Which electric snow blower to choose. How to choose an electric snow blower? Tips

With the advent of winter, the relevance of snow removal equipment increases dramatically - public utilities do not work in private areas, and manually removing snow is quite problematic. For clearing large areas, tractors with attachments are used, and for cleaning small areas (dacha or house adjoining), snow blowers are increasingly being purchased - autonomous mechanisms powered by a gasoline or electric engine. Such devices are an order of magnitude cheaper than any equipment, require less maintenance and can be easily operated by one person.

The principle of operation of snow blowers is quite simple: the auger rotating inside picks up snow, which is pushed through the ejector by the air flow from the impeller to a distance of up to 15 meters. The devices can be self-propelled or driven by pushing, and wheels or tracks are used as rollers.

The best inexpensive gasoline snow blowers - budget up to 50,000 rubles

The most popular are gasoline snow blowers. These are models equipped with internal combustion engines, which are the drives for the screws. The main advantages of gasoline snow blowers, compared to electric ones, are high power (allows you to cope with a large amount of snow), high performance and independence from a third-party power source. The main disadvantages are the high noise level and considerable cost.

4 Hyundai S 5556

Good margin of safety. High performance
Country: South Korea
Average price: 42990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The Hyundai S 5556 petrol snow blower is designed to clean small areas of snow, making it perfect for a home, small parking lot or retail space. The self-propelled unit covers a strip 53 cm wide and throws crushed snow at a distance of up to 11 m. At the same time, it is possible to adjust both the direction and the distance of the ejection. The presented snow blower is equipped with a 5.5 hp HYUNDAI engine, which has a number of advantages, such as economy and easy start even in critical conditions. low temperatures Oh. And the increased operational resource and quiet operation of the unit is hallmark all products of this brand.

The powerful teeth of the steel auger, which is covered with a protective bucket, allow the Hyundai S 5556 snow blower to grind the snow mass of any density, while demonstrating the best performance. Pneumatic tires with an aggressive X-TRAC pattern guarantee the presented self-propelled model optimal traction and grip characteristics, and provide flotation in all areas. At the same time, the weight of the unit is only 56 kg, which greatly facilitates management. Users in their reviews confirm that this snow blower almost always starts the first time and effectively copes with the tasks as quickly as possible.

3 AL-KO SnowLine 55E

Excellent balance between price and power
Country: China
Average price: 31990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The AL-KO SnowLine 55E closes the top three budget snow blowers. Among all the models presented in the rating, AL-KO has the lowest cost, but at the same time it performs its main function perfectly. With 6 HP engine. The device easily clears large snowdrifts of stale snow. The cleaning system is single-stage, but the correct screw design and a sufficiently resourceful engine compensate for the lack of an impeller. At the same time, the snow ejection range is 10 m, which is enough for normal functioning technology.

The strengths of this snow blower in the reviews of buyers include small dimensions, convenience even when long work and good power. In addition, the device is equipped with an electric engine start, which greatly facilitates the start of work at low temperatures. The snow ejection chute is manually adjustable, which allows you to set the most convenient position for effective cleaning. Thanks to the increased volume of the fuel tank, it is possible to work without interruption for a long time. The negative aspects of use include the unreliability of some nodes and the smooth shape of the screws.

2 Huter SGC 4800

The optimum ratio of price and quality
Country: Germany (made in China)
Average price: 36700 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The best assistant for the owner of a private house in the winter will be the Huter SGC 4800 self-propelled snow blower, which is distinguished by endurance and high performance. Equipped with a powerful four-stroke engine, this unit demonstrates the power of 6.5 horses, which allows it to easily cope not only with fresh snow, but also with ice and packed snowdrifts up to half a meter high. Equipped with large wheels and adjustable auger position, this gasoline powered snow blower will handle any uneven terrain with ease. The desired operating mode can be selected using 6 forward gears, while 2 reverse gears guarantee better maneuverability.

For the convenience of the operator during the operation of the Huter SGC 4800 snow blower, all controls are displayed on the front console, and the engine is started using an electric starter. The presence of a bright headlight allows you to work in the dark. In their reviews, owners note the ease of operation and the speed with which the Huter self-propelled snow blower copes with clearing a strip of snow 56 cm wide, throwing crushed snow dust further than 10 meters. Due to the combination of excellent features with an affordable price, users consider this model the best purchase for the home.

It is known that, depending on the type of engine used, snow blowers are usually divided into gasoline and electric. Which one is better? Each has both clear pluses and clear minuses, which will be discussed in the following table:

1 Interskol SMB-650E

The best technical equipment
Country Russia
Average price: 42900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The best petrol snow blower - Interskol SMB-650E. This is the most expensive device among all those presented in the rating, however, its technical equipment is an order of magnitude higher than its competitors. It has the largest grip height - 54 cm, thanks to which it can even cope with high snowdrifts without any problems. Snow is ejected using a special impeller through a snow pipeline at a distance of up to 10 meters. Metal chute adjustable from operator panel mechanically. The screw has a relief (toothed) shape, due to which a high cleaning performance is achieved.

AT positive feedback buyers note quick start (electric starter installed), excellent reliability and acceptable fuel consumption as strengths device. The work of the operator is greatly facilitated by the drive to the wheels - the snow blower is self-propelled. To work in difficult weather conditions or at night, a headlight is placed on the body. The smooth movement of equipment is ensured by the provided 5 gears forward and 2 back. The disadvantages of this model of a snow blower include an inconvenient neck for filling oil and an uncomfortable gear shift knob.

The best mid-range gasoline snow blowers - budget up to 100,000 rubles

Not only private homeowners pay attention to these snow blowers - the optimal balance of performance and cost attracts small organizations of various levels, including utilities.

4 Mobile K S65B8E

Large operational resource. Convenient management
Country Russia
Average price: 85990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.4

The powerful gasoline snow blower Mobil K S65B8E belongs to the class of professional equipment, thanks to which it is perfect not only for the home, but also for clearing the territories of small utilities and other organizations. This self-propelled unit is made entirely of durable metal and equipped with a shock-resistant gearbox, which guarantees it the longest service life. The Briggs & Stratton motor, which belongs to the winter line, provides the Russian snow blower with maximum endurance and trouble-free operation at low temperatures. This US-made engine demonstrates the best performance and traction - its power is 8 hp. With. The optimal speed of work can be selected due to the presence of 5 forward speeds in the range from 0.95 to 5.5 km / h, the snow blower can move backward at speeds up to 1.8 km / h.

The heavy-duty steel auger of the Mobil K S65B8E snow blower allows you to effortlessly cope even with dense and icy snow up to 0.5 m high, covering a strip of 65 cm. Thanks to the massive wheels, the equipment can move without slipping on any surface, without attracting additional efforts from the operator. Provided in this snow blower roomy fuel tank and very comfortable ergonomic handles allow you to clean snow for quite a long time without technical interruptions. The reviews note the high build quality, power and productivity of the unit, even with wet snow porridge.

3 MTD Smart ME 61

Best power to weight ratio. Popular brand of snow blowers
Country: USA
Average price: 74990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

In third place in the ranking of the best snow blowers is the MTD Smart ME 61. This is a fairly productive model that combines the characteristics of top-end units and low cost. Convenient adjustment of the position of the snow ejection chute - the mechanical lever is located on the control panel, which allows the operator to control the removal process directly during operation. A toothed auger is much more efficient than a smooth auger, making the snow blower perform at highest level. A powerful 4-stroke engine allows the equipment to easily cope with any snowdrifts.

The advantages of this snow blower in the reviews of buyers include high reliability, excellent power and the presence of an electric starter. This element allows you to start the engine at the push of a button, making it much easier to get started. To facilitate clearing snow in conditions of poor visibility, a fog lamp is installed. Self-propelled allows the operator not to make efforts to carry out the movement of the snow blower, but only to direct it. The weaknesses of the device include sensitivity to the purity of gasoline and a poor-quality carburetor.

