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Will A Snow Blower Blow Leaves? 9 Things You Should Know

When it comes to buying homesteading tools, snowblowers have always been in the mix. It is especially the case for people living in areas that experience major snowfall at least once a year. During those times in the winter a snowblower becomes an indispensable tool. But taking note that during summer, spring or autumn, your snow blower will be lying idle in the tool store, a question comes to mind.

Can you use a snowblower to blow leaves?

The answer is both ‘no’ and ‘yes.’ While a snowblower can blow leaves, there is a caveat. Snow blowers may worsen the mess in your yard given the power with which they expel the leaves through the chute. If you want to use them to blow leaves don’t do it on a windy day, and use a single stage snowblower.

By ColinMBCC BY-SA 3.0

You need a collecting location or maybe a big bag if you want to blow leaves using a snowblower. Moreover, if you are looking to use a snowblower to blow leaves, you should first of all, understand the different types of these gadgets. It is because understanding how a single-stage or multi-stage blower works will help you make the right decision going forward.

Types of Snow Blowers and How They Work

There are three types of snow blowers namely single-stage, two-stage blowers and three stage blowers. However, depending on how much you are willing to spend on these gadgets, you may want to consider a third option which is a three-stage snowblower. Also, your geographical location plays significance when it comes to making a purchase decision. Areas that get thick inches of snowfall need at least two-stage blowers. The purpose for which each is designed and performance are equally worth considering. Now, let’s narrow down to each of them.

● Single-Stage Snow Blowers

Single-stage snow blowers are especially ideal for homeowners looking to clear snow off their lawns quickly and conveniently. They are lightweight, something that further makes them easy to use. With two quick passes over snow on your driveway, single-stage snow blowers would double as leaf blowers because they are designed for superficial snow removal. You get the best results with these blowers when the depth of snowfall is less than 8 inches.

It is also noteworthy that single-stage blowers are designed to have direct contact with the driveway, lawn, yard, or any other surface from which you want to remove snow. An important emphasis is that with these variants, you should never risk cleaning snowfall on gravel. However, when deciding between electrical variants of single-stage snow blowers or gasoline-powered options, you should always narrow down to specific brands available in the market.

● Two-Stage Snow Blowers

If you have been asking questions about using snow blowers to blow leaves, you should also zero into the features of two-stage snow blowers. Most importantly, a review of how two-stage snow blowers function will help you determine their idealness for blowing leaves or if you may have to stick with your blower.

Two-stage snow blowers are designed to clean thick inches of snow, especially on gravel, slopes, and wider areas. However, contrary to single-stage variants that have blades at the front to direct snow into a discharge, the auger in two-stage variants does not make contact with the surface. Rather, it collects snow, after which a fan directs the process to a chute that expels everything to a designated collection point. The reason why two-stage snow blowers are suitable for use on rough surfaces such as gravel is that they have an auger that does not touch the ground.

● Three stage Snow Blowers

The last of the snow blower types is the three stage snow blower. Where the single-stage type has one auger, and the two-stage has an auger working together with an impeller, the three stage snow blower has a third high-speed auger. This auger is much faster and makes it possible to deal with a lot of snow in a short time. Both the 2 stage and 3 stage are normally self propelled.

● Are snow blowers suitable for blowing leaves?

Thus, a question arises regarding using the different types snow blowing machines. Are they suitable for blowing leaves? Well, while you can use these gadgets to blow leaves, but things may get a little messy, especially when expelling leaves from the chute. Unlike snow, leaves are generally lightweight. It means that you wouldn’t realize a much-anticipated tidy work with these gadgets. It is a bad idea to blow leaves during windy weather because they would fly to every direction leaving your compound messier.

Thus, if you must use a snowblower to blow leaves, use it during calm weather. Also, take note that you will realize a much cleaner environment with single-stage blowers than with the two-stage and three-stage variants.

