Snow Removal Equipment for Sidewalks

Snow Shovels

• The most basic piece of equipment for removing snow from a sidewalk is a snow shovel. Snow shovels come in a variety of sizes and shapes. If you plan on shoveling heavy loads of snow you should look for an S-shaped shovel handle with a flat shovel. This type of shovel is designed to make heavy lifting easier. If you are shoveling narrow areas, then you should look for a deeper and more narrow shovel that will give you more control over your snow scoops. Snow shovels range in price from about $10 to over $30, depending on the size and make of the shovel. Plastic shovels are cheaper than the more sturdy metal variety.

Snow Blowers

• For those that can't endure the physical demands of using a snow shovel, there's the option of investing in a snow blower to help clear your sidewalks. Snow blowers work much like leaf blowers by using high-powered wind to blow the snow away. Snow blowers are especially good for clearing large areas, such as driveways, of snow. There are electric and gas-powered varieties of snow blowers. Electric snow blowers are generally lighter and easier to maneuver and store than gas snow blowers. However electric snow blowers require a plug-in cord, which can be hard to manipulate and limits the reach of the blower.

Snow Augers

• Snow augers resemble lawn mowers in shape and function. Instead of cutting grass and blowing it away they simply roll over snow and blow it away. Snow augers are especially good for clearing sidewalks of snow because they are easier to direct and clear nice, straight lines. Snow augers are also referred to as snow throwers.