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Snow Joe SJ623E 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Walk-Behind Single Stage Snow Blower w/ Headlight, 18-Inch
Brand | Snow Joe |
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Product Dimensions | 26"D x 19"W x 54.5"H |
Item Weight | 34 Pounds |
Color | w/ headlights |
Engine Type | 4 Cycle |
Maximum Throw Distance | 25 Feet |
About this item
- [DIRECTIONAL CHUTE]: 180° adjustable directional chute throws snow up to 25 ft.
- [VERSATILE]: Ideal for clearing snow off mid-to-large sized driveways and walkways
- [POWERFUL]: 15-amp motor moves up to 720 lbs. of snow per minute
- [STEEL AUGER]: 4-blade steel auger cuts 18 in. wide by 10 in. deep with each pass
Customer ratings by feature
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Really Powerful Little Snow Blower - Easy To Store & Use
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Customer Review: Great value for the money.
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Product information
Brand | Snow Joe |
---|---|
Power Source | Corded Electric |
Product Dimensions | 26"D x 19"W x 54.5"H |
Item Weight | 34 Pounds |
Color | w/ headlights |
Engine Type | 4 Cycle |
Maximum Throw Distance | 25 Feet |
Item Weight | 34 pounds |
Manufacturer | Snow Joe LLC - Dropship Only |
ASIN | B008FV5R2C |
Item model number | SJ623E |
Customer Reviews |
4.1 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #93,152 in Patio, Lawn & Garden (See Top 100 in Patio, Lawn & Garden) #16 in Snow Blowers |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
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Product Description
MORE POWER! Make quick work out of the heavy white stuff nature throws your way with our most powerful electric snow thrower, the Snow Joe Ultra SJ623E. Boasting a 15-amp motor, this snow-throwing dynamo can move up to 720 pounds of snow per minute! Its durable, 4-blade rotor, constructed of heavy-grade steel, cuts a full 18-inch wide by 10-inch deep swath of snow with each pass. Easy-glide wheels make the Snow Joe Ultra super easy to turn and maneuver. The scraper blade at the base of the unit efficiently scrapes the snow clear to the ground without damaging your deck or pavement. Equipped with a 180º adjustable discharge chute, the Ultra SJ623E throws snow up to 25 feet away in the direction you want it to go. An on-board chute clean-out tool is included to help you free up a clogged chute in the event of a snow jam. This fully-loaded unit also features an on-board 20 W halogen headlight so you can clear paths day or night. Delivering the performance of a gas machine with the convenience of electric power, the Ultra SJ623E is the smart, choice for snow removal this winter. No gas, no oil, no maintenance, no fuss! GET EQUIPPED with the Snow Joe Ultra and clear out fast from tough winter messes. ETL approved; Full 2-year .
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This Item Snow Joe SJ623E 18-Inch 15-Amp Electric Walk-Behind Single Stage Snow Blower w/ Headlight, 18-Inch | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart Add to Cart | ||
Price | — | $239.05$239.05 | -29% $169.99$169.99 List: $239.99 | -60% $160.00$160.00 List: $399.00 | -27% $319.00$319.00 List: $439.99 | -50% $99.99$99.99 List: $200.00 |
Delivery | — | Get it Apr 1 - 4 | — | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 2 | Get it as soon as Wednesday, Apr 3 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
Light weight | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.6 |
Easy to assemble | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4.5 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 3.8 |
Maneuverability | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.1 | 4.1 |
Sold By | — | Southfork Homecenter | Richmond Implements | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | SuperHandy |
power source | Corded Electric | Electric | Corded Electric | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Electric |
max throw distance | 25 feet | 25 feet | 30 feet | 20 feet | 20 feet | 25 feet |
voltage | — | — | 120 volts | — | 40 volts | 120 volts of alternating current |
weight | 34 pounds | 34 pounds | 30.31 pounds | 38.1 pounds | 47.2 pounds | — |
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the maneuverability, ease of assembly, and weight of the snow blower. For example, they mention it's easy to maneuver, and the wheels move over the driveway pretty well. That said, opinions are mixed on power, quality, and value.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers like the performance of the snow blower. They say it works well enough for a very light duty machine, and it gets the job done efficiently. Some say it's easy to use and works well for up to 6 inches of snow. Overall, most are satisfied with the performance and recommend it to others.
