Gasoline or electric snow blower. How to choose a snow blower for your dacha, tips and tricks

As they say: “prepare your sleigh in the summer.” This proverb may well apply to snow blowers, especially if you have finally decided to rid yourself of the need to swing a shovel when clearing the area near your house or cottage. Despite the lack of snow outside the window, it is now quite possible to start getting acquainted with the range of these units and comparing their varieties. And understand their diversity technical characteristics and important features of use, we will be helped by professionals from the Garden Mechanisms store, who are well aware of these issues.

Design

Before we start comparing the features and differences between different snow removal machines, should be at least general outline get acquainted with the main elements of the design. These include:

• the engine is the most important part, on which the possibility of further use directly depends;
• auger - a rotating knife in the front bucket, responsible for grinding and throwing out the snow mass;
• gutter - a pipe through which the discharge is made;
• wheels or tracks;
• handle with control elements.

Gasoline snow blowers

Having understood the design and the names of its individual parts, you can begin a more detailed acquaintance with the first of the two existing species snow removal machines.

Screw

Another one important feature– screw material. Unlike the exclusively metal shredders found on gasoline snow blowers, in this case Rubber-coated or even completely rubber augers can be installed. The main advantage of this solution is that it cannot harm the decorative coating of paths and areas. At the same time, the snow will be crushed no worse.

Ease and comfort of use

Even people who are far from garden equipment People. To start working, you just need to connect it to the electrical network and press one button. Gasoline models will have to be started with a manual starter, which is not very convenient or comfortable in the cold.

In addition, the electric motor does not emit exhaust gases and is significantly quieter, which makes using the unit significantly more comfortable.

Price

When it comes to price, electric models are the undisputed leaders - their cost is several times lower than gasoline ones.

Flaws

Speaking of disadvantages, you should always remember the significant difference in prices between gasoline and electric models and the initial focus of the latter on not very complex household work.

Power and capabilities

When compared head-to-head, units with an electric motor lose in power - by best case scenario it will reach 3 hp versus 13 hp. the most powerful petrol models. However, it will be quite enough to clean an area of ​​up to 500 sq.m., that is, for regular work in the yard of your house or dacha.

Power cable

Another disadvantage is the need to take care of the power cable. Firstly, you will need to have access to an outlet, and secondly, make sure that the cable does not get into the auger during operation. Battery-powered electric models do not have this problem. This is very convenient, but in this case there is no need to talk about cheapness and accessibility.

And finally, moving a little away from the advantages and disadvantages, we would like to draw attention to the existence of a whole subspecies of electric snow blowers - electric shovels. They have even more simple design– there is no chute that allows you to adjust the direction and height of the throw, and the snow is thrown directly in the direction of movement. Electric shovels are not very suitable for “serious” work, but for household needs, such as clearing paths or a garage driveway, their performance will be quite sufficient.

Video: GreenWorks W50 electric snow blower in action

Finally

To complete the comparison of gasoline and electric snow blowers, one more thing should be noted: important fact, which determines their use and the relevance of the purchase specifically for you - the possibility of timely cleaning.

The fact is that, due to their low power and design features, electric models are intended exclusively for cleaning freshly fallen snow. If you can clean your yard only occasionally, for example on weekends or, at best, a couple of times a week, then, in fact, your only option will be a gasoline snow blower. But do not forget that the heavy, wet, snowy mass is an impossible task even for her. Well, if you are willing to spend 15-20 minutes quickly cleaning the paths immediately after a snowfall, an electric snow blower will be a very good purchase for you.

Heavy snowfalls are just around the corner and the problem of snow removal from the area will become more pressing than ever. The solution is quite simple - purchase snow blower . You just need to find out what features and characteristics you need to pay attention to when choosing it.

Non-self-propelled or self-propelled snow blower

Self-propelled Snow blowers have some advantages. They are able to clear large areas of fairly dense snow and compacted snowdrifts. They drive themselves; to control it, a minimum of effort applied to the joystick or steering wheel is enough. They can be used in severe frost and windy conditions. A self-propelled snow blower can throw snow to the side over a long distance - up to 15 meters. It may have additional options - heated grips, power steering, headlight for working in the dark.

