As if the thought of manually having to shovel snow wasn’t egregious enough, there’s scientific proof that the activity should be avoided by men of certain age and fitness levels.
Studies indicate that snow shoveling is a demanding cardiovascular exercise requiring more than 75 percent of the maximum heart rate, particularly with heavy loads. According to stats, shovelling after an accumulated snowfall of 20 centimetres or more raised the risk of heart attack in males by 16 percent.
That’s a rather compelling reason to buy a snowblower if you live in an area that is likely to receive large accumulations of snow each winter. However, before you rush out to buy your new toy, there are some things about snowblowers that the people at Sudbury Small Engines think you should know.
For starters, you should know what you’re looking for. You should consider the size (width) of snowblower best suited to your needs, anywhere from 24-inch to 30-inch sizes. You should consider the features available with each model, including things like heated grips or power steering designed to provide ease of use.
Of course, the brand of snowblower you target is key – look for models with readily available local service and parts.
Like a motor vehicle, snowmobile, or ATV, you should consider how easy each model is to operate. Most of the snowblowers available are easy to start and maneuver, but until you stand behind one and test it you won’t know if it’s the right snowblower for your physical capabilities. Another consideration is the energy source; do you buy electric or go with a gas model?
Today’s top manufacturers produce quality electric snowblowers designed to handle large volumes of winter snow. On the other hand, gas snowblowers tend to have longer run times, deliver more power on average, are more cost efficient and provide less down time because they don’t have to be charged. To be fair, gas powered blowers require more maintenance and are at the mercy of fluctuating gas prices.
For those individuals who may not be mechanically handy, it’s important to consider what regular maintenance you might have to provide to keep your snowblower operating at maximum efficiency. There are simple things you can do, like using only top quality fuel recommended by the manufacturer. Simple maintenance like ensuring no snow or ice is left in the tub after use can help prolong the life of your snowblower. Regular oil changes and proper off-season storage methods also help you maintain the value and operational capability of your snowblower.
Warranties on your new snowblower are also important to consider. Cub Cadet, for example, offers a three-year warranty, with maintenance available all season at Sudbury Small Engines. These snowblowers are North American made since 1961, and most models come with power steering. Additionally, parts for Cub Cadet snowblowers are also affordable and readily available. Sudbury Small Engines has a wide model range available for different consumer needs.
Prices for a quality snowblower range from $1,700 to $3,000 depending on size and features. Buying from Sudbury Small Engines offers many advantages. First of all, you can buy a fully assembled machine that gets inspected by trained professionals before it leaves the store. All snowblowers are tested prior to leaving the shop at no charge. The shop is locally owned and operated, so if you have any problems you can deal direct with trained staff who are eager to ensure you are 100 percent satisfied with your purchase.
Learn more about available products. Visit Sudbury Small Engines online.