Tool Time Snow Control
SNOW REMOVAL on Your Acreage
Tips and Equipment to Make It Easy
By Brett Van Waus
Whether you’ re the type who likes to build snowmen, ride snowmobiles or sled, or you’ re the type who stays indoors as much as possible once the temperature drops below freezing, at some point snow can be a burden that you need to remove from a path you need to travel. And as with most things these days, you can go as high-tech or low-tech as you desire.
Safety Is Key
No matter if you’ re using a shovel or the top-of-theline snowblower, there are some general rules to follow to keep yourself safe while removing snow.
1. Dress for the Occasion. Even if you do not expect your chore to last too long, wear the proper boots, hat, gloves and outer layers for the weather when you will be removing snow. A slip and fall injury are one step away without the right footwear, especially with how slick ice and snow can be.
2. Take Breaks If Needed. We understand, there are a lot of things to do on an acreage and only so many hours in the day. However, moving too fast on a slippery surface or trying to lift too much with every shovel load could lead to a hospital trip. Every winter in northern climates, there are reports of heart attacks brought on by trying to get through an entire long driveway without stopping.
3. Wear Layers. Starting with multiple layers of clothes is a good idea for any cold-weather activity, and snow removal is no exception. If you feel yourself starting to sweat, take off one layer at a time, but make sure not to expose your perspiring skin to the cold air if possible. Not only does this make for an unpleasant experience( I’ ve been there), but it could bring on hypothermia or frostbite depending on the conditions.
4. Scrape, Don’ t Lift. When possible, try to remove snow a little at a time to prevent getting a massive amount on your shovel. If the snow is wet and therefore heavy, don’ t fill the shovel up all the way. The adage of“ an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is never truer than when referring to injury prevention. When and if you are lifting, do so with your legs and not your back.
5. Safety Around Equipment. For snowblowers or other gas-powered equipment like small tractors, make sure they are always started
28 AcreageLife December 2024 AcreageLife. com