2 Cub Cadet 524 SW

Comfortable conditions for the operator. Excellent maneuverability
Country: USA (manufactured in Hungary)
Average price: 95890 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Compact and reliable Cub Cadet 524 SWE petrol snow blower with 5.44 hp. differs not only in highly productive functionality, but also in the best indicators of comfort. Work this device based on a two-stage snow removal system, the efficiency of which is ensured by a steel auger consisting of independent spirals with an increased number of teeth. The presented snow blower is distinguished by excellent maneuverability, since in order to make a U-turn, you need to press only one button, which unlocks the wheels.

A distinctive feature of this self-propelled model is the remote control of snow ejection, carried out using a joystick. All controls are located as close as possible to the operator and highlighted bright color which is very helpful when working at night. For the same purpose, the Cub Cadet 524 SWE snow blower also has a halogen headlight. Judging by the reviews, users also appreciated the heating of the handles and the quick start of the engine (despite the negative temperatures), which can be done both manually and with the help of an electric starter.

For the normal operation of the snow blower, the following characteristics are important:

• The materials of the screw, impeller and chute are metal or rubberized plastic. Depending on what kind of snow is planned to be removed, it is necessary to determine the materials of the working elements. When working with hard infusion and ice, preference is given to metal. Ordinary rubber will also cope with loose snow.
• Design - can be auger (single-stage) or auger with a rotor (two-stage). In the first case, the auger is used to rake in the snow, and it is also responsible for its ejection. In a two-stage design, an impeller is added, which ejects the snow mass. This option is more productive, and is more often installed on gasoline models.
• Bucket dimensions - the performance of the snow blower depends on them. The greater the length and height of the fence, the larger the snowdrifts the machine can clear. However, do not forget that a weak engine will not be able to cope with a large amount of snow, so these two parameters are selected together.
• An electric starter is an important lotion for normal operation. The part will help start the engine even in cases where it is very cold outside. With frequent work in such conditions, you should pay attention to models with forced starters. They will help to avoid problems with starting the engine.

1 Husqvarna ST 224

The most comfortable snow blower ever. Handle adjustment, continuously variable transmission
Country: Sweden (made in USA)
Average price: 93870 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Husqvarna ST 224 is the best mid-range snow blower. This model is the leader in the rating due to the excellent combination of functionality, power and affordable price. The equipment grip width is 61 cm, which, together with a two-stage cleaning system, provides maximum efficiency. To increase productivity, an enlarged toothed auger is installed - 30.5 cm. All working elements are made of high-quality steel, which ensures their long service life. Ergonomics worked out at the highest level - it is possible to control with one hand.

As positive aspects of use in reviews, buyers note the ability to work with any type of snow, large wheel diameters and the presence of 6 gears to ensure the smoothest possible operation. Engineers have provided a drive to the wheels, which allows the snow blower to move independently - the operator only directs the device. A special headlight will help when working in difficult weather conditions or at night. Claims to the device are related to the design - the lack of unlocking the differential and an ill-conceived system for adjusting the height of the casing.

The best premium petrol snow blowers

Snow blowers with premium gasoline engines are distinguished by the high quality of component parts and assembly. The high reliability and optimal performance of these models are not in doubt among any of the owners, and the units presented below are proof of this.

4 MasterYard ML 7522B

Best price
Country: France
Average price: 54990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.4

Despite the modesty of the price tag, the MasterYard ML 7522B self-propelled snow blower demonstrates excellent performance. The two-stage system works just fine, throwing snow blockages up to 12 meters away. The augers have teeth and crumble frozen blocks as quickly as loose snow. The Briggs and Stratton motor is designed for low temperature operation and exhibits better endurance.

Many owners confidently declare that this model deserves attention. Reliability and excellent performance, ease of maintenance and cost-effectiveness - these and other characteristics are indicated in the reviews of various users as the most effective. Also worthy of praise is the reliable stepped transmission, which allows you to choose the optimal operation of the wheel unit. Of particular note are the ratings of the owners who bought a MasterYard ML 7522B snow blower for their home several years ago. They still have no place for complaints and dissatisfaction - the installation fully justifies the investment made. Agree, this is a worthy reason to enter the top of the best models!

3 Husqvarna ST430T

High build quality
Country: Sweden
Average price: 224990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The professional model of self-propelled snowplows from the popular Husqvarna brand is able to quickly clear huge areas of snow. It is great not only for a house with an impressive adjacent plot, but it will also be effective in an open parking lot and other public places where large vehicles cannot turn around. The maneuverable ST 430T snow blower weighs 170 kg and is equipped with a 12.2 hp petrol engine. and a mechanical swivel chute on the control panel.

Owners who have preferred this new model, in their reviews, note the absence of shortcomings of previous snow blowers in this series. Husqvarna ST 430T has a robust toothed auger and a wide bucket (76 cm). The caterpillar drive provides confident movement - even packed snow is removed without problems and hitches. The owners also note the best controllability of the model, reliability and unpretentiousness of the motor. The build quality is also unremarkable - it is beyond praise, however, like all Husqvarna products.

2 Honda HSS655ET

Optimum price/performance ratio
Country: Japan
Average price: 159900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Only the price did not allow the Honda HSS655 self-propelled snow blower to become the leader of the top rating in this category, although it is very attractive compared to some participants. However, the second place was awarded to this technique quite deservedly - the unit is one of the most reliable and practical. A caterpillar snow blower is perfect for a home or small objects for other purposes. The machine can confidently move on uneven ground and has impressive performance and easily cuts off half a meter crust thanks to the toothed auger.

6 hp petrol engine consumes little fuel, which is indirectly confirmed by the small volume of the gas tank (3.5 liters). In addition, it compares favorably with easy start-up in low-temperature conditions and has a large margin of safety. There is a powerful headlight in the electric circuit of the snow blower, so the time of day for work does not play a role at all. In the reviews, the owners also pay attention to the swivel chute. It is made of metal, and, unlike plastic structures, does not break from accidentally falling hard objects. The use of a two-stage cleaning system ensures high-quality snow evacuation in a given direction (up to 14 m!). From the owners who have been operating this self-propelled unit for more than a year, there are no complaints about the work of the snow blower.

1 Huter SGC 8100C

Better performance. Caterpillar drive
Country: China
Average price: 92610 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The Huter SGC 8100C high-performance snow blower will be an excellent assistant in the fight against snow. Thanks to the caterpillar drive, any snowdrifts are conquered by the equipment, and in one pass the unit is able to clear a road 74 cm wide. The gasoline engine (11 hp) easily starts in severe frost thanks to the electric starter. The possibility of manual start-up is provided. High performance in the model is achieved by using a durable rotary auger. He is ready to grind not only crust, but also pieces of ice. The reliability and durability of the snow blower is ensured by a metal chute. Through it, snow is ejected to a distance of 15 m. Drive wheels with a special tread do not slip when snow gets between them and the caterpillars.

Users speak highly of the Huter SGC 8100C snow blower's off-road capability and performance. Of the shortcomings, the fragility of the cables is noted, and speeds are also sometimes not included.

The best electric snow blowers

Electric snow blowers are compact analogues of gasoline units. It is advisable to use such machines for cleaning small areas, for example, adjacent territories, paths near shops and offices, due to their small dimensions. The main advantages of electric snow blowers are low cost and operation from a socket (expensive fuel is not required), but you have to pay for this with low productivity and low power.

