Snow blower cabs are an exciting addition to a walk-behind snow blower.
For one, it looks pretty silly but on the other hand, who is going to be out there watching you when the weather is so bad that you need one?
They’d probably be watching from beneath their snow cab as well.
A snow blower cab is entirely worth it, so long as you pick the right one and not some generic knockoff that you picked up for cheaper than a pile of dead potpourri at a garage sale.
In terms of your level of comfort, when you’re outside facing gale-force winds and the temperature is close to something you’d find on Pluto, the expense of a new snow blower cab is probably worth it.
However, if your idea of snow blowing is blasting away ¼” of the fluffy stuff that falls once or twice a year in Georgia, you probably don’t need a snow blower cab.
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Snow blower Cab Features
There are features to look for in a quality, long-lasting snow blower cab, so let’s start with the features you’re likely to find in most quality, brand-name cabs:
1. Wind and snow protection
Probably, the most important feature you are looking for in a snow blower cab is wind and snow protection. That you will get, even from cheaper models as they’re all designed to protect your top, right, and left sides. Most even have a back cover that may be full or partial.
When you look at some of the hundreds, if not thousands, of online brands, you will quickly see that almost any cover you buy is compatible with every single snow blower model that falls within that brand.
So, if you have a specific brand name, snow blower, you want to find that same brand for your snow blower cab as it is the most likely fit for your machine.
2. Operator Handle
Many snow blower cabs come with operator handles.
The operator handle gives you more control over the snow blower without having to reach outside the cab and risk your little fingers getting nippy.
However, there’s usually a kit involved for the entire installation and usage, so while you may choose not to purchase the operator handle kit, it’s nice to know it’s there.
3. Storage capacity
Many snow blower cabs also have storage space within them for you to place items.
This storage is generally side pouches where you can keep things like your coffee thermos.
4. Reflective fabric
You can expect that most snow blower cabs will have reflective material for safety reasons.
Visibility of where you are when blowing snow is critical, as it’s often difficult to gauge exactly where you’re at, and you want those salt trucks and other vehicles to see you from a distance.
If the cab does not come with reflective material and you live in a busy place where they try to keep the roads open, purchase and install reflective material on your cab.
5. Tear-resistant
Tear-resistant fabric is a plus too.
When blowing snow or when the snow flies back at you, reducing or eliminating your visibility, you may be unable to see where you are going.
When blinded, particularly when the wind is smacking your cab head-on with a glacier fist, you may end up hitting the mailbox or the corner of your house.
The last thing you want is to repair your snow blower cab due to rips and tears.
Drawbacks To Purchasing A Snow blower Cab
There’s always a caveat or a negative aspect along the way to many of our purchases.
What separates popular products from bad products is when the pros outweigh the cons.
Below are some of the cons in respect to a Snow blower cab.
1. Fog
Your breath may fog up the cabin.
Of course, your breath won’t always fog up the cab, but certain conditions will.
For example, if you are a more robust person and your lower body fills the bottom of the opening, there’s less ventilation, which can lead to your breath fogging up the inner cabin.
If you happen to put out some serious body heat, or if you’re wearing clothes that are open enough to allow your body heat out, it can complicate things in the cabin as well.
2. Aerodynamics
The very reason you wanted a snow blower cab was to be out in windy conditions, but there is a limit to how functional the cab will be in strong winds.
You’re less aerodynamic if the wind is blowing very hard. It’s like going from a shark fin to a steel wall while traveling 20 knots underwater.
You will feel the difference on windy days. Thankfully, snow blowers are generally pretty heavy, but you may find that you wrestle with it a little more than usual.
3. Snow build-up on the windows
In some models, snow tends to build upon the windows, especially the front window, while others never seem to be a problem.
It’s always important to check the buyer and customer review forums to determine if your potential new buy is a snow catcher.
Customers are usually pretty vocal when they spend good money on a product, and they can’t see through it as soon as they walk out into a flurry.
4. Harder to see 360°
Lastly, it’s more difficult to see 360° when using a snow blower cab for obvious reasons, making reflective tape and tear resistance even more critical for safety.
However, given it’s harder to see is more along the lines of something you get used to, rather than a deal-breaker for most.
Final Thoughts
We have looked at the godd and bad of a snow blower cab. All things considered the snow blower cab is worth a shot; there is a lot to like about them. If you do your homework and find the right one for your particular snow blower, you’ll be in business.
They are especially good if you live out in the country and don’t worry about heavy traffic.
You can get out there, release your driveway from its icy prison, bust out the tire chains on the pickup, and go on about your business.
If your looking for a great guide in respect to snowblowers check out Snowblowers 101 Mystery Revealed or How to Find the Right Snowblower.
