Gasoline snow blowers: types, device, advantages and disadvantages

What is a cordless snow blower

An electric snow blower is a self-propelled or non-self-propelled small-sized special equipment for clearing large areas from snow. Due to its portability and ease of control, the tool can be used by a person of any size. Large augers assist in the continuous clearing of snow debris, paving the way for machinery. Snow trapped inside the electric snow blower is thrown to the side through a nozzle located on the upper part of the body.

Electric snow blower device

Device and principle of operation

Different types of home snow blowers have a similar design. The tool is based on the following modules:

1. Chassis. This part of the snow removal equipment consists of the lower part of the bucket and the rear wheels. The latter are available in different sizes depending on the model of the tool, its weight, engine power.
2. Motor. The torque from the engine is transmitted through the gearbox to the cleaning system. The range of discharge of the cleaned snow and the speed of cleaning depend on the power of the motor. Low-power special snow removal equipment (up to 2.5 kW) can only cope with precipitation that has recently fallen at low temperatures.
3. Reducer. The task of the module is to convert low torque and high engine speed and transfer them to the auger cleaning system. Gearbox parts are made of alloys resistant to mechanical abrasion and corrosion (brass, bronze). To avoid damage to the transmission and increase its service life, the gears should be lubricated regularly.
4. Cleaning system. It is subdivided into auger and auger. The latter prevails due to greater reliability and performance. The low-speed augers feed the snow onto a rapidly rotating rotor, which ejects it through a special chute.
5. Snow receiver. He's a bucket. Serves for collecting snow and is made of hard plastic or stainless steel. The material should easily withstand collisions with any objects that are under the snowdrifts.
6. Frame. Protects the internal modules of the snow blower from damage caused by moisture, debris, ice, etc. Sometimes equipped with LED headlights to help work at dusk, at night or in low visibility conditions.
7. Chute. Directs the snow collected by the augers and accelerated by the rotors in the right direction. The chute can be turned manually or by means of an electric control panel.
8. Snow blower battery and charger. The lithium-ion battery powers the electric motor, remote control and headlights (if any). The total energy of a battery rarely exceeds 200 watts. Typical battery voltages and amperage are 80 V and 2 amps or 40 V and 4 amps. The obvious disadvantages of the battery include the short operating time of the special equipment (up to 45-50 minutes), the large weight (2-5 kg) and the high cost of the module (from 7,000 rubles).
9. Control Panel. An electrical module from which you can control all the functions of equipment: turning on / off the motor, headlights, direction of the chute.

Harvester device

Benefits of a stand-alone snow thrower

The battery-powered snow blower stands out for a number of parameters and additional functions that make it a convenient and effective technique for home and summer cottages. The autonomous yard snow machine has the following advantages:

1. Mobility.The snow removal equipment is easy to operate by manually moving it to the places where the drifts need to be cleared. The mass of equipment rarely exceeds 15–20 kg - this makes it easier to move it to the storage location and maintain it.
2. Ease of maintenance. The simplest models contain only three important modules: engine, battery, screw-rotor mechanism. They are easily replaced with new ones, and minor faults can be rectified by yourself. Other minor damage (housing, hopper, snow thrower nozzle) can be ignored if used correctly - they do not affect the efficiency of the snow blower.
3. Ease of operation. Anyone can work with snow removal equipment, regardless of the degree of training or technical literacy. The outdoor mobile tool has a minimum number of functions and intuitive operation.

Snow blower

Features of snow removal in the city

Despite approximately the same amount of snowfall, winter road maintenance in the city differs from the maintenance of country roads. High, uneven hourly intensity of urban traffic, a non-uniform flow dictate increased requirements for the organization of this type of work. The technology of cleaning on country roads allows you to throw snow onto roadsides or slopes. In cities, this technology can be used mainly on circuit roads, and even then only on sections with a suitable cross-section.

A significant difference from out-of-town highways is also associated with the limited width of streets and the presence of so-called "red lines" - conditional boundaries in which the street lies, most often these are the walls of buildings. The high population density in the city also affects, which requires timely cleaning of pedestrian zones and public transport stops. It is not possible to store or throw snow outside the roadway due to the presence there of lawns, sidewalks, bike paths and similar structural elements of the streets.

The technology of winter maintenance of urban roads provides for a significantly higher consumption of chemical deicing materials in comparison with suburban areas. In the city, the fallout of even a small amount of snow requires mandatory prevention of its compaction through the use of reagents. In suburban conditions, snow is removed mainly reagent-free or with a minimum amount.

