How to choose a reliable snow blower for your home, we select the best snow blower according to parameters

The modern world is full of all kinds of gadgets that make all aspects of human life easier. With the arrival of winter, when every owner of a private house or cottage thinks about cleaning the territory, one of such important and useful devices is a snow blower. With its help, the area will look much tidier, and much less time and effort will be spent on cleaning the paths. Among the variety of these winter devices on the market, it is easy for the buyer to get confused. A review of the models will help you understand the different types of snow blowers and identify the best among them.

Electric snow blower

Electric models of snow blowers are one of the most affordable options that can be purchased on the winter goods market. They are suitable for small areas of complex shape.

The main advantage of such a snow blower is that it does not require any additional maintenance or costs (for example, adding fuel or oil). It is enough to clear it of snow and inspect it once a season to replace worn-out components. All you need is a power outlet to operate.

Operating on electricity makes these models extremely environmentally friendly.

Cleaning snow with an electric snow blower is convenient - it does not make noise during operation, is compact, light and maneuverable and can easily cope with even the most ornate shape of a fence or path.

Another plus is independence from temperature. Plug-in snow blowers can be stored and used in any frost. Neither oil nor other liquids will solidify in them.

However, in addition to the undeniable advantages, this type of snow removal equipment also has disadvantages:

• You need an extension cord and an outdoor outlet. If the area is large, then the length of the wire should be appropriate. The extension cord must be constantly unwound, untangled and rewinded, and you also need to be distracted from cleaning by switching to another outlet on the territory.
• Electric snow blowers are much less powerful than gasoline blowers. It is not so easy for them to cope with large piles of snow, ice crusts and a wide area.
• Manufacturers' recommended use of these devices without interruption is only 30 minutes.

If we are talking about cleaning, especially an infrequent, small area near a house with electricity, you should give preference to electric models.

Where and how to buy

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

• Yandex Market;
• Products @Mail.Ru;
• Price Ru;
• eBay.

Yandex Market site as an example, we will talk about how to choose a snow blower based on 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 “Snow blower” written in large letters, and under it several buttons with the characteristics of snow blowers:

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

This is a primary filter that will help you select the most suitable models as a first approximation . Select the feature that best matches the type of snow blower you need.

For example, “with a powerful engine”, because such machines cope well with:

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

By clicking on the selected button, you will find yourself on a new page where various models of units that best suit 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 in rubles” field, you can specify the upper and lower limits of the cost of a 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 in rubles” field there is a list of popular manufacturers , so you can choose only snow blowers of a certain model. Below you will find a whole list of characteristics of snow blowers, which will allow you to most accurately weed out units that do not suit your requirements.

By setting up the filter and clicking the “Apply” button, you will find yourself on a page where of snow removal equipment match your request

By clicking on any of the models, you will be redirected to the page for 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 are often left empty.

Therefore, we recommend that you do the following:

1. Visit the manufacturer’s official website by typing into a search engine a phrase consisting of the snow blower model and the words “manufacturer’s official website.”
2. Visit 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.

When purchasing complex equipment on these sites, you cannot be sure that you will receive a working snow blower that fully complies with the characteristics stated on the website.

Article 18.1 of the Law “On the Protection of Consumer Rights (CPPR)” allows you to return to the seller a snow blower that does not correspond to the description on the website or does not work correctly, and at the expense of the seller.

But in reality, sellers find various ways to shift delivery onto the shoulders of buyers, which is why the latter have to go to court.

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

Therefore, we recommend purchasing products only from those stores that have offices in your city or region. In this case, you will be able to:

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

This approach will save you from having to costly send a faulty snow blower or one that does not meet your expectations through a transport company.

When choosing a store where you will buy a snow blower, be sure to ask if they sell spare parts for it. If the store only sells snow blowers and does not sell spare parts for them, refuse the purchase.

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

Gasoline snow blower

Gasoline snow blowers are more powerful and are mostly self-propelled.

