Review of self-propelled gasoline snow blowers for summer cottages

Top manufacturers

Today, buyers are offered a variety of TOP devices of various price categories, configurations and brands. The rating of snowblowers for summer cottages by manufacturer is represented by the following list of logos.

Husqvarna

This brand occupies a leading position in the production of tools, equipment and equipment that is designed to care for garden plots. The great popularity of the products of this brand is due to the relatively low cost with high reliability and quality. Today, the most popular models are Husqvarna snow blowers st227p (9619100-88) and st224 (9619100-87).

Snow blower

Toro

The Toro company offers its customers ergonomic, high-quality devices that are designed to care for landscaped areas. The technique is distinguished by its endurance and high quality, breakdowns are very rare, even under heavy loads. High performance is confirmed by the company's 100-year history. Among the most popular snow blowers of this brand are the Toro 38820, 38823, 38826 and Power Curve 1800.

MTD

The company manufactures various garden equipment designed for professional and amateur work in the maintenance of landscaped areas. Concern MTD consists of five companies, each of which is engaged in the production of certain equipment for gardening works.

On a note. The most popular and well-known models of snow blowers are MTD ME 61 31AW63F2678, SMART M 53, SMART M56,

Manner

Another trade brand that produces high quality products with simple assembly and good functionality. Champion ST1170BS, ST762E, ST1376E are considered the outstanding representatives of the rating snow blowers of this company.

Craftsman

The high quality and functionality of the equipment of this brand is confirmed by an unlimited warranty. If the unit breaks down through the fault of the company, then a free replacement will be carried out at the service centers.

On a note. The brands of snow blowers Honda, Hyundai, Karcher, Plato, Patriot and others are no less in demand among the modern user.

Advantages and disadvantages

Snowblowers are sold at different prices, it all depends on the manufacturer, model, equipment. They all have pros and cons. It is worth saying that the units produced by German companies rarely break down, since this quality is known all over the world. Some users with minimal knowledge of technology independently eliminate minor malfunctions, but if we talk about stable work, then, of course, it is better to contact a specialist.

Snow blowers are popular for the following benefits:

• maneuverability;
• quickly clear the desired area;
• do not require operator effort;
• they do not have a wire that would get tangled under their feet;
• the design includes headlights, so cleaning can be done in the dark;
• affordable cost;
• can be operated at any minus temperature;
• no big repair costs;
• take up little storage space;
• do not make noise during operation.

However, even with so many advantages, this technique is not without its disadvantages, including:

• special requirements for the type of fuel;
• the complexity of the settings;
• requires regular oil changes.

Instructions for use

Each model of a snow blower must be supplied with instructions for use, taking into account the characteristics of a particular piece of equipment, but there are general rules that should be followed. For example, we must not forget that a snowplow is a rather dangerous machine, because a rotating auger, although it never gains great speed, is capable of catching clothes or even a person's limb, and it will be problematic to escape from its captivity without help.If this is not done immediately, the likelihood of serious injury increases significantly, because the unit has significant strength. In this case, a self-propelled model, left unattended in operation, will continue to move in a straight line, which can also lead to misfortune.

Use of the machine as a whole must be performed with great care. Suffice it to recall that the gasoline with which the snow blower is refueled has the property of being highly flammable and even exploding, therefore it is unacceptable to refuel near open sources of fire and when the engine is running.

Even a jet of snow being thrown can pose another hazard - its strength may be sufficient to break a window or severely damage your eyesight if it hits your eyes directly from a short distance.

Even if you do not take into account the above hazards, you still need to carefully monitor compliance with all the rules common to all equipment. So, before starting the first operation, you should definitely study the instructions so that careless handling does not contribute to the premature failure of the mechanism. Self-repair of the unit is almost always discouraged by manufacturers, and in the included form it is strictly prohibited.

Main selection criteria

For a summer residence, the best option is a gasoline snow blower. There are electric ones, but they are tied to the mains and if the voltage is unstable or the light is turned off, such a machine will be useless.

