Gravel can be one of the biggest dangers at a practical level when using a snow blower.
Electric snow blowers and single stage gas snow blowers are not designed to deal effectively with gravel, and if either of these machines comes into contact with gravel is likely to throw it up through the chute and possibly hit or injure the operative or anywhere else standing close by.
If you know that you have gravel on your land or where the snow thrower is going to be used, then it is imperative that you buy a two-stage gas snow thrower which is the only type designed to clear snow on land that has gravel underneath it.
It goes without saying hopefully, that it is extremely dangerous to carry passengers on the snow blower.
This may not be quite as ridiculous as it may sound, since many people view a snow blower as similar to a quad bike or an atv machine, or garden or lawn tractors, as not only mechanical machines but also as a bit of a toy.
Snow blowers are not toys, and it is highly dangerous for anyone to use them in any way other than that described in the owners manual, which is as a single operative, who is a responsible adult.
If when using the snow blower you inadvertently hit or feel you have come across a foreign object that you think might damage the machine, it is important that you follow the following procedure before proceeding.
Make sure you stop the snow thrower, turn it off apply the brake and let the machine cool down and slow down before inspecting the snow blower for any damage.
If there is any damage make sure it is repaired either by yourself or by an authorized dealer, and then re-start use of the snow blower accordingly.
It is a possible indication of potential trouble for the snow thrower if the machine starts to vibrate significantly.
This is a common problem for snow throwers and a potential warning of any problems.
If the machine does start to vibrate, follow a similar procedure to that outlined above - stop the machine, turn it off, apply the brake, and assess what is causing the machine to vibrate.
This is something you may be able to do or you may need to take it to a dealer, but make sure that the cause of vibration is established and remedied before continuing to use the machine.
The above procedure should also be followed if any reason you need to leave the machine unattended, i.
e.
you need to return inside the house for a period of time or for some other reason meaning you need to leave the machine outside, intending to come back and use it again.
Make sure it is turned off, the brake is applied, the clutch lever is disengaged and make sure you remove the keys and take them with you so no one else can start it up again.