How to choose a good snow blower
A snow blower over a large area can be replaced with a walk-behind tractor with attachments suitable for the occasion. However, if the area is small, then it is more advisable to use a snow blower. The principle of operation of the snow blower is quite simple: an auger rotating inside rakes in snow, which is then pushed out by the air flow created by the impeller through the ejector to a distance of up to 15 meters.
- engine type: units can be gasoline and electric. Gasoline snow blowers are characterized by more power, higher productivity, and independence from the power source. However, electrical units are cheaper and less noisy during operation;
- self-propelled: self-propelled models are an order of magnitude more expensive than those that are set in motion by human muscular strength, but with a large amount of work, they can save a lot of effort;
- motor power: this parameter should be appropriate for the working width and operating conditions. Wet, heavy snow requires a more powerful engine than dry and loose snow. On standard models, motors with a power of 5.5 hp or more are installed. up to 6.5 hp If the unit has a wide grip (from 70 cm), then, most likely, the engine power will be from 7 hp. up to 11 hp;
- cleaning system: the width of the working area will depend on the planned work: for paths it is better to take a maneuverable model with a grip of up to 50 cm, a larger range of 50-70 cm is ideal for a personal plot. Large grip technique designed for cleaning squares and stadiums;
- adjustment of the position of the snow discharge chute can be manual (in some models - with a lever from the operator panel) or electric (by a button from the operator panel);
- the range of snow throwing in many models is adjusted directly from the operator panel. In different models, it varies from 10 to 20 meters.
The most popular are snow blowers from such well-known manufacturers as Hyundai, Interskol, Champion, Husqvarna, etc. The choice of a snow blower depends on the characteristics of the area to be cleaned. For small areas, more compact electrical mechanisms or hand-operated devices are usually chosen. More powerful snow blowers are chosen for areas of more than 100 square meters. For cleaning curly areas, maneuverable units are better suited.
Operating instructions
The instructions contain the following structured information:
- Snow blower device, model detailing, step-by-step assembly of the unit.
- Technical data of the purchased model.
- Safety measures during work and maintenance.
- Equipment.
- Preparing for the first launch.
- Running in.
- Snowblower maintenance.
- Trouble-shooting.
Let's take a quick look at some of the sections:
Set
- snow blower "Honda";
- instruction;
- a set of tools;
- device for cleaning the gutter;
- Battery (for hybrid models);
- a set of spare fasteners.
Preparation for work
Commissioning of Honda snow blowers is as follows:
- assemble a snowblower;
- refuel the gas tank;
- fill the engine crankcase with the appropriate oil (recommended oil "Premium" SAE 5W "30);
- screw in the spark plug;
- connect the high-voltage wire;
- check the reliability of the fasteners;
- check battery charging (in models with headlights and electric motors);
- start the snow blower following the instructions in the instructions;
- check the performance of all components and mechanisms, brakes, etc.
Snow blower HONDA HSS 970 ETS
Honda Snow Blower Maintenance
- Oil and fuel level control.
- Cleaning and drying the snow blower after each use.
- Checking fasteners.
- Carburetor adjustment (idle).
- Debugging systems.
- Timely replacement of used engine oil.
- Spark plug service.
- Checking and adjusting the drive cable.
- Battery charging.
- Filter maintenance.
- Condition of wheelset or track tension.
- Ignition setting.
- Cleaning fuel lines, etc.
Typical problems with Honda snow blowers
- The engine will not start:
- ran out of fuel;
- the filter is clogged;
- poor quality of gasoline;
- the fuel cut-off valve is in the OFF position;
- carburetor not tuned;
- clogged fuel lines;
- the ignition is not tuned;
- problems with candles;
- breakage of the I / O wire;
- ignition switch off.
- The auger does not rotate:
- replace the locking bolt;
- tighten the fasteners.
We suggest that you familiarize yourself with the instructions for Honda snowblowers:
Snow blower Honda HS 622
Honda HS 550 EA Owner's Manual
How to choose a snowblower for a private house
Choosing a snow blower does not require special knowledge and special skills. It all depends on the area of the territory, budget and wishes for functionality.
We will tell you how to choose a snowblower for a private house, and what factors to pay attention to:
Unit type. The greatest demand is for gasoline-powered snow blowers, which are usually equipped with powerful engines. Electrical options are more environmentally friendly, but they limit freedom of action - due to the network cable, they are suitable for cleaning only small areas.
