Ryobi Expand-It Snow Thrower Attachment

Winter can be quite a challenge, especially when snow piles up on your driveway, sidewalks, and decks. To tackle this, I recently tried out the Ryobi Expand-It Snow Thrower Attachment (model RYSNW00), a versatile add-on designed to fit compatible string trimmers. Here’s my detailed experience and thoughts on this tool.

Right off the bat, the Expand-It Snow Thrower Attachment is quite easy to set up. It attaches seamlessly to most gas and cordless string trimmers that support attachments. This makes it a convenient extension if you already own a compatible power head. The tool itself is compact and lightweight, weighing just 9.8 lbs, which is a significant advantage for storage and maneuverability.

The snow thrower boasts a 12-inch clearing width and a 6-inch clearing depth, which are adequate for light to moderate snowfalls. However, I found that its performance heavily depends on the type of snow. For instance, in light, fluffy snow up to six inches deep, the tool performs admirably, clearing paths efficiently and throwing snow a good 10 to 15 feet away. It’s when the snow becomes wet and heavy that the tool starts to struggle. The motor can bog down, and it becomes a bit of a workout to push through.

One of the first things I noticed was the lack of directional control for the snow discharge. The snow is thrown straight ahead, which can be a bit of a hassle if you're trying to clear a specific path without covering already cleared areas. I had to angle the tool slightly to manage where the snow landed, but this was not always effective and added to the physical strain.

The handle design also leaves something to be desired. The included handle attachment doesn't secure well and tends to rotate during use, making it uncomfortable and awkward to hold. This is particularly noticeable because the weight distribution is off-center, with the battery end being much heavier. This imbalance forces you to support the weight with your wrist and arm, leading to fatigue over extended use. A trigger lock feature would have been a welcome addition to alleviate some of this strain.

Despite these ergonomic issues, the tool is quite powerful for its size. It can handle a surprising amount of snow, especially in smaller areas like decks and sidewalks. I found it particularly useful for clearing steps, where traditional snow blowers might be too bulky to maneuver.

Durability-wise, the Expand-It Snow Thrower Attachment is a mixed bag. The bottom of the tool is made of plastic, which raises concerns about its longevity when used on rough surfaces like concrete. Over time, this could lead to significant wear and tear, potentially reducing the tool’s effectiveness. However, the overall build quality seems robust enough for occasional use.

Battery life is another aspect worth mentioning. Using a 4Ah battery, I was able to clear a medium-sized driveway and a couple of sidewalks on a single charge. The tool is efficient in its energy use, but for larger areas or heavier snowfalls, you might need a spare battery to complete the job without interruptions.

One of the standout features of the Expand-It Snow Thrower Attachment is its convenience. It’s a fantastic space-saver compared to a full-sized snow blower, and it’s straightforward to attach and detach from the power head. This makes it an excellent option for those who might not have the storage space for larger equipment or who only need to deal with light to moderate snowfalls.

In terms of noise, the tool is relatively quiet, especially when compared to gas-powered snow blowers. This makes it a more neighbor-friendly option if you need to clear snow early in the morning or late at night.

Overall, the Expand-It Snow Thrower Attachment is a valuable addition to your winter tool arsenal, especially if you already own other compatible Ryobi Expand-It attachments. It’s not without its flaws, particularly in terms of ergonomics and handling wet, heavy snow, but it offers a good balance of performance and convenience for its price point.

Would I recommend the Expand-It Snow Thrower Attachment? Yes, but with some reservations. If you live in an area that experiences frequent light to moderate snowfalls, and you’re looking for a compact, easy-to-store solution, this tool is a solid choice. However, if you regularly deal with heavy, wet snow or have large areas to clear, you might want to consider investing in a more robust, dedicated snow blower. The convenience and versatility of the Expand-It system are its main selling points, but it’s essential to weigh these against your specific needs and the typical snow conditions in your area.