Battery-Powered Snowblowers
Is it Time to Electrify Your Winter?
Winter brings the unavoidable challenge of snow piling up on your driveway. Shoveling snow can be tough, but dealing with constant breakdowns on your snowblower is even worse. An unreliable snowblower means you end up wasting time and money on repairs instead of quickly clearing the snow and getting back indoors.
At SteveCo Power, we're here to power up your workflow with premium equipment. Whether you need snowblowers, lawnmowers, or generators, we're dedicated to enhancing your efficiency with top-quality outdoor power equipment sales, repairs, and service in Lancaster County!
You deserve a reliable and efficient snowblower, so why not consider the new battery-powered models? Recent advancements in battery technology have made these snowblowers more powerful and dependable than ever. In this blog, we'll examine the advantages and disadvantages of these modern snowblowers and provide some key considerations if you're considering purchasing one.
Table of Contents
The Evolution of Battery-Powered Snowblowers
Rechargeable battery-powered tools have long been criticized for their performance issues, including limited runtime and insufficient power. These concerns stemmed from the first generation of rechargeable tools that relied on older nickel-cadmium technology, which was better suited for short bursts of power. While the concept of battery-powered tools was promising, the reality was that these early power sources were not ideal for sustained use.
The landscape changed with the introduction of lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. Following extensive research and development that began in the 1970s, the first Li-ion batteries were commercialized in 1991. This innovation sparked a revolution in battery-powered devices, impacting everything from phones to laptops and even electric cars. The significance of Li-ion technology was recognized when M. Stanley Whittingham, John Goodenough, and Akira Yoshino received the 2019 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for their work in developing these batteries.
Today, Li-ion batteries are essential for power tools. Over the years, this technology has advanced, delivering greater power and longer runtimes, making it the ideal choice for cordless electric tools, including snowblowers.
Comparison with Corded Electric Snowblowers
Corded electric-powered tools have one major advantage: they can be used continuously until the tool breaks down or the power supply is interrupted. This is particularly helpful when you have a large area, like a yard or driveway, to cover. However, the range of these tools is limited to the length of the power cord. If you accidentally cut the cord, it can pose serious risks, including fire and electrocution.
Another important factor to consider with corded electric snowblowers is their dependence on electricity. If a snowstorm or blizzard occurs and you lose power, you won't be able to clear your snow-covered driveway.
On the positive side, corded electric tools tend to be lighter and more affordable than their battery-powered counterparts since they do not need the additional weight of a battery.
Advantages Over Gas-Powered Snowblowers
The main competitor to battery-powered tools is the time-tested gasoline-powered machines. Generally, gas-powered snowblowers are more affordable, more powerful, and can be refueled quickly compared to their battery-powered counterparts. So, should you even consider using battery models?
One drawback of gas-powered snowblowers is that they are pretty noisy. The loud sound generated by these machines means you'll need to use them at times that won't disturb your neighbors.
Additionally, gas-powered machines require more maintenance. Much like a car, they need an annual oil change and, occasionally, a new spark plug to keep running smoothly. Since they are only used for a few months each year, fuel problems caused by stale fuel are a common problem and can lead to costly repairs, so proper care of the fuel system is paramount.
If you're concerned about your carbon footprint, keep in mind that gasoline engines burn hydrocarbons, which are harmful to the environment and the air quality. Plus, having to drive out to the gas station to fill up your gas can is often inconvenient.
Advantages of Battery-Powered Snowblowers
Let's discuss the advantages of battery-powered snowblowers. One of the most significant benefits is the elimination of cords. Lithium-ion batteries provide enough runtime to handle most driveways on a single charge. For the average American homeowner, who typically has a driveway measuring between 700 and 1,000 square feet, a battery-powered snowblower is sufficient.
Electric snowblowers are also catching up to their gas-powered counterparts in terms of performance, with both single-stage and two-stage models available to handle various snow thicknesses.
Additionally, battery-powered snowblowers are considerably quieter than gas models. This allows you to clear your driveway at any time without disturbing your neighbors.
Charging your snowblower is as simple as plugging it into an adapter or a wall outlet, depending on the design. Like their corded counterparts, battery-powered snowblowers only need electricity to operate.