Power. The higher this indicator, the longer the machine will work without failures, will be able to cope with complex tasks and a significant amount of work. When choosing, be guided by the size of the serviced area. For a small summer cottage, average indicators are enough, but for a manor house it is better to purchase a powerful model.
Drive unit. The technique can be with wheel drive, auger or without it. Self-propelled cleaners make the process easier by making the machine easier to operate and maneuver. Non-self-propelled options will have to be pushed, applying physical effort, but they are cheaper.
Manufacturing material
It is worth paying attention to what the augers, chute, bucket and skis are made of. Plastic is inferior in performance and reliability to steel, metal
Ladle. When buying, pay attention to the width and height of the grip - it will depend on which strip of which width can be processed in one pass, as well as with what thickness of cover the unit can handle. Models with narrow buckets are more maneuverable and allow you to thoroughly clear snow on narrow paths, between stands or buildings, along fences. Large buckets are suitable for cleaning flat areas, speeding up the clearing process.
Additional options. The easy engine start system will allow you to turn on the equipment in any frost. The volume of the fuel tank determines how large an area can be cleaned without interrupting for constant refueling. Adjusting the direction and height of the chute will allow the snow to be pushed back to the desired distance. The headlights are useful for working in the dark or in poor visibility conditions. The heated handles will keep you warm in the cold. Additional rubberized skis on the bucket - good protection for the cleaned surface from damage and scratches, and adjusting its position will allow you to pass safely on unpaved ground - the risk of stones, gravel and other debris falling along with the snow is reduced.
Brand. An important factor. The best firms offer reliable, high-quality assembly technology that will serve for many years without breakdowns and frequent maintenance. The leaders in the rating of manufacturers are Hyundai, Daewoo, PATRIOT, Husqvarna, KALIBER, CHAMPION, MTD.
When choosing, it will be correct to focus on the area of the territory for the maintenance of which a snow blower is purchased.Consider the climate and weather conditions in your area: temperature, amount and nature of precipitation (dry, wet snow, frequent formation of ice, etc.). Before buying, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with the reviews of users who managed to personally test this or that model.
Other functions of the household snow machine
Some manufacturers have taken care of maximum consumer comfort and equipped the equipment with additional functions.
The heating of the handles does not freeze even in severe frost. In winter, it gets dark early, and it is not always possible to clean the area before dark. Another useful feature is a spotlight, which is safer to work with. The remote control of the range and direction of the ejection allows you to very carefully clean the area.
Large snow throwers are heavy, weighing up to 70 kg, and an important convenience is the power steering. In expensive models, both tracked and wheeled, there is a differential unlocking function: one of the wheels is locked when cornering, and the car turns almost on the spot.
It is convenient to adjust the speed by means of the variator: it is enough to pull the handle to the right or to the left to accelerate or decelerate accordingly. See “Chainsaw Ranking Best Models“.
Differential unlocking
The best self-propelled gasoline snow blower for summer cottages - 2018 rating
We offer you an overview of gasoline snow blowers. We have collected information relevant to the user. You will definitely be able to choose the appropriate option by reading the rating of the best self-propelled gasoline snow blowers for summer cottages.
For a summer residence, you need to choose the right model
Petrol self-propelled snow blower Patriot PRO 655 E: 9.6 / 10
In search of a high-performance model, you should pay attention to the Patriot PRO 655 E self-propelled gasoline snow blower. Budget option with a 65-cm snow fence
Equipped with a 6.5 liter engine. with. Easy to start with electric starter. The headlight on the steering wheel illuminates the area from which snow is to be removed. The lack of a differential in the drive gear reduces the maneuverability of the unit. With timely maintenance, the drive can last for a long time. The disadvantages of the model include the likelihood of freezing of the carburetor return spring and the short service life of the safety fingers.
Patriot PRO 655 E
Craftsman 88172: 9.5 / 10
Highly efficient equipment suitable for winter operation is produced under the Kraftsman trademark. The design of the Craftsman 88172 self-propelled gasoline snow blower allows you to remove snow in confined spaces and from hard-to-reach areas. Compact dimensions and low weight guarantee good maneuverability of American-made vehicles. With its help, you can remove snow along a wall or fence, in a small yard or alley. Suitable for cleaning a large area: a football field, industrial grounds, parking.