U non-self-propelled Snow blowers also have their advantages. Thanks to the presence of rubber augers, they easily crush dense snow, and they can be used on paths, since the soft augers do not damage the tiles.

Non-propelled snow blowers are more suitable for small plots. These models are quite lightweight - older people, women and even teenagers can work with it. In addition, thanks to its high maneuverability, snow can be removed from hard-to-reach places. On the other hand, you have to push them in front of you, so they are useless in high snowdrifts and ice crust. In addition, they can throw snow only 5 meters.

Main characteristics

Engines for snow blowers are divided into two types - gasoline and electric.

Electrical – they are powered from the mains, they are cheaper, but in terms of power, and therefore in terms of performance, they are inferior to gasoline engines. Since the snow blower does not have batteries, it requires a connection to the network, and the trailing cord is a big disadvantage during operation.

And here petrol the snow blower is not limited in any way in its movement, however, its price is significantly higher. In addition, expensive servicing will be required.

The engine is the main element

As for engine power, the more Horse power, all the better. But here you need to take into account the cost/power ratio.

If you take a device with an 8 hp engine, you can clean an area of ​​up to 1.5 hectares. Engines with a power of 10 hp. and higher are suitable for large areas of several hectares, and if the snow throw range is needed around 15 meters.

Mechanical or automatic

The average weight of a snow blower is approx. 70 kg . Managing such a “colossus” is not very convenient. So power steering, as well as the option of unlocking the differential, will not hurt. If you need to turn around or turn the snow blower, the left or right wheel is blocked, and the device turns itself almost on the spot - this is very convenient. All expensive models have this feature.

It is convenient to operate the snow blower with CVT . Just pull the handle to the right and the speed gradually begins to increase. If you pull to the left, it decreases. If you go all the way to the left, reverse gear is engaged.

But most cars are equipped with a gear selector similar to mechanical car gearbox. They usually have 4 – 6 forward gears, and 1 – 2 reverse gears. Gears are only changed when the snow blower is stationary. And definitely - consistently.

Snow chute - metal or plastic

A metal gutter weighs more and costs more, and also rattles and vibrates during operation. But in cold weather it does not crack or freeze, since it is plastic. If the snow inside the plastic gutter freezes, it can be torn off by a jet of snow flying out at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

Bucket width

Also pay attention to the width of the snow blower bucket that grabs the snow. The wider it is, the less you will have to “spin” around the area with the unit.

Tracked or wheeled

If the snow blower will have to be turned frequently, it is better to choose a model on wheels , with the possibility of blocking. These models are more maneuverable and fast.

If there are a lot of slides on your site, there are curbs, or you will need to move the car along steps, then it is better to buy crawler option. It is more preferable for working on inclined surfaces as it provides good grip on the surface.

Also pay attention to the center of gravity - the maneuverability and stability of the device depend on its location. The lower it is, the more stable the snow blower is and the less it gets stuck in snowdrifts.

Toothed auger

The augers are made of soft rubberized ones (for non-self-propelled vehicles), which do not injure the surface of the paths, and non-rubberized ones, which are able to crash into compacted snow and even ice. These augers have a pattern and clearly defined teeth for crushing snow.
The snow blower can be equipped with a single auger or an auger/rotor pair. The rotor helps throw the snow coming from the chute over a much greater distance. It is installed only on self-propelled models.

MTD- released under trademarks Bolens, Yard-Man and Cub Cadet. They are popular all over the world due to their low price. Production is located in China and the USA, the price/quality ratio is optimal, there is a spare parts warehouse in Russia.
Craftsman snow blowers are also made at MTD factories in the United States. The quality is high, and so is the price.

Ariens – produced in Canada and the USA, powerful and very reliable devices. The price is at the same level as Husqvarna and even more expensive, but the quality is just as high.

There are also many almost identical Chinese snow blowers on the market, but with a wide variety of names. Purchasing any of them may involve some risk.