Thus, snow removal of city roads is based on the technological sequence of the use of mechanization means using chemical reagents, which, falling into the snow, form solutions. The solutions are distributed in the snow mass over the surface of the snow crystals and create a film that contributes to an increase in the mobility and movement of these crystals under the influence of external forces. Such a mixture of reagent and snow, being in a free-flowing state, for a long time does not compact under the action of the wheels of vehicles, does not freeze, easily moves apart, provides contact between the wheel and the coating and remains mobile, which ensures the efficient operation of snowblowers for several hours.

Work on the winter maintenance of the road network in the city is carried out on large areas, under various weather and climatic conditions, is very laborious and must be carried out within the specified time frame, and in some cases - in an emergency. These features determine and determine the complexity of the organization of work with the need for a wide and targeted use of mechanization means, consistent performance of technological operations while observing time parameters.

In order to speed up the treatment with reagents and remove the snow mass from the surface of the pavement, high-performance road equipment is used with the appropriate characteristics in terms of the power of the base machines, the width of the working area, the maximum speed of movement, while ensuring the proper quality of cleaning the road surface. As a rule, all models of modern road equipment for winter road maintenance are equipped with both solid and liquid deicing agents and plow and brush equipment.

Manual snow blower: scope of the device

A manual snow blower is a device designed to save you the trouble of clearing a snow-covered house with a shovel. In general, in order to get rid of the snow that has fallen, and provide yourself with free passage to any point, there are only three ways: to scatter the snow with a shovel, use a snow blower, or equip a snow melting system.

Manual snow blower at work

By far the least expensive option is a shovel. But one cannot but agree that this method takes a lot of time and effort. Moreover, new snow falls constantly in winter, and you can get an unpleasant surprise in the form of snowdrifts any morning. A more convenient, but at the same time, and difficult to install method is a snow melting system. But it is worth noting that many consider this option too expensive and unjustified.

That is why the manual snow blower has firmly taken its position among the methods of clearing snow, and is widely used in everyday life. Its performance allows you to easily clear snow from an exit road or a small yard, the area of ​​which does not exceed 400 square meters. m. But how quickly you can clear a particular area directly depends on the weather conditions, as well as the technical characteristics of a particular device model.

In the process of clearing snow, the size of the bucket plays an important role. After all, it is this parameter that determines how high a snowdrift you can remove. Sometimes there is additionally a height adjustment using additional legs. This significantly expands the capabilities of the snow blower.

A manual snow blower is an excellent solution for those who travel to the country in the winter or live in a country house. Unlike a full-fledged snowplow, this option is much more compact. Easier to store and easier to care for

Consider how to choose the most suitable model for yourself, what characteristics you should pay attention to and how these devices are arranged

Modern snow removal equipment is equipped with headlights for night work

Interesting: The rating of screwdrivers is an assistant in choosing the right model

How to DIY a mechanical manual snow blower

Comparing the cost of ready-made snowblowers of different types, one can make an unambiguous conclusion about the rather high cost of copies with reliable technical characteristics and parameters.

DIY snow blower

For the bulk of Russians, who are accustomed to working with their hands and do not have extra funds, the purchase of such a wonderful assistant remains a pipe dream. But there is a special category of people who do not expect favors from above.

Home-grown "Kulibins" can make all kinds of devices to facilitate labor from what is available - parts from broken household appliances, given away by friends as unnecessary or simply purchased cheaply at metal collection points.

And for them, making a mechanical home snow blower with their own hands will not be difficult.

The design of this machine is simple, so every good owner who knows how to work with his hands and head can make it. As a guide, you can use the description of the process of making a home-made auger snow blower on a gasoline engine.

Wheels can be purchased at hardware stores or hardware stores, and materials at hand can be adapted for runners.

As an option - wooden blocks of the desired shape, hemmed from below with a large-diameter irrigation hose cut along the length, simply with strips of thin tin or plastic - whoever has what.

A gasoline engine with a capacity of 5-6 kW and a speed of up to 1500 per minute will be installed on the frame. A great option is a motor from a walk-behind tractor. The drive of the working mechanism will be carried out through a gearbox using a chain drive and sprockets from a bicycle.

Screw

The main operating mechanism - the auger - is mounted on a metal pipe that rotates on closed bearings and is installed in the side walls of the snow intake box-bucket.

To make the auger, you will need to make blades - there are 4 of them. cut from a conveyor belt or metal in the form of rings with a diameter slightly less than the height and depth of the box - it should rotate freely without touching the walls, but also not be too far from them. In our case, it is 28 cm.

In the central part of the auger, a special plate is welded to the pipe, which plays the role of a blade that throws snow into the pipe.

The blades are attached with one end to the edge of the central blade (there are four of them - one piece for each corner), and the other - directly to the shaft or an intermediate reinforcing metal plate extending from it.

In relation to each other, the rings cut for the blades are installed in opposite directions, as if forming cross spirals. For a better representation of the described process, you can watch the video.

