Snow Blows

February 12, 2016 9:03 PM

What are the most efficient ways for me to keep my driveway and pathways clear of snow in the winter?

I loathe shovelling snow. After my first snowstorm as a person with a driveway, I hauled ass to Home Depot and bought my very first snowblower (this one). I have used it a couple of times (last time was Monday when we had 20cm) and it works great. I'm comfortable starting and using the machine. Now I'm trying to figure out the most efficient way to clear my driveway and the best place to put the snow. Here's a picture of our house if that helps.

General snowblower and snowclearing tips also more than welcome. As a recent first time homebuyer, I'd love some suggestions on how to make dealing with this aspect of winter a little easier. Thanks!

posted by futureisunwritten to Home & Garden (4 answers total)

Yeah, it's all about where you throw. I've got a new snow-blower and tight quarters as well, and the first two snows this year were about figuring out the throw distance, where to direct it, and how to attack an irregular footprint efficiently. If I were you, I'd be gauging how much of the driveway and (shared?) green swath between the houses I can give over to holding snow. And I'd surreptitiously be blowing a shallow coating of snow out to the street for municipal plowing to handle.
posted by cocoagirl at 4:39 AM on February 13, 2016

Ah, other tips: Sta-bil/fuel stabilizer for the tank in case of an extended time between uses, and always check the gas before you head out to plow. It's a drag to get to the end of the drive and run out....sputter...hic...up.
posted by cocoagirl at 4:42 AM on February 13, 2016

Just answering the first sentence of the question: heated driveways. They are such a delight. Unfortunately not cheap. But if you genuinely loathe the chore, perhaps something to fantasize about having in future decades?
posted by kmennie at 1:21 PM on February 13, 2016

This is what neighborhood children and $20 bills are for.
posted by Jacqueline at 6:13 AM on February 14, 2016