Gasoline models of snow blowers differ from their electric counterparts in being more powerful, which allows them to clear large areas covered with snow. For most of them, neither the ice crust nor the compacted lumps will be an obstacle. In addition, they are not “tied” to a specific area, since they do not require electricity, and in this regard they are completely autonomous.

All gasoline snow blowers are divided into 3 classes: self-propelled, trailed and simpler - non-self-propelled. Let's start by choosing the latter, since they are much cheaper and are most often purchased by the owners of private buildings.

Note: all the characteristics listed below are typical, so some samples may have some differences. To simplify the explanations, the article will use certain symbols instead of frequently repeated phrases.

Non-self-propelled snow blowers (NSS)

Essentially, it is a wheeled trolley, which is the basis for housing the engine and additional equipment. By the way, tires can also have treads. The most common models are equipped with low-power units (no more than 5 hp). Therefore, with their help it is good to remove only “fresh” (not yet compacted) snow. And if the cover is already at least partially compacted, then it will not be work, but torture, since most self-propelled units have working parts of the augers covered with rubber, and these “shovels” may not be able to handle the crust.

In addition, such snow removal machines are useless if the height of the snowdrifts is more than 0.4 m. All such models are single-stage, that is, 1 auger both picks up and throws away snow. Therefore, the range does not exceed 5 m. The width of the bucket is up to 60 cm. The total weight of the installation is no more than 40 kg, and its small sizes allow you to place the product for storage in any extension.

Considering that control is carried out using physical force, it is advisable to use such products for cleaning relatively small areas(up to 150 - 200 m2), and with a fairly flat surface. And another feature in operation is that when purchasing a NSU model, you need to take into account that order in the territory will have to be systematically restored, preventing snow from accumulating.

For example, for country house, where the owners come only on weekends, it is risky to take such a snow blower. On the one hand, such a “baby” is convenient for clearing paths in the garden, but on the other hand, where is the guarantee that there will be no heavy rainfall all week and, therefore, large snowdrifts?

Self-propelled snow blowers (SSU)

Such models can be either wheeled or crawler. From the name it is clear that they move independently. The worker’s task is only to use the handles to direct the unit in the desired direction.

They are classified as “light” (up to 55 kg – L), “medium” (up to 80 kg – C) and “heavy” (from 90 kg – T). Consequently, there are significant differences in other parameters. For example, snow blowers weighing 60 kg or more can throw snow 15 m.

It is worth noting that “L” type models, due to their mobility, make it possible to achieve greater productivity in small areas than can be achieved using more “weighty” analogues.

When inspecting any model, you need to pay attention to its design features and assess how suitable they are for future operating conditions.

Starting system

The snow blower engine is started either manually or using an electric starter. The second option is more convenient, since such installations are intended for operation only in winter period. You can start the equipment either from the battery or from an industrial voltage source (socket). As for the battery, its use is accompanied by the need for systematic care, condition monitoring and maintenance.

But charging from the network does not present any difficulties - there is always a carrier in any home. Even if the engine stalls during operation, it will not be difficult to start it again, already hot, manually (lever or starter cable).

engine's type

Two- or four-stroke are installed. In the first case, there is no crankcase, and oil is added directly to the fuel, which is somewhat more troublesome. But this only applies to NSU models, since all SSUs have 4-stroke engines.

Power

The approximate figures for all snow blowers are as follows (in hp): for “L” – up to 5, for “S” – up to 9, for “T” – more than 10.

Management capabilities

The number of gears (forward “B” and reverse “H”) may vary. Lung models usually have two of them – 1 (B) + 1 (H). Medium and heavy ones have several - up to 4-6 (B) and 2 (H).

Augers

They are made from plastic, hard rubber or metal. Such grips in most models are finished with rubber rubber. It is necessary to focus on the specifics of the areas where it is planned to clear snow in the future. First of all, the strength of the coating.

An important point is the additional “services” that are provided in a specific snow blower model. Some people care about them, others are indifferent to them, as they prefer to make do with a minimum of functions.