With fewer moving parts, ease of use, low noise, and improved power and capacity, electric snowblowers are just as reliable, if not more so, than the latest gas-powered blowers.
Cons of Battery-Powered Snowblowers
Battery-powered snowblowers have their limitations. Let's discuss some of these drawbacks.
While lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are powerful, they are still constrained by their capacity, much like gasoline engines. However, you should have enough battery life to clear most driveways with a single charge.
Premium Li-ion batteries can be expensive, which creates a higher initial cost. If you need extended runtime, consider purchasing a spare battery.
Additionally, large Li-ion batteries, especially those used in snowblowers and lawnmowers, require a significant amount of time to recharge. If you have a large area to clear, investing in a spare battery may be a worthwhile option.
Maintaining Your Battery-Powered Snowblower
One major advantage of electric snowblowers over gas models is their relatively low maintenance requirements. With electric snowblowers, you don't have to worry about oil changes or sparkplugs. Aside from keeping the snowblower clean, that's all the maintenance you need!
Since there's no need to deal with oil and filter changes, sparkplug replacements, or fuel costs, your overall cost of ownership decreases over time. You'll find yourself spending more time indoors to stay warm or perhaps working on your lawnmower instead, or even considering the purchase of an electric lawnmower as well!
Lastly, it's important to take care of the batteries, as they are the lifeblood of your snowblower. Proper storage and charging practices will help prolong their lifespan. Due to their complex chemical composition, lithium-ion batteries require special care during disposal at the end of their life cycle.
Is a Battery-Powered Snowblower Right For You?
While we would love for you to purchase a battery-powered snowblower, we want to ensure it meets your specific needs. Here are some factors to consider when deciding if a battery-powered snowblower is right for you:
- Location: If you live in an urban or suburban area, a battery-powered snowblower may be ideal for you. These models are particularly suitable for those living near the city.
- Driveway Size: A battery-powered snowblower should be sufficient for driveways measuring up to 1,000 square feet.
- Noise and Environmental Impact: If you're looking to reduce noise and minimize pollution, a battery-powered snowblower is a great option. Your neighbors will appreciate that you won't be operating a loud machine early in the morning or late at night.
- Light Snow: For most users, a single-stage snowblower is adequate for handling low to moderate snowfall. However, if you occasionally experience heavier snow, you might need a more powerful machine. In this case, having an extra battery on hand could be beneficial.
- Heavy Snow: If you often deal with heavy, thick snow, consider a two-stage model equipped with high-quality batteries. These models will typically provide enough power and runtime to clear larger driveways effectively. Again, having an extra battery can help ensure you complete the job, especially if the snow is wet and slushy.
Extra Features to Look For
A battery-powered snowblower is a significant investment, so it's important to get the best value for your hard-earned money. When shopping for a snowblower, consider these appealing features:
- Adjustable Chute Control: This feature allows you to direct the snow to either side of the snowblower, keeping it away from your house and landscaping.
- LED Headlights: These headlights enhance visibility when clearing snow in low-light conditions.
- Heated Handles: Heated handles provide a comfortable grip and keep your hands warm, preventing your fingers from freezing in bitterly cold weather.
- Tire Size and Tread: The size and tread of the tires impact the snowblower's maneuverability and traction. Larger models may come with tracks for improved traction and handling.
- Safety Features: Essential safety features, such as an automatic auger shutoff, help prevent accidents and are standard in most models.
Conclusion
Battery-powered snowblowers are a smart choice because they are eco-friendly, require minimal maintenance, and are easy to operate. We hope this blog provides you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
At SteveCo Power, we're your one-stop shop for sales and service of snowblowers, mowers, and outdoor power equipment! Since 2022, SteveCo Power has proudly carried on over 30 years of legacy, quality, and integrity from Steve's Engine Service.
We sell new and used outdoor power equipment and also offer rentals! Contact us today to find out how we can help you find the perfect snowblower!
Want to Learn More?
Are you interested in learning more about snowblowers, or are you new to purchasing one? Check out our blog titled "Your Ultimate Guide to Selecting the Perfect Snowblower" for more information.
If you're already set with a snowblower but need to prepare for mowing in the spring and summer, we have resources for you, too. Explore our blogs on the "Top Features to Consider for a Perfect Lawn" and the "7 Best Mowers for Commercial Lawn Care."