Is this snow thrower safe to use on wood decks? Is the point of contact with the surface you are clearing metal, plastic or rubber?
1058888
The surface I am clearing is concrete and asphalt so I don't know what it would do to wood. However that said the rotating blade does not come in contact with the surface directly. There is a leading edge that scoops the snow into the blade.
1058889
It is plastic. I don't know if the plastic strip on the bottom would get tripped up by the slots between the boards on a deck. I do know that mine got ripped off when I hit a plastic landscaping strip hidden under the snow and I can't get it back on.
1058890
The auger blades have a rubber rim so contact with the deck surface should be no problem. Behind and below the auger blades is a stationary hard plastic "scraper" that should just slide along the deck surface, assuming that it is level. You will be pushing the machine so you can control how fast and with how much pressure that plastic scraper moves along the deck surface. The machine is very light and easy to control.
282962
I would suggest you check with the manufacturer to be 100% sure. My disclaimer answer would be "NO", its not intended for outdoor use. But if you are using it in a dry setting where there is absolutely no water, liquids, snow near or touching it, I don't see why it would be a problem.
1210509
I use a Garelick snow rake on my solar panels -it works great. However, I put a few layers of duct tape on the bottom and side sharp edges. This prevents the sharp metal edges from touching the solar panels. When you are handling a 21 foot pole, the snow rake doesn't always land on the rollers. The rake sometimes comes down at an angle. Whatever you do, don't come down hard on the solar panels.
2092937
Waterproof yes because it is basically plastic but not really the right product to mend a snow globe, I suggest trying an epoxy like Double Bubble.
1115365
It does have a metal covering on the edge, but I doubt it would cut through thick ice. I don't use it on anything but a driveway, and sidewalks, so I can't say whether it would scratch a patio surface, but I suspect it might well do that.
211357
The blade is made of plastic. It is an amazing tool for clearing snow. It is strong and sturdy and designed so that you do not hurt your back while using it. It is best for drier, fluffier snow.
2234561
I would say no, but I don't have a wooden deck, so I can't say for sure. However, it's hard plastic with a durable aluminum strip along the edge. It's a very well made piece, but is not heavy. What do you use on your deck now? It's basically a very big plastic shovel, so if you use a plastic shovel now, it's the same. If you use a metal shovel, this would be even better. Hope this helps.
446128
FRANK, also make sure you use some/all of the grip sand with the clear, or when wet / snow etc. it will be like GLAIR ICE / very slipply / if that will be an issue for you. PAUL K.
1142480
It is a rubber mat, so a snow blower could harm this mat. However, I have not seen much of a problem with the mat melting the snow that has fallen, even heavy snows. I cannot attest to snow falls of a foot or more at a time, but it should not take long to melt down that snow in short order.
1155985
The handle is metal. The blade is hard plastic. I used it a few weeks ago for a 2 inch snow and it worked great. Was very pleased with it.
1413220
I wouldn't use it with plastic. It heats up enough to melt ice, so use only metal to be safe.
1209405
The long handle is metal. The wheel and the 'head' are plastic. I would think that a metal head might defeat one of the big benefits of this shovel because the snow or ice would build up. When the head fills up, rather than lifting and tossing (like a regular shovel) all you have to do is master the flipping of the snow when you use this shovel. So, rather lift and toss (the back breaking part of regular snow shoveling) you push down on the long handle while trying to cause the wheel to bounce just a little. This causes the snow to go flying out to wherever you are aiming. So, there is no back ache whatsoever. If there was a metal head, I think there would be that sticky accumulation of snow that would weigh and extra pound maybe BUT might cause the snow to not want to come flying out of the head. I've had mine for at least 5 years. The plastic is a heavy density, tough plastic like is used in a good garbage can (plastic garbage can!!). I actually have two of these, one for lakehouse. That one is like brand new but that is simple since we don't visit the lakehouse much in the winter. It is difficult to find fault with this product. You're likely to be the only one in your neighborhood to have one when you first get it. Your neighbors will ask to try it. But, not everyone is willing to invest this much money in a snow shovel. Your back will thank you for doing it though. Heck, I even occasionally fire up a cigar when doing the snow now and there's no way you could do that with a regular shovel unless you called the ambulance first. Good luck. You won't be the least disappointed.
776872
Yes I did blow snow with it. It worked fine on the light dust. Not so much on the wetter stuff. I still applied salt to make sure I didn't slip.
473854
The wheels are not for traction, they keep the blade at the perfect angle and make pushing up to 2 inches of snow easy. A couple times I pushed 3 inches of very light puffy snow but after that its snow-thrower time. A couple times last year we got around 5 inches, I pushed it once at about 2 in and again at about 3 (light snow) inches. I live in western PA and only used my snow-thrower 2 times all last winter. this is a good quality product, I can clear my 350 foot driveway (2inches of snow) in the time it takes me to get the snow-thrower out of the shed, started and make one pass
2118484
It's good for both. I have read various sources that indicate not to use power washers on wood decks. Other people say that's not an issue. My own experience with wood decks is that you can gouge the wood if you aren't paying attention.
2267997
A hard rubber belt is bolted to a metal blade but the rubber is what hits the ground. Tried to use it again two days ago when we had a wet snow but it only threw the snow less than a couple feet. This might be good for a sidewalk but if you want to clear a driveway, forget it.
1012681
not sure about the rake section but I've had no problems with the wheels. They are actually plastic but I have had no problems. I only used the rake several years ago as the winters here since haven't dumped too much snow on the roof at one time.