Almost all gasoline snow blowers are self-propelled - the motor not only rotates the auger, which rakes in the snow, but also moves the wheels forward. A non-self-propelled unit must be pushed by the operator, and it is difficult on packed snow or ice crust. At the dacha, there is no way to clean the snow as soon as it falls, and the depth of the layer is deeper than in the city, so a self-propelled snow blower is definitely an advantage here.

Wheels or tracks

Gasoline models are wheeled and tracked.

• The wheel can be simple: the wheels are connected by a common shaft. Such a mechanism is not designed for turns; the snow blower will have to be deployed solely by the operator.
• More advanced wheel models are equipped with friction mechanisms for each wheel, and they work on a principle similar to a car clutch. This system is much more convenient when cornering.
• A wheel drive with a differential provides automatic redistribution of torque between the wheels, and turning occurs without physical effort on the part of the operator. Such snow blowers are the most maneuverable among the wheeled ones, but the differential is installed only on the most powerful (and heavy) models, which are an order of magnitude more expensive.
• Tracked snow blowers have better (in comparison with wheel) grip on ice and snow, which is packed and covered with an ice crust. On tracked models, a differential that redistributes the rotational one is always installed, therefore the turn occurs due to full or partial braking of one caterpillar.

Tracked vehicles gain in power and cross-country ability, but they are much heavier than wheeled vehicles (by 10-30% with equal performance) and are 3-4 times more expensive.

The advantage of wheeled snow blowers is that any experienced driver can easily repair a snow blower, while a tracked snow blower can only be repaired in a specialized workshop.

Number of speeds

For snow removal equipment, it is important to select a speed at which the auger system can cope with the snow throwing. Otherwise, the machine will skid or pass over the top, leaving uncleaned areas. Therefore, the more speeds the manufacturer has provided, the easier the model will adapt to the amount and density of snow.

This ultimately affects the performance of the trim.

Consequently, the more speeds the manufacturer has provided, the easier the model will adapt to the amount and density of snow. This ultimately affects the performance of the trim.

The transfers conditionally correspond to the tasks:

• 1 - for freshly fallen snow;
• 2 - for heavy wet snow;
• 3 - for snowdrifts;
• 4 and 5 - for difficult cases - packed snow and ice crust.

Power

The more powerful the motor, the more efficient the car and the more expensive it is. Snow blowers up to 3 horsepower are designed for fresh and shallow snow. 4-6 hp models remove deep fresh, wet and packed snow.

Bucket size

The larger the bucket area, the better the performance of the snow blower. With a higher bucket height, the device copes with deeper snow: the maximum layer is 1.5 bucket height. The width of the bucket determines the width of the strip cleared and, as a result, the speed of the harvest.

It is important that the bucket area matches the motor power, otherwise the machine will brake in difficult areas.

What to look for when choosing a snow blower

Engine's type. According to this type, snow blowers can be divided into three types: - gasoline snow blowers - the most powerful, heavy and expensive. In terms of performance, they bypass competitors, but they work louder, require more careful maintenance, and give a rather unpleasant exhaust. - networked electric snow blowers - operate from a household power supply. They are cheaper, lighter and quieter than gasoline ones, but they do not allow you to go far from the outlet and are slightly less powerful than gasoline models. - rechargeable electric snow blowers - run on 40-volt or 80-volt batteries. In terms of performance, they are usually inferior to their counterparts, but in operation they are much easier and more convenient than competitors. These are the most compact and manoeuvrable models ideal for home use.

Engine power. The higher the power, the higher the performance of the snow blower. For gasoline-powered snow blowers, it is measured in horsepower: it is usually between 4 and 7 "horses". Networked electric models are equipped with motors with a capacity of several kilowatts. The performance of cordless machines usually depends on the voltage of the battery: an 80-volt machine can handle thicker and heavier snow than a 40-volt one.

