How to choose a snow blower

The vastness of our latitudes allows us to contemplate a variety of winter landscapes for several months a year: frozen ponds, trees wrapped in snow or huge snowdrifts. However, the aesthetic pleasure from such a spectacle may not last long.

After all, for example, those who have dealt with snow removal know that it is such a labor-intensive and physically difficult process. And winter goes on and on... And the snow goes on and on... And it’s time to feel sad from the beauties that inspired you just recently.

What to do in such a situation? How to make your life easier in an unequal struggle with snow debris?

An effective solution is to buy a snow blower. We will talk in more detail about the choice of such equipment.

What is a "snow blower"?

This term refers to a technical device intended for removing snow from the territory. Using such a device allows you to spend 3-5 times less time fighting snowdrifts than with a regular shovel or other hand tools. Let’s not forget about saving physical energy.

The design of the snow blower is based on the following elements:

Metal body;
Engine;
Control elements;
Elements for collecting snow (augers);
Snow outlet (outlet chute).

Modern snow blowers for home and garden

Winter has come, let's sing songs to it! Modern technologies are increasingly simplifying our lives. Take, for example, snow removal around a dacha, country house or office. For a long time, the main assistant in this matter was a shovel. Now a whole class of special equipment has appeared - manual snow removal machines. The M.Video-Eldorado team analyzed current snow removal devices and compiled a selection of the most interesting options in terms of price and quality.

Real estate outside the city has a number of undoubted advantages: clean air, birds chirping, its own parking for vehicles. Everything would be fine, but with the onset of cold weather, a significant part of the time has to be spent removing snow. And if at the beginning of the winter season shoveling is perceived as an alternative to going to the gym, then by spring it turns into a real nightmare. Special snow removal equipment can provide invaluable assistance here. Fortunately, there are many different devices on sale. They differ in their size, operating principles, control and price.

Snow removal machines

The most popular class is manual snow removal machines. Most often, this technique is used for cleaning local areas in dachas and cottage villages outside the city. The devices are a structure consisting of a gasoline or electric motor, control elements, a metal body on wheels, a bucket and auger for collecting snow, as well as an outlet chute for discarding it. The key characteristic in this case is power. The larger it is, the more complex work the device can perform.

Choosing a specific type and model largely depends on the size of the area you have to clean. Electric devices are well suited for those who have the opportunity to remove snow quite often. That is, before it has time to turn into a snowdrift with a hard and dense crust. The advantage of this type is ease of management and low cost. There is also a limiting factor - the need to connect to the electrical network and the length of the cord (extension cord). In this case, switching on occurs quickly, you just need to press the button.

Most often, electric models are equipped with a motor with a power of no more than 3 kW and a rubber screw, which does not cause damage to decorative coatings (tiles, borders, etc.). Thanks to its small dimensions and weight, the device is convenient to operate. In addition, it can be comfortably transported in a passenger car.

Recently, wireless (rechargeable) models have appeared on sale. Their main advantage is the ability to work without wires and electricity. Most of these devices are capable of removing snow from 40 to 60 minutes on a single battery charge. 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.

Snow blowers with a gasoline engine are much more functional and productive. True, they cost at least twice as much as electric ones, and their weight can exceed 90 kg. Power - from 4 to 10 kW, and for some models - all 15 kW. This is enough to clear any snowdrifts.

The fuel tank capacity of gasoline snow blowers ranges from two to five liters. Gasoline consumption depends on the nature of the snow cover and the power of the device. On average, a snow blower consumes 2-4 liters of fuel in one hour. Special attention should be paid to the starting system: it can be manual (using a starting cord) or electric (must be connected to an outlet before use).

The current assortment allows you to find devices both for use once or twice a month, and for daily use. Gasoline models cope well with both newly fallen snow and compacted snowdrifts. Due to the two-stage ejection system, such cleaners provide the maximum range for discarding crushed snow mass. You can clean an area of several hundred square meters without any labor costs.

Gasoline units can be non-self-propelled (they need to be pushed forward) and self-propelled (they drive themselves, you just need to guide them). If the area being cleaned has a complex shape and is full of obstacles, you should pay attention to models with a high level of maneuverability, for example, with levers under the handles, or to devices with an automatic turning function. Then you can spend less time avoiding obstacles.

Wheeled and tracked versions can be found on sale. The latter are the most productive and belong to the class of professional equipment. Tracked models have greater cross-country ability compared to wheeled ones, and they are also better suited for working on sloping areas and for clearing large snowdrifts. The price of such versions is higher compared to wheeled versions.

Alternatives to Snow Blowers

Shovel! (You don't have to laugh at this point). Despite the fact that snow removal equipment primarily refers to snow blowers, sweepers also do a good job of this task. They are similar in design to self-propelled gasoline snow blowers, but instead of a bucket they are equipped with a cylindrical brush with polypropylene bristles. It rotates in the direction opposite to the movement, due to which the snow mass is thrown forward.