One of the most important criteria when choosing such a machine is the engine power. The most budget fuel options can be purchased with a power of 3-3.5 hp. They are the smallest in size and quite maneuverable, which means they are also good for clearing freshly fallen snow in a small area. For those who clean large areas every day, you need to choose more powerful snow blowers. Their cost will be correspondingly higher.

For a large area, you should pay attention to models with an increased power reserve of 10 hp.

The second equally important criterion for choosing a gasoline snow blower is the area of ​​the working area that captures snow. The larger it is, the more effective and faster the cleaning will be. Some snow blowers adjust this setting to suit different sizes and shapes of the area.

The third criterion is the volume of the tank. The duration of the model’s operation without interruption depends on it. For example, with a tank of 1.5 liters, a snow blower will be able to remove snow for 60-90 minutes. If you need to run it for a longer period of time, you should look at models with a larger reservoir volume.

Among the advantages of gasoline snow blowers, we should first of all note their high power and the ability to quickly clean large objects.

Among the disadvantages, users note the expensive cost, the need for regular maintenance and additional costs (for correct operation you need to buy gasoline and oil). Compact snow blowers can only handle fresh snow. They can't handle trampled paths or ice.

Large models can cope with any deposits, but they are clumsy and are not suitable for cleaning winding paths.

comparison table

Battery snow blower

Battery-powered snow blowers have only recently appeared on the market. Their obvious advantage is the ability to operate autonomously. This means that no wires will get tangled under your feet, and there is also no need to look for an outlet near the area being cleaned.

Most models are designed for 40-69 minutes of continuous operation. Of course, they are not able to cope with industrial volumes, but for domestic use, a battery-powered snow blower is what you need. In addition, you can buy an additional battery to be sure that the charge is enough to clean the desired area.

There are quite a few advantageous differences between battery-powered snow blowers:

• Easy to control - press one button and the device turns on.
• Low noise level. Users note that such a snow blower can be used even if a baby is sleeping in a stroller nearby.
• Environmentally friendly - no emissions into the atmosphere.
• Ease of maintenance. These snow blowers only need to be cleared of snow and the battery performance checked once a season.
• Ease. Battery-powered devices weigh very little and are convenient for removing snow even in the most inaccessible places.

However, such models also have disadvantages:

• Operating time is limited from charge to charge. The battery usually needs to be charged within several hours.
• Low power makes it possible to use battery-powered snow blowers only at home.
• Storing devices in the cold is undesirable, as in this case the battery may discharge or become unusable.

What to look for when choosing a snow blower

When choosing equipment for your site, it is worth considering:

1. Type of drive. If the area is small, get an inexpensive manual snow blower. Keep in mind that in this case you will have to move it through the snowy area yourself. If you own a medium or large plot, don’t hesitate to choose a self-propelled one. This will save time and effort.
2. Power of the power plant. The speed of cleaning the tracks depends on this characteristic. In the case of wet snow, more power is needed than when cleaning dry or loose snow. The average value for modern technology is 6 horsepower.
3. Working width (cm). This parameter should be based on the width of the paths that you usually clear of snow. It is important to remember that too wide a grip reduces the maneuverability of the equipment and is only suitable for very large areas.
4. Degree of purification. Two-stage snow blowers are stable on uneven surfaces, have excellent performance and are suitable for use in extreme conditions. During operation, this technique scoops up snow, then a bladed rotor throws it far to the side. At the same time, the movement speed does not decrease. This is an advantage over single-stage snow blowers.
5. Engine's type. Gasoline, battery or electric. The first is more versatile and safer to operate; a machine with such an engine does not require an outlet, and has good cross-country ability and operating speed. However, more space will be required to store it, and fuel supplies will have to be replenished regularly. The battery motor is suitable for working in small areas, otherwise the unit will have to be recharged. An electric snow blower is cheaper, more compact and more maneuverable. But electricity costs are significant, and the power cord interferes with cleaning and reduces safety. On wet snow, if you are careless, you can hit it with an auger and get an electric shock.
6. Main auger. Steel or metal with teeth (a feature of gasoline models) is suitable for stale snow and cutting crust. Plastic will only cope with freshly fallen snow.
7. Guide groove. The rotating design will allow you to throw the crushed snow in any desired direction. Stationary - only forward, which is not very convenient.
8. Possibility of reverse gear. This parameter should be taken into account when purchasing heavy, large equipment. Reverse gear allows for better maneuverability, which means it simplifies the work and improves its quality.
9. Method of movement. Wheels or tracks. To clear loose snow on a flat surface, wheels will be enough; they will cost less. For everything else you need tracks.
10. Additional functions. For example, the presence of an electric starter and/or a heated handle will make cleaning more comfortable.