The snow blower is equipped with a 5.5 liter engine. with. Has an electric start system. There are 6 forward and 2 reverse gears. Without heated and locked handles. Bucket dimensions - 610-530 mm. 1.9 liter tank. Plastic gutter. Allows you to adjust the range and direction of snow throw. Weighs 83 kg. The headlight is not included in the package.
Craftsman 88172
LUX 163: 9.4 / 10
A modern Chinese-made unit with a 9-meter snow throwing range. Ejection adjustment is not provided. Without electric starter. Has four forward speeds and two reverse. The gutter is made of plastic. Equipped with a 5.5 liter engine. with. Working width - 55 cm with a loading opening height of 55 cm. The unit weighs 71 kg.
Reviews of the LUX 163 gasoline snow blower indicate minor flaws.
DAEWOO DAST 7565: 9.4 / 10
A universal model, suitable for snow removal in the country, is made in South Korea. Allows you to clear hard-to-reach places. It is completed with a four-stroke, 7.5 liter gasoline engine. with. Manual and automatic start.There are 4 forward and 1 reverse gears. Bucket dimensions - 650 × 510 mm. 3.6 liter tank. Metal outlet gutter. Aluminium case. Drivers are provided. Allows you to adjust the range and direction of snow throw. Headlight. The unit weighs 64 kg.
Reviews of the DAEWOO DAST 7565 gasoline self-propelled snow blower indicate that certain difficulties arising during operation can be eliminated by the user on his own:
Hyundai S 6560: 9.7 / 10
The best option for giving. Allows to remove snow drifts up to 0.5 m high. The width of the formed strip is 0.6 m. Equipped with a 6.5 HP Hyundai ICW200 engine. with. There are 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. Complete with halogen headlight. Electric start. Heating at the carburetor guarantees stable operation of the unit in severe frosts. The drive system ensures an even distribution of the operating load. There is a system for protecting the auger from stones. The height of the slide is adjusted using a wrench.
Hyundai S 6560
Interskol SMB-650E: 9.5 / 10
A quality model with a 6.5 hp Honda GX series engine. with. reliable in operation. Allows manual and electric start. Six forward and one reverse. Fence 57 cm wide and 54 cm high. Two-stage snow discharge system. The headlight is installed. Repairable equipment. It can make a lot of noise during operation.
Interskol SMB-650E
Champion ST656: 9.2 / 10
Compact economical unit, suitable for operation in the country. The snow grabber is 55 cm wide and 51 cm high. Suitable for removing dry and wet snow. Equipped with a 5.5 liter engine. with. There are 5 forward and 1 reverse gears. Weighs 73 kg. Petrol snow blower with manual start. Slippage possible when clearing heavy snow.
Champion ST656
Where is it profitable to buy a gasoline self-propelled snow plow - an overview of prices and current market offers
Ranking place | Brand / Model | Average price (as of April 2018), rubles | Notes, features |
1 |
DDE / ST6556L |
28700 | The most affordable cost of the presented models with good basic equipment. The low center of gravity improves stability on uneven surfaces. |
2 |
Huter / SGC 8100C |
85900 | Excellent equipment, high performance, lack of significant comments - these nuances are noted by users and experts. The best position in the ranking is hindered by a high price. |
3 |
MasterYard / ML 7522B |
49500 | The high place was awarded for the overall good assessment of consumer parameters. |
4 |
CHAMPION / ST656 |
29940 | Minor breakdowns (keys, gears of the reducer, other parts) do not allow to occupy a higher line. |
5 |
PATRIOT / PRO 658 E |
45900 | Reasonable price and good technical parameters are positively noted by many owners. However, there are reviews with comments on the build quality. |
6 |
Daewoo / Power Products DAST 8570 |
69900 | Significant weight and high cost did not allow this model to be put on a higher position in the rating. |
7 |
CRAFTSMAN / 88172 |
59900 | Overpriced given the modest equipment, average technical capabilities. |
To buy a gasoline self-propelled snowblower without errors, you need to clarify the official guarantees, delivery conditions, and equipment. Some retailers offer large marketing discounts, free butter, and other useful add-ons as attractive "bonuses." Check all important specifications for a correct comparison.