Shovel or Snow Blower?

Shovel or Snow Blower?

Topic Author: John Stofflet

Posted: 8:33 PM Dec 8, 2008

Replies Posted: 7 comments

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While most in my neighborhood rely on high-tech horsepower to clear their driveways, I still do it the old fashioned way. You might think I'm crazy, but I actually don't mind shoveling. In fact, I kind of like it. Obviously, I don't look forward to clearing those big storms--the 15 inches of heavy, wet snow--with the shovel, but I still do.

I think it's something I inherited from my late father. He always loved to get out there with a shovel and clear the snow...even though we had a big snow blower back when I was in high school. It seemed like he was always trying to beat me out to the driveway so he could tackle the shoveling first. Back then, I couldn't wait to use the snow blower. Not any more. In fact, I don't even own one.

There is something peaceful and serene about shoveling on a nice winter night, when the flakes are falling, along with the temperature. Not to mention, when done properly and safely, shoveling can be a good work out. It's amazing how quickly you start to peel off those layers while shoveling--even on a frigid day.

How about you? Are you a shoveler or a snow blower person? Please post your comments in the comments box above.

Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

by Kim Location: Port Colborne on Dec 22, 2008 at 11:54 AM

I like to shovel, I agree, it is an awesome work out. I leave the layers on though, you sweat more, and shed some great weight. I tell my husband to leave the drive way for me, while all the neighbors are out with their snow blowers and tractors, I am out with the shovel doing the old heave ho.

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by John Stofflet Location: DeForest on Dec 20, 2008 at 10:44 AM

After Friday's 11" snowfall and today's predicted snow, I'm thinking having a snow blower for the big stuff wouldn't be such a bad idea! I'm glad I have my son home to help, and am grateful that my neighbor was nice enough to help clear the end of our driveway with his snow blower.

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by Dale Location: Fitchburg on Dec 20, 2008 at 09:47 AM

John, it depends on a couple of factors. First, the time of day...I don't like firing up my snow blower if it's too early in the morning. Second, if it's a light, fluffy type of snow, I shovel it. If it gets too wet, or if the plow driver deposits two foot of compacted snow at the end of the driveway, I use the snow blower. It's nice have a choice, especially when we average 30-40 inches of snow each December (as of late!)

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by Trish on Dec 10, 2008 at 05:10 PM

Oh John.... You look like you are having a grand time!!!(oh my back) I also enjoy shoveling rather than snow blowing... The physical workout is very gratifying and its a good way to enjoy alone time as you say with the serene and peacefullness that almost envelopes you.... Hopefully we won't have the amount of snow to shovel as last year though...... Good job...

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by Matt Location: Stoughton on Dec 10, 2008 at 04:45 PM

John, First off the key to any snowblower is getting your money's worth. Small engine equipment requires a lot of maintenance. My blower is vintage 70s. It is so old the owner's manual has a picture of a guy in bell bottoms with "army boot" sideburns- no kidding! But it still works like a charm so why replace it? Recently the key tumbler broke so I replaced it with a simple on/off toggle switch from the local hardware store, a $5 part. Much better anyway- no need to keep track of a key. Now for shovels. Even if you snow blow you need to shovel the places where a snow blower can't reach anyway. So you will always snow blow plus shovel. Agreed, shoveling is a good workout and much quieter, allowing you to enjoy the surroundings. Bottom line, for long driveways get a snowblower unless you can dedicate a few nights to shoveling. For short driveways, the Armstrong Snowblower (aka shovel) works just fine and save the money you would have spent on a snowblower to get a massage.

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by Mike Location: Madison on Dec 10, 2008 at 07:53 AM

I myself prefer the chocolate chip cookie method of snow clearing... we bake c.c.c for the maintenence guys at our apartment complex every year, just to say "thanks" for all they do (which is quite a lot!) I admit, though, that the chunk, scrape, grunt, thud, chunk, scrape, grunt, thud rhythm can get hypnotic, or listening to your breathing, and your heartbeat, or lack thereof! As a former EMT, and given the availability of cell phones, I only ask that people carry a cell phone, already turned on, with them when shovelling. it does no one any good to have a cordless, or wireless, phone in the house if you are on your back in the driveway writhing in pain, gasping for breath. thanks, I am sure your local EMS providers will appreciate it, as will your neighbors, friends, and loved ones. happy holidays, and happy shovelling!

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by Packer Fan Location: WI on Dec 9, 2008 at 08:12 AM

Personally, I get good exercise shoveling and unless every winter turns out like the last one, it works out fine. We pay to work out at a health club, so it is harder to justify buying a snow blower. Although I was reconsidering that decision after last year. We do not have a long driveway though either.

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