Self-propelled snow blower

The main purpose of self-propelled snow blowers is to cope with large areas and high volumes of snow masses.

Working with it is easy and pleasant, because you don’t need to waste energy pushing the car forward in the snow, it moves on its own. A person can only guide this snow blower. Some self-propelled snow blowers can even set the direction and speed of movement.

In the case of self-propelled models, even the most compacted or icy snow can be cleared. It can be used in deep snowdrifts, since the spare parts are reliably protected from moisture, and the entire device is made as frost-resistant as possible. Large wheels have special treads, thanks to which the car does not slip on icy areas.

Among the disadvantages of such powerful snow blowers, the first one is the high price. However, if it is not difficult to buy the selected model, then the issue of storage and maintenance will certainly arise for many. Leaving a gasoline snow blower, even a large one, outside risks freezing the fuel and thickening the oil, which means it is advisable to find a dry, heated room to avoid problems.

In addition, the complex mechanism of a self-propelled snow blower requires regular maintenance and searching for the necessary components.

Non-self-propelled snow blower

Non-self-propelled snow blowers are cheaper and have a simpler mechanism. They are used more often in domestic conditions to remove small amounts of snow near the house.

These models do not drive themselves; they need to be controlled using physical force. The engines are less powerful to keep the weight of the snow blower light, but such snow blowers are maneuverable and can remove snow debris from hard-to-reach places.

This category contains the largest number of models, so choosing and buying a suitable one for the owner of a house or cottage will not be difficult. There is also a large selection of options in stores in terms of price. The compactness and light weight of these snow blowers make it easy to find a storage place for them.

Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting the low maneuverability of non-self-propelled snow blowers. It is not recommended to bring them into deep snowdrifts; drifts higher than 50 cm can become a difficult obstacle for them.

Experts recommend buying non-self-propelled snow blowers for clearing snow in areas of up to 400-500 square meters. For regular cleaning of a larger area, it is better to choose self-propelled models.

Manual snow blower

A handheld snow blower is one of the most popular devices to help with winter cleaning. It's worth buying for daily cleaning of a walkway, porch, small area in front of the house or a drive-out area.

This device will not take up much space, but will become an indispensable assistant after a snowfall. Manual snow blowers are lightweight and even a teenager can handle them.

In stores you can find manual mechanical, electric and battery models with minimal power.

A manual snow blower will be an excellent option for those who prefer rare trips to the country or have a very small house plot. The affordable price will only please the buyer. Some models have a bonus in the form of a special brush, which in the summer will help get rid of dirt from areas, and in the fall will help collect leaves.

Rotary snow blower

The rotary snow blower has a two-stage operating mechanism. First, the snow is captured and crushed, then the device ejects the snow due to the rotation of the rotor. The rotation speed directly depends on the snow blower engine. Accordingly, the more powerful the model, the further the snow mass will be thrown.

There are several types of rotary snow blowers. They differ in the type of snow capture mechanism:

• screw-rotor;
• milling rotary;
• plow-rotor.

The most powerful and capable of coping with any type of icing and skidding is considered to be a rotary milling machine.