"...powerful enough to go through any sort of wet snow, but works great on light fluffy stuff...." Read more
"...I was surprised that this small unit actually works, and if the snow is not wet or deep it can throw snow about 5~7 meters away (about 20ft)...." Read more
"...I truly am pleased with the Functionality of this snow blower...." Read more
"...Overall, the Snow Joe SJ625E Electric Snow Blower gets the job done efficiently...." Read more
Customers find the snow blower easy to assemble and use. They say it's relatively easy to handle and doesn't require much maintenance. Customers also mention it'll make the job a lot easier, making it easier than shoveling. They're also impressed with how preassembled the unit was, saying it went fairly smoothly.
"...It is so so so easy to start - no more terrifying moments with a stinky gas blower...." Read more
"...But with the Snow Joe it was so easy and pleasant to use.2. Minimum noise, and no gas fumes!..." Read more
"...ASSEMBLY: Assembling this blower is very easy, all you have to do is attach the handles, wheels, chute control arm, and chute top, everything else..." Read more
"...I was thrilled with how preassembled the unit was, I was really concerned that I was going to have to do more assembly than it actually took...." Read more
Customers like the weight of the snow blower. For example, they say it's fairly light, easy to use, and has minimum cost and construction.
"...Here the features I like:1. super lightweight, makes it easy to maneuver, push, go back, etc...." Read more
"...It is considerably light weight for the size. I can also pick up the entire unit and move it if need be after assembly...." Read more
"...bucks on a gas-powered snowblower, so I went with something cheap, light, and affordable. Here comes this snowblower...." Read more
"...Weight/ergonomics: it's light, and the handle is low. I am tall and would have preferred it to be higher...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the power of the snow blower. Some are impressed with the unit's power and discharge velocity, saying it's very powerful for an electric blower, while others say that the power draw is high and the blower uses a lot of electricity.
"...Pros:-Lightweight-Has enough power to take care of moderate accumulation-Reasonably priced..." Read more
"...This motor has lots of power for what it was designed to do, and it sure didn't disappoint me!..." Read more
"...However, it is obviously not as powerful as a multi-thousand dollar one nor as maneuverable as an uncorded battery one...." Read more
"...width is fantastic for handling moderate snowfall, and the motor's strength is impressive, blasting through snowbanks without much trouble...." Read more
Customers like the maneuverability of the snow blower. They say that it is lightweight, easy to maneuver, and has no problem moving it around. The wheels move over the driveway pretty well, and it cleans the snow quickly with no bogging down of the motor. The motor didn't struggle at all, and stabilizes the chute control.
"...Here the features I like:1. super lightweight, makes it easy to maneuver, push, go back, etc...." Read more
"...The wheels move over the driveway pretty well, so I am not going to fault them too much...." Read more
"...It limits your mobility and, honestly, it's easy to accidentally run over the cord while you're focused on clearing snow, which can disrupt your..." Read more
"...It makes the control of the chute direction easier, it stabilizes the chute control and stabilizes the machine's entire handle structure in heavy..." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the snow blower. Some mention it's good for heavy snow and does well in powder snow, while others say that it struggles with more than 6 inches of snow. The quality control in China is still questionable, and the wheels feel extremely cheap.
"...CONCLUSION: In conclusion, this is a very nice snow blower. It tackles everything I need it to do, except for the drifts...." Read more
"...a rock chunk made a hole in the blower chute that is cheap flimsy plastic, so i used duct tape to cover over the cracked blower chute - on a brand..." Read more
"...done, it may not be fast or effortless, but it is still way easier than moving the snow with a traditional shovel, especially if you have a lot of..." Read more
"...-Quality control in China is still questionableUPDATE 2/26/22This is the 2nd winter and Mass has had 2 snow storms so far...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the value of the snow blower. Some mention it's a good bang for your buck, well worth the buy, and inexpensive. However, others say that it'll save you hours of shoveling, has cheap parts, and is poorly designed.