Therefore, it is advisable to dwell on this issue briefly, since if the buyer is interested in something, it will not be difficult to clarify all the details in more detail from the seller or from the accompanying documentation. Moreover, Manufacturers are constantly improving something, and many even seemingly identical models have slight differences.

Heated handles

This kind of “service” is not for everyone, although it undoubtedly creates additional ease of use. For example, if you wear thick mittens in severe frost, it is unlikely that it will be easy to operate the car.

headlight

On personal plot, near the house, it may not be so necessary, but if it has a complex configuration, is poorly lit, and cleaning is done early in the morning (before work) or late in the evening (after it), then it definitely won’t be superfluous.

Trumpet

Snow is thrown out through it. It can be adjusted either remotely or manually, depending on the model. Metal is more practical, although plastic can last quite a long time.

Wheel lock system

Allows installation on site. This function is relevant for massive snowplows, as it makes them more convenient to operate.

People who are interested in snow removal units can be given the following practical advice:

• if the area is tiled, or a machine is purchased, for example, for cleaning an ice rink (skating rink), then you need to pay attention to the design of the augers. Since such coatings are easily damaged by “rough” mechanical impact, you need to choose the model whose “grips” are finished with rubber rubber;
• The more massive the snow blower, the more dense the crust (snow) it can handle. But the design of the augers and their material have virtually no effect on this, since there is always some gap between the “shovels” and the surface. “Crumbling” of the frozen mass is carried out with a special scraper (metal). Its position relative to the ground can be adjusted (within 6 cm);
• From the point of view of practical expediency, it makes more sense to purchase snow removal equipment closer to winter, and use it to the maximum when the season begins. For what? If some hidden defect appears or a breakdown occurs, then this will fall under the concept of “warranty”. Therefore, all problems will be solved free of charge.

The article is not of an advertising nature, but it is still worth noting that, according to reviews from those who already use snow removal equipment, products under the brands “YardMan”, “CubCadet”, “Husquarna” have proven themselves well. Although they are one of the most expensive, they are completely worth the money spent.

Among the models in the mid-price category are “Stiga” and “MTD”. Most budget options(and simpler ones) - “Prorab”, “Partner”, “Sungarden” and a number of others.

The range of snow removal machines is so large that it is advisable to indicate only the price range - from 4 to 500 thousand rubles.

In conclusion, it should be noted that it is impossible to give a single recommendation. The choice should be based on an individual approach, taking into account all the characteristics of the territory, operation and climate.

It just so happens that we are waiting for spring, dreaming of summer and a holiday at sea, admiring the colors of autumn, but winter always comes suddenly. And with her arrival, snow piles up in the yard and on the driveways. Cleaning “the old fashioned way” with a shovel is a feat worthy of Hercules. And it has to be repeated every day for several months. The usual, “grandfather’s” shovel was replaced by small-scale mechanization. Engineering does not stand still and machines came out to fight the snow. Electric and with a gasoline engine, expensive and budget for every taste and color. Manufacturers offer the most various options. The main thing is not to make a mistake in choosing an assistant.

We have compiled a list of the best snow blowers based on expert assessments and reviews from real customers. Our recommendations will help you make a choice that suits your needs and desires. There are many competitors in the global technology market, but we have selected the best manufacturers and we recommend paying special attention to them:

Budget / Inexpensive

1. Champion
2. Interskol

1. Huter
2. AL-KO
3. Cub Cadet
4. Hyundai
5. PATRIOT

Expensive/Premium class

1. Husqvarna

*Prices are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change without notice.