On most models, the front can be turned slightly. This makes it possible to travel not only straight forward, but also sideways, forming snow paths along your route.

Some manufacturers' catalogs also include multifunctional machines. In essence, they are the same sweepers, but they allow you to change the brushes to other attachments, for example, to a rotary snow blower (which is a bucket with augers and a chute) or a blade. The corresponding body kit can be included immediately in the kit or sold separately. This is a good solution for the home, but due to its versatility it is more expensive than narrow-profile models.

Walk-behind tractors can also be used as alternatives to multifunctional cleaners. In winter, they can be adapted for snow removal, and the rest of the time they can be used in gardening work and as a small vehicle for transporting goods. A regular walk-behind tractor is converted into a “winter” version by the special attachment included in the kit - a standard bucket of a rotary snow blower. The main disadvantage of this solution is the price. Walk-behind tractors are more expensive than standard snowblowers.

The most budget-friendly option for removing a small layer of snow is an electric shovel. Essentially, this is an ultra-compact electric snow blower with a motor power of no more than 1 kW. There is no ejection chute on the bucket, and the crushed mass is thrown forward in the direction of travel.

Electric shovels are designed to work only with light, freshly fallen snow. If you do not plan to clean on a regular basis immediately after a snowfall, or if due to lack of time, cleaning is done only once a week, then it is better to take a closer look at more efficient devices.

Having studied user experience and expert reviews, we have prepared a selection of the most functional non-professional class snow removal equipment.

Hyundai S 6561

Among the self-propelled gasoline models, it is worth noting the Hyundai S6561 snow blower. The device is equipped with a rigid metal frame and large wheels with increased tread. Operation is ensured by a 6.5-horsepower engine with a guaranteed service life of at least 2000 hours. With proper and timely maintenance, this will last for a very long time. There is a manual and electric engine starting system.

The transmission is equipped with four forward speeds and reverse. The weight of the snow blower is 61 kg. Maneuvering occurs without the application of heroic efforts. The auger-blade mechanism easily copes with crust and ice crust, not to mention loose snow. The ejection range is up to 11 meters. The direction can be adjusted as desired. The captured strip is 61 cm, the maximum depth is 51 cm.

As a pleasant bonus, the Hyundai S6561 is worth noting a bright LED headlight. Considering how quickly it gets dark in winter, this is a definite plus. The price of a cleaner is about 60,000 rubles.

Husqvarna ST 224

In our selection we also included the ST 224 snow blower from the Swedish manufacturer Husqvarna. For several years, this model has been one of the best self-propelled models in the heavy class. The car is appreciated by owners of private houses and summer cottages.

The device has a 6.3 hp gasoline engine. with electric starter. Weight is 93.4 kg. The device can be used for irregular cleaning of snowdrifts up to 30 m high. The cleaner is not afraid of ice and caked crust. An efficient two-stage system crushes the snow with an auger and delivers the contents through an impeller through a bell. The belt auger helps create a mixture of snow and air, which increases the ejection efficiency and performance of the snow blower.

The increased bucket area (51x58 cm) allows you to remove snow from a large area in a short time, and 7 speeds make this process very comfortable. The model has protection against icing, starts without problems even in severe frosts, and has a headlight for cleaning at night. The price ranges from 90,000 rubles.

Patriot PS 603

Among gasoline snow blowers in the mid-price segment, it is worth noting the Patriot PS 603 model. The device is suitable for country houses with a large surrounding area. The power of 4.7 kW allows you to cope with wet and compacted snow, including icy areas. Serrated metal augers with a two-stage intake system help crumble ice. The fuel tank capacity of 3 liters is enough to work for several hours.

Uniform distribution of mass and center of gravity ensures confident movement “in a straight line” on different terrain. Relative lightness (60 kg) adds maneuverability and controllability to the snow blower.

A transmission with five forward and two reverse speeds allows you to do work in comfort. It is also possible to choose the optimal pace depending on the density and volume of snow cover. The bucket width of 56 cm and height of 40 cm allow you to remove a large strip of snow at a time.

The ejection range is 10 meters, the direction can be changed. At night and in cloudy weather, you can turn on the headlights for additional illumination. Owners of Patriot PS 603 recommend tightening threaded connections before the first start. The cost ranges from 43,000 rubles.

Champion ST 656

A worthy assistant in removing snow from the local area is the Champion ST 656. The device is equipped with a 5.5 hp Loncin gasoline engine. Thanks to manual start, stable and continuous operation is ensured even in severe frosts. Separately, it is worth mentioning the manual transmission with five forward and two rear speeds.