"...4. Great outcome for the price paid.Downside:..." Read more
"...But in all honesty I think it is an exceptional tool for the price point. This is certainly going to make winter easier." Read more
"...battery-powered unit was out of the window because they are ridiculously expensive (you could buy an entry-level gas-powered blower) and you'd need..." Read more
"...a thousand bucks on a gas-powered snowblower, so I went with something cheap, light, and affordable. Here comes this snowblower...." Read more
Customers are dissatisfied with the cord management of the snow blower. They mention that the cord is annoying, making the approach impractical. They also mention that using an extension cord is a pain.
"...Managing the cord is a little annoying, but not as annoying as a gas blower that won't start." Read more
"...3. Dealing with the electrical cord was a pain at first, but it was manageable as I figured out "best practices"...." Read more
"...My only complaint is that the cord restraint clips were too difficult to get on the unit. It was sent with 3 clips but I was only able to get one on...." Read more
"...The only real hassle is the cord. I didn’t knock any stars because you get what you pay for and this model requires a cord...." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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So, I did a research and battery-powered unit was out of the window because they are ridiculously expensive (you could buy an entry-level gas-powered blower) and you'd need at least 2 batteries no matter what. I was afraid of going over the wire with this unit, but for the price (was about $170 when I bought it) I clicked "PLACE ORDER" right away. Upon opening the box, I was shocked of the "height", which was roughly half as tall as average gas-powered blowers. It was also missing a washer that goes on the shoot, but I have assortments of hardware so I just installed a stainless steel washer. However, quality control in China still has a long way to go.
OK, the performance. I measured the depth of snow, and it was 12-14", slightly wet/heavy snow. I was surprised that this small unit actually works, and if the snow is not wet or deep it can throw snow about 5~7 meters away (about 20ft). However, if the snow is deep or wet, the number drops to mere 2 meters or less. I knew this, so I was not unhappy. For 12-14" accumulation, I had to make 2 passes to clear my driveway. The biggest challenge was the heap left by the town plow. It was not easy, but as I repeatedly "hit" the heap gently but firmly, I could eventually clear it. There were some small tree branches under the snow, but this unit chewed them up & threw them away with the snow. It can also break thin sheet of ice under the snow. Mind you, I sprayed silicone spray inside the shoot (I wouldn't recommend WD40 as it could erode the resin; silicone is the best for resin/rubber).
Long story short, I was pleased with the performance. I used under-rated extension (I know I shouldn't have), but bought a 100ft 12-AWG extension immediately. The handle bar could be more robust, so do not force it and like I mentioned above, "be gentle but firm". It took me about an hour to clear my driveway as I had make 2 passes. Was I tired? Of course, but NOT nearly as tired as shoveling. It does make noise, but for me it is a sign that the motor is strong and is not annoyingly loud. The LED lights are weak as they do not come with focus lens. I believe this unit would most benefit those who cannot decide whether to go with gas-powered unit (which is a LOT more expensive than this) or electric, or just need any blower NOW. For mere $170, you can't go wrong with it and you would be happy saving your muscles & bones. Gas-powered unit requires extensive care & preservation, which I wanted to skip. Even if you do want a gas-powered unit but cannot afford one now, I would get this unit anyway just to buy time to do more research & save money.
In the next few years, I believe there would be larger electric blowers. If the time comes, I might consider getting a larger unit and keep this one as a spare.
Pros:
-Lightweight
-Has enough power to take care of moderate accumulation
-Reasonably priced
-Durable for the material (resin) used
Cons:
-Struggles on wet/heavy snow
-Have to deal with extension cable
-Becomes a decorative object during power outage
-Quality control in China is still questionable
UPDATE 2/26/22
This is the 2nd winter and Mass has had 2 snow storms so far. During the 1st storm, the drive belt has snapped but luckily I had a spare belt (thanks to one reviewer) so I could get it back on service in a half hour. The spare belt, if Snow Joe is out of stock, is AC Delco 3L245. To change the belt, UNPLUG the unit, remove the left plastic cover (there are 2 hidden screws on the aft edge) and install the belt on the drive pulley (the smaller metal) first, then onto the driven pulley (the larger plastic).