Important Snow Blower Dos and Don’ts

A debate on whether or not to blow leaves using a snowblower further elicits another question. Which are the snow blower dos and don’ts? Well, let’s break it down into subsections as follows:

Snow Blower Dos

Before you test your single-stage or two-stage snow blower, the following dos are worth noting:

  • Read the manual: You should always read the instruction manual to understand how to operate a snowblower. It will not only help you mitigate injury in the process of using these gadgets but also know how to work with controls such as steering levers, auger, and chute controls.
  • Skidding: If you have a multi-stage snow blower, you should ensure it has a scraper blade, skid shoes, and shear pins. Removing snow comes with the risk of skidding, something that may very well happen to the cleaning gadget hence putting you at the risk of injury.
  • Fuel: For homesteaders that have gasoline-powered snow blowers, ensure the gas tank is full and so is the oil tank. Most importantly, always use a stabilized fuel to curb against inhaling harmful gaseous fumes.
  • Check for objects: Before you start blowing snow, we recommend clearing your driveways, lawns, yards, and sideways of any objects such as stone. It is especially necessary if you are using a single-stage snow blower whose auger always comes into contact with the ground. Even better is to take away such objects before the snow arrives, as they will be invisible later.
  • Protective gear: You should wear protective gear such as safety glasses and gloves when using snow blowers. If you are going to work during snowfall, we recommend wearing brightly colored clothes. The latter keeps you visible during snowfall.
  • Pattern: When you are finally set to start clearing snow, decide on the pattern of doing it.  You do not want to clear snow on the driveway only to do it several times later before calling it a successful day.
  • Use both hands: For safe use, use both hands to hold the machine. It is also a great way for reaching snow blower controls quickly as and when necessary. However, with the two-stage blowers, an interlock feature for one hand makes it possible to hold the machine with one hand with the other rotating the chute.
  • Slow and steady: Last but not least, keep it slow and steady. For the best cleaning results, set the speed depending on the snowing conditions.

Snow Blower Don’ts

Apart from the above dos, there are things you should never do when handling a snowblower. We sampled some of them as follows:

  • Disengage the clutch: Do not start the snowblower with the clutch and auger engaged. You should, first of all, disengage them first.
  • Clearing a clogged chute: Do not risk injury by clearing a clogged chute or auger using your feet or hands.
  • Use it for snow: You should strictly use a snowblower for clearing snow, something that further answers the main question in this post. While you may be tempted to use a snowblower to clean leaves, it is not designed for such tasks.
  • Starting: We emphasize that you should always start a snow blower in an open garage. The catch with this is that you do not want to inhale exhaust fumes and get overwhelmed by it.
  • Chute: Do not point the chute at people, buildings, and cars. It is because the speed at which snow blowers expel snow through the chute would likely result in damage or injury.
  • Refueling: Never refuel the machine with the engine running. It comes with the danger of spark, something that may result in a fire hazard.
  • Do not leave the blower running if you are not using it. Leaving the blower unattended while it is running compounds the risk of injury, especially to pets or children. It is also a bad idea if you are looking to conserve fuel.

Final Thoughts: Alternative Uses of Snow Blowers

With every homesteading machine, a question of whether it has alternative uses comes to mind. It is because most of the time, machines like chainsaws have a multiplicity of use such as pruning fruit tree branches, felling trees, and making firewood. With snowblowers, we would say a question of alternative uses boils down to trial and error.

A quick look at web-based homesteading tool discussion forums such tractorbynet.com will shed more light on possible alternative uses of snow blowers. For homesteaders who have used snow blowers to blow leaves, a general agreement is that these gadgets never do a better job than a leaf blower. Some homesteaders, however, have admitted to using these gadgets as fire extinguishers. Others say that connecting a water pump to these gadgets converts your snow blowing machine into a powerful DIY water pump. On our part, we would say, always take precautions if you intend to blow leaves using a snowblower.

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  1. Gabriella Spencer says:

    Are there specific safety precautions to take when using a snow blower?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, you can use a snowblower to blow leaves, but be cautious about the mess it may create due to the power of expulsion. Only use it on calm days with a single-stage blower for optimal results.

  2. Warren Cunningham says:

    I had no idea about the different uses of snow blowers. It’s great to know there are alternatives.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your comment, Warren! It’s great to hear that you found the information on snow blowers helpful. Let me know if you have any other questions.

  3. Juan Carr says:

    Thanks for the informative article! I never knew snow blowers had so many uses.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thanks, Juan! I’m glad you found the article informative. Snow blowers definitely have multiple uses, including blowing leaves, with the right precautions. Stay safe out there!

  4. Billie Castro says:

    Are there any environmentally friendly snow blowers available in the market?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, you can use a snowblower to blow leaves, but it may create a mess if not done carefully. Use caution and consider using a collecting location or big bag.

