Wet and windy it might be, but just take a look at the weather across the pond where every state in the USA is under a blanket of snow.
Record falls have paralysed huge areas of the country and often the weather in the States blows its way across the Atlantic to our shores.
An interesting factor which has emerged is the fact that far from being good exercise, shovelling show is dangerous for the over 55s.
Cardiologist Barry Franklin, a director of preventative cardiology and cardiac rehabilitation at William Beaumont Hospital, Michigan said shovelling snow is dangerous and advises anyone over the age of 55 not to do it.
He said that such activity raises blood pressure and heart rate more than other exercises and added that cold air constricts the blood vessels. Also such rare exercise in the over 55s, many of whom have a sedentary lifestyle, can be dangerous.
So if we do catch a packet this winter, and chances are that we will, here are three machines which will save the hard work with a shovel.
The simplest little machine for use on paths around the house is the Stiga Snow Electric 31 Snow Blower.
With a working width of 31 cm it is ideal for small areas and will throw the snow up to five metres away.
It has a 1100 Watt electric motor and has an intake height of 23 cm. And as it has no wheels it simply slides along the snow and ice and will clean right down to the ground.
So you can leave the shovel in the shed when the snow does start falling.
The recommended price is £99 but we are selling it for just £79. Next working day delivery is free and there is a one year warranty from the manufacturer.
For a larger property with a long drive this machine is excellent value for money.
The Oleo-Mac Artik 52 Single-Stage Petrol Snow Blower has a 163 cc engine and as you have to push it you can guide it into tight corners.
It takes in the snow through the front hood and blows it clear through the adjustable chute which is controlled from the handlebar. The discharge distance can be adjusted from two to eight metres.
It costs £299, £100 less than the maker’s recommended retail price and is delivered free the next working day. And it had a three year warrant from the maker.
If you are looking for a more substantial machine the Stiga Snow Patrol Dual-Stage Snow Blower could be the answer.
This one can clear longer drives and paths and has a 55 cm working width and an intake height of 50 cm so it can deal with substantial falls of snow.
Fitted with a 182 cc engine this one has four forward and two reverse gears and clears the snow it two stages.
First the snow and ice is gathered into the front hood with steel augurs and then an impellor takes over to blast it clear up to ten metres away.
The exit chute rotates 190 degrees and the pitch of the snow can also be adjusted with a deflector plate.
Skid shoes are fitted to the front hood and these can be adjusted so that you can use it on gravel as well as hard surfaces.
Snow Hog tyres give excellent grip.
It costs £599 compared with the recommended price of £670 and it has a one year maker’s warranty. We deliver it free the next working day.
For an extensive list of snow blowers, see these pages on our site.