Once a while, the circuit breaker trips due to higher load, and I'm not sure how long the motor can last (the motor is not listed as a replacement parts), but so far I'm very pleased with the performance for the price.
Reviewed in the United States on February 5, 2021
So, I did a research and battery-powered unit was out of the window because they are ridiculously expensive (you could buy an entry-level gas-powered blower) and you'd need at least 2 batteries no matter what. I was afraid of going over the wire with this unit, but for the price (was about $170 when I bought it) I clicked "PLACE ORDER" right away. Upon opening the box, I was shocked of the "height", which was roughly half as tall as average gas-powered blowers. It was also missing a washer that goes on the shoot, but I have assortments of hardware so I just installed a stainless steel washer. However, quality control in China still has a long way to go.
OK, the performance. I measured the depth of snow, and it was 12-14", slightly wet/heavy snow. I was surprised that this small unit actually works, and if the snow is not wet or deep it can throw snow about 5~7 meters away (about 20ft). However, if the snow is deep or wet, the number drops to mere 2 meters or less. I knew this, so I was not unhappy. For 12-14" accumulation, I had to make 2 passes to clear my driveway. The biggest challenge was the heap left by the town plow. It was not easy, but as I repeatedly "hit" the heap gently but firmly, I could eventually clear it. There were some small tree branches under the snow, but this unit chewed them up & threw them away with the snow. It can also break thin sheet of ice under the snow. Mind you, I sprayed silicone spray inside the shoot (I wouldn't recommend WD40 as it could erode the resin; silicone is the best for resin/rubber).
Long story short, I was pleased with the performance. I used under-rated extension (I know I shouldn't have), but bought a 100ft 12-AWG extension immediately. The handle bar could be more robust, so do not force it and like I mentioned above, "be gentle but firm". It took me about an hour to clear my driveway as I had make 2 passes. Was I tired? Of course, but NOT nearly as tired as shoveling. It does make noise, but for me it is a sign that the motor is strong and is not annoyingly loud. The LED lights are weak as they do not come with focus lens. I believe this unit would most benefit those who cannot decide whether to go with gas-powered unit (which is a LOT more expensive than this) or electric, or just need any blower NOW. For mere $170, you can't go wrong with it and you would be happy saving your muscles & bones. Gas-powered unit requires extensive care & preservation, which I wanted to skip. Even if you do want a gas-powered unit but cannot afford one now, I would get this unit anyway just to buy time to do more research & save money.
In the next few years, I believe there would be larger electric blowers. If the time comes, I might consider getting a larger unit and keep this one as a spare.
Pros:
-Lightweight
-Has enough power to take care of moderate accumulation
-Reasonably priced
-Durable for the material (resin) used
Cons:
-Struggles on wet/heavy snow
-Have to deal with extension cable
-Becomes a decorative object during power outage
-Quality control in China is still questionable
UPDATE 2/26/22
This is the 2nd winter and Mass has had 2 snow storms so far. During the 1st storm, the drive belt has snapped but luckily I had a spare belt (thanks to one reviewer) so I could get it back on service in a half hour. The spare belt, if Snow Joe is out of stock, is AC Delco 3L245. To change the belt, UNPLUG the unit, remove the left plastic cover (there are 2 hidden screws on the aft edge) and install the belt on the drive pulley (the smaller metal) first, then onto the driven pulley (the larger plastic).
Once a while, the circuit breaker trips due to higher load, and I'm not sure how long the motor can last (the motor is not listed as a replacement parts), but so far I'm very pleased with the performance for the price.
Here the features I like:
1. super lightweight, makes it easy to maneuver, push, go back, etc. If you have ever dealt with a gas two stage snowblower, even if they are propelled, they are quite taxing to use as they are heavy. But with the Snow Joe it was so easy and pleasant to use.
2. Minimum noise, and no gas fumes! Every time I use the gas snow blower, I have to wash my clothes because they reek from the fumes. The noise, and vibrations from the two stage also takes a toll, so it was refreshing to to have the Snow Joe.