Rotary snow blowers are leaders in power, snow throw range, cross-country ability and mobility. The only drawback of this type of cleaner is the prohibitively high cost, which is not always justified in the case of domestic use.

TOP 10 best models of snow blowers for a private home - rating 2021

Huter SGC 3000

The Huter SGC 3000 non-self-propelled snow blower will be an excellent assistant in clearing snow from your local area. It is equipped with a 4-stroke gasoline engine with an average power of 4 hp and a two-stage system for grinding and throwing snow.

A 3-liter tank allows the model to work for up to 4 hours without a break. Large wheels provide good maneuverability, the dimensions of the bucket (52 by 26 cm) allow you to cover large areas.

The cost of this snow blower is 23,300 rubles.

MTD ME 61

The MTD ME 61 gasoline snow blower is suitable for both clearing large industrial sites and cleaning private yards. This is a self-propelled wheeled model equipped with a 5.3 hp engine that can be started either manually or from the mains. The pace of movement can be chosen optimal for each user thanks to 8 possible speeds of movement of the device.

The advantage of this snow blower is the ability to work in the dark with the help of a bright headlight.

You can purchase MTD ME 61 for 68,000 rubles.

Hyundai S 6561

Hyundai S 6561 is one of the best self-propelled snow blowers. It is equipped with a rigid metal frame and large wheels with increased tread. Gasoline engine with 6.5 hp power. – the company’s latest development in 2021, which allows you to increase the engine life to 2,000 hours.

The large capture area – 50 by 60 cm – makes it possible to process snow debris in a short time.

Pros of the model:

• Possibility of starting at temperatures up to 30 degrees below zero.
• Low noise level.
• Economical fuel consumption, allowing you to stretch the tank volume of 3.5 liters for many hours of work.
• The augers of this snow blower cope with any type of drift.
• The direction of snow ejection can be changed in a convenient direction.

The price of the Hyundai S 6561 snow blower is 48,900 rubles.

Husqvarna ST 224

The ST 224 snow blower from the Swedish manufacturer Husqvarna is one of the best self-propelled models, appreciated by the owners of private houses and cottages. It has a power of 6.3 hp, a gasoline engine and a two-stage snow ejection system.

The increased bucket area (51 by 58 cm) allows you to quickly cover a large area, and 7 speeds make cleaning as comfortable as possible.

The model is protected from icing, starts without problems even in severe frosts, and has a headlight for cleaning in the dark.

You can buy Husqvarna ST 224 in many hardware stores. The price of the model is 105,000 rubles.

Huter SGC 1000e

The Huter SGC 1000e electric snow blower has compact dimensions. The model is equipped with a 1 kW engine, a bucket that can clean any hard-to-reach corners, and a rubber-coated auger that is not afraid of moisture and icing.

The maximum snow throwing range is 6 meters.

The price for this snow blower is 5,820 rubles.

Honda HSS 655 ET

The Honda HSS 655 ET self-propelled track-mounted snow blower can handle even the most uneven terrain. 4-stroke gasoline engine with 6 hp power. launches a two-stage mechanism that copes with the most difficult snow.

A five-liter tank of gasoline is enough for 6 hours of operation due to economical consumption. The dimensions of the device, despite its significant power, are compact, so there will be no problems with transportation and storage.

The price of the model is 144,200 rubles.

Champion ST 656

Champion ST 656 is the best assistant in clearing snow in small areas. The snow blower is equipped with a 5.5 hp gasoline engine, which ensures continuous operation even in severe frosts. The durable auger, with its quick rotations, handles both loose, freshly fallen snow and hard ice crust with equal ease.

The wheels of the snow blower are covered with tires with deep treads to avoid slipping even on the most slippery places. 5-speed gearbox allows you to choose the most comfortable speed. The throwing range of the snow mass is 13 meters, it can be adjusted manually on the control panel.

Additional maneuverability of the Champion ST 656 is provided by the ability to unlock the wheels.