Snow blowers: Type: petrol

Minimum price:

Main advantages

• Made in Germany. The manufacturer Huter Elektrische Technik GmbH has been a market leader since 1979
• Easy to operate, adjust and maintain
• Does not pollute environment. Electrical engine 2000 W provides sufficient power and reliable operation, as well as silence and no emissions harmful substances, unlike gasoline
• Rubberized augers do not create noise during operation, carefully removing snow and without destroying the surface (tiles, asphalt, lawn)
• Powerful headlight helps with work in the dark
• Sufficiently wide grip and height of the augers allows you to clean the area in one pass

Show all products in the category "Type: electric"

Snow blowers: Drive: wheeled

Drive: wheel / Type: petrol

Main advantages

• The relatively light weight of 50 kg allows you to load and unload the unit during transportation without assistance
• The economical LONCIN engine (6.5 hp) consumes only 1.86 liters. h. With a tank volume of 3.6 l. this provides two hours of continuous operation
• The snow blower body is coated with anti-corrosion paint, which extends the service life of the unit with constant contact with moisture
• Suitable for home and professional use. Cleaned surface area up to 200 square meters. With a bucket width of 60 cm, it effectively removes snow up to half a meter high.
• The ejection direction can be adjusted in the desired direction over a distance of up to 10 m

Drive: wheel / Type: petrol

Main advantages

• The design of the unit uses high-quality polished steel made in Germany
• The powerful engine is unpretentious to fuel quality. The large gas tank volume of 3.5 liters and economical consumption ensure long-term operation without refueling.
• It is started by an autonomous electric starter from a 12V battery. Motor overload protection is provided
• Convenient location of control mechanisms on the handle facilitates the operator’s work
• A large working width of 620 mm with a possible snow height of up to half a meter ensures effective cleaning of a large area in a short time

How to remove snow on a large area or local area? How much does a snow removal device cost and is it available? additional functions? What should you pay attention to when choosing such a unit for your site? We will talk about this, as well as the nuances of service, in our article.

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

Home (country) class. Capture 40-50 cm

Products in this category are low-power, compact Appliances. In professional terminology, they are called non-self-propelled single-mode snow blowers. These machines require human effort not only when turning, but also when moving forward across the area being cleaned. They have one operating mode - maximum. A compacted snowdrift will be too much for this technique, but they are quite capable of solving the problem of fresh snow and slush at the proper level.

Micro class. Electric shovel

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

Ideological purpose. Help for lovers of country life with moderate income. Save energy on your daily basis 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 units are arranged in a casing that 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 feeding and throwing tool.

Design features. Maximum simplicity, minimum details. Lightweight, convenient luggage for transportation on public transport. Maintainability is in last place, since 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 rotational movement (“forward”).

Result. Snow is thrown 3-4 meters in the direction of the operator's movement. It’s difficult to talk about performance - the tool is intended only for light, freshly fallen 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, which is why it is produced by famous 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. Identical to an electric shovel, but with a more powerful motor (from 2500 W), larger diameter wheels (up to 15 cm) and a paired handle-bar. It has adjustments for the height and tilt of the handle, the ejection angle and the rotation of the deflector.

Design features. Intuitive ease of assembly and operation. Does not require any skills or knowledge. An auger with plastic linings on the blades carefully cleans sidewalk and ceramic tiles, terraces. It is activated when the slide is pressed against the crossbar of the control handle. Conveniently fits on the trunk of a motorcycle.

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

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

Application area. Big dacha. Hotel complexes. Open areas covered finishing material. Cleaning an area up to 500 m2.

Options with an electric drive are perfect for those who are not looking for complicated ways 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 do not have problems with leakage and the smell of fuel and lubricants.

Electric snow blowers:

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

Medium class. Single-mode gasoline device

Appeared as a result of installing an internal combustion engine on the electrical appliances described above. Initially, it was equipped with two-stroke power units (from a chainsaw), which did not justify their worth due to low power and weight.

Ideological purpose. Autonomous operation small volume far from civilization. Regular removal of freshly fallen snow when it is impossible (or inconvenient) to connect to the power grid.

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 appropriate adjustments and equipment. The auger has a larger blade size (snow capture) and is driven by a belt or chain. The blades themselves are replaceable, made of elastic elastic material. All adjustments are manual. Conveniently located in the trunk of a car.

Result. Throws snow 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 m2 per shift.