A durable metal auger with a two-stage system can equally easily cope not only with loose, freshly fallen snow, but also with a hard ice crust. The dimensions of the snow grab are 55 cm in width and 51 cm in height. The ejection range reaches 12 meters, the height of the chute is adjustable - you can choose a convenient distance for discharging waste material.

Weighing only 72 kg, the unit is capable of quickly removing snow in a country house, car park or next to a private house. The model is universal in use. At an average cost, it can serve regularly and for a long time as private equipment or for servicing medium-sized territories of municipal and commercial institutions. Users are satisfied with the machine's performance. The advantages include compactness, convenient operation, and ease of maintenance. Disadvantages include the lack of headlights for working at dusk, but some owners install homemade lighting devices. The cost is around 50,000 rubles.

Huter SGC 4100 WIDE

If you are looking for a mid-price self-propelled unit for clearing small areas of snow, you should pay attention to the Huter SGC 4100 WIDE model. This modification is distinguished by an increased snow grip width and a 6.5 hp engine. (approximately 4.7 kW). The weight of the snow blower is 76 kg. A metal auger with teeth ensures crushing of dense snow. The rotation of the gutter is adjusted using a special lever. Wheels with deep tread do not slip in icy conditions, ensuring good maneuverability of the vehicle.

Many owners note that the device is economical and not demanding on fuel quality. However, the snow throw range is somewhat overestimated. In reality, the stale crust is allocated only 6-8 meters instead of the stated 15 meters.

Champion ST 661

The best option for budget-conscious users may be to purchase a Champion ST661 snow blower. The unit is equipped with a 6.5 hp four-stroke gasoline engine. and a two-stage metal screw system. It copes with snowdrifts up to 51 cm high. In one pass it can clear a strip 61 cm wide.

There are five speeds at your disposal: four forward, one reverse. The unit is maneuverable; it does not need to be deployed to return it back. The starter is manual. To start, you do not need an electrical network; there is a primer, which is useful for pumping fuel manually. The position and inclination of the gutter are adjustable. It is convenient to adjust the snow throw distance.

The snow blower is equipped with support skids. To work on a flat surface, they should be raised, but if you have to clear snow from gravel and uneven surfaces, then lower them. The wheels have spikes and a deep tread pattern. They drive confidently on slippery paths. The cost is around 50,000 rubles.

Huter SGC 4000

Among the more affordable options with a gasoline engine, it is worth noting the Huter SGC 4000 snow blower. With its help, you can clear paths, car parking, and remove snow in the yard and garage. The model is designed for private use and is started by a manual starter. Allows you to remove a wide strip of crust 56 cm wide and 42 cm thick in one pass.

To grind especially large lumps of snow, a special auger with sharp teeth is used. Due to the deep tread, a smooth ride on ice is achieved. The level of rotation of the installation is adjusted using a special lever.

The equipment is equipped with a four-stroke gasoline engine with a power of 6.5 hp. A tank of 3 liters of AI-92 gasoline is enough to work for 1.5 hours without refueling. There are all the basic functions for daily, but not very intensive use. Curb weight is 67 kg, dimensions are 840x620x660 mm. The gearbox has four forward speeds and two reverse speeds. The cost ranges from 51,000 rubles.

Daewoo Power Products DAST 3000E

Among the best electric snow blowers is the Power Products DAST 3000E model from the famous South Korean manufacturer Daewoo. The weight of the device is 17 kg. Electric motor power - 3 kW. There is a single-stage auger system with a width of 51 cm. The maximum cutting depth reaches 33 cm, and the snow throw range is 12 meters.

The main feature of the model is a metal screw with rubber linings. Considering that the vast majority of electric snow blowers use plastic, Daewoo's model stands apart.

The device successfully copes with compacted snow and light icing. To a good engine, the manufacturer added the ability to adjust the machine’s mechanisms from the control panel and a small headlight for illumination in the dark.

Among the shortcomings of the Daewoo Power Products DAST 3000E, only a short power cord can be noted. In general, this machine is suitable for both country cottages and rural residents.

STIGA ST 1151 E

Among the representatives of electric snow blowers, it is worth noting the compact model STIGA ST 1151 E. The device is designed for removing snow on paths and other flat surfaces. The heart of the unit is an 1800 W electric motor. It allows you to remove snow from your home areas without any extra effort.

The auger is made of plastic, its diameter is 17.5 cm. The machine’s chute can be rotated 180 degrees, while the deflector is manually adjustable within 90 degrees. These settings improve operating comfort.

The convenient central handle allows you to switch the snow ejection to the left or right side. The shape of the auger allows you to remove crust up to a depth of 25 cm. The soft-coated handle can be folded for storage, and a second convenient handle located behind the chute makes it easier to lift and move the snow blower after work.

