[BlindTlk] Using A Snow Blower

[David Andrews]

Thanks -- some good ideas here.

Dave

At 02:00 AM 3/4/2019, you wrote:
>Hi Dave. We have an approximate 190 feet by 16 
>feet sloping driveway shoveling area.  In the 
>fall, we take tall wooden stakes and pound them 
>into The ground with a hammer while the ground 
>is still soft.  I want to say the stakes are 
>about 48-inches Long by 2-inches Wide by 
>1-inches Deep.  You can purchase the wood with 
>straight edges and cut the corners to make a 
>pointed edge, for a cheaper option; or, you can 
>purchase them by the bundle with a pointed 
>edge  from any home-improvement store.  We found 
>them at Home Depot.  After the stakes are 
>installed, we wrap and tie knots using a rope 
>around each stake, forming a fence along the 
>edges of the driveway to trail.  Be sure not to 
>place your rope fence too low so the snow will 
>pass through.  We like to build this in the fall 
>so when winter comes, it is nice and firm and 
>can withstand the power of the snow 
>blower.  When it snows, you can then go out with 
>your cane and use that fence as a guide to keep 
>you straight.  Since I know the driveway is 16 
>feet, I go to the edge, walk 8 feet in, and 
>start there since I know that is the 
>middle.  When walking up to do the first pass, 
>I’d turn the chute to the right and start 
>walking.  When I get to the point where it’s 
>time to turn around, I turn around, turn the 
>chute to the left and start walking.  When done 
>with that side, I’d go back to the center and 
>do the other side. When choosing a snow blower, 
>you have to decide which one you’d 
>like.  Consider your driveway plowing area, 
>length of driveway, terrain, and how long it 
>would take you.  Then think of powering the 
>machine.  Do you want electric or gas?  If you 
>want gas, do you want a two-cycle or four-cycle 
>engine?  Two-stage or three-stage 
>machine?  Picking a two-cycle machine may have a 
>smaller engine and usually requires you to mix 
>oil with the gasoline to operate.  Picking a 
>four-cycle machine requires you to pour straight 
>gasoline only into the machine for operation 
>using a gas can and funnel.  I find filling the 
>machine using a 5-gallon can is very heavy.  I 
>got a smaller can to transfer gas into for 
>easier handling/filling.  Next, consider your 
>features.  Do you want a self-propelling 
>machine?  Headlights?  Heated handles? Width of 
>the snow blower? A wind/snow shield (a sold 
>separately accessory)?  The features are endless 
>as you can find machines from as little as$260 
>plus, all the way up to over $2600!  Just 
>remember, the sales associate will try to sell 
>you everything available including what you may 
>not need.  So consider your needs carefully, as 
>each option cost money.  Even though I can’t 
>see, I still wanted headlights so others can see 
>me.  Other family members agreed on them as 
>well.  The self-propelling feature was 
>definitely a must-have for our family!  Machine 
>basically propels itself and practically becomes 
>featherlight to push, even uphill.  We also 
>picked a model which had an optional cover/Wind 
>shield (purchased separately).  Some of our snow 
>storms can be brutal, leaving storm totals of 
>16-inches and above.  With heavy, wet snow, it 
>is advisable not to let the snow pile up before 
>clearing some away.  That’s where the clear 
>vinyl cover/wind shield comes in handy; 
>providing shelter/protection over the Area in 
>which you will be standing.  It shields you from 
>the wet, blowing snow, freezing rain pellets, 
>hail, and gusty chilly winds.  With the heated 
>handles, it keeps your gloves warm and dry.  Oh, 
>I forgot to mention the wheels.  You’ll want 
>to make sure your Machine has beefy wheels and 
>not the wimpy ones (for better traction).  We 
>got snow blowers for different applications.  My 
>Husband has a massive one which I have never 
>operated alone.  However, I did push it with him 
>and it was very simple to push and maneuver.  I 
>also like the models with an electric 
>start.  The electric start makes it easier to 
>start machine with the pull start cord.  Once 
>you get the machine started, you unplug it from 
>the wall.  One thing I will tell you is, I would 
>stay away from the electric snowblowers — The 
>ones thatt have to stay plugged in while you use 
>them.  Firstly, they shorten your plowing 
>distance; and secondly, you could run over the 
>cord, cut The live cord, and end up 
>electrocuting yourself.   Snow removal is 
>dangerous for a blind person.  You must pay 
>attention at all times and stay alert.  I never 
>engage in conversation.  I wear a whistle that 
>is loud when blown which I purchased from the 
>boating store, West Marine.  If I need help, I 
>will shut the machine off and blow The whistle 
>until assistance comes.  I try to always use the 
>buddy system, never go out a loan. Make sure 
>your machine comes with a snow removal tool to 
>remove snow out of your machine.  Shut the 
>machine off and never stick your hands into the 
>auger!  In addition, I have pasted some links to 
>helpful websites below for furthering your 
>knowledge prior to stepping into a store to 
>purchase. Good luck in your search. Snow Blower 
>Buying Guide (Interactive Video) | Consumer 
>Reports: 
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyYs4Kyg3_E > 
>https://primereviews.org/snow-blower-vs-snow-thrower/ 
>Lastly, it was very scary for me when I did 
>it.  You are standing behind this big machine 
>pushing it forward without the use of a 
>cane.  When you first get started, always use 
>cited help and guided assistance.  As you become 
>more familiar and confident, it will get 
>easier.  Before the snow comes, you may wish to 
>practice your driveway and walkways.  That is, 
>remembering curves, drop offs, Low hanging tree 
>branches, bushes and shrubs, etc.  there are 
>small units as well as largeer ones.  I would 
>start off with a small unit, but that’s me. 
>You choose whatever you feel comfortable with; 
>don’t let anyone talk you into anything.  My 
>first time plowing was very scary.  I couldn’t 
>see a thing in the machine was very loud. I 
>wanted to quit after taking out a shrub!  It 
>took a couple of winters to learn the 
>skill.  Now that my husband has big toys, I let 
>him play alone in the sandbox. LOL.  I am now 
>going to get one of those power shovels.  We do, 
>however, keep the buddy system going.  No one in 
>our family uses power equipment without the 
>buddy system and a phone in their pocket — 
>especiallly with the wild animals running 
>around!  Although coyotes don’t usually like 
>to face people, there are some that are brazen 
>or may be rabid, as some people have been 
>attacked.  Hope this gives you some insight. 
>Regards, Anita > On Mar 3, 2019, at 5:29 PM, 
>David Andrews via BlindTlk <blindtlk at nfbnet.org> 
>wrote: > > I am looking for any totally blind 
>person who has experience independently using a 
>snow blower, or power snow shovel.  Any tips or 
>experiences would be appreciated, or is this 
>something I shouldn't do.  Gas versus electric? etc.??? > > Dave > > >