Models with internal combustion engines are suitable for small regular cleaning at a distance (for example, cleaning long narrow paths) when it is inconvenient to use an electric drive. However, it will require more attention - timely replacement of technical fluids (oil), maintenance, and 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 in household motor pumps and generators, and mopeds. They also do not have a battery (a tribute to lightness and economy), but an electric starter is most often provided. Since the purpose of the machine is to work in winter, manual start is labor-intensive, inconvenient and additionally wears out the equipment (manual start is mandatory). The electric starter is powered by a 220 V network.

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

The result of the evolution of the average walk-behind tractor. But, despite all the similarities with a walk-behind tractor, this is a different, independent unit of equipment. Them, in addition to the stationary attachments, the following features are distinguished:

1. The ground clearance of a snow blower is noticeably less than that of a walk-behind tractor. This is due to the fact that after operation of the scraper, a relatively flat surface remains, and the machine does not need to overcome potholes during operation.
2. Layout of components and assemblies. The gearboxes that transmit force to the axle and power take-off shaft are located literally between the wheels, which makes the entire machine look squat.
3. Wheels. The snow blower comes with only winter tires. There is no provision for replacing wheels with any axle equipment.
4. Under no circumstances are swivel bars provided.
5. No towbar.

Semi-professional “individuals” are not only larger and heavier, they have a fundamentally different design, which “grew” out of the human need for even greater productivity.

Characteristic features of “amateur” snow blowers

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

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

With this device, the rotation speed of the axis is significantly lower than that of single-stage models. At the same time, the machine shows productivity 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 rises air flow, and only 20% in the form of caked lumps and other inclusions are removed by the blades. Therefore, this snow blower assembly is sometimes called an air pump.

3. Aggressive auger. The steel blades with serrations are directed with an edge in the direction of travel. Their screw arrangement relative to the axis of rotation not only cuts dense snow, but also pushes it along the axis to the pump.

The auger drive is no longer belt driven, but gear driven. The worm gear itself, usually dismountable (serviceable), is 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 l. With. Regarding the power unit, this says it all. The differences between specific models come down to the convenience of the engine layout - maintainability, location of necks and sensors.

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

6. The treads of wheels with a diameter of 15 cm or more have active snow grips and a characteristic pattern.

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

8. Some models are tracked.

Such a device is already more stable in operation (non-self-propelled ones operate in jerks with frequent rollbacks), is controlled more accurately and smoothly, and takes less effort from the operator. The larger size and weight allow you to install additional options that are already typical for 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's station.
5. Wheel unlocking.

Scope of application: plots and sites with an area of ​​up to 6000 m 2.

Snow blowers of the middle (amateur) class:

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

Advanced machines with an abundance of adjustments and settings, requiring certain skills from the operator. Most operations are automated or controlled by sensitive drives. Increased service life 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 l. With.
2. Big sizes and weight.
3. Reliable metal rods 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 locking (separate brake). Up to 50% of professional models have crawler tracks.
6. Landing of the bucket (hopper). Allows you to scrape snow off the surface cleanly.
7. TOP equipment (the most expensive among the “pros”) is equipped with a hydraulic pump (to control the tilt) and a hydrostatic transmission.

All these rather complex elements serve one 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 crawler 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 disaster relief.

How to recognize a low-quality snow blower model

Particularly worth mentioning is the technology, made in the best traditions of ultra-fast and ultra-cheap Chinese assembly. These are models that have a professional set of functions, technical indicators and a price that is 30-50% lower than that of HONDA, Hyundai and MTD.

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

1. Suspiciously light weight. This is due to the saving of material (metal) in all components 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 plastic protective cover or gear should alert you. The quality of stamping (casting) of plastic is an excellent guide to the details. A self-respecting company always polishes them up, polishing overflows and distortions.
3. Non-separable stamped gearbox (rare). In case of breakdown - only replacement.
4. Thin metal and poor-quality painting, which may have 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 immediately felt.
6. Oil for the motor or gearbox of the snow blower manufacturer is included in the factory kit and is not a gift from the store.
7. Guarantee. If offered at all, the repair conditions may not be feasible. For example, scratches at the bottom of the hopper may serve as grounds for refusal of warranty service.

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