If winter storms regularly blanket your driveway, a snow blower—especially an electric snow blower—can be a game-changer. Instead of spending hours shoveling heavy snow, you can clear walkways and driveways quickly, safely, and with far less effort. But like any power tool, a snow blower requires proper use to prevent personal injury and to keep the machine running at peak performance.
At Wild Badger Power, we build cordless tools that make real winters easier — not just for picture-perfect driveways, but for the heavy, messy storms you actually get. Our goal is simple: Honest Power, Winter Made Easy, so your family spends less time fighting snow and more time staying warm.
This beginner-friendly guide walks you through everything you need to know: safety essentials, setup tips, operating techniques, and maintenance basics—all based on Wild Badger Power's official snow blower safety standards and manufacturer guidelines.
Why Choose an Electric Snow Blower?
Electric snow blowers have become incredibly popular thanks to several key advantages:
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver
- Push-button starting—no pull cords
- Low maintenance compared to gas engines
- Quiet operation
- Eco-friendly and fume-free
Why a 40V System Matters
Not all electric snow blowers are built the same—voltage makes a real difference, especially when winter gets messy. A 40V platform like the Wild Badger Power WB40VSNOWBL offers key advantages that lower-voltage systems can’t match:
More Power for Wet or Heavy Snow
Thick, wet snow is where low-voltage machines often bog down. A 40V system delivers stronger torque and more consistent output, helping prevent the motor from stalling when the auger meets dense, compacted snow.
One Battery for Multiple Tools
A single 40V battery works across the entire Wild Badger Power lineup—including the 40V snow shovel, lawn mower, and trimmer—connecting your winter and summer tools under one power platform. For existing Badger users, this means adding a snow blower comes with very low marginal cost: you’re simply buying another tool that fits seamlessly into the system you already own.
1. Essential Snow Blower Safety Tips
Before you power on your snow blower, safety should be the top priority. Under typical operating conditions, Wild Badger Power's 40V 20" Snow blowers are powerful machines capable of moving 20 inches of snow width and up to 10 inches of snow depth, and throwing it up to 26 feet. Improper use can lead to serious injury.
Wear Proper Winter Gear
Loose clothing, scarves, long jewelry, or anything that can get caught in moving parts must be avoided. Instead, wear:
- Snug winter clothing
- Rubber boots for traction
- Safety glasses or goggles (required to protect from flying debris)
Keep Hands and Feet Away from Moving Parts
The auger and chute can cause severe injury. Never place your hand inside the discharge chute. Use a clean-out tool, stick, or wooden rod to clear jammed snow.
Maintain a Safe Area
- Keep kids and pets at least 100 feet (30 meters) away during operation.
- Avoid using the snow blower on gravel, ice, or slippery slopes.
- Never operate on rooftops, frozen ponds, or unstable surfaces.
Inspect Your Work Area First
Remove:
- Doormats
- Boards
- Wires
- Rocks
- Toys
- Branches
Anything left behind can become a dangerous projectile.
2. Setting Up Your Electric Snow Blower
Your snow blower will require some basic assembly. This typically includes attaching the handles, chute, and chute controls. Follow your model’s instructions exactly; improper assembly may lead to malfunction or injury.
Key Setup Steps from the Manual
- Attach middle and main handle frames with bolt and wing-nut sets.
- Secure the cable with the included cable clip.
- Install the chute and chute-rotation handles.
- Insert the chute-control shaft and R-pin to enable 180° rotation.
- Ensure all parts are tight and secure before use.
3. How to Start and Use Your Snow Blower
Electric snow blowers are easy to start—no priming or pulling required.
Starting the Snow Blower
- Insert the fully charged battery and close the battery compartment.
- Press the safety button.
- Pull the bail switch toward the handle until the motor starts.
- Release the safety button and begin clearing.
Stopping the Machine
Simply release the bail switch. The auger stops spinning within three seconds due to the built-in electric brake.
4. Efficient Snow Blowing Techniques
Using a snow blower efficiently can save time and battery life—and reduce strain on the machine.
Work With the Wind, Not Against It
Always blow snow with the wind, not toward it, to prevent snow from blowing back in your face. The large rear wheels on the WB40VSNOWBL make it easy to keep a steady pace, even on longer driveways.
Clear Snow Early and Often
Don’t wait for snowfall to freeze or pile too high. Fresh, powdery snow clears faster and puts less load on your auger and battery. The WB40VSNOWBL’s quiet brushless motor means you can clear before sunrise without waking the whole neighborhood.
Adjust the Chute Correctly
- Use the chute-rotation handles to aim the snow up to 180°.
- Adjust the deflector to increase or decrease throwing distance.
- Never angle it so high that snow blasts backward toward the operator.
Avoid Overloading the Machine
If snow is deep or heavy:
- Slow your pace
- Reduce clearing width
- Let the auger chew through snow gradually
Many electric snow blowers include automatic overload protection, reducing motor speed or shutting down temporarily if stressed.
