Everyone knows that shovelling snow is heavy, back-breaking heart-stopping work, so if you have a long or wide driveway, a snowblower is the way to go. Invented by Canadian Arthur Sicard in 1920, the machine moves snow using an auger. If you’re in the market for a new snowblower, here are some ergonomic features to look for:
Height-adjustable handles:
Very tall or very short people can best appreciate the discomfort associated with working with the hands at thigh or chest level. It’s just not comfortable, and eventually, working at a non-optimal height is bound to cause pain. Height-adjustable handles allow users of different heights to adjust the handle to waist-height, ensuring proper posture and reducing back and shoulder strain.
Self-propelled operation:
Pushing a heavy snowblower, and wrestling it around corners, is hard work. A self-propelled machine uses less physical effort, especially in deep or heavy snow.
Lightweight design:
If you don’t have a large driveway, a lightweight model is a decent alternative to a self-propelled machine. The lightest options are battery-powered or electric snow shovels/throwers. Choose a smaller machine if you’re clearing tight spaces, but a larger one with big deep-treaded wide tires for faster coverage and better traction.
User-friendly controls:
Nothing is as frustrating to me as a machine that I do not have sufficient strength to start–pull cord starters come to mind. Snowblower controls such as single-hand operation for chute control, trigger-controlled power steering, and push-button electric starts, make the machine intuitive, and less physically demanding, to operate.
Low vibration:
This is more important for users that will be out there for more than a half-hour. Designs that minimize vibration help reduce discomfort in the hands and arms during extended use. Cushioned grips will also soften the vibration a bit.
Safety features:
Emergency shut-off is key. (And this is one manual you really ought to read!) Headlights are useful if you don’t have the luxury of waiting for daylight. Wear reflective clothing when you’re out there, too, just in case someone decides to use your driveway as a turnaround point.
Heated hand grips:
I always thought that a heated steering wheel in a car was a luxury I didn’t need, until I had one. Some snow blowers offer this feature, although technically a good set of gloves that keep heat in and moisture out should also do the trick.
In summary
Choosing the right snowblower can make winter cleanup far less physically demanding. Look for ergonomic features such as height-adjustable handles, self-propelled drive, and lightweight or easy-to-maneuver designs. User-friendly controls, low vibration, and essential safety features also help reduce strain and improve comfort during use. And while heated hand grips may feel like a luxury, they can make a long job far more pleasant. With the right design elements, your snowblower can work with you—not against you—when the snow starts to fall.