Effective Snow Removal with Snow Removal Equipment

It is that time of year.  We are greeted by snow in the morning or after work and we don’t have the time or energy for snow removal and, yet, it must be done.  There are several pieces of snow removal equipment that are worth having.  To choose the type that best meets your needs, think about the type and amount of snow you generally get, snow removal equipment that matches your budget, and the areas in need of snow removal.

Brooms:

Brooms can be used for removing snow from car windshields as well as dealing with light snow on steps and sidewalks.  An advantage of brooms is that they are relatively light and since you are not picking up the snow, will be easier on your back.

Snow Shovels:

Shovels are a necessary piece of snow removal equipment in many parts of the country.  Invest in a good shovel that is lightweight and that has an appropriate length handle for your height. Be sure to take breaks and not push it too hard.

Snow Blowers:

Snow blowers are great for snow removal from large areas.  They are usually self-propelled and can remove deep, heavy snow.

Snow Plow:

Many ATV (4-wheeler) owners have turned their summer toy into an effective piece of snow removal equipment by attaching a plow on the front.  Plows come in widths appropriate for the average sidewalk, or large enough to handle driveways.

Snow removal is a tough job, but having the right equipment on hand will speed up the process and result in fewer sore muscles.

Snow Removal Prevents Ice Buildup

Icy Sidewalk

In much of the country, winter weather is setting in and snow removal is on peoples’ minds.  Snow removal should be done before there is a lot of traffic on your sidewalks to prevent the buildup of ice in the footprints left behind.  There are many types of snow removal equipment, but what if you’ve waited too long and ice has started to form on your walks?

Chemicals sold in hardware stores can be spread along sidewalks and driveways to melt the ice.  Salt is the most commonly used chemical, but there are other solid and liquid chemicals that can be used instead of snow removal equipment.  The downside of using salt and other chemicals is that they can degrade concrete and other metals.  Chemicals can also have damaging effects on pets and nearby watersheds.

Sand can also be spread on top of ice to add traction for pedestrians and cars.  Sand works well when the ice is solid and formed, but if it continues to snow, the benefit of the sand below the new snow is lost.  After the snow and ice melt, sand on sidewalks can also be slippery, so be sure to clean the walkways of excess sand in the Spring.

If the snow is light, a broom can easily be the only snow removal equipment needed.  However for wet, heavy snow, removal equipment should include shovels and snowblowers.  Even your teenagers can be useful for snow removal.  If your efforts at snow removal fail, use chemicals or sand on your walkways to avoid slipping on the snow and ice.

(Photo Credit:  http://www.flickr.com/photos/arthill/311237239/)