The price of the model is 34,000 rubles.

Patriot 601 The One

Patriot 601 The One - the best quality at an affordable price. This wheeled self-propelled snow blower is suitable for cleaning areas of any size.

Great power of 6.5 hp. goes well with the maneuverability of the model. 7 speeds and a 3-liter tank make clearing snow an enjoyable process.

You can buy Patriot 601 The One in stores for 26,000 rubles.

Snowline 55E

The Snowline 55 E petrol snow blower is lightweight and maneuverable.

The engine is equipped with a convenient electric start, and elastic rubber blades make cleaning as clean as possible.

The model has compact dimensions, and for easy storage, the cutter can be removed and placed vertically.

This snow blower is ideal for clearing freshly fallen snow. Its cost is 29,000 rubles.

Cub Cadet 524 SWE

The Cub Cadet 524 SWE is a self-propelled snow blower designed for collecting fresh and dense snow, as well as for removing ice. It is distinguished by high efficiency and unsurpassed speed of operation, provided by a reliable gasoline engine designed to work in cold weather.

The cross-country ability and maneuverability of the snow blower are ensured by reliable wheels with large tread and the ability to lock the differential.

For additional comfort, the model features heated handles and a headlight.

You can buy this snow blower for 87,870 rubles.

How to choose a snow blower

To make the right choice, you need to clearly understand what tasks the snowplow faces and what it has to do . After all, all units differ in a huge number of parameters . Therefore, it is impossible to say which snow blower is best for a home or cottage, because everyone has their own requirements.

more about the requirements for snow blowers for a summer residence in this article.

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

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

The third one has a walk-behind tractor, so all he needs to do is purchase the appropriate attachment and get a powerful snow blower for a relatively small fee.

By clearing area and snow cover thickness

Choosing a snow blower begins with determining the scope of work - first, decide what you need to clean:

• what area,
• how often.

Small areas of up to 50 square meters can be cleaned even with a small electric or battery-powered snow blower, which will cost you less than 10 thousand rubles.

When the snow is deeper than 15–25 centimeters (this parameter depends on the snow blower model), such a unit will not always be able to cope with it. When the snow cover is more than 30 centimeters , electric snow blowers are ineffective, so a gasoline snow blower is necessary.

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

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

In addition, such devices can be used to clear snowdrifts up to 1 meter .

Gasoline snow blowers will be much more efficient if the area being cleared exceeds 100 square meters , because you won’t have to drag a wire behind them.

The presence of a self-propelled propulsion device (wheel or tracked drive) will make it easier to clean any area, especially if the snow layer is thicker than 15 centimeters.

A non-self-propelled electric snow blower must be manually pushed , causing a pile of snow to accumulate in front of it that it cannot immediately process. Therefore, working with such a unit requires considerable physical strength .

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

There are situations when the opportunity to clear snow appears only on weekends .

During this time, a lot of snow accumulates, it has time to compact , and when the temperature frequently passes through zero degrees, the snow becomes:

• heavy,
• loose,
• ice-covered mass.

In such a situation, it is necessary to choose the most powerful and productive 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 throw height.

By snow type

Most inexpensive snow blowers are designed for removing soft, freshly fallen snow, because the plastic auger is not designed for heavy loads. Because of this, wet or compacted snow, not to mention the ice underneath it, damages the auger, bringing the need for its replacement closer.

a rubber-coated metal auger in devices designed for removing compacted or wet snow , as well as combating ice .

Units with a plastic rubber-coated auger can be used to remove compacted or wet snow only if this is written on the packaging and in the operating instructions.

When searching on the Internet for a suitable snow blower model, it is not always possible to determine the type of auger . 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 will find out exactly what type of auger is installed on the unit.

To remove wet, compacted or ice-crusted snow, even if you have to do this much less frequently than freshly fallen snow, you must choose a gasoline self-propelled snow blower with an engine power of 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.

