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Tips for Using a Snow Blower on Heavy, Wet Snow

Nov 2, 2024 Usage Tips
Yarbo snow blower effectively clearing heavy wet snow from a driveway.

Can You Use a Snow Blower on Wet Snow?

It's hard to clear wet, heavy snow with a snow blower. Dry snow is easier to deal with than wet snow, but with the right techniques and gear, you won’t find it too difficult or challenging. This guide offers pivotal tips to properly clean wet snow along with tools that suit such troubles.

While wet snow presents its own set of unique challenges, the right snow blower and the right techniques can do wonders. Now, let’s get a glimpse at how you can handle it effectively.

Heavy wet snow accumulating on a driveway.

Why Wet Snow is Challenging for Snow Blowers

Wet snow also is utterly different than the light fluffy flakes that we are used to seeing on snow colder temperatures. It’s also denser and heavier, so it’s tougher to throw and more likely to clog the chute. That stickiness of wet snow makes for big, heavy clumps that make it hard for standard snowblowers to contend with. The problem is these properties make clearing wet snow a chore, unless your machine is designed to do so.

A snow blower, unless it is very powerful will not work well at all on wet snow and will in most cases need some specialized attachments. Snow blowers must have sufficient density to move greater amounts of snow without clogging or straining the engine as they must for wet snow.

Pro tip:

Best Time for Clearing: Experts recommend clearing wet snow immediately after snowfall to prevent it from freezing overnight, which makes removal more difficult.

Clumpy and dense wet snow on a road

Best Techniques for Snow Blowing Wet Snow

Here are a few techniques to make clearing heavy, wet snow more manageable and to reduce strain on your snow blower:

  • Operate at a Lower Speed: If pushed too quickly through the machine machine wet snow can easily clog the chute. These blockages can be prevented by working at a slower speed for operation to remain smooth.
  • Clear Snow in Layers: Deep, wet snow makes for a tricky force to deal with, and when dealing with it, clear it in layers instead of focusing on pushing through the whole shebang at one time. It eases the device to maintain a constant pace and in turn takes pressure from the machine.

Note: Blowing wet snow before it accumulates beyond six inches reduces strain on the machine and minimizes clogging risks.

  • Adjust the Chute Angle: Help control direction and distance of snow throw set the chute angle. The best chutes are those that are adjusted properly…. particularly helpful in wet conditions, as it keeps the chance of snow accumulating in the chute to a minimum.

These methods help to make the work more bearable. If one of your attachments is the Yarbo’s Plow Blade on your snow blower, then that can be used to prevent excessive buildup, allowing the snow blower to work more normally.

Pro Tips for Handling Wet Snow with a Snow Blower

Enhance your snow blowing efficiency with these expert suggestions:

  • Use an Anti-Clogging Spray: Applying a non-stick spray to the auger and chute can reduce snow buildup and prevent clogging.
  • Opt for a High-Quality Snow Blower: Invest in a snow blower designed to handle wet snow, featuring powerful engines and robust augers.
  • Regular Maintenance: Keep your equipment in top condition by performing regular maintenance checks, especially before the snow season.

These methods help to make the work more bearable. If one of your attachments is the Yarbo’s Plow Blade on your snow blower, then that

Choosing the Right Snow Blower for Wet Snow

For clearing wet snow, it is necessary to choose the proper equipment. For example, Yarbo’s dual stage snow blowers have a higher power rating and tend to work better with the bigger, wetter snow. these models are designed to handle larger volumes and a more powerful engine to clear the wet snow without clogging.

If wet snow is your thing, Yarbo’s Plow Blade is your attachment. Plow Blade has been specifically designed for these conditions, it will help to prevent going buildup of snow and the overflow of chute blockages. Plow Blade reduces the clog risk, enabling the management of heavy, wet snow by moving the snow as it falls. In addition, this attachment takes some strain off your machine so it runs at optimum efficiency, even in inclement winter conditions.

Yarbo dual-stage snow blower with Plow Blade for wet snow
 

Maintenance Tips for Snow Blowers After Clearing Wet Snow

Regular maintenance after each use is important to ward off wet snow from putting your snow blower through a beating. Here are some essential maintenance steps to keep your machine in top condition:

  • Clean the Auger & Chute: Clean the area of the chute and auger towards the end of use to clear snow clogging from one use to next.
  • Use Anti-Stick Spray: A good spray of anti stick over the chute and auger might help take some of the snow buildup off them so that you can handle wet snow better next time.
  • Check the Plow Blade: If you‘re using Yarbo’s Plow Blade, check it out right after each session, looking for wear or damage. Checks are regular to ensure the safety of attachment is still in place.Check belts, shear pins, and auger components for wear and replace them if necessary for other mowers as well.

Once you’ve pulled a wet frigid pogey through your snow blower, it’s time to do the basics to extend its life and get it ready for the next snowfall.

Safety Tips for Snow Blowing Wet Snow

Learning wet snow is physically demanding so it’s important to prioritize safety. Here are some safety tips:

  • Wear Appropriate Gear: Good traction is the order of the day where an icy, wet snow is present and sturdy boots are a must. Staying comfortable also includes wearing gloves and warm coat.
  • Be Cautious of Icy Areas: Hidden icy patches that can be slippery and dangerous are caused by wet snow. You should move carefully and / or avoid sudden turns or movements.
  • Use a Snow Blower with LED Lights: Reduced visibility during snowstorms makes LED lights essential for safer operation in dim conditions.
  • Keep Hands Away from Moving Parts: If clogging occurs, always turn off the machine and use a clearing tool to remove obstructions—never use hands.
  • Use Yarbo’s Autonomous Mode: The autonomous feature of Yarbo enables you to observe and handle the snow clearing process from the comfort of your home thus minimizing contact with cold and potentially unhealthy conditions.

Following these safety practices, you can do this injury free and ensure that everyone is working in a safe environment.

Yarbo snow blower operating autonomously while monitored indoors

Make Wet Snow Removal Easier with Yarbo

It doesn’t have to be a struggle to clear wet snow. By using the right techniques, equipment and regular maintenance even the toughest winter weather can be handled. With the Plow Blade attachment, Yarbo’s snow blowers provide the power and efficiency you need to take on wet snow removal easier and safer.

Yarbo is recommended for an efficient, effortless winter maintenance solution. Visit our website today to explore our selection of snow blowers and attachments, and learn how to conquer winter with confidence!

FAQs

1. Can all snow blowers handle wet snow?

No, single-stage snow blowers often struggle with wet snow due to weaker augers and lower power. Dual-stage and three-stage models, like Yarbo’s, are better equipped for wet, heavy snow.

2. How do I prevent my snow blower from clogging in wet snow?

Operate at a steady pace, apply non-stick spray, and clear snow in layers rather than attempting to remove deep piles in one pass.

3. Is it better to clear wet snow immediately or wait?

Clear wet snow as soon as possible to prevent it from compacting or freezing overnight, which makes removal significantly harder.

4. What features should I look for in a snow blower for wet snow?

Look for models with high horsepower, steel augers, heated handles, and an anti-clogging chute system for best performance.

5. Why is Yarbo’s snow blower recommended for wet snow?

Yarbo’s snow blower offers an autonomous mode, a dual-stage clearing system, and a specialized Plow Blade attachment designed to minimize clogging and maximize efficiency in wet snow conditions.

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