  5. Catherine Duncan says:

    How do I know if a snow blower is powerful enough for the amount of snow in my area?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Snow blowers can be used to blow leaves, but be cautious of the mess they can create. Consider getting a collecting location for the leaves if you decide to use a snow blower for this purpose.

  6. Renee May says:

    I never thought about using a snow blower for anything other than snow. Interesting read.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Renee! Snow blowers can definitely have alternative uses, just be cautious when using them to blow leaves. Safety first!

  7. Scarlett Weaver says:

    Great article! I had no idea snow blowers could have alternative uses. Very informative and helpful for someone like me. Thanks for sharing!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Scarlett! I’m glad you found the article helpful. Always happy to share useful information with readers like you.

  8. Shelly Holt says:

    I’m amazed by the versatility of snow blowers. It’s interesting to know they can be used in different ways.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thanks, Shelly! Snow blowers are indeed versatile. Just be cautious when using them to blow leaves as it may create more of a mess. Happy homesteading!

  9. Todd Mills says:

    What should I consider when purchasing a snow blower for my home?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      “Don’t blow leaves with your snowblower, it may make a mess. Consider using a leaf blower instead. Stay safe and enjoy your snowblowing!”

  10. Pedro Jenkins says:

    Is it possible to rent snow blowers instead of buying one?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Snow blowers can blow leaves, but it may create a mess. Use caution and ensure a collection location. Consider single-stage over two-stage for a cleaner environment.

  11. Sharlene Ferguson says:

    I never knew there were three-stage snow blowers. I learned something new today.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Sharlene! Snow blowers can be versatile tools, but yes, there are some caveats when using them to blow leaves. Make sure to use caution and be prepared for potential messiness.

  12. Curtis Peterson says:

    Can I use a snow blower to clear my backyard during the summer?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      A snowblower can be used to blow leaves, but it may create a messy situation due to the power with which they expel the leaves. Consider using it on calm days with a single-stage blower for better results.

  13. Jeffery Miles says:

    How often should I maintain my snow blower to ensure it works properly?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      To ensure your snow blower works properly, maintain it before and after snow season. This includes checking the oil, spark plug, belts, and skid shoes, and lubricating moving parts.

  14. Clinton Rodriquez says:

    The video demonstrations were very useful in understanding how snow blowers work. Great addition to the article.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Clinton! I’m glad you found the video demonstrations helpful. Your feedback is appreciated.

  15. Tanya Dean says:

    Very informative article! I didn’t know there were different types of snow blowers.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Tanya! I’m glad you found the article informative. Yes, there are different types of snow blowers, each with its own functions and ideal uses. Feel free to reach out with any questions!

  16. Cassandra Morgan says:

    I appreciate the tips on dos and don’ts when using a snow blower. Safety first!

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Cassandra! Safety is always a top priority when using any kind of tool. Remember to always follow the dos and don’ts to stay safe while using a snow blower.

  17. Yvonne Young says:

    Interesting point about using snow blowers during different seasons. I hadn’t thought of that before.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Yvonne! It’s great to hear that you found the point about using snow blowers in different seasons interesting. Keep exploring the versatility of homesteading tools!

  18. Zoe Jimenez says:

    What are the average prices for different types of snow blowers?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Hi Zoe, I recommend looking into single-stage snow blowers for quick and convenient snow removal. Avoid using a snowblower to blow leaves as it may create a mess. Stay safe!

  19. Stephen Jackson says:

    Can I use a snow blower on a gravel driveway?

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Yes, you can use a snowblower on a gravel driveway, but be cautious as it may kick up rocks, potentially causing damage. It’s best to use a two-stage snow blower for gravel driveways.

  20. Aubrey Fields says:

    Thanks for the detailed explanation on how snow blowers work. Very helpful.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Thank you, Aubrey! Happy to hear it was helpful. Be cautious when using a snowblower to blow leaves, as it can get messy. Best of luck with your homesteading tools!

  21. Scott Morales says:

    The comparison between single-stage and two-stage blowers was very helpful. I know what to look for now.

    • Allard Vdhooft says:

      Glad you found the comparison helpful, Scott! Remember to be cautious when using a snowblower to blow leaves. Happy homesteading!

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