• Electric snow blowers are ideal in residential settings.Steve Mason/Valueline/Getty Images
  
  Snow blowers are used to remove snow from a specific area in residential and commercial settings, such as sidewalks, runways, driveways and streets. Electric power or gasoline can be used to power a snow blower. While those in residential settings may use electric snow blowers, professionals may need to use gas-powered snow blowers to remove larger amounts of snow from industrial and commercial areas.
  
  

Parts

• A common problem in a snow blower is that parts begin to wear out and breakdown. It doesn't matter who the manufacturer is or the quality of the snow blower; parts will break at some point. Operators must decide whether to have the part fixed or replace the snow blower entirely. Often the belt and spark plugs are the first pieces to wear out. If a part appears to be wearing out, replace it right away because continuing to operate the snow blower may ruin the machine completely.
  
  

Types

• Both gas-powered and electrical snow blowers are available, and each type of snow blower has its own problems. You must be aware of each snow blower's disadvantages before purchasing. Electric snow blowers are unable to remove heavy or intermediate levels of snow from a sidewalk or driveway. While gas-powered snow blowers are more powerful, they also are louder, weigh more and may require additional maintenance.
  
  

Faulty Operations

• One of the biggest problems an individual will face while operating a snow blower is that it may jam in the middle of a job. Snow blowers often jam because something has blocked the chute. To fix this problem, an individual needs to use the end of a rake or shovel to break up the ice or snow. Never should anyone use his or her hand to fix a jam in a snow blower. If the snow blower continues to jam, an operator may have to adjust the speed and go at a slower pace.