Degrees of cleaning and range of snow throwing. These parameters are usually directly related to each other. The first shows how many stages the snow blower takes to shovel and throw snow. In most electric models, this happens with a single impeller and in one stage - such devices are called single-stage. Gasoline models can be two-stage: in them, one impeller captures the snow, and the second grinds and throws it out. A great rarity so far are three-stage models, in which there is a third impeller for additional crushing of snow. Typically, the range of snow throwing for single-stage snow blowers starts from 6 meters, and two-stage ones are capable of throwing snow 10-15 meters. In principle, both of them have enough throwing power in order for the snow to overcome a two-meter fence in height.

Snow capture width and depth. The first indicator usually ranges from 40-60 cm, and the second - 15-50 cm. The larger they are, the larger the snow blower, but the more difficult it can cope with.

Passability. It is determined by the type of mover: it can be wheels or tracks. The wheels are lighter, but usually do not have high cross-country ability. It directly depends on the diameter of the wheels: the larger they are, the easier it is for a snow blower to move through deep snow. Tracks are heavier than wheels, but self-propelled tracked snow blowers are the most passable.

Number of speeds.Electric snow blowers are usually non-self-propelled, meaning they need to be physically pushed in front of you to drive. Not very convenient, but electricity is not consumed for movement, and you can choose the speed yourself. Gasoline vehicles are usually equipped with engines with two forward and one reverse speeds - this is convenient when you need to clear a large area of ​​snow.

Startup type. It can be manual, and then you have to pull the cord to start the snow blower, or electric. The second option is preferable, because with an electric starter, the snow blower starts up, like a good foreign car, from one press of a button.

Auger material. Snow blower augers can be: - plastic - in the simplest electric models

- metal - capable of grinding even snow, even ice, even an unwary passer-by. These augers are used to equip the most powerful petrol snow blowers.

Subtleties of operation

Each manufacturer gives its own recommendations for the operation of equipment, which are detailed in the attached instructions.

• The technology in question has special requirements for the quality of the fuel. The oil change must be carried out strictly after the spent number of operating hours together with the cleaning of the filters.
• The equipment control system is located on the handle, like some adjustment levers, so it is desirable that this element is not subjected to mechanical stress.
• Small breakdowns can be avoided if a timely technical inspection of the equipment is carried out by specialists, and not to disassemble the device yourself. In the event of a malfunction and the need for repairs, it is best to use original spare parts and components, since they are milled exactly to the required dimensions.
• It is forbidden to smoke while refueling the vehicle with gasoline.
• It is worth taking care that large objects in the form of stones and branches do not fall on the auger.

For an overview of the Huter sgc 4100 self-propelled gasoline snow blower, see the video below.

What are they?

A gasoline snow blower, it would seem, is not such a diverse unit as to classify it especially, and yet experts distinguish many varieties of such mechanisms, focusing on one or another indicator. All of them can be considered endlessly, therefore, we will consider only the main classification criteria - those that immediately catch the eye.

The ability to move independently. The built-in gasoline engine could move the unit forward, but that was not the case - in pursuit of cheaper prices, some manufacturers produce extremely simple models that have a single-stage gearbox, which literally have to be pushed in front of you. Often, such hand-held mini-samples of equipment are rather modest in size, which, of course, affects performance. A self-propelled unit is usually not so small anymore - its engine is definitely larger, with a capacity of 8 liters or more. with., but in the most serious instances, the unit is even able to take away its operator.

Device and principle of operation

The technique in question is created according to a typical scheme. The bucket, through which the snow is cleared, is installed at the front. The size of this part of the snowblower depends on the model. The wider its width and height, the more productivity the technique can boast. The auger is mounted horizontally, since in this position, when it rotates, the snow mass moves into the impeller, which is necessary for the equipment to throw the removed snow to the side over a long distance. All of these elements are driven by a motor, which is also responsible for the rotation of the caterpillar or wheels.

