Are you one of those people who think that using your lawn mower as a snow plow is a good idea? Well, you might be in for a surprise, because using your lawn mower to clear snow is actually against the law in many places. It’s considered dangerous and could lead to serious complications. So why do people do it? We’ll tell you exactly why using your lawn mower to clear snow is a bad idea, and what you should do instead
Save Your Mower’s Life
Lawn mowing is a chore that most homeowners take for granted. After all, who isn’t familiar with the sound of a lawnmower cutting through the grass? But, if you’re not careful, your lawnmower can become a deadly weapon in the wintertime.
In fact, according to SafeWinter.org, an online resource dedicated to reducing injuries and fatalities in wintertime, using your lawnmower as a snow plow is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the winter. If you must attach a snow plow to the mower, make sure you have a high-end tractor to do so, as a lower-end tractor may not perform well.
Prepare Your Wallet Because It Will Costly
A plow attachment may cost as much as a good snow blower, ranging from $300 to $800. It’s closer to $1,300 to $1,400 for a snow-blower attachment. Some of the best snow blowers on our list cost less than $1,000. In addition, you’ll need to pay taxes on the snow blower you buy.
Will your lawn mower even last that long? We won’t be surprised if it doesn’t, especially since snow can damage blades and pulleys. And no matter how harsh the conditions get or how much wear and tear it takes, a well-maintained lawn mower will outlast most other items in its price range—and some of those products are pricy
Snow Blower Is Way Better
While a snowblower or snow plow attachment may be less expensive than a true snowblower, have you considered how much more difficult they are to use? A blower or plow attachment may extend the front of your mower by at least two feet, making it more difficult to navigate through small places and around obstructions. A mower with an attachment may not be able to handle enormous snow heaps, but a true snow blower can.
Without Snow Plow, Less Free Worry Free
The tractor deck must be removed before a plow or snow-blower attachment may be installed. You’ll have to remove the attachment, reinstall it, and level the deck every spring. Each of these chores is a pain in the neck and takes at least an hour to complete. To enhance traction on some tractors, you may need to add weights or even tire spikes to the wheels. Snow blowers are ready to use right out of the box.
Storage Might Be Add More Cost
Any attachment, as well as the mechanism that connects it to the tractor, will necessitate storage in a garage or shed. You’ll also need room for the tractor’s deck as long as the plow or blower is mounted. Each of these will occupy more room than a typical snow blower.
Sum Up
Lawn mowing is a chore that most homeowners take for granted. After all, who isn’t familiar with the sound of a lawnmower cutting through the grass? But, if you’re not careful, your lawnmower can become a deadly weapon in the wintertime. In fact, according to SafeWinter.org, an online resource dedicated to reducing injuries and fatalities in wintertime, using your lawnmower as a snow plow is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents in the winter. If you must attach a snow plow to the mower, make sure you have a high-end tractor to do so, as a lower-end tractor may not perform well.