4 Sibrtech ESB-2000

The most attractive price
Country Russia
Average price: 8900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.4

The domestic model Sibrtech ESB-2000, which was included in the top rating for the best price, is also the lightest. The electric snow blower has a 46 x 31 cm (W x H) grip and rubber auger. The ejection system is equipped with a mechanically driven swivel chute. Made of frost-resistant plastic, it is quite reliable. Despite the fact that the design of the device is single-stage, the high speed of rotation of the rubber auger allows you to throw cleared snow at a distance of up to 9 meters.

Judging by the reviews, this model is optimal for home or suburban area with a small area. At the same time, the efficiency of work on freshly fallen snow is simply excellent - the control can be easily handled even with one hand, making a minimum of effort. But frozen snow is not so easy to overcome. The snow blower is easy to operate, mobile and weighs only 15 kg. Attachment to the power extension cord is more than offset by price attractiveness, and among similar models of the top-rating Sibrtech ESB is in high demand from buyers.

3 GreenWorks GD40SB

High build quality
Country: UK
Average price: 26990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

A cordless snow blower is a great alternative to the more expensive and noisy petrol models of this type of equipment. In this category of the top rating, GreenWorks GD40SB was in third place, losing to previous models only in terms of price attractiveness. Otherwise, this electric model, based on the reviews left by the owners, is quite effective, has convenient controls and high quality assembly, as well as the materials used. When folded, the unit easily fits in the trunk of a car - you can take it with you to the country. And for the house, this snow blower is not bad enough - the presence of lanterns and low noise level will allow you to work late at night without fear of disturbing your neighbors.

The plastic bell has a rotary mechanism, the control of which is placed on the operator under right hand. The snow cover width is almost 51 cm - pretty decent for an electric snow blower. But the height of the cut layer let us down - no more than 25 cm. You can’t take serious snowdrifts from a swoop, you have to go through them several times. The rubber-plastic auger is quite dense, but the stale crust lends itself to it oh, how reluctantly, so it is better to carry out work immediately after a snowfall. The disadvantage can be considered a short duration of continuous work - only 30-40 minutes.

2 Champion STE1650

Excellent cutting width and height (clears deep drifts)
Country: China
Average price: 9950 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

A worthy Champion STE1650 electric snow blower is in second place in our ranking. This is a fairly budget model, but at the same time the most productive due to the large snow capture area. Smooth augers are made of special rubber, which is resistant to mechanical damage. The chute for the ejection of the snow mass is made of impact-resistant plastic. There is no drive to the wheels, but the weight of the snow blower is only 16 kg, and pushing it yourself is not a problem.

Among the advantages of this unit in the reviews, users call small size, sufficient power and low noise level during operation. The body of the snow blower has a minimum number of parts, and there is practically nothing to break. The electric motor is quite reliable, and unlike many, it works without problems at low temperatures. The disadvantages of operation include an ill-conceived air exhaust system and poor-quality wheel stoppers.

1 Daewoo Power Products DAST 2600E

Better performance. The most popular electric snow blower
Country: South Korea
Average price: 13990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The first place in the ranking of the best electric snow blowers is Daewoo Power Products DAST 2600E. This is a popular model with a single-stage cleaning system and a powerful enough engine, thanks to which the device can easily rake even large snowdrifts. The position of the chute is controlled by a mechanical drive located on the operator's control panel. There is no self-propelled, but due to the small weight of the snow blower, this is not required. The auger is made of durable rubber that does not crack even at high sub-zero temperatures.

In positive reviews about this model, buyers talk about ease of operation, small dimensions and the presence of a headlight. Thanks to the possibility of one-hand operation, the load on the operator is significantly reduced. The case is made of durable stainless steel, which is able to serve several seasons without any problems. Snow is thrown up to a distance of 10 meters. The main disadvantages are noisy operation and a short network cable.

The most powerful snow blowers

In snowy regions, it is sometimes difficult to leave the garage or yard due to heavy snowdrifts. The most powerful and productive snow blowers will help you not to be late for work and school.

4 Caiman Valto-28Si

High performance and reliability
Country: France
Average price: 189990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

The wheeled snow blower handles tough tasks with a high-performance 10.5 hp engine. Subaru-Robin SX30 Snow Power was originally designed to work in low temperatures. It is easy to start with an electric starter and, thanks to the large tank (6.1 l) and its endurance, can work at least a whole day. This gives the operator excellent opportunity do not freeze hands - handles self-propelled machine equipped with heating. But that's not all - nothing prevents you from hiding one hand in your pocket to warm up, because the snow blower demonstrates confident grip on flat surfaces and you can direct its movement (even despite 125 kg of weight) with almost no effort.

In the reviews, the owners positively evaluate the build quality, and no one even doubts the reliability of the snow blower. This brand is very well established in the market, and its products (not only for snow removal) are in steadily growing demand. The performance characteristics of the model are also on top - a metal auger with serrated edges easily cuts old icy snowdrifts and quickly clears large areas. It may not be rational to keep such a “beast” for the house, but for parking lots shopping centers, businesses and utilities Caiman Valto-28Si is perfect.

3 Cub Cadet 933 SW

The most comfortable to work with. Best Working Width
Country: USA (manufactured in Hungary)
Average price: 228600 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

A bright representative of American-Hungarian technology, in which comfortable working conditions for the user are at the forefront. This is one of the few top-rated models with heated handles and the ability to operate with just one hand. At the same time, the performance of the snow blower is also on top. The bucket has a working width of 84 cm, and a 41 cm embossed auger is able to break frozen snow with ease. The self-propelled unit is powered by a 7.4 kW gasoline engine and has a multi-speed gearbox to select the optimal operating speed.

Snowplow wheels are not as efficient as a caterpillar, but due to their decent weight (150 kg) and spectacular tread lugs, they provide excellent grip. Thanks to this, there are absolutely no complaints about the poor cross-country ability of the unit - the snow blower rows confidently even under heavy loads in the form of icy crust layers up to half a meter high. Judging by the reviews, the owners are pleased with the presence of an electric starter and a powerful spotlight in the electrical part of the apparatus. Along with the operator's hand warming system, these features allow us to speak of the Cub Cadet 933 SWE as the most comfortable model in the rating. A snow blower will be the best choice for a house with a large yard or for small utilities.

2 CHAMPION ST1170BS

Best price
Country: China
Average price: 72950 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The CHAMPION ST1170BS snow blower is not inferior to the leaders in terms of power, but compares favorably in price. The unit is designed for cleaning areas adjacent to houses, garages, entrances of high-rise buildings, etc. With the help of an electric starter, a gasoline engine (16.5 hp) starts in any frost. Thanks to the toothed auger, the equipment is able to cope with snow and ice. In order for the unit to work at night, the manufacturer equipped it with head optics. In one pass, the snow blower clears a strip 70 cm wide. At the same time, the snow mass is removed to a distance of 14 m. Large snowdrifts will not stop this self-propelled machine, since the deep tread, combined with powerful torque, seriously increases the permeability.

In the reviews, users positively note qualities such as power, affordable price, reliability. The most common failure is the shearing of bolts on the auger, which are not difficult to replace.

1 Daewoo Power Products DAST 17110

The most powerful wheeled snow blower
Country: South Korea
Average price: 159,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

The most powerful snow blower in Russia, Daewoo Power Products DAST 17110, managed to prove itself perfectly in harsh winter conditions. Reliable and high-performance equipment designed to clear snow from large areas. Not a single snowdrift is capable of stopping this unit. Amazing power is provided by a 17-horsepower gasoline engine, which has no problems starting at a frost of -40 ° C. It was possible to achieve high cross-country ability due to all-wheel drive on all wheels and a tread with the X-TRACK shape. The model is equipped with augers-ice axes made of durable steel, which can easily cope with crust and ice. Thanks to the steel chute, which can quickly change direction, it is possible to throw snow at a distance of 16 m.

Snow blower Daewoo Power Products DAST 17110 knowingly is the leader in the top of the most powerful units. The owners unanimously praise him for his performance and cross-country ability. Among the shortcomings, low maneuverability and large dimensions are noted.