A manual starter is additionally installed as a fallback.A heating system is provided on the handles, which protects hands from frostbite during operation of the equipment. They also have control levers with the location of the bucket and switching the speed of the auger. Modern models offer the user up to six forward and two reverse speeds. In more expensive versions, there is a special regulator responsible for the position of the chute. It can be used while the snow blower is in motion. The snow throwing range is also an adjustable value.

If you have to work at night, then it is worth purchasing a model that includes halogen headlights. They differ from others in their high power and illumination range.

Wheel blocking is an additional function carried out by a cotter pin. It is necessary to increase the cross-country ability of the vehicle. The design of the bucket has a special reliability and strength, which are provided by the use of additional stiffeners. There is a scapula at the back. You can also observe a plate made of metal in the structure, which is necessary for cutting off the accumulated layer of snow. The bucket height is adjusted by means of the installed shoes.

The impeller is also manufactured from a durable metal alloy that has unique strength characteristics. It is covered with an anti-corrosion layer, so it retains its original properties for a long time. There is also a worm gear in the design, through which mechanical rotation is transmitted from the motor to the axis. From there, the auger mounted on strong bolts is activated.

Photo of gasoline snow blowers

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Variety of SDT models

Light gasoline snow blower

Modern manufacturers offer a fairly wide variety of models of snow removal machines, which differ from each other in the following ways:

• The weight. On this basis, light models of equipment are distinguished, the weight of which is not more than 56 kg, medium - their weight reaches 81 kg, heavy - their weight exceeds 90 kg.
• Way to travel. For this, wheels or tracks can be used.
• A kind of engine. Two types of motors can be used in the construction of snow blowers: two-stroke and four-stroke.
• Work items. The designs can be either 1-stage or 2-stage. In the first case, snow removal is performed using augers. The more often the augers rotate, the more power of the device. But at the same time, the equipment wears out rather quickly. The two-stage working elements are characterized by a high level of productivity. The snow is removed with the help of a rotor (throws snow over a certain distance) and augers (shovels snow).
• Transfers. The performance and efficiency of a snow blower is directly dependent on the number of gears. Some gears can have 3 gears (2 forward and 1 reverse) and some have 4 (1 reverse and 3 forward).
• Power. The more power the device has, the more efficient it is.
• Bucket volume. Machine models with large buckets are extremely difficult to operate. The reason is that the weight of the equipment increases significantly.
• Snow throwing range. The higher this indicator, the less time it will take to clear the snow. All models are equipped with a special device or levers with which you can adjust the range of snow throwing.
• Balancing. According to experts, this is one of the most important indicators of snow removal equipment. The best option is when the center of gravity is in the center of the machine. If the center of gravity is moved forward, the technique will be able to remove snow that has already accumulated.

When choosing a specific model of equipment, it is necessary to take into account all of the above indicators.

How to choose the right one?

When choosing a model of a snow blower for a private house, farm or summer cottage, it is imperative to take into account the following points:

• terrain and size of the area to be cleaned;
• power outages in winter;
• the state of health of a person removing snow - whether or not he can use a non-self-propelled snow blower;
• the total amount of snow to be removed;
• the presence in the cleaned area of ​​narrow passages, a well, pipes, benches and other places with limited access.

The self-propelled snow blower is effective for large areas and for people with disabilities. Additional gears in the gearbox connect the wheels of the cart to an electric or gasoline engine. The speed of movement of a self-propelled snow blower is limited to 5 km / h.

High efficiency of cleaning the asphalt surface from snow and ice can be achieved using a rotary screw snow blower with a gasoline engine. The combination of a powerful gasoline engine with an electric generator in one housing, a hardened steel planetary gearbox and an octahedron carbon plastic working tool with a titanium cutting edge positions the rotary snow blower as the best option in terms of price / quality ratio for a farm or summer cottage.

There are also belt driven auger snow blowers.

Advantages:

• simplicity of design;
• low price.

Disadvantages:

• the need for constant adjustment of the belt tension;
• the need to lubricate the belt and pulley with graphite paste.