3. Easy to assemble and to use. One suggestion, the device that keeps the cord "locked" doesn't really allow a 12-3 extension cord to be used well.
4. Great outcome for the price paid.
Downside:
1. It is a single stage, so in heavy wet snow, it will struggle but it can handle it if one goes slow.
2. It is made of plastic with heavy rubber paddles, not sure how it will hold up over time, but for what I paid for it, I can't complain.
3. Dealing with the electrical cord was a pain at first, but it was manageable as I figured out "best practices".
Make sure you use a heavy duty extension cord, 12-3 rated at 15 amps. Anything less will not provide sufficient power. I would also suggest investing in a 12-3 extension cord rated for cold weather as the one I am currently using gets really stiff in the cold and makes it difficult to use while snow blowing.
Top reviews from other countries
FIRST RUN: The first run of my SJ went smoothly without incident. It was a light job of moving only 1 and half to 3 inches of light dry snow. Still, I am glad I got the 15 Amp version especially for clearing the bottom of my driveway for after the snow plow has gone through. Looking forward to tackling bigger and heavier jobs. I think and hope that my snow shoveling chores just got a whole lot easier. The biggest challenge was learning how to manage the cord while operating to avoid any accidents. Will post updates in the future to share the experience.
I am giving this product an initial overall 4-star rating pending further review after I have used it over a more extended period. So far it has met all my expectations and made a strong positive impression. I hope and expect to upgrade it to 5 stars all around.
UPDATE#1: My second outing with my new SJ was at night on 3 to 6 inches of moist snow. Again the SJ handled the job with no difficulty. I was being careful not to overload the unit going through the thicker patches. The 20 watt LED headlamp proved useful in illuminating the path directly in front of the unit. I look forward to testing the unit under heavier and wetter snow conditions. So far, so good.
UPDATE#2: The day of the first big test arrived when 10 to 12 inches of heavy wet snow fell overnight. As I surveyed my 12 by 40 foot driveway and 32 feet of sidewalk, I could already feel the pain in my arms, shoulders and back if I had to do this job by hand. Fortunately, my SJ was ready to go. I first cleared a swath down the center of my drive, taking it slowly in small bites so as not to overload the machine. After this I was able to go up and down my driveway shaving off 12 inch swaths and blowing the snow to the sides. By being careful not to overload the machine, my SJ easily cleared the heavy wet snow. I was impressed by how well the steel blades cleared the snow right down to the pavement. The chute clean-out tool came in handy for clearing the discharge chute of wet snow blockages. Although it took a couple of hours to clear most of the snow, I was grateful for the pain and suffering my SJ helped me avoid. The ultimate challenge lay ahead in clearing out the 2 and half foot drift of heavy, compacted slushy snow left across the bottom of my drive by the snow plow.
UPDATE#3: From the start I knew that clearing the drift left by the snow plow was too big a job for my SJ to handle alone. So my strategy was to use a shovel to break up the drift into bite-size chunks and create a 6 inch high swath for my SJ to clear. This strategy worked well and again my SJ had no problem in clearing wet snow including the heavy slush. Again I was grateful for the pain and suffering avoided if I would have had to lift and shovel all that heavy wet snow by hand. Three cheers for my small but mighty Snow Joe!
FINAL VERDICT: After having tested my SJ under a variety of conditions from mild, medium to extreme, the SJ has met and even exceeded my expectations. It is definitely up to the task of handling the full range of all my snow removal challenges, using a measure of common sense in heavier conditions. Therefore I am upgrading its overall rating to 5 stars. This upgraded package with the 15 Amp motor, head light and chute clean-out tool is well worth it and should more than satisfy the needs of home owners with small to medium size snow removal challenges.
P.S. I have attached a photo of my SJ hanging on a metal bracket inside my garage next to the main door and the electrical power outlet where it is always ready to go on a moment’s notice. As space is extremely limited for storage inside my garage, I really appreciate this space-saving aspect of the SJ due to its small light-weight design.