How to choose a snow blower?

Sometimes the rather serious cost of snow removal equipment for the home or the needs of various organizations requires a serious approach when choosing the optimal model. To get exactly what you need, we recommend that you consider the following features:

1. snow blower type. There are self-propelled and manual installations. Working with the latter requires considerable physical effort from the operator.
2. Type of power plant. Petrol and electric snow blowers are available. The second models can be both battery-powered and powered by home network. Hybrid units are also available. They are the most productive.
3. Power plant power. The speed and quality of the tasks performed depends on this.
4. The degree of purification. Two-stage snow blowers throw snow further with a special rotor and have better performance.
5. Capture width. Not always, the wider the processing band, the better. Snow blowers of this level often require maneuverability and the ability to work in hard-to-reach places for large equipment. If the grip is wider, for example, garden path, then it will not be possible to clean it of snow with the help of such devices.
6. Main screw type. To cut ice hummocks and caked crust, you need a metal auger with teeth. Plastic screw (feature electrical models) copes well with freshly fallen snow - this is the most best option for a house with a small plot.
7. Guide chute design. The swivel chute allows you to move the crushed snow mass in the right direction. The stationary structure simply throws the snow forward, which is not always rational.
8. Comfort. An electric starter, heated handles, a powerful headlight are not the most important elements, but the convenience and level of enjoyment from the snow removal process depend on them (most often it concerns equipment purchased for the home).

Snow- an integral attribute of winter in most regions of Russia.

It brings joy to children, because you can play snowballs, build snowmen and sled, but for adults it delivers a lot of problems.

The more snowy roads and sidewalks are, the more difficult it is to walk or ride on them, so in winter they are very much in demand. snow blowers, small-sized household snowplows are especially popular.

In this article, we will tell :

• how right choose a reliable snow blower for your home;
• under what circumstances is one or the other preferable? types snowplows;
• for what note when choosing and buying snow throwers.

All snow blowers can be conditionally divide in the following way.

By weight:

• lungs;
• medium;
• heavy.

By performance:

• for shallow fresh snow;
• for deep fresh snow;
• for caked or wet snow
• for any snow and ice.

By autonomy:

• petrol and diesel(completely autonomous);
• electric battery(partially autonomous);
• electrical(depending on the power cord).

By usability:

• self-propelled;
• non-self-propelled.

By cost and functionality:

• inexpensive weak devices;
• medium by cost and characteristics;
• expensive powerful and multifunctional machines;
• attachments for various technology.

How to choose a snow thrower

For right choice needs to be clear what tasks are standing in front of the snowplow, and what lies ahead do. After all, all units differ in a huge number parameters. Therefore, it is impossible to say which snow blower is better for home or summer cottage, because everyone has their own requirements.

More about requirements that apply to snow blowers for summer cottages, read this article.

One has to clear a large area of ​​snow and ice, so he needs a powerful, preferably self-propelled unit.

For another, it is enough to clean a small area in front of the house and the entrance to the garage, so he needs the most inexpensive unit.

The third has a walk-behind tractor, so it is enough for him to purchase the appropriate nozzle and get a powerful snow thrower for a relatively small fee.

By clearing area and snow cover thickness

Choosing a snow blower starts with determining work front- first decide what you need to clean:

• what area
• how often.

Small plots of area up to 50 square meters it is quite possible to clear even a small snow blower, which will cost you cheaper than 10 thousand rubles.

When the snow is deeper than 15–25 centimeters (this parameter depends on the model of the snow blower), such a unit will not always be able to cope with it. With snow cover thickness over 30 centimeters electric snow blowers are inefficient, so a snow blower is needed.

Unlike electric units, gasoline snow throwers, thanks to the special shape of the bucket, can normally cope with snow cover up to

• 40 centimeters,
• some models will take the bar in half a meter.

In addition, such devices can be used to clear snowdrifts with a height of up to 1 meter.

Petrol snow blowers will be much more efficient if the harvested area exceeds 100 square meters, because they do not have to drag the wire.

Availability self-propelled propulsion(wheel or caterpillar drive) will facilitate the cleaning of any area, especially if the snow layer is thicker than 15 centimeters.

Non-self-propelled electric snow blower push by hand, which causes a pile of snow to accumulate in front of her, which she cannot immediately process. Therefore, working with such a unit requires great physical strength.

Read about how to choose the right self-propelled snow blower.

There are situations when the ability to remove snow appears only on the weekend.

During this time, a lot of snow collects, he manages to cake, and with frequent temperature transitions through zero degrees, the snow becomes:

• severe,
• loose,
• covered with ice crust.

In such a situation, one must choose the most powerful and efficient snow blower, because devices with a low-power motor (up to 3 kilowatts) are unlikely to be able to throw snow even 2–3 meters in front of them. If you turn the chute to the side, then the motor power will not be enough to push the snow to the height of the ejection.

By type of snow

Most inexpensive snowblowers are designed for clearing soft fresh snow, because the plastic auger is not designed for heavy loads. Because of this, wet or packed snow, not to mention ice falling under it, damages the auger, bringing it closer to the need to replace it.

Therefore, in devices designed for cleaning packed or wet snow, as well as the fight against frost, establish metal rubber screw.

Units with a plastic rubberized auger can be used for cleaning packed or wet snow only if this is written on the packaging and in the operating instructions.

When searching the Internet for a suitable snow blower model, it is not always possible to determine screw type. Therefore, it is necessary to go to the website of the store that sells the selected model, or the manufacturer that produces it, and there you can find out exactly what type of auger is installed on the unit.

For cleaning wet, caked I or snow covered with an ice crust, even if this has to be done much less often than cleaning freshly fallen snow, it is necessary to choose gasoline self-propelled snow blower with motor power over 5 hp

This is due to the fact that such snow is very different from freshly fallen snow, it has:

• large mass,
• density,
• viscosity.

non-self-propelled unit will be very hard to push forward, and a self-propelled one with a low-power engine will work with overload, which will negatively affect the condition of the engine parts.

Optimum power for such snow can be considered 7 l. With.- such devices are not too expensive and heavy for a home snow blower, but at the same time they provide good performance.

By grip size

For non-self-propelled snow blowers big grip(bucket) is serious disadvantage. The greater the width and height of the grip, the more you will have to strain, pushing it forward. However, to determine optimal dimensions capture is impossible, because the softer and lighter the snow, the less it resists the movement of the mechanism forward.

We do not recommend acquire non-self-propelled units with a bucket area (width times height) greater than 0.15 m², if it is likely that teenagers or women will use the snow blower. For frequent cleaning of wet or packed snow Do not take model with bucket area over 0.1 m².

Another situation where the working width is very important is harvesting:

• narrow tracks,
• sidewalks.

If width capture will be larger than the width tracks, then the snow blower will not be able to clean it well, because it will not drive along the path, but along the towering curb. If the width of the bucket is less than the width of the track, then it will have to be cleaned for 2 passes.

If your snow blower only throws snow in front of it, that is, it does not have an adjustment for the direction of snow throw, then 3-4 passes may be required.

By the number of stages of snow removal

Ordinary screw snow blowers even with a power of 3–5 hp, that is, 2.2–3.7 kW, can not throw the snow further than 3–5 meters. Moreover, electrical devices with a power of less than 2 kW hardly throw back wet and packed snow even by 1-2 meters. This is sufficient if there is a choice of the direction of throwing, and you have to clean a long and narrow space.

If the device no choice provided direction of snow throwing, it will be thrown forward, therefore, you will have to constantly throw not only new, but also previously discarded snow.

According to this principle, low-power ones operate, which are used to clean very small areas.

Units with single stage(auger) cleaning system and selection of snow throw direction are only suitable for clearing areas whose width exceeds the throwing distance by no more than 1.5–2 times.

