Any experience with electric 'snow shovels'?

[funknut]

My mother-in-law lost her husband of 47 years this past September and we are trying to help her adapt. She's still incredibly capable and independent, but now she's also alone without help, or anyone immediately nearby in case she were, for example, to take a fall out in the yard. She does have an apple watch, so if she can't get to her phone for whatever reason, she can call from her wrist.

Shoveling snow is something she doesn't mind doing most of the time, but she's also starting to slow down a bit, so I'm looking for options. I often go over to help, but she's the type of person that just can't wait, so usually by the time I get over to shovel, she's already been out there for some time. I'd like to make the job easier for her and also reduce the amount of time she's out in the cold. Her driveway isn't huge, she'd probably only need to clear a 12x80' area.

We live in Cincinnati, so a typical year would be a 3-5 snowfalls usually no more than 6-8" each.

Looking at these types of units, they seem pretty compelling for someone in her situation. Does anyone have any experience with these types of 'mini snow blowers' or other suggestions? A corded unit would work too if it was significantly better, it would just be a bit more for her to manage.

I'd like to avoid anything too much larger as she's a bit on the smaller side.

Amazon reviews for these are ok but not great, just looking for some personal experience.

https://www.amazon.com/Snow-Joe-Cor...4295&SubscriptionId=AKIAJO7E5OLQ67NVPFZA&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-1...548564295&SubscriptionId=AKIAJO7E5OLQ67NVPFZA

Thanks,

Clay

 

[1967coronet]

My mother-in-law lost her husband of 47 years this past September and we are trying to help her adapt. She's still incredibly capable and independent, but now she's also alone without help, or anyone immediately nearby in case she were, for example, to take a fall out in the yard. She does have an apple watch, so if she can't get to her phone for whatever reason, she can call from her wrist.

Shoveling snow is something she doesn't mind doing most of the time, but she's also starting to slow down a bit, so I'm looking for options. I often go over to help, but she's the type of person that just can't wait, so usually by the time I get over to shovel, she's already been out there for some time. I'd like to make the job easier for her and also reduce the amount of time she's out in the cold. Her driveway isn't huge, she'd probably only need to clear a 12x80' area.

We live in Cincinnati, so a typical year would be a 3-5 snowfalls usually no more than 6-8" each.

Looking at these types of units, they seem pretty compelling for someone in her situation. Does anyone have any experience with these types of 'mini snow blowers' or other suggestions? A corded unit would work too if it was significantly better, it would just be a bit more for her to manage.

I'd like to avoid anything too much larger as she's a bit on the smaller side.

Amazon reviews for these are ok but not great, just looking for some personal experience.

https://www.amazon.com/Snow-Joe-Cor...4295&SubscriptionId=AKIAJO7E5OLQ67NVPFZA&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Greenworks-1...548564295&SubscriptionId=AKIAJO7E5OLQ67NVPFZA

Thanks,

Clay

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I have and am dealing with pretty much the same set up. father in law has passed, my mothers husband { step dad } has passed away also both in the past 4-5 years. Like you folks we get our share of snow. Both gals are active but in their 80s.
If we are not there when the last flake falls they are outside lol, I do admire their work ethic.

I do not want them outside cleaning up snow. So I go get it done for them. Hell they could fall down and freeze. I love em both and could never forgive myself. If you can, just make time to do it for her. If that's not possible get things set up with someone to come clean the drive and walks. I would pass on the electric shovel. Looks like more work than a regular shovel.
You could buy a decent size snow blower and just keep at her place and you go run it for her or hire some neighbor kid to. JMHO

 

[mmissile]

That's a tough battle to fight. Been there a couple times. Until they realize they are unable to do tasks that they used-to, with ease.....................well, good luck. How much does that shovel weigh, and how much cord will she have to deal with? The best option I came up with, was to hire a neighbor to get to the snow before they did. I got there most of the time...but sometimes old-folks are fast and stubborn.

 

[oldbee]

My .2 cents. Look at a Toro CCR, mine is 23yrs old. It’s a 2-stroke, only about 16” wide. Used to be able to get one with electric start option also.Rubber paddles that pick up slush really nice. I would never go with extension cords or battery, especially with 80’ to do.

 

[BeatersRus]

i agree with oldbee about the mini toro-s.
i fix up a lot of small engine stuff too,and those are handy.
in fact,i see you are in ohio,im close to it,on the western end.
( close to rochestor )
if you want to take a drive sometime,ill give you a toro Free for your mom.
i have 3 to choose from 2 of which i had running in the summer.

 

[PeteBell68]

Mother I law had one while they lived in a home and passed it to us .
Like old bee it is the Torro red plastic one .
I find it a gimmick but it's fun and blows the snow really well .
You'll need to aim it down if your near other property's as you have no direction capability but it works well it's about 10 years old .

 

[funknut]

Thanks everyone for the feedback. I think you all nailed my situation. She's very independent and used to taking care of most everything herself, so I realize trying to get her into the mentality of waiting a bit for people to help her is going to be a slow transition.

We have a few things we are going to go through with her just in terms of finances, budget, etc. (her husband used to handle all those things), and I'll bring this up again. I'll check out the small gas powered snow blowers you guys mentioned and see if it's something she could manage. She's in good health and not frail by any measure, but her biggest challenge is she doesn't know when to say when and gets herself way in over her head before asking for help.

I we can convince to her clear only the parts of the driveway she needs to get the car out, plus a short strip between the garage and front door I think it would cut down her time outside significantly. She has a neighbor that has been great and helps when he can, but the area she lives in there are few people home during the day, and like you said, once the last flake hits the ground she's out there moving snow and isn't going to wait for people to get home to help.

@BeatersRus I appreciate the generous offer, let me see how the conversation goes first and we'll take it from there.

Thanks!

 

[Fran Blacker]

Bought a Toro electric shovel, there a few different sizes. Bought Toro power curve worked well, don't cheap out on extension cord 12 gauge, MO.

 

[idrivemopar]

If you end up getting a gas powered snow blower, get one that is 4 stroke with electric start. Its nice because no mixing gas and oil and to start, just plug in, prime, hit the button, and off you go. I have a craftsman single stage snow blower I have been using for about 10 years now, its great for those average 4 to 8 inch snows, and can handle up to 12 with no issues. Only problem with single stage snow blowers is the heavy wet spring snows, it doesn't throw that stuff very far, but it still beats shoveling.