Will the turning mechanism freeze in the winter? I understand I would need to keep it shoveled out and the rate of decomposition is slow in winter.
942697
It's a simple wheel and axle design. If snow and ice are allowed to build up anything can freeze.
942698
The turning mechanism will not freeze in winter unless there is freezing rain or sleet or melted snow that then refreezes. As long as it is kept fairly dry, it will still turn. I am about to find out how well it did as I've now had mine a year.
1800169
If you go slow it works well for cold meat, I haven't tried frozen. It's not that strong a motor so you would probably want a stronger one, or thaw the meat a little first.
1175977
I don't know. it is still winter and have not used it. that question may need to the manufacturer.
1211109
Hi: I love my little Toro Power Shovel, but I would hesitate using it on a gravel driveway and this is why: When I use it, I tend to set it on the ground and push it back and forth, just like a vacuum, and it "vacuums" the snow off of the ground. Because it is resting on the ground, it makes the job much less strenuous. But, in your case, I would guess that it would also "vacuum" the gravel along with the snow. To try and hold it up one inch off of the ground would, I think, be quite tiresome. It isn't terribly heavy, but you would quickly get winded by holding it up and shoveling with it. It think that this would even be harder than using a snow shovel, thereby defeating the whole purpose of having a machine. Sorry, but I don't think it is a good tool for your application.
301339
You would need a shovel to remove a thin layer of snow which would be left behind and could turn to ice. The shovel has been awesome for us and is well worth the money. It is more versatile than a full size snow blower.
584870
Yes. I have had it out all winter long. Lots and lots of snow and ice here no issue at all. It handled it beautifully. It's a wonderful item. No problems with it.
1755699
You need to check out the Video online......its pretty sweet. No the wheel doesn't turn you turn the entirething. Then you kind of bounce it to get the snow to come out of the shovel. It really does work pretty well, once you get the hang of it. It doesn't take to long to figure it out.
102905
If you plumb it properly, you can drain it for the winter. I believe there is built in freeze protection on this unit, however, which will activate the burner if it is at freezing point.
975240
You can not move the chute to anywhere when is cold, because it is controller by a switch on the left side, so the switch does not work and you can not move it manually. I will give you a free advice I bought a toro snow blower, same price 300% more powerfull
1873660
the gate motors freeze in the winter. i had to disassemble 3 times this winter. i gave up and left it disassembled.
533462
We live near the Canadian border in MN and use it year 'round [purchased last Dec]. We store it in a pole barn and either cook in the barn or, it is very easy to wheel around, so we move it outside and cook, too [just depends on how much snow].
1042375
I keep adding to my compost all winter. I just don't turn it over as often, maybe once every 2 weeks or so. While nothing will "cook" during the winter, you'll have fresh material on standby for when it does start to warm up. I suppose my only tip would be to make sure you add material to it during the daytime and make sure your composter stays in a sunny spot. The door can freeze "shut" at night due to the lower temperatures and any moisture along the track. I've already been through one winter with it and I sincerely had no issues and didn't have to make any changes to the way I used the tumbler.
1027050
you won't get the nice snowy texture, it will be more like you smashed ice with a hammer. Some people like that, but if you want that you should buy a regular snowcone maker not a shaver, the corners of the cubes will catch the blade edge making it hard to turn.
1168147
It will not get too cold in winter. Believe me, I am almost always cold and have never had any problem with cold affecting the driving ability. Enjoy. Kitty Reader
181373
Im in chicago and last winter was very cold i was very warm in -15 F. When i shoveled snow it got really warm. So it really depends on how much activity you plan on doing in it.
23399
I think you will be fine. I take just the cylinder off during the winter (very simple and easy to do on my cold frame) because i don't think it would take the brutal NY winter. Not knowing much about your conditions, i would expect that AZ in winter is similar to NY in spring when i start my plants. There are nights that go below freezing and I've never had an issue.
1919880
Because you can flip the blade so it will angle either right or left depending on where you want to push the snow there is not a rigid joint between the handle and the blade. When you push down on the handle it does not lift the front of the blade. That being said I love mine! My driveway has the usual "joint cracks" when it was poured and it does fine. I have a couple that are raised and you learn to go across them at and angle and it doesn't catch. This works great with lighter snow of course but I have used it on 4 inches and I am a almost 60yo female. What I like is that you can go out every couple of inches and clear it quickly so it doesn't get ahead of you. I also have a snow blower so I will push the snow to the side with the snow caster and then just make one pass with the blower down either side so I clear the entire width of the drive. Hope this helps.