And even then, provided that it will be possible to throw snow in both directions from the area being cleared, otherwise the width of the area to be cleared cannot be more than the distance of throwing.

two-stage, that is, rotary augers have much more versatility for the same power. After all, the auger in them rotates more slowly, because its task is only to supply snow to the rotor, which will accelerate the snow mass to the required speed. Even machines with a power of 2 kW, not to mention more powerful gasoline and diesel devices, easily throw snow 8 meters or more. Therefore, such units in operation are more

• universal,
• comfortable.

Direction and distance of snow throw

Snow blowers can be divided by this parameter into three categories:

• With unregulated direction;
• With regulated direction;
• with adjustable direction and range.

In addition, devices with regulated direction and distance of snow throw are divided into two types:

• those that are needed stop to change one of the parameters:
• those on which the parameters are changed in the process work.

The most convenient units in which you can control the direction and range of ejection without stopping work.

In such snowplows, next to the handles are installed two levers:

• changing the angle of rotation horizontal;
• changing the angle of rotation vertical.

The horizontal rotation knob changes direction discarding snow, and the handle for changing the vertical angle changes range garbage. This allows you to adjust the direction and distance of snow throwing according to local conditions. without turning off snow blower motor.

AT otherwise have to:

• turn off the engine;
• with a special key loosen gutters and spout;
• turn the chute in the right direction;
• with a spout install necessary throwback range;
• tighten the mount;
• turn on the motor and check distance and direction of snow throw.

When choosing a snow blower with a pivoting chute, you should be aware that when the chute is rotated at an angle of 70-110 degrees, cleaning system efficiency declining about half.

Therefore, if it is likely that you will have to remove wet or packed snow, then the motor power should not be less than 7 liters. With.

Otherwise, the snow range will drop significantly and it will be difficult to clear wide areas.

By autonomy

In cases where gasoline, diesel or electric vehicles are completely suitable for your conditions, you have to choose among them for autonomy, that is, the ability to work without connection to external sources energy.

The undisputed leaders in this parameter are diesel and gasoline units, which one refueling is enough for several hours of continuous operation.

If you are going to spend no more than half an hour on snow removal, then the best choice is rechargeable model. It is slightly more expensive than electric, but it is not limited:

• wire length,
• cable section,
• risk of damage.

If you are not embarrassed by the need to carry a soft rubber cable, then it is better to choose a small-sized one for your home. electric snowplow - the price for equal performance will be noticeable on it cheaper.

Another standalone option is to buy hinged device, which can be used in conjunction with

• walk-behind tractor or
• mini tractor.

Such a snow blower will cost much cheaper than its self-propelled counterpart and at the same time will work no worse. Read more about attachments in the article (Attachments for machinery). For information on how to choose attachments, read the article (how to choose attachments).

For additional features

To additional features can be attributed to everything that does not affect the process of snow removal, but in one way or another facilitates it:

• convenient chute control handle;
• folding handle;
• electric starter;
• headlight;
• handle heating;
• the possibility of installing a brush.

If the model is equipped control knobs direction and distance of snow throw, you can adjust these parameters without turning off the engine. This is very convenient, because there is no need to unscrew the fixation of the gutter, turn it "by eye" in the right direction, then every now and then correct its direction in the same way.

Folding handle reduces the dimensions of a snow blower placed in a barn or garage for storage, because the length of the handle is comparable to the length of the unit itself. In addition, the folding handle makes it easier to transport a mechanical shovel in a car, because the shorter it is, the easier it is to place it in the trunk or trailer.

And if the snow blower is also rotary, then such a small-sized model will be optimal for the home in the case when the allocated space for a full-size snow blower is not enough. The only downside is the higher price of such a snow blower.

Installation electric starter increases the weight and cost of the snowplow, but the engine starts without tiring jerks of the starter cord. It is enough to put the engine into operating mode and press the starter button, after which it will start the engine on its own.

Farah it will be very useful if you are at work early in the morning and come home only after dark, so you cannot do snow removal during daylight hours.

Heated handles useful if it is cold outside, because it is much more pleasant to hold on to warm handles than to cold ones.

On some snowblowers, instead of a conventional auger, you can install brush.

In this case, you can use the snow blower in the warm season. With the help of a brush, you will turn a snow blower into a sweeper that will clean your site from dust and dry dirt.

Do you need these functions in the snow blower - decide for yourself.

By brand and reliability

In the 21st century, a popular brand that occupies a top position in the global market is no longer a guarantee of the reliability of snowplows. Often units under such world famous brands, how:

• Honda;
• Daewoo;
• Husqvarna;
• Hyundai;

are much worse than Chinese or Russian.

Selling under a high-profile brand does not guarantee that the unit was manufactured at the factories of the corporation that owns the brand. Often, under its brand, a world-famous company allows you to sell products to its partners.

In addition, the reliability of the unit is directly related to the conditions of its maintenance and operation. If a good and reliable Hyundai snow blower is not properly maintained, or it has to remove the wrong snow, then the unit will not last long.

Unlike him, Russian units firms:

• Caliber;
• Interskol;
• Energoprom;
• Champion

They will last much longer if used and maintained correctly.

The reliability of certain models can be assessed using reviews presented on the Internet.

The problem is that most of the reviews published in online stores are paid, so they do not reflect the real picture. Various forums can serve as a good help in assessing the reliability of certain models.

On the forums equipment owners:

• share their impressions about the operation of these devices;
• give recommendations on the choice of snow blowers;
• describe the features of their maintenance and repair.

We have prepared several links to the branches of the most authoritative forums where various issues related to the selection, operation or maintenance of various snow blowers are discussed:

If there is no specialized workshop nearby where original spare parts are available, then it is better to refuse to buy a complex and expensive unit.

Service complexity

When choosing a snowplow, you should understand that any unit requires periodic maintenance and repair. The most unpretentious in this regard, electrical wired devices. After all, their service comes down to:

• verification auger status(before and after the end of winter);
• auger replacement(of necessity);
• oil change in the gearbox (individually, depending on the model).

Somewhat harder to maintain battery devices. In them, in addition to the operations described above, it is necessary to check the condition of the contacts of the charger and batteries.

On the gasoline snowblowers must do the following: routine work:

• regulate valves(after 3-5 thousand hours of operation);
• to measure compression(due to performance deterioration or after 6-10 thousand hours of operation);
• change oil in a four-stroke engine (after 30–60 hours of operation);
• change fuel and air filters(after 30–60 hours of operation);
• change spark plug(after 400–800 hours of operation).

Experienced motorist will be able on one's own perform all the described work, because they are not much different from what he does in the car. If the owner of the snow blower does not have the necessary skills and equipment, or under the terms of the warranty, it is necessary to service the unit in specialized workshop, then it will have to be transported there for maintenance.

In this case, one of the most important parameters is the mass of the unit.

By weight

For self-propelled aggregates large weight is not a disadvantage because they don't have to be pushed or pulled. It is enough to turn on the forward or reverse gear, and the snowplow will move independently, obeying the operator's commands. With non-self-propelled devices, the situation is different.

The heavier the unit, the harder to deliver it to the place of snow removal and return it back after the work is completed.

This is especially true if a teenager or a woman will pull out and drag the car. Often you have to choose between:

• good performance,
• small weight.

Therefore, it is necessary to decide in advance what more important:

• convenience, which gives a small weight,
• or high power, giving more performance.

If the unit is needed deliver by car to another place, then the excess mass becomes serious minus. Such a need may arise if relatives or friends ask you to clear their area of ​​snow.

In addition, the unit may require repairs, which can only be carried out in the workshop, so it will have to be taken there. And you will have to manually load the snow blower into a trailer or car trunk.

