Once autumn arrives, many people bring out their leaf blowers to maintain outside spaces such as lawns, gazebos and patios to keep them tidy.
And with the advent of winter, we put it aside and make use of shovels or snow blowers to pick up or push the ice to the side.
However, leaf blowers can also do the job of moving our snow and melting ice. So you don’t have to pack up your machine just because autumn is all gone.
Today we will discuss whether your leaf blower can work on ice, the disadvantages of using a leaf blower to melt ice, leaf blowers for blowing snow, and other questions.
Can Leaf Blowers Melt Ice?
Depending on the region, snowfall can be heavy during the winter period and last for days.
The snow can clog up driveways and cover your cars. In addition, the snow can make mobility difficult, especially if you have to be at work quite early.
Most often, people turn to pick shovels to clear the ice. Others use a snowblower or even an ice melt.
However, these tasks can also be sorted using a leaf blower.
A leaf blower helps blow away and melt dry, flaky ice that is less than an inch thick.
However, the type of leaf blower employed should be powerful to melt heavy ice.
If the blower is not powerful enough, it will not melt the ice heavier than dry leaves.
Here is an article I wrote on are leaf blowers faster than rakes
What Are The Disadvantages Of Using A Leaf Blower To Melt Ice?
- Moisture in The Engine
When blowing snow with your leaf blower, you must exercise caution.
Moisture can condense in the engine, causing harm if not adequately dried out.
As you are blowing the snow away, it is unavoidable that some snow will accumulate in the carburetor and air filter.
This can then melt after a while and cause some damage. After use, store your machine in a dry spot to air out immediately.
- Damage From Extended Use
Avoid using your leaf blower to melt snow for a lengthy period. Cold weather can be tough on your leaf blower.
Using the blower for an extended period at once might lead to significant complications.
If you discover that your blower isn’t running as well as it should, it’s advisable to turn it off for a time to relax.
If the temperature is freezing and as low as 32°F, it is likely that your leaf blower to develop problems with continuous use.
- Time Consuming
It might be time-consuming if you are not using a solid leaf blower to move snow. Also, when snowfall is fresh, it may be wet and heavy.
It is advisable that you use a strong leaf blower to move heavy snow, or you might spend quite some time on the task.
Snow that is not powdery and fluffy is not easy to move around.
Although leaf blowers make the work more accessible than shovels, it would be difficult to melt heavy snow if they are not strong enough.
- Not Advisable For Electric Blowers
If you have an electrically powered leaf blower, you should consider purchasing a gas blower or just shovelling your snow the old-fashioned way.
It is not advisable to use an electric leaf blower to remove snow and melt ice.
This is because water and electricity do not mix. Also, you don’t want to risk being shocked if moisture gets into the interior part of your machine.
If your wires also have short circuits, there is a high risk of electrocution, so you are better off with a gas leaf blower.
Which Leaf Blower Can I Use For Blowing Snow
As we already mentioned, you should use a powerful leaf blower when blowing snow, as that is more challenging than blowing leaves.
A leaf blower with a CFM range of 500-700 and MPH of 200-250 is powerful enough for your snow blowing needs.
The Husqvarna 350BT 2-Cycle Gas Backpack Blower is one of the best blowers out there for removing snow.
It has a strong CFM of 692 and MPH of 180.
It has a comfortable harness and an anti-vibration design, and apart from blowing snow, it is also great for cleaning gutters and patios.
In addition, it is a cordless leaf blower, so you have free mobility and are not constrained by a limited range.
The only drawback of this model is its’ loudness. It works at an alarming 104 decibels, which can damage your hearing.
So it is essential that you use ear protection when working. You can also work in short intervals to reduce your neighbors’ disturbance.
Also check out this article I wrote on leaf blowers and their uses
Can You Use An Electric Leaf Blower For Blowing Snow
Electric leaf blowers are not advisable for blowing snow.
The corded types have to be connected to a power source.
If moisture gets in the connection or into the machine, it will short circuit and cause electric shocks.
Also, open wires can short-circuit your blowers’ electrical systems, resulting in electrocution.
Leaf blowers are large, robust equipment that consumes a lot of energy. On the other hand, Snow is a solid form of water that can effectively transmit electricity.
When these two meet, it can result in electric shocks that can be fatal. Therefore, it is better to use a gas-powered leaf blower to blow your snow to be on the safe side.
Will My Leaf Blower Spoil If Used In Winter?
During winter, using your leaf blower does not mean your machine will get damaged.
But, of course, you have to take more precautions than during the dry season. Leaf blowers are best suited for when the snow is light and less than an inch thick.
Snow heavier than this can be more challenging for your blower to work on. Also, do not use your leaf blower under freezing temperatures.
Finally, do not use your blower when snow is falling.
Wait for the snow to fall, and then check to see if it is light enough for you to clear.
If you have an electric leaf blower, you shouldn’t use it in cold conditions.
This is because the moisture from the snow can get into the blower and damage it.
After use, always dry out your leaf blower. Store it in a cool and dry place where the elements cannot get to it.
With these in mind, you’ll be able to use your blower effectively in any weather.
Can Ice Damage My Leaf Blower
Yes, ice can damage your leaf blower.
This is more likely to happen when you use your leaf blower when it is freezing, and the temperature is pretty low.
Do not try to vacuum up snow into your machine.
The ice will get into the interior parts and cause areas like the air filter or spark plug to misbehave.
Always have in mind that your leaf blower is not waterproof.
Conclusion
Leaf blowers can be used for several backyard activities ranging from blowing leaves to cleaning gutters.
Blowing snow is also a fun way to use your leaf blower, especially during winter.
Take precautions before the leaf blower.
First, ensure the snow is light enough to be used. Do not use your leaf blower for extended periods in cold weather.
You should get a gas-powered model if you use an electric leaf blower.
The gas models will work better in cold conditions and prevent you from having electrical accident.
