If 5-10 years ago almost no one knew what a snow blower is, then at present this device is no longer something unusual. People buy such cars so that they help them cope with snow removal in the yard, near the garage, etc. Today, the variety of such units is simply amazing, so making a choice is very difficult. Let's figure out how to choose a snow blower together. Owner reviews and expert recommendations will help us with this.
Non-self-propelled snow blowers
If you buy a unit for work not for industrial purposes, then this is just what you need. The principle of operation of such machines is quite simple. The rotating rubberized auger throws snow on different sides. Due to the rubber part on the edges of this part, the snow blower can be moved.
Note that non-self-propelled machines are good for domestic use, since they are not so difficult to operate, and their cost is more or less acceptable. In such devices, a conventional gasoline four-stroke engine runs, which is switched on by the operator. A good solution for a small area, although the spread of snow can be increased to 7 meters, which is very good. Of the advantages, it is worth noting low weight, as well as compactness. The last parameter allows cleaning in hard-to-reach places. In general, a non-self-propelled snow blower is needed to work at home. Reviews of the owners of such units are mostly positive, although much depends on the manufacturer.
Self-propelled devices
By design, such machines are a little more complicated, therefore, their price is higher. But for large volumes of work, this is the only optimal solution. Such a unit is intended for intensive periodic operation. The snow blowers in question cope with almost any kind of snow, whether it is wet or icy.
As the name implies, you do not have to make efforts to move the unit. All that is required of the operator is to direct the snow blower in the right direction. The instruction, by the way, is required to read. This is due to the fact that with proper operation, the unit will work for a long time. From the documents you will find out how long it is necessary to rest the car, when to send the screws for sharpening and much more. Since these are large power units (engine from 5 hp), you will have to sacrifice dimensions. In bottlenecks you are unlikely to be able to perform the necessary work, and the noise level is slightly higher than that of amateur models.
Gasoline snow blowers: price and specifications
I would like to say a few words about the cost. Prices vary significantly depending on the power and functionality of the unit. So, the simplest non-self-propelled models with an engine of 4.3 horsepower will cost about 20,000 rubles. At the same time, professional models with an engine of 9 or more horsepower have a price of 150,000 rubles or more. As for gasoline models, this is an excellent solution for working in small and medium-sized areas. Cope well with freshly fallen and wet snow.
Gasoline snow blowers are divided into two groups: with adjustable grip heights and unregulated. The former operate in a regime with zero clearance relative to the surface being machined. Units belonging to the second group have a height-adjustable screw. More preferred are adjustable petrol snow blowers. The price for them is 3-5% more.
Electrical devices
Such units operate from the network. Mainly used for processing small areas. Their power is not very large, so they are not the best solution for complex work. In addition, the treated area is limited by the length of the cable. You can, of course, connect a few transfers, but that won't make it any easier.
However, there are types of work that only this unit can handle. For example, snow removal on the roof, steps, threshold, etc. In general, light weight and size play a role, therefore operation in hard-to-reach places is a strong point of this unit. But that's not all that this snow blower boasts of. The price for it is not the highest, but the quality and reliability are at a good level. For this simple reason, many buyers recommend choosing electric cars, especially for small amounts of work.
The best manufacturers (according to consumers)
There is currently a very large selection of snow blowers. All companies are trying to add something of their own to the design of the unit. For some this goes with a bang, but for someone it would be better to leave everything as it is. During the existence of various companies, users have formed their own opinion, which is based on personal experience. Let's see whose products ordinary customers value most.
For example, Patriot is very popular, and it is unlikely that it is somehow connected with the name. The technique is famous for its reliability. An ordinary Patriot snow blower with an engine of 6 horsepower and a weight of 57 kilograms will cost about 14,000 rubles. At the same time, similar equipment coming from abroad will cost more than 20,000 rubles.
Many prefer units from the German company Huter. Although it is safe to say that for the most part the equipment comes from China, where it is, in fact, assembled. Let's take a closer look at this manufacturer and its products.
