What about a Refurbished Snow Blower? I say YES!!!!

I was looking for a backup snow blower, just in case my main gas-powered snow blower crapped out/malfunctioned during a Buffalo, New York snowstorm. I was even more specific: I wanted a corded electric snow blower. The reason? I wanted something that could run without gas (or gas/oil mixes) while also being something I could use to clear my deck. During a storm, especially a Lake-effect' storm, I am outside continuously snow blowing my 80ft driveway when we get snow at a rate of several inches an hour. Believe me it adds up quickly. How quick? If you go to sleep and don't stay up and keep up on the snowfall, you can wake up to find your driveway covered in 4 feet or more of wet snow! So, to stay up the whole night usually means using A LOT of gas (and gas ain't cheap). Hence, a corded electric to keep operations going without using gas.

Yea, I know, the small, corded electric snow blowers don't have the punch or power of gas machines, but if you keep up on even heavy snow as it falls, the corded electric can handle it. I know this because in the summer of 2021, I purchased a Snow Joe 620 corded-electric snow blower. Then, last winter as a literal blizzard hit, the drive belt for my gas-powered beast of a snow blower snapped and the generic belt I ordered did not fit (even though it was rated for my machine). Great, I learned a lesson! ALWAYS BUY MANUFACTURER PARTS FOR YOUR SNOW BLOWERS! Well, that awakening didn't help as the snow continued to fall at 1-2 inches per hour. Heavy, Lake-effect snow. So, I pulled out my Snow Joe 620 (and my 100ft, heavy gauge extension cord and cleared the driveway. Within 2 weeks or so we were then hit by a big snowstorm that brought several more feet of snow, but I was fortunately able to get my gas snow blower, a Troy-Bilt, repaired at set for that. As for the initial blizzard, that Snow Joe did the job. It also has done a great job of clearing the deck without cutting into the deck boards. Here's the thing, those corded-electric snow blowers aren't cheap.

Now, with inflation so high, everything costs substantially more. During 2020 and 2021 inflation was already up, and snow blower prices were already higher. I just happened to stumble across an ad for 'refurbished' snow blowers that the Snow Joe company had made available through their Ebay outlet. I purchased my Snow Joe with free shipping for under $100. I had never purchased a 'refurbished' anything before, but I knew others who purchased used machines only to find out they bought a lemon (a machine with hidden problems). I took a leap of faith and trusted the Snow Joe company's product and warranties and bought that little, corded-electric snow blower. That snow blower has kicked butt since day one, and it more than paid for itself for last year's blizzard alone! Thank you, Snow Joe. For anyone considering a backup snow blower, consider a refurbished one to save money. Just keep the following in mind:

1) Purchase directly from the snow blower's manufacturer's website(s). Some companies have factory outlets through which they sell refurbished snow blowers. 

2) Buy a brand you know. Snow Joe, Greenworks, and Toro are good brands where as a lot of new brands that popped up during the last 2-3 years are not as tested - they may be great, but for a refurbished machine purchase, I recommend you stick with the brands that have been around for a while.

3) Purchase one with a warranty. This way, if it breaks down right away or during the first winter you use it, you can return it or get it repaired for free or at a low cost.

4) Look at reviews. Reviews can be a mixed blessing as some consumers post negative reviews simply because an item took an extra day to arrive. Look for reviews that discuss the mechanical side of things. If a snow blower sounds like crap when brand new, it seems risky to purchase a refurbished one.

5) Check out local mechanic shops/small engine repair shops for sale of used snow blowers. A lot of these repair specialists do an incredible job of repairing old snow blowers after which they often sell them for good prices. Added bonus is you have a mechanic familiar with your machine should you need a repair done. 

There's my 2 cents on refurbished snow blowers. For those in heavy snow areas, I recommend your primary snow blower be gas powered with a refurbished one for backup. For those without a lot of money to spend (and living in an area that doesn't get a ton of snow over the winter or has a small driveway, check out refurbished machines out there.

***As an update, I did buy a battery-powered Greenworks snow blower this past January. It's easier to maneuver than the corded machine. That said, having that corded option still their is comforting as batteries get used up quickly and take a good amount of time to recharge. With the corded electric, you just plugin and go!!!!! Cheers.