If you are sure that the snow blower will not have to be transported anywhere, or you have a car with a loader crane, then the mass of the unit loses its meaning. But for most of those who plan to clear snow with snowplows, their weight is one of decisive parameters.

After all, a heavy snow blower, especially if it is not equipped with a self-propelled propulsion unit, is difficult to roll into a garage or other storage place, as well as roll out of it.

Even a teenager or a woman can load an electroshovel weighing 4–6 kilograms into the trunk or trailer.

But for comfortable and safe loading of a gasoline snow blower weighing over 40 kilograms, two adult men will be required.

This situation can be changed crane machine, but not everyone has such a car, and renting such equipment is usually not a cheap pleasure ..

By price

Price- one of the important factors for most people. Therefore, some try to purchase the most suitable unit for them for minimum price, sacrificing some secondary characteristics, while others are ready to buy even snow blower robots for hundreds of thousands of rubles.

If a understand clearly what you want from a snow blower and in what conditions it will work, then you can choose the model that best suits your wishes with best value for money.

Price inexpensive devices starts from 4 thousand rubles(shovels of low power). The price of the most expensive units exceeds 200 thousand rubles, but they provide huge performance and are able to cope with any snow. Separately, there are autonomous devices, for example, a snow blower robot.

Where and how to buy

These internet services offer a good selection of inexpensive snow blowers from various manufacturers:

On the site example Yandex Market we will tell you how to choose a snow blower according to the most important parameters.

In the field for entering the name of the product (to the right of the Yandex Market inscription), write "snow blower" and click search.

A new page will appear on which you will see the word "Snowblower" written in large letters, and below it are several buttons with characteristics snowplows:

• self-propelled;
• gasoline;
• electrical;
• with a powerful engine;
• caterpillar;
• 61 cm;
• self-propelled gasoline.

it primary filter which will help you choose the most suitable models first approximation. Select characteristic which best suits the type of snow blower you need.

For example, “with a powerful engine”, because such machines do a good job with:

• deep,
• wet
• thick snow,
• ice on the surface of the snow.

By clicking on the selected button, you will find yourself on a new page where you will be presented various models aggregates, maximum suitable for the selected parameter.

You can view each snow blower separately, or you can use the filter located on the right side of the screen. In the "price of rubles" field, you can specify upper and lower price limits snow blower and, after clicking on the apply button (located in the lower right corner), the filter will filter out all models that do not fit into the selected price range.

Below the "price of rubles" field is located list of popular manufacturers, so you can only select a specific snow blower model. Below you will find a whole list of characteristics of snowblowers, which will allow you to accurately weed out units that are not suitable for your requirements.

By setting the filter and clicking the "Apply" button, you will find yourself on a page where the maximum models matching your request snow removal equipment.

By clicking on any of the models, you will be redirected to the page of this unit, where you will find:

• description;
• specifications;
• a list of stores and their location on the Yandex map that have this device;
• its cost in various stores;
• delivery terms;
• reviews;
• reviews of selected equipment;
• discussions on the Yandex forum.

Important! Sellers do not always accurately indicate the characteristics and capabilities of the unit, and the discussion and review fields often remain empty.

1. Visit official site manufacturer, for which type in a search engine a phrase consisting of a snow blower model and the words “manufacturer’s official website”.
2. Visit the forums where users discuss the use of snow blowers. This can be done by typing the name of the snow blower and the word "forum" into a search engine, or follow the links above to the most authoritative forums where snow blowers are discussed and use the forum search.

Buying sophisticated equipment on these sites you cannot be sure that you will receive a snow blower that fully corresponds to the characteristics declared on the site.

Article 18.1 of the law "On the protection of consumer rights (POZPP)" allows return to the seller a snow blower that does not match the description on the site or does not work correctly, and at the expense of the seller.

But in reality, sellers find various ways, allowing to shift the delivery on the shoulders of buyers, because of which the latter have to go to court.

Courts consider such cases for a very long time, because it is necessary to conduct numerous examinations.

• check the unit
• make sure it meets your expectations
• and only then pick it up.

This approach saves you from the costly shipping of a faulty or unsuitable snow blower through a shipping company.

Choosing score in which you will buy a snow blower, be sure to ask do they sell parts for him. If the store only sells snowplows but doesn't sell snowplow parts, don't buy it.

The unit can break down in the dead of winter, and you won’t be able to find the necessary part right away, and you won’t be able to remove the snow until the spare part arrives and is installed. Even if you find the parts you need on the supplier's website, you don't care will have to wait until they are delivered by mail or transport company.

When to buy

We recommend purchasing a snow blower winter, immediately after the first snow falls, as you can surrender or exchange a fully serviceable unit that you did not like with something, within 14 days.

This is written in article 25.1 of the RFP, so the seller has no right to refuse you. If you buy a snow thrower long before the snow falls, you will not be able to test it in operation and, if necessary, exchange it for a more powerful or suitable one for your conditions.

We also recommend that after selecting a specific model, type its name on the Internet and compare offers. This will help you find stores that offer this unit on best conditions and also carry out various stock or provide discounts.

Robotic snow blowers

In addition to conventional snowplows, there is another type that is not available to everyone - this is snow blower robots.

They are built on various platforms, but all these devices have one thing in common - the ability to manage them by using:

• tablet;
• smartphone
• phone.

Despite the high price and extremely low (compared to the price) performance, these devices allow shovel snow and clear the area without leaving home.

Snow blower robots will be useful for those who can spend more than 180 thousand rubles for the purchase and annually lay out tens of thousands of rubles for the maintenance of this unit.

You will learn more about how to choose the right snow blower for your home and which snow blower is better from the video:

Results

Buying a snowplow is a serious one, so the choice of the unit must be approached very seriously.

Now you know how to choose the right snow blower for your home and what parameters to pay special attention to. We hope that this information will help you to choose the best snow blower for your needs at the lowest price.

In contact with

With the onset of real winter, mountains of snow appear on our streets, to the delight of the children. But not everyone enjoys winter snowfalls. Especially concerned about the issue of cleaning the snow owners and private homes. Good old tools like , are relevant, but much more convenient to use modern mechanisms. But which snow blower is better to choose, we will try to tell today.

Types of snowplows by control method

Snow blower, or is it special device, designed for snow removal in certain areas by capturing, crushing and ejecting snow in a specified direction. Moreover, depending on the method of movement, snow blowers are self-propelled and non-self-propelled.

Self-propelled structures

A self-propelled snowplow moves independently, which brings it very close in classification to and. This machine is capable of cleaning snow of any density over a fairly large area, but it is much more expensive than the non-self-propelled option.

Non-self-propelled snow blowers

Non-self-propelled snow clearing machines will have to be moved by the operator in front of him, held by the handle and guided independently. If the cleaning area is flat, without holes, bumps and obvious slopes, this will not cause difficulties. However, in other cases problems may arise.

The engine power of a non-self-propelled snow blower is usually 1.5–5 hp. With. The task of this apparatus is to eliminate snow from where it is not needed, and move it to where it will not interfere with anyone. Non-self-propelled snowplows usually throw snow away from them at a distance of about 5 m, no more.

As a rule, in non-self-propelled models, a rubber or rubber-coated auger is provided, which does not harm the surface to be cleaned and helps to move the machine (in contact with the surface, the rubber elements pull the machine back).

Since non-self-propelled models have to move to the user, they have a mass of up to 35 kg, which allows them to be used by both women and adolescents.

Important! The non-self-propelled option is suitable for a small area, paths and even ice rinks, but on condition that the snow is recently fallen, soft, loose, not yet trampled down.

Which engine is better

All snow blowers for the home consist of the following base nodes:

• wheels or tracks;
• bucket (casing);
• outlet chute;
• snow plow;
• control panel and handles;
• engine.