Huter: a snowplow from China with German roots
We all know very well that the Germans are famous for their responsibility and the quality of their products. It really is. Vivid examples of this are the Bosch and Liebher refrigerators, construction tools and much more. As for the snow blowers, it is difficult to make an unambiguous conclusion. The Chinese assembly makes itself felt, although positive feedback among consumers prevails. It is worth paying attention to the fact that snow removal equipment has a number of undeniable advantages. One of them is cost. But one cannot fail to note the high build quality. Even despite the fact that sometimes users encounter loose bolts and loose connections, Huter is also famous for having high-strength high-quality screws. As practice shows, this element is the last to fail, despite the fact that it is a worker and is constantly in contact with the cleaned areas.
Huter SGC 4100 at a Glance
This self-propelled petrol snow blower is designed to work in small areas. An engine with a capacity of 6.5 horsepower and a metal auger will allow you to cope with any task: cleaning icing, wet or just falling snow. The width of the treatment for the approach is quite impressive, it is 56 centimeters.
A distinctive feature of this model is that there is a special lever that allows you to set the optimal angle of ejection of snow. The weight of the unit is 75 kilograms, but since the device is self-propelled, there should not be any problems with movement.
The fuel tank is designed for 3.6 liters of gasoline, which will be enough for a long operating time. In principle, a great solution for domestic use. The cost of the unit is about 20,000 rubles. In fact, Huter is a snow blower that does not require additional investment after purchase. This applies to the repair and purchase of fasteners, gaskets, etc. The unit will last 5 years or more without problems.
Buying equipment from MTD
Devices from this manufacturer are sold in the middle and high price ranges. For the most part, this is due to the fact that almost the entire tool is professional. But we can say with confidence that among consumers, the MTD snow blower is positioned as a reliable and incredibly high-quality tool. We all know that for an ordinary person the question of storage of such equipment is most often an acute issue. Fortunately, manufacturers took care of this, so the small amount of equipment that is designed for use in everyday life has carefully designed ergonomics.
Let's pay attention to the MTD M53 snow blower worth almost 40,000 rubles. The unit is not self-propelled, so be prepared for the fact that you have to push manually. But this is not a problem, since the car weighs only 36 kilograms. 3.5 hp engine with manual start is very reliable and requires only the implementation of basic rules for care. This applies to the timely replacement of oil and other consumables.
Husqvarna Technology Overview
Swedish snow removal equipment is considered one of the best. This is evidenced by consumers from different countries. Regardless of the price range, you will get a quality product. Among the advantages, according to customers, it is worth noting the two-stage snow crushing system. At the first stage, snow falls into the car, and at the second stage it is grinded and blown to the sides with a powerful fan.
The Husqvarna snow blower is characterized by the fact that much attention is paid to the normal starting of the engine in unsatisfactory weather conditions. It must be said right away: units are not cheap, prices start from about 40,000 rubles. and end at around 200,000 rubles. It is noteworthy that the Huskvarna snow blower, regardless of its cost, comes with engine oil and an anti-icer, and in some cases a branded shovel.
What do ordinary consumers say?
So we have examined how to choose a snow blower. Owner reviews will help you determine the most suitable option. It is also necessary to look at the manufacturers. If we take the Patriot snow blowers as an example, then there are more positive reviews about them, but not everything is so simple. Quite often, buyers are faced with marriage or problems starting the engine at too low a temperature. But, as practice shows, if the wine is from the manufacturer, then the replacement is carried out without problems.
When buying, pay attention to the quality of the screw, as well as the mass of the product. Experts note that if the machine weighs more than 60 kilograms, then the operator’s hands will get tired in a maximum of 15 minutes. Pay special attention to this, especially in cases where the site is not so small and you need to work more than half an hour.
MTD and Husqvarna Reviews
It should be noted that almost always equipment from these manufacturers is acquired by industrial organizations. For example, to clean the territory of paid parking lots, areas near supermarkets, etc. But even in everyday life such snow blowers are popular. For example, Husqvarna has no negative reviews at all. The only drawback of this technique can be considered its cost, but those who can afford to purchase such an aggregate are satisfied.
As for MTD, it is a reliable manufacturer with good service. This snow blower is characterized by excellent service. The feedback from the owners suggests that in any situation, company employees with understanding solve problems in the shortest possible time.