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

The optimal power for such snow can be considered 7 hp. With. – such devices are not too expensive and heavy for a home snow blower, but they still provide good performance.

By grip size

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

We do not recommend purchasing non-self-propelled units with a bucket area (width times height) greater than 0.15 m² if there is a possibility that the snow blower will be used by teenagers or women. For frequent cleaning of wet or compacted snow, do not choose a model with a bucket area exceeding 0.1 m² .

Another situation where working width is very important is cleaning:

• narrow paths,
• sidewalks.

If the working is greater than the width of the path , then the snow blower will not be able to clear it well, because it will not drive along the path, but along the curb . If the width of the bucket is less than the width of the track, then it will have to be cleaned in 2 passes .

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

By the number of stages of snow removal

Conventional auger snow blowers, even with a power of 3–5 hp, that is, 2.2–3.7 kW, cannot throw snow further than 3–5 meters . Moreover, electric devices with a power of less than 2 kW hardly throw away wet and compacted snow even 1-2 meters. This is sufficient if you can choose the throwing direction, and you have to clean a long and narrow space.

If the device does not provide a choice of direction for throwing snow, then it will be thrown forward , so you will have to constantly throw not only new, but also previously discarded snow.

Low-power electroshovels operate on this principle and are used to clean very small areas.

Units with a single-stage (screw) cleaning system and a choice of direction for throwing snow are only suitable for cleaning areas whose width exceeds the throwing range by no more than 1.5–2 times.

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

Two-stage, that is, screw-rotor machines have much greater versatility with the same power. After all, the auger in them rotates more slowly, because its task is only to feed the 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, can easily throw snow 8 meters or more. Therefore, such units are in operation more

• universal,
• comfortable.

According to the direction and distance of snow throw

Snow blowers can be divided into three categories according to this parameter :

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

In addition, devices with adjustable direction and range of snow ejection are divided into two types:

• those that need to be stopped to change one of the parameters:
• those on which the parameters are changed during operation.

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

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

• horizontal rotation angle ;
• vertical rotation angle .

The horizontal rotation knob changes the direction of the snow throw, and the vertical angle knob changes distance . This allows you to adjust the direction and distance of snow throw to suit local conditions without turning off the snow blower motor.

Otherwise to :

• turn off the engine;
• using a special wrench, loosen the fastening of the gutter and spout;
• turn the chute in the desired direction;
• using the spout, set the required throw distance ;
• tighten the fastening;
• turn on the engine and check the range and direction of the snow throw.

When choosing a snow blower with a rotating chute, you should understand that when the chute is turned at an angle of 70-110 degrees , the efficiency of the cleaning system is reduced by about half.

Therefore, if there is a possibility that you will have to remove wet or compacted snow, then the motor power should not be less than 7 hp. 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 devices fully suit your conditions, you have to choose among them based on autonomy, that is, the ability to work without connecting to external energy sources .

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

If you are going to spend no more than half an hour clearing snow, then the best choice is a battery model. It is a little more expensive than an electric one, but it is not limited:

• wire length,
• cable cross-section,
• danger of damage.

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

Another stand-alone option is to purchase an attachment that can be used in conjunction with

• walk-behind tractor or
• mini tractor.

Such a snow thrower will cost much less than its self-propelled counterpart and will work just as well . Read more about attachments in the article (Attachments for equipment). For information on how to choose the right attachments, read the article (how to choose attachments).

By additional functions

Additional functions include everything that does not affect the snow removal process, but makes it easier to one degree or another:

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

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

The folding handle reduces the size of the 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 the 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 a rotary one, then such a small-sized model will be optimal for the home when the allocated space for a full-size snow blower is not enough. The only downside can be the higher price of such a snow blower.

Installing an electric starter increases the weight and cost of the snow blower, but the engine starts without tiresome jerking 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.

A headlight will be very useful if you are at work early in the morning and arrive home only after dark, so you cannot clear snow during daylight hours.

