Electric Start – can be really handy for a couple of reasons. First, it is just easier to start these machines. They all come with a pull cord that can be used, however, if your snow blower is giving you trouble starting, the electric start will be much appreciated.
Single Hand Interlock – allows you to change the direction and angle of the chute on the fly. You can drive with one hand and adjust the chute with the other instead of stopping to change directions. This is really handy if you have tight situations where the snow must be blown at a different angle as you move along.
Remote chute and Deflector Rotation – most two-stage snow blowers have this feature and it allows you to adjust the chute from behind the snow blower machine.
Power Steering – even the smaller machines weigh over 200 pounds and the big ones much more. Instead of having to manhandle the machine to change direction, you can use the power steering option which will slow one wheel to make the machine turn in the direction you need.
Track Drive – provides much more traction than regular tires. You can use chains but they are troublesome to use. consumers dealing with slopes will appreciate the track drive when they are climbing up their sloping driveway over icy conditions. If you have flat slope tires should be fine.
Are handy if you receive lots of snow and drifting snow that create drifts higher than your snow blower.
Skid Shoes – come with your snow blower. However you can purchase nonmarking skid shoes. Which are great for people concerned about interlocking stone driveways and do not want them scratched. Some machines are now automatically equipped with these nonmarking skid shoes. They can also be purchased separately for around $25
Hand Warmers – are really great if you are going to be blowing snow for longer than 15 minutes in extremely cold temperatures. No matter what kind of gloves you have, your fingers are going to get cold unless you have handles equipped with hand warmers.
Our next post in two weeks will indicate what our personal favorites are and why. In the meantime evaluate your own preferences based on your personal needs. Consider the cost to acquire a machine with the features you need.
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