Reviewed in Canada on February 26, 2023
FIRST RUN: The first run of my SJ went smoothly without incident. It was a light job of moving only 1 and half to 3 inches of light dry snow. Still, I am glad I got the 15 Amp version especially for clearing the bottom of my driveway for after the snow plow has gone through. Looking forward to tackling bigger and heavier jobs. I think and hope that my snow shoveling chores just got a whole lot easier. The biggest challenge was learning how to manage the cord while operating to avoid any accidents. Will post updates in the future to share the experience.
I am giving this product an initial overall 4-star rating pending further review after I have used it over a more extended period. So far it has met all my expectations and made a strong positive impression. I hope and expect to upgrade it to 5 stars all around.
UPDATE#1: My second outing with my new SJ was at night on 3 to 6 inches of moist snow. Again the SJ handled the job with no difficulty. I was being careful not to overload the unit going through the thicker patches. The 20 watt LED headlamp proved useful in illuminating the path directly in front of the unit. I look forward to testing the unit under heavier and wetter snow conditions. So far, so good.
UPDATE#2: The day of the first big test arrived when 10 to 12 inches of heavy wet snow fell overnight. As I surveyed my 12 by 40 foot driveway and 32 feet of sidewalk, I could already feel the pain in my arms, shoulders and back if I had to do this job by hand. Fortunately, my SJ was ready to go. I first cleared a swath down the center of my drive, taking it slowly in small bites so as not to overload the machine. After this I was able to go up and down my driveway shaving off 12 inch swaths and blowing the snow to the sides. By being careful not to overload the machine, my SJ easily cleared the heavy wet snow. I was impressed by how well the steel blades cleared the snow right down to the pavement. The chute clean-out tool came in handy for clearing the discharge chute of wet snow blockages. Although it took a couple of hours to clear most of the snow, I was grateful for the pain and suffering my SJ helped me avoid. The ultimate challenge lay ahead in clearing out the 2 and half foot drift of heavy, compacted slushy snow left across the bottom of my drive by the snow plow.
UPDATE#3: From the start I knew that clearing the drift left by the snow plow was too big a job for my SJ to handle alone. So my strategy was to use a shovel to break up the drift into bite-size chunks and create a 6 inch high swath for my SJ to clear. This strategy worked well and again my SJ had no problem in clearing wet snow including the heavy slush. Again I was grateful for the pain and suffering avoided if I would have had to lift and shovel all that heavy wet snow by hand. Three cheers for my small but mighty Snow Joe!
FINAL VERDICT: After having tested my SJ under a variety of conditions from mild, medium to extreme, the SJ has met and even exceeded my expectations. It is definitely up to the task of handling the full range of all my snow removal challenges, using a measure of common sense in heavier conditions. Therefore I am upgrading its overall rating to 5 stars. This upgraded package with the 15 Amp motor, head light and chute clean-out tool is well worth it and should more than satisfy the needs of home owners with small to medium size snow removal challenges.
P.S. I have attached a photo of my SJ hanging on a metal bracket inside my garage next to the main door and the electrical power outlet where it is always ready to go on a moment’s notice. As space is extremely limited for storage inside my garage, I really appreciate this space-saving aspect of the SJ due to its small light-weight design.
Pros
Light weight -as I’m approaching seventy this is much appreciated
Little maintenance - gas blowers require a lot of maintenance and are difficult to move to repair shop unless you have a truck with ramps
Environmentally friendly
Compact size for storing in garage
Cost - much cheaper than a new gas snowblower and far cheaper to run and.cheaper than battery operated electric snowblower without the battery issues they seem to have
Cons
You need an extension cord rated for a 15 amp device if you don’t already have one so add that to the cost of the snowblower
I find the handle a bit flimsy and I have to re-tighten the nuts each time I use it, which is easy to do by hand.
Overall, for the $250 CDN I am very pleased. It takes about the same time to clear my driveway as the neighbours with their big self driven gas powered snow blowers because it is easy to set up, compact, light, and maneuverable. I keep it just inside the door of the garage which makes setup just a matter of plugging it in. It is more effort to push but still way easier than shoveling. No combustion fumes and reliable function so far. I'm certain the electricity cost is negligible compared to the operating and maintenance cost of a gas powered snow blower. Under heavy load it does make a loud whine but it is still less noise than a gas machine.