fatigue of the operator in addition to better handling of uneven terrain. An impeller fan discharges the snow via a chute after collection of the snow by an auger. This double-stage process moves snow farther and faster than single-stage blowers. Some models have skid shoes which assist in elevation of the auger to be able to use the blower on unpaved surfaces.

3. Three-stage Snow Blowers

These models have a gas feature, and they can handle a lot of snow in a short time. When it comes to operation, it resembles the two-stage snow blower. Additionally, it has an accelerator, which has ten times the speed of the augers to help in clearing heavy snow quicker than a two-stage snow blower.

Features of a Snow Blower

In addition to looking for a snow blower that suits your needs, ensure the features of the blower suits these needs. The most features are found in three- and two-stage snow blowers.

• An electric starter

• A powerful gasoline engine

• Clearing width and intake height

• Single-hand operation

• Speed controls

• Power steering

• Large tires

• Treads or tracks

• A remote chute control

• A joystick chute control

• A deflection extension or extended chute

• Drift cutters

• A headlight

• Heated handgrips

Conclusion

Once you have considered the area requiring clearing, the type of snow, the type of terrain, and your budget, you can then choose the model with the features that suit your needs. Happy snow blowing!

Ben Honen

Ben was born and raised in Bend, Oregon. Because of that, he is really enthusiastic about the outdoors and just loves every activity associated such as rock climbing, rafting, and skiing.

Cleaning the house is not everyone’s favorite jobs. While you don’t want to clutter your home up with a lot of gadgets, there are some excellent tools that can make cleaning your house a bit easier. Let’s take a look at some favorites.

Dish Brush

Getting food particles off of dishes can be a chore. A dish brush makes it a lot easier. The bristles on the brush scrape across the particles and loosen them from the surface. A dip in the dishwater cleans the bristles and you are ready for the next dish. This type of brush is excellent whether you are just scraping dishes for the dishwasher or doing the dishes by hand.

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

Throw out your old cleaning rags and invest in some good microfiber cloths. The soft durable texture on these clothes makes it easy to remove grime from just about any surface without doing damage. The fine fibers easily pick up dust from wood and glass. They are fully washable and will last for many years. Add a few of these cloths to your car cleaning kit.

Cordless Vacuum

One of the hassles of housecleaning is dragging the vacuum and its cord from room to room. A cordless vacuum solves half this problem. Without the long cord getting in the way, you can get busy vacuuming floors throughout your home without a lot of hassle. You can cover the entire house in half the time it takes with a corded vacuum. Now, that is making cleaning easier for everyone.

Squeegee

Most people clean mirrors and windows with paper towels and window cleaners. While that is an effective option, a squeegee makes the job go faster and more efficiently. The squeegee applies even pressure across the glass, minimizing smudges and streaks in the process. Plus you can cover a larger area with a simple swipe, making the job go faster.

Scrub Brush

When you need to apply some elbow grease to tough dirt, a scrub brush will do the job. Ideally, the brush should have a handle so you can get a firm grip on it. This tool allows you to the soap scum off the bathtub wall and the dirt off your floor. Getting a few scrub brushes in different sizes will help you get into every space you need them in.

Toothbrush

A toothbrush is a perfect size for getting into small dirty spaces. A classic example of this is the open space around the base of your faucets. Dirt loves to accumulate in this part of the bathroom and kitchen. A toothbrush can easily remove small particulates and keep the area clean. Grout and sink rims are other examples.

Microfiber Dust Mop

If you have hard surface floors, a microfiber dust mop is an essential tool in your cleaning arsenal. The fine fibers on this type of mop pick up pet hair and dust like nothing else. The swivel head makes getting in and out of tight spaces simple. The mop is light, making easy to use for anyone in the family. The head can come off and go into the washer for a quick clean.

Extendable Duster

Dust and cobwebs seem to appear overnight, many times in out-of-reach places. A duster with an extendable handle will help you conquer these challenges. The expanding length of the handle makes it easy to reach the ceiling and higher parts of the wall, as well as getting behind and under furniture.

Spray Bottles

Now, many modern cleaners already come in their own spray bottles. However, if you want to try homemade cleaners, spray bottles are essential. White vinegar and water combine to make glass cleaner. Sudsy ammonia is good for removing grease in the kitchen. Lemon juice is a great anti-bacterial agent. Hydrogen peroxide works for disinfecting surfaces and cleaning stained grout.

Supply Caddy

When moving through your home, it is handy to have all of your common cleaning supplies in one container. A supply caddy will do the job. You can load up your cleaners, brushes, and sponges into the caddy and start tackling your cleaning chores. If you have more than one story in your home, consider buying caddies and supplies for each floor.