The available material for the manufacture of the box will be sheet metal with a thickness of at least 2 mm. (You can also cut the auger blades from it). The shaft is inserted into the bore holes in the side walls of the box and is connected to a sprocket through which it is set in motion.

Sheet metal box

In the center of the upper part of the box, a hole of a sufficiently large diameter (15-18 cm) is cut into which a pipe for ejecting snow is mounted.

It remains to weld the control knobs, which can be made from a bent metal pipe or corners, cleaned from welding marks, painted with a can of resistant metal paint. Your snow blower is ready to go!

If you calculate the financial cost of such creativity, you will be surprised how much you managed to save!

There are many artisans in Russia. Each of them tries to do something in his own way, in the way that seems more profitable to him. Sometimes this is due to the actual availability of consumables, when the forced replacement for another material other than the original one leads to unexpected decisions and findings.

You can take this description as a basis to make your own exclusive snow blower, or you can simply choose the factory version - a comparative review of several models will help you navigate and make the right choice.

You may also find it useful to read about making a do-it-yourself auger snow blower.

Features of storage and operation of a manual snow blower

Like any other equipment, snowblowers, regardless of the nature of their origin (home-made or purchased), require careful handling and adherence to operating rules. Indeed, only under this condition can you expect that the device will serve you long enough and without breakdowns. Let's consider what conditions the device needs to provide at different times of the year.

Hyundai S 5555 snowblower engine

Caring for the snow blower during the period of active use

Before proceeding with the first snow removal this season, be sure to conduct a routine inspection of the equipment. Check the reliability of all fasteners, the condition of the belts, make sure there are no defects or damage. If necessary, check the presence of oil in the engine, as well as the condition of the spark plugs

Take special care to ensure that there are no foreign objects in the moving parts of the appliance.

After you are convinced that the snow blower is working properly, you can start it. However, there are some subtleties here as well. Don't rush and get to work immediately. Allow the engine to idle for a few minutes. Thus, the oil will be able to warm up, which will ensure a smoother and safer operation of all elements.

After the cleaning is over, do not rush to turn off the engine immediately. Leave the appliance running for a few minutes so that any snow that might remain inside the appliance also melts.

The auger is inserted into the holes made in the ends of the bucket

Caring for the snow blower during storage

Storage conditions are the second most important factor in determining the lifespan of a snow blower. And so that with the onset of next winter you do not have to face an unpleasant surprise, in the form of a snowplow breakdown, you must follow a number of the following rules:

in order to avoid corrosive processes, the snow blower must be thoroughly cleaned before storage;
conduct a routine inspection of all fasteners, moving parts

Pay particular attention to the degree of wear on the belts. If they require replacement, it is better to do it right away, not postponing until the moment you need a working snow blower;

It is advisable to use a special cover for storing the snow blower.

• for better preservation of metal parts and prevention of rust, it is recommended to lubricate with a special preservative oil. After all, even if you store the snow blower indoors, air humidity can also have a certain effect when it comes to a long period of time;
• and, of course, do not forget about draining gasoline when it comes to a model with a gasoline tank.

Here are some more simple tips to help you store your snow blower properly:

The room where the snow blower is stored must be provided with high-quality ventilation, or regularly ventilated.
Always use a dedicated storage case to prevent dust and dirt from settling on the device.
Keep the snow blower away from sources of fire and heat. In general, try to keep it as stable as possible.
Long-term storage of the snow blower outdoors leads to a significant reduction in the period of its operation.

Storing your snow blower properly will extend its life

Regardless of what kind of snow blower you decide to buy: mechanical, electric, or just use a homemade manual model, this issue needs to be paid attention to. After all, if you responsibly approach the choice, as well as the creation of storage conditions, then the newly fallen snow will bring you only joy.

The best crawler models

The advantages of crawler-mounted snow blowers are good grip and high cross-country ability without slipping. Rating of the best models:

Huter SGC 8100C

Huter SGC 8100C

German self-propelled snow blower. Four-stroke gasoline engine, power - 11 liters. with. The capacity of the fuel tank is 6.5 liters. Starts with an electric starter. The type of movement is caterpillars. The cleaning system is two-stage. Capture width - 70 cm, height - 54 cm. The auger is metal, toothed. The material of the discharge chute and impeller is metal. Number of gears: 6 forward, 2 reverse. Machine weight: 104 kg.

Main advantages

• there is a headlight;
• the differential lock is disabled;
• powerful;
• good cross-country ability;
• high performance.

Minuses

• expensive;
• heavy.