Advantages and disadvantages of an electric motor

Electric snow blowers- mainly non-self-propelled mechanisms, the operation of which depends on the mains. Distinctive feature such machines - low power (about 2-3 hp) and great compactness.
If you need a device for ordinary needs, then an electric one is the best snow blower for a summer residence. It will do its job well in small areas.

The electric motor has a number virtues, which give it such advantages over a gasoline engine:

1. Ease of operation. It is enough to have access to the network nearby.
2. Dimensions and weight. As a rule, electric snow blowers weigh 20 kg, and the dimensions allow you to store the device in a home pantry.
3. Noise. snowplow on electric motor it works almost silently, so you won't wake up your neighbors if you decide to clear the snow early in the morning.
4. Price. Such cars are much cheaper than their gasoline counterparts, and therefore, people with limited financial resources can purchase this device.

Did you know? C. Blake from Canada became famous for being able to assemble a snowplow from parts of old bicycles.

Pros and cons of a gasoline engine

The advantage of petrol snow blowers is the power of the engine. Manufacturers offer two-stroke and four-stroke drives with a capacity of 5.5 liters. With. As a rule, such machines have a metal body and are equipped with a wheel or caterpillar mechanism, auger-rotor design, which makes it possible to throw snow at a distance of up to 8 m, and a snow bucket.

Gasoline models weigh up to 60 kg, which does not interfere with snow removal on their own - the operator only directs the car.

A serious drawback of gasoline snow blowers is the frequent breakdown of some components (gears, disks, engine elements, belts). Despite this shortcoming, snow blowers with gasoline engines better electrical because:

• it is possible to carry out such snow removal in remote areas (no connection to a power source);
• you can remove dense and trampled snow - the power is sufficient for this.

Tracks or wheels: which is better for a snow blower

Self-propelled snowplows are produced on wheels or caterpillars. At the same time, tracked vehicles more powerful and at the same time more expensive (this is their only minus). The advantages of tracked snowplows can also be attributed to their ability to work on slopes and cope even with heavy work.

Did you know? A tracked snow blower can be replaced with a wheeled one ifadditionally put onon wheels anti-skid chains.

A number of factors influence the choice of track or wheel. First of all, the ability to lock the wheels greatly improves maneuverability, and the operator can easily turn the machine around.

Caterpillars, on the other hand, allow you to work on hills, curbs and easily overcome small obstacles during transportation. In addition, caterpillar snowplows allow you to adjust the balance of the device.

Additional options when choosing a winter helper

You can not choose a snow blower only by the type of engine. Before choosing a snow blower for your home, there are a number of important features to consider.

Working width and chute material

The gutter is plastic and metal. Flaw models with a metal chute - they weigh more and often vibrate during operation. At the same time, in severe frost, such a gutter will not crack or break if snow freezes inside it.

Models with plastic gutters are lighter and cheaper, they do not rattle during operation, but there is a high risk of frost damage. But if snow freezes inside, then such a chute can be pulled out of the apparatus at a fairly high speed (80 km / h).

Important! Before switching on the snow thrower with a plastic chute, it is necessary to check the condition of the device.

Snow grab mechanism

The efficiency and time of snow removal depends on the size of the capture mechanism. The volume of snow capture depends on the size of the bucket.

Working width - the distance in width that the machine can clear in one pass. The larger this parameter, the fewer passes you need to make.

Capture height - the level of snow that the device can process.
Average electric snow blowers equipped buckets 30–55 cm wide and 12–30 cm high. Gasoline snowplows have larger buckets: height - 25–76 cm, width - 55–115 cm.

On the sides of the gripping mechanism there are special plates for dropping the upper part of the snowdrift down (the so-called snow blowers).

Screws can be smooth or toothed in shape. So that the machine does not damage the coating of the site, the screws are supplemented with special rubber pads.

Did you know? The distance of snow mass ejection depends not only on the characteristics of the unit, but also on the direction of the wind. Therefore, sometimes there is a discrepancy between the values ​​specified in the documentation.

Engine power

Although power is not the main characteristic, however, it must be considered before choosing a quality snow blower for your home. Manufacturers recommend next power depending on area:

How to remove snow on a large plot or adjacent territory? How much does the snow blower cost and does it have additional features? What to look for when choosing such a unit for the site? We will talk about this, as well as about the nuances of maintenance, in our article.

Snow removal equipment can be conditionally divided into 3 categories: home (country), amateur and professional tools. As a rule, the division into classes within one manufacturer occurs according to the width of the bucket (bunker).

Home (dacha) class. Capture 40-50 cm

Products in this category are low-power, compact household appliances. In the terminology of professionals, they are referred to as non-self-propelled single-mode snow blowers. These machines require the application of human efforts not only when cornering, but also when moving forward along the area to be cleaned. They have one mode of operation - maximum. A packed snowdrift will be too tough for this technique, but they are quite capable of solving the issue with fresh snow and slush at the proper level.

Micro class. electroshovel

It appeared as a result of the evolution of the vacuum cleaner (with the engine at the bottom of the handle) and its exit from the home walls into the open air. He got rid of everything superfluous in the form of filters and brushes and acquired an auger.

Ideological purpose. Help for lovers country life with moderate income. Save energy on daily useful work. Used when it is impossible to use a standard shovel.

Device. It is a 1000 W electric motor driven by a lightweight polymer bladed auger. The nodes are arranged in a casing, which has two wheels (50 mm) and a handle with a power button, on which the power cord is located. Operated with one hand. The auger is a feed and transfer tool.

Design features. Maximum simplicity, minimum details. Lightweight, easy to carry on public transport luggage. Maintainability is in last place, because the main target audience is the intelligentsia on a well-deserved rest (all repairs are given to workshops).

Principle of operation. The electric motor rotates the auger, which throws the snow along the radius of rotation (“forward”).

Result. Snow is thrown 3-4 meters in the direction of the operator. It is difficult to talk about performance - the tool is only designed for light fresh snow.

Application area. Country house. Cleaning the yard and paths up to 40 cm wide.

Despite the seeming frivolity of the device, it is in stable demand, so it is also produced by eminent companies (Hundai, Huter).

Mini class. Electric snow blower with deflector. Capture 40-50 cm

Appeared as a result of the evolution of the lawn mower.

Ideological purpose. Regular cleaning of the area around the house for residents of areas with regular but not heavy snowfalls. Cleaning verandas, terraces, sidewalks.

Device. It is identical to an electroshovel, but with a more powerful motor (from 2500 W), wheels of a larger diameter (up to 15 cm) and a paired crossbar handle. It has adjustments for the height and inclination of the handle, the angle of ejection and the rotation of the deflector.

Design features. Intuitive ease of assembly and operation. Does not require any skills or knowledge. The auger with plastic pads on the blades gently cleans the sidewalk and ceramic tiles, terraces. It is activated when the wings are pressed against the crossbar of the control handle. Fits comfortably in the trunk of a motorcycle.

Principle of operation. The auger, rotating at high speed, delivers snow mixed with air into the deflector.

Result. Throwing snow 2-8 m in a given direction. Productivity — up to 8 tons/hour.

Application area. Big cottage. Hotel complexes. Open areas covered finishing material. Cleaning of the site up to 500 m 2.

Electric drive options are perfect for those who are not looking for complicated paths and have a stable 220 V. Simple and lightweight helpers will wait in the wings in the pantry or on the mezzanine right in the house, because they have no problems with leakage and smell of fuel and lubricants.

Electric snow blowers:

The table shows that, despite the simplicity of the device and the narrow scope, equipment manufactured by a well-known company sometimes costs quite a lot of money.

Medium class. Single mode gasoline machine

Appeared as a result of the installation of internal combustion engines on electrical appliances described above. Initially, it was supplied with two-stroke power units (from a chainsaw), which did not justify themselves due to low power and weight.