Heated handles are useful if it’s cold outside, because it’s much more pleasant to hold warm handles than cold ones.

Some snow blowers can be equipped with a brush .

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

Whether you need these functions in a snow blower - decide for yourself.

By brand and reliability

In the 21st century, a popular brand that occupies a top position in the world market is no longer a guarantee of the reliability of snow removal equipment. Often units are under such world-famous brands as:

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

turn out to be much worse than Chinese or Russian ones.

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

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 if it has to remove inappropriate snow, then the unit will not last long.

In contrast, Russian units from companies:

• Caliber;
• Interskol;
• Energoprom;
• Champion

will last much longer if used and maintained correctly.

You can evaluate the reliability of certain models using reviews posted on the Internet.

The problem is that most reviews published in online stores are paid, and therefore 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 of the operation of these devices;
• give recommendations on choosing snow blowers;
• describe the features of their maintenance and repair.

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

• Forumhouse
• City of masters;
• Drome.

After reading the forums, you can make a rating for yourself of the best snow blowers . You can also read reviews from those who use different models and have the opportunity to compare snow blowers and share your opinion. It is equally important to focus on the availability of spare parts, because over time even the most reliable device will break down.

If there is no specialized workshop near you that has access to original spare parts, then it is better to refuse to purchase a complex and expensive unit.

By complexity of service

When choosing snow removal equipment, you must understand that any unit requires periodic maintenance and repair. The most unpretentious in this regard are electrical wired devices. After all, their service comes down to:

• checking the condition of the auger (before and after the end of winter);
• replacing the auger (if necessary);
• changing the oil in the gearbox (individually, depends on the model).

Battery devices are somewhat more difficult to maintain . In them, in addition to the operations described above, it is necessary to check the condition of the contacts of the charger and batteries.

routine maintenance on gasoline snow blowers

• adjust valves (after 3–5 thousand hours of operation);
• measure compression (due to deterioration of performance or after 6–10 thousand hours of operation);
• change the 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 plugs (after 400–800 hours of operation).

An experienced car enthusiast will be able to independently perform all the work described, 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 a specialized workshop , then it will have to be delivered there for maintenance.

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

By weight

For self-propelled units, a large mass is not a disadvantage , because they do not have to be pushed or dragged. It is enough to engage forward or reverse gear, and the snow blower will move independently, obeying the operator’s commands. The situation is different with non-self-propelled devices.

The heavier the unit, the more difficult it is to deliver it to the snow removal site and return it after the work is completed.

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

• good performance,
• small weight .

Therefore, you need to decide in advance what is more important :

• convenience , which gives light weight,
• or high power giving greater productivity .

If the unit needs to be transported by car to another place, then the excess weight becomes a serious disadvantage . This 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 a workshop, so it will have to be transported there. You will have to manually load the snowblower 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 machine with a crane, then the weight of the unit loses its significance. But for most of those who plan to remove snow using snow blowers, their weight is one of the decisive parameters .

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

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

But to comfortably and safely load a gasoline snow blower weighing over 40 kilograms, two adult men will be required.

A car with a crane can change this situation , but not everyone has such a car, and renting such equipment is usually not a cheap pleasure.

By price

Cost is one of the important factors for most people. Therefore, some try to purchase the most suitable unit for them at the lowest price , sacrificing some minor characteristics, while others are ready to buy even robotic snow blowers for hundreds of thousands of rubles.

If you clearly understand 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 the optimal price-quality ratio .

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

Do you have to remove freshly fallen snow in small quantities, but you don’t want to do it with a regular shovel? An excellent solution would be to buy a mechanical shovel with an auger. If you need to quickly deal with a huge amount of snow, read about snow melting equipment here. They don't clear the snow from the roads? Find out where to complain about the chaos https://rcycle.net/sneg-i-led/kuda-pozhalovatsya-na-uborku-snega-i-kto-za-eto-otvechaet.