Daewoo Power Products DAST 1590

Daewoo Power Products DAST 1590

Korean tracked snow blower. Gasoline engine, 4-stroke, power - 15 hp. with., volume - 420 cm3.Starts with an electric starter. Fuel tank capacity - 6 liters. The cleaning system is two-stage. Capture width - 88 cm, height - 54 cm. Ejection range - 1–16 m. Metal auger, embossed. The gutter material is metal, its adjustment is mechanical, from the control panel. Number of speeds: 6 forward, 2 reverse. Machine weight: 142 kg.

Main pluses:

• heated handles;
• headlight;
• powerful;
• switchable differential lock.

Minuses:

• very expensive;
• heavy;
• the gearbox often breaks down.

PATRIOT PRO 1150 ED

Snow cleaner PATRIOT PRO 1150 ED

American track-driven snow plow harvester. 4-stroke petrol engine, power - 11 hp. with. Starts with an electric starter. The cleaning stage is two-stage. Capture width - 70 cm, height - 55 cm. Ejection range - 15 m. Metal, toothed auger. The material of the discharge chute and impeller is metal. Number of gears: 6 forward, 2 reverse. Machine weight: 137 kg.

Main pluses:

• the differential lock is disabled;
• heated handles;
• powerful;
• headlight.

Minuses:

• expensive;
• low quality;
• slow reverse.

ELITECH SM 12EG

ELITECH SM 12EG

Self-propelled crawler-driven snowblower. Manufacturer - China. The birthplace of the brand is Russia. Gasoline engine, 4-stroke, engine manufacturer - Loncin, volume - 375 cm3. Start - electric starter. The capacity of the fuel tank is 5.5 liters. The cleaning system is two-stage. Number of speeds: 6 forward, 2 reverse. Capture width - 71 cm, height - 54.5 cm. Ejection range - 15 m. Metal auger, toothed. Transmission - friction disc. Machine weight: 120 kg.

Main pluses:

• headlight;
• heated handles;
• warms up quickly;
• economical consumption;
• the differential lock is disabled;

Minuses:

Expensive.

What is a snow blower and where is it used?

Snowblowers are considered a versatile technique that can be used to clear large areas of snow. The main purpose of such devices is to facilitate labor for a person and save time. The field of application of snow removal equipment has a wide range.

The main places of application include highways, areas near shops and cafes, private areas, cottage settlements, summer cottages, etc. The places most requiring cleaning are highways.

Types of snow plows

Nowadays, there are many different types of cleaning mechanisms. The choice should be based on the economic component (the amount of investment) and the technical characteristics of the unit. Do not forget about the size of the area that will need to be cleaned.

The snow plow tractor is presented on the market in several types that are in demand:

1. Utility tractor for cleaning snow. These tractors are most often found on our city roads during snowfall. They are irreplaceable in the work of public utilities during heavy snowfalls.
2. Mini tractor for cleaning snow. With its small size, such a device has high power and copes with large volumes of snow. Companies that have a considerable territory most often use a mini-tractor to remove snow.
3. Mixed tractors. With the help of such tractors, you can sweep and remove snow debris without replacing attachments, which saves the owner.
4. Snowblowers. The function of such machines is not only to remove snow from the ground, but also to sweep fresh snow that has not yet packed.

Snowblower ShRS (FRS-200M)

Snow tractors help to load and carry out the removal of snow outside the area where the cleaning took place. The big advantage of this technique is the ability to de-icy roads and sidewalks.

Attachments for snow blowers

In case of heavy snowfalls, the standard equipment is not always enough to effectively cope with cleaning, especially on the roadway.It is necessary not only to shovel the snow into a pile, but also to get rid of the ice. In this case, hinged nozzles are used.

List of attachments:

1. Blade snow blower brush. This set is popular. The snow plow is placed in front of the tractor and serves to collect it, and the brush is behind. She removes what is left of the snow cover. Both of these parts are removable and replaceable parts. It is better to choose hydraulic blades, they remove snow at a certain angle. In winter, a mechanical brush is used, it rotates in only one direction. Its cost is cheaper than hydraulic, but its efficiency is not less than hydraulic.
2. A bucket is installed instead of a blade. The bucket not only performs the function of cleaning, but also loading the removed snow for removal to storage areas.
3. A mounted snow blower is used for a tractor, which throws snow to the side. It is located either in front or behind the tractor. The most common is a rotary snow blower for a mini tractor. To crush the piled snow layer, you can purchase a rotary auger snow blower. If the snow blower is installed at the rear of the tractor, the blade is mounted at the front. A brush is installed behind the tractor. Cleaning with this brush will be cleaner.
4. It is preferable to use a grader knife with the blade. When paired, they do an excellent job with freshly fallen snow. The thickness of the layer does not matter for such a pair, on the contrary, the thicker the layer, the cleaner the cleaning.

Snowblower SU 2.1 OPM

More recently, it became possible to purchase all these attachments for mini tractors. Thus, snow clearing with a tractor or mini tractor becomes more productive.