Ideological purpose. Autonomous work of a small volume at a distance from civilization. Regular cleaning of freshly fallen snow when it is impossible (or inconvenient) to connect to the mains.

Principle of operation. Identical to the models described above. Snow is ejected due to the force applied from the auger blade.

Design features. It is a mini-class snow blower with a gasoline engine, which has the proper adjustments and equipment. The auger has a larger blade size (snow capture), belt or chain drive. The blades themselves are replaceable, made of elastic elastic material. All adjustments are manual. Conveniently located in the trunk of a car.

Result. Throwing snow at a distance of up to 10 m in a given direction. Productivity — up to 10 tons/hour.

Application area. Mini class over long distances without electricity. Cleaning area - up to 3000 m 2 per shift.

ICE models are suitable for occasional light remote cleaning (e.g. cleaning long narrow paths) where it is inconvenient to use an electric drive. However, it will require more attention - timely replacement of technical fluids (oil), maintenance, garage storage.

Non-self-propelled single-mode snow blowers with internal combustion engines:

All non-self-propelled models are equipped with single-cylinder OHV gasoline engines, such as those found on domestic motor pumps and generators, mopeds. They also do not have a battery (a tribute to ease and economy), however, an electric starter is most often provided. Since the purpose of the machine is to work in winter, a manual start is laborious, inconvenient and additionally wears out the equipment (manual start is present in without fail). The electric starter is powered by a 220 V network.

Amateur class. Self-propelled vehicles of the middle category. Capture 60 cm

The result of the evolution of the average walk-behind tractor. But, for all the similarity with a walk-behind tractor, this is another, independent piece of equipment. Them, in addition to stationary attachments, have the following characteristics:

1. The clearance of a snow blower is significantly less than that of a walk-behind tractor. This is due to the fact that after the operation of the scraper, relatively Smooth surface, and the machine does not need to overcome potholes during operation.
2. The layout of units and assemblies. The gearboxes that transmit the force to the axle and the power take-off shaft are located literally between the wheels, which makes the whole car look squat.
3. Wheels. The snow blower comes with winter tires only. Replacement of wheels for any axle equipment is not provided.
4. Under no circumstances are swivel bars provided.
5. No hitch.

Semi-professional "individuals" are not only larger and heavier, they have a fundamentally different design, which "grew" out of a person's need for even greater productivity.

Characteristic features of "amateur" snow blowers

1. The main difference from the previous class is the presence of a checkpoint, that is, the “middle peasants” have a wheel drive, they drive themselves, they only need to be directed. The force of deepening into the snow mass is produced by the device itself. There are several driving modes - from 2 speeds forward. Most gearboxes provide reverse.

2. The design of the snow intake device (bunker). Unlike single-mode devices, where one screw does all the work, the “mediums” have a “division of labor” here. The material is ejected through the deflector by the impeller, which rotates at high speed (up to 11,000 rpm). The auger only delivers prepared (cut into pieces) snow mass.

With such a device, the rotation speed of the axis is much lower than that of single-stage models. At the same time, the machine shows a capacity of up to 30 tons / hour.

Interesting fact. The work of the impeller is reduced to creating a difference in air pressure. 80% of loose snow is lifted by the air flow, and only 20% in the form of packed lumps and other inclusions are removed by the blades. Therefore, sometimes this snow blower assembly is called an air pump.

3. Aggressive auger. Notched steel blades are ribbed in the direction of travel. Their helical arrangement relative to the axis of rotation not only cuts dense snow, but also pushes it along the axis to the pump.

The drive of the auger is no longer belt, but gear. The worm gearbox itself, as a rule, is collapsible (maintained), located in the central part of the bunker. The force is transmitted to it from a rod connected to the power take-off shaft.

4. Gasoline internal combustion engine 4T OHV 5 - 7.5 liters. With. With regard to the power unit, this says it all. The differences between specific models come down to the convenience of the engine layout - maintainability, the location of the necks and sensors.

5. The deflector adjustment drive is adjusted by the operator on the job (from the workplace behind the machine) and without turning off the engine. Collars, rods and levers are brought to the crossbar.

6. Wheel treads with a diameter of 15 cm or more have active snow hooks and a characteristic pattern.

7. Separate control of the movement of the machine and the start of the air pump.

8. Some models are made on caterpillar tracks.

Such a device is already more stable in operation (non-self-propelled ones work “jerks” with frequent kickbacks), more accurately and smoothly controlled, and takes less operator effort. The larger size and weight allow you to install additional options that are already characteristic of professional models:

1. Battery and electric starter for autonomous starting.
2. Powerful halogen headlight (sometimes built-in).
3. Heated handles.
4. Full emission control from the operator node.
5. Wheel unlock.

Scope: plots and sites up to 6000 m 2 .

Snow blowers of the middle (amateur) class:

Professional grade. High performance technology. Capture 70-100 cm

Advanced machines with an abundance of adjustments, settings that require certain skills from the operator. Most of the operations are automated or controlled by sensitive drives. Increased resource of all components and parts. They have a strong predisposition to long-term hard work.

What did the “amateur” snow blower get when moving to this class:

1. Engine power 7.5-13 liters. With.
2. Large size and weight.
3. Reliable metal traction instead of cables.
4. The width of the bunker is from 75 cm, the height is from 55 cm. There is a special “knife” installed outside the side wall and designed for cutting high snowdrifts.
5. Wide powerful wheels with blocking (separate brake). Up to 50% of pro models have caterpillar tracks.
6. Landing of the bucket (bunker). Allows you to scrape snow from the surface clean.
7. TOP equipment (the most expensive among the "pros") is equipped with a hydraulic pump (for tilt control) and a hydrostatic transmission.

All of these rather complex elements serve the same purpose - to achieve maximum productivity while maintaining the health and performance of the operator. The TOP segment of the professional class of snow blowers is already pedestrian caterpillar tractors, which have an impressive appearance and productivity up to 90 tons/hour.

Professional snow blowers (70-100 mm):

This technique is used: utilities, ski resorts, remote camp sites. In one work shift, a trained operator will clear several kilometers of road. This is of particular importance for rescue operations and the elimination of natural disasters.

How to recognize a low-quality snow blower model

Special mention should be made of the technique, made in the best traditions of super-fast and ultra-cheap Chinese assembly. These are models that have a professional set of features, technical performance and a price lower by 30-50% from HONDA, Hyundai and MTD.

All those declassed elements light equipment have common features (besides the low price):

1. Suspiciously light weight. This is due to the saving of material (metal) in all units and assemblies.
2. Plastic is widely used. The presence of polymer components in the form of scrapers, screw elements of single-stage machines, handles, toggle switches is the norm for all manufacturers. But a plastic protective cover or gear should alert. The quality of stamping (casting) of plastic is an excellent reference point for small things. A self-respecting company always brings them up, polishing overflows and distortions.
3. Non-separable stamped gearbox (rare). In case of breakage - only a replacement.
4. Thin metal and low-quality painting, which may have a variable relief.
5. Vibration. Pay attention to how the covers, moving and removable parts behave. Usually they hang out in the store. In this case, the vibration of the operator's handle is felt immediately.
6. Oil for the motor or gearbox of the manufacturer of the snow blower comes in the factory kit, and is not a gift from the store.
7. Guarantee. If it is offered at all, the repair conditions may not be feasible. So, for example, scratches in the bottom of the hopper can serve as the basis for refusing warranty service.

With all the "Chinese" problems with technology, it is worth noting that there is a whole segment of the market - the so-called "industrial China". These are high-quality components, assemblies and machines that are not inferior to the market leaders either in reliability or in price. So, for example, most motor vehicles (motor pumps, generators, gas tools, mopeds and motorcycles) are the most different manufacturers all over the world are supplied with cheap and reliable engines manufactured by Chinese corporations Loncin and Zongshen.