Real-Life Scenarios: When a Cordless Snow Blower Shines
Sometimes the value of a cordless snow blower becomes clearest in everyday winter moments. Here are a few real-world scenarios where an electric model truly makes life easier:
Early-Morning Commute, 10 Minutes to Spare
It’s 6:30 a.m., the driveway is covered, and you need to leave for work soon. Instead of spending half an hour shoveling, a cordless snow blower lets you clear a two-car driveway quickly and cleanly—without noise or fumes waking up the neighborhood.
After an Overnight Snowstorm
A heavy weekend snowfall can leave both a long driveway and your sidewalk buried. With a cordless snow blower, you can clear everything in one pass without needing to switch tools. The mobility and battery power make big jobs feel surprisingly manageable.
Safer for Seniors or Anyone With Lower-Back Issues
For households with older family members or anyone who shouldn’t be lifting heavy snow, a cordless snow blower significantly reduces bending, straining, and repetitive shoveling. It turns a physically demanding chore into a simple walk-behind task.
5. Clearing a Clogged Chute Safely
Chute clogs happen, especially with wet or icy snow. Never clear clogs with your hands.
Safe Clog-Removal Steps
- Turn off the snow blower.
- Remove the battery.
- Wait at least 10 seconds.
- Use a clean-out tool to break up compacted snow.
6. Routine Maintenance for Long Life
A well-maintained snow blower lasts for years. Fortunately, electric snow blowers require less maintenance than gas machines.
Maintenance Checklist
- Tighten all screws, bolts, and fasteners regularly
- Keep plastic parts clean (avoid harsh solvents)
- Run the machine briefly after snow removal to prevent auger freeze-up
- Store indoors in a dry place
- Keep battery stored above 32°F (0°C)
- Replace worn scraper bar and rubber paddles as needed
7. Troubleshooting Basics
If your snow blower won’t start:
- Battery may be low → charge it
- Battery too cold → warm indoors for 10+ minutes
- Safety button not pressed
- Motor overloaded → clear snow and restart
If the auger won’t turn:
- The drive belt may be worn → requires service
If snow is left behind:
- The scraper bar is likely worn → replace it
Black Friday Mega Sale: Find the Right Fit for Your Winter
Before you purchase your next electric snow blower, don’t miss the Wild Badger Power Black Friday Mega Sale—one of the biggest annual promotions with up to 28% off across premium cordless tools.
Small areas + light to moderate snowfall → Choose the 40V Electric Snow Shovel
Compact, quick, perfect for patios, walkways, and short driveways.
Medium to large driveways + frequent heavy snowfall → Choose the 40V 20″ Cordless Snow Blower
Wider clearing path, longer runtime options, and true “storm-ready” capability.
Already own a Badger 40V tool?
Adding a snow shovel or snow blower means minimal extra cost—your existing batteries and chargers stay compatible across seasons.
Black Friday Deals
- 40V 12″ Electric Snow Shovel → $219.12 (≈20% OFF) See deal →
- 20″ Cordless Snow Blower (1-Battery Kit) → $364.65 (≈15% OFF) See deal →
- 20″ Cordless Snow Blower (2-Battery Kit) → $399.20 (≈20% OFF) Compare 1-battery vs. 2-battery kits →
Free standard shipping on orders $99+. The best time of the year to upgrade your winter tools—with guidance that helps you choose confidently.
FAQ: Common Questions About Using an Electric Snow Blower
Can I use it on packed or icy snow?
Electric snow blowers work best on fresh or lightly packed snow. For hard-packed or icy sections, make several slow passes to break the surface, or use a shovel or ice melt first. Avoid forcing the machine—let the auger gradually chew through the tough areas.
What happens if I hit gravel?
Electric snow blowers are designed for paved surfaces. Hitting gravel can damage the paddles, scrape bar, or internal components, and may eject stones at high speed. If your driveway is gravel, clear the top layer first with a shovel or switch to a tool designed for loose surfaces.
How cold is “too cold” for the battery?
Lithium batteries perform best above 32°F (0°C). Below that, power output and runtime may drop temporarily. If the battery becomes too cold to operate, warm it indoors for 10–20 minutes before restarting. Store batteries inside when not in use to maintain performance and lifespan.
When should I replace the scraper bar or rubber paddles?
Inspect them regularly—if the scraper bar no longer makes contact with the ground or the paddles look worn, torn, or no longer move snow effectively, it’s time to replace them. Worn parts reduce clearing performance and increase strain on the motor.
Final Thoughts
Paired with safe habits and simple maintenance, a cordless snow blower turns winter from a chore into a routine. With Wild Badger’s 40V system and winter-ready designs, Winter Made Easy isn’t just a slogan — it’s how your driveway looks after every storm.