Sunday, December 08, 2013

Blown

Got about 5-6" of snow, so I plugged in the shovel. Which took a while, since I had to plug in through the window, after unplugging the speakers, insulate the gap, untangle the 100' cord - knotted and cold. But once I turned it on, and it shot snow into the atmosphere, ohnoohshitpower what a rush.

I'd been thinking about needing to get the snow shoveled in my dreams - so as soon as I woke up, I just got dressed and prepping. D still in bed while I was unknotting the powercord. I was still there when he appeared with de-icer in his paw, and helped with the cord.

Yeah, I know, a cord. But it keeps the unit lighter than a battery power pack. Only 13.5lbs (6Kg). I accepted this would be the huge annoyance factor.

Took on a half foot of snow with barely a murmur. Whoosh. Aiming the stream of snow so it doesn't pile up on anything important takes some practice. Or the other way around, if you prefer. All in all, I managed to get all our walks, and clear the garage turnaround, most of the driveway between the houses, by myself. And although I know I worked, my arms are very tired, my back does NOT HURT. Or at least, no more than it usually does. Didn't have to lift all that snow. Felt more like a huge vacuuming job.

So, while I am not about to actually plug it*, I have to say, I'm quite happy we got this.

Pacian, Yeah, I wish it had huge articulated arms that unfold from a tiny 'bot, and amusing pinging noises as well. It's a compromise.





*Pun not intended, but accepted.

5 comments:

Phil Plasma said...

I'm glad it works as well as it does. In my 41st year I'm still shoveling and not hurting. When it starts to hurt I'll get my kids to do it, when they move out I'll get the wired electric toro.

the polish chick said...

coolness. looks like an actual usable bit of technology. my sister-in-law bought my mother-in-law a bona fide gigantic snow blower because shovelling is hard. guess what, managing a gigantic snowblower is harder still, and so it never gets used. ever. this looks like the perfect thing!

Zhoen said...

Phil,
I'd prefer someone else do it, but it's on us.

pc,
It's an imperfect solution, but workable. And kinda fun.

flask said...

huh. well, you learn something every day.

when you said electric snowshovel, i did not picture a teeny snowblower.

Pacian said...

At least this way your robot gardener will be able to use it, when those are invented.