DDE STE140

Our selection ends with the ultra-budget electric snow blower DDE STE140. Despite its flimsy appearance, it is suitable for clearing small amounts of fresh snow around the home on paths, parking lots, walkways and garden areas. It is important to note that they will no longer be able to clear compacted and wet masses of snow.

The device is equipped with a 1400 W motor and a plastic screw that does not scratch surfaces. The electric shovel removes loose snow up to 12 cm high, the snow throw range does not exceed 6 meters. Light weight will be a plus for the fair sex or senior citizens. The cost is around 6,000 rubles.

With an average price of snow blowers of 30-50 thousand rubles, the next model looks like a real false gold tooth. But let's take a closer look at it.

Cub Cadet XS3 71 SWE

As we noted above, to clean very large areas, you should focus on the most powerful snow blowers with a large bucket. Perhaps one of the best options in the heavy class is the Cub Cadet XS3 71 SWE model.

The snow blower is equipped with a four-stroke carburetor gasoline engine with electronic ignition Cub Cadet ThorX with a power of 10.6 hp. It runs on gasoline no lower than AI-92. The engine is designed specifically for operation at low temperatures and is characterized by efficiency, environmental friendliness, low noise and vibration levels.

The engine can be started by an electric starter from a 220 V contact network or by a manual starter. The fuel tank with a volume of 4.7 liters allows you to work without interruption for 3.5 hours at maximum load.

A transmission with six forward and two reverse gears allows you to select the optimal operating mode depending on the height and density of the snow. Wide rubber tubeless wheels with deep tread provide good grip, increasing the maneuverability of the snow blower. Wheel drive with unlocking for turning.

Wheel release triggers located under the control handles make it easier to maneuver the snowblower left and right. When you pull the trigger, you can disable the drive of one of the wheels. There is a heated grip function that allows you to keep your hands warm in severe frost.

The metal bucket of the Cub Cadet XS3 71 SWE snow blower has a working width of 71 cm, with a maximum snow depth of 58 cm. The bucket is additionally equipped with two vertical adjustable folding knives, they are designed to cut through the hardest snow cover.

The lower part of the bucket is equipped with height-adjustable plastic skis that prevent damage to paving slabs and other coatings. The three-stage auger efficiently removes and processes not only loose snow, but also ice crust and crust.

The snow blower can also be used at night. There are two halogen headlights on the body. The headlights turn on automatically when the engine starts. When the chute rotates and covers one headlight, the second continues to illuminate the work area. The warranty period for Cub Cadet snow blowers is 3 years. The cost is around 195,000 rubles.

And in conclusion, I would like to say, even if you do not have a modern snow blower, a reliable shovel is always at your service.

Operating principles of snow blowers

Structurally, snow blowers operate according to one of the following schemes:

The augers collect the snow and at the same time direct it into the discharge chute. These snow blowers are called single-stage snow blowers. Their advantage is the relative simplicity of the design (compared to other types). The disadvantage is the rotation speed of the snow collection elements. They must move at a high enough speed to ensure that the snow is thrown out of the chute with the necessary force. When using a single-stage snow blower, if its augers hit hard objects (for example, rocks hidden under snow), they can easily fail. That is why it is logical to use such a unit in a well-groomed local area, where surprises hidden under snowdrifts are not scary.

Augers collect snow, and an additional mechanism (rotor) helps direct it into the discharge chute. These snow blowers are called two-stage snow blowers. They are more resistant to collisions between augers and solid objects, since the snow collection elements rotate at a relatively low speed.

Caiman VARIO 60S TWK+

Main characteristics

Country of origin: France.
Engine - Subaru EP17 OHC.
Engine power - 6 hp.
Number of speeds - 3.
Width/depth of tillage - 30-60-90 cm / 32 cm.
Weight - 72 kg.
Additionally - a set of pneumatic wheels.
The maximum processing area is 3000 m².

Detailed characteristics and prices

Review

The rating of reliable gasoline walk-behind tractors is headed by the French model Caiman VARIO 60S TWK+ - a relatively new unit with a high level of reliability and build quality. The French implemented a fairly large number of different innovative ideas in this walk-behind tractor, which made it indispensable in areas with different types of soil. The operating mode can be easily adjusted depending on operating conditions and tasks. Thanks to the optimal weight, it goes well even on virgin soil. Change the attachments and the walk-behind tractor can turn into a lawn mower or even a snow blower! The three-year warranty will be a nice bonus.

pros

wide functionality;
compact size and excellent handling;
convenient speed adjustment.

Minuses

relatively heavy weight;
not a small price.

Review from a real buyer

A very good walk-behind tractor with a very wide range of capabilities. It just doesn't make coffee. He took the land to the dacha to plow. I couldn’t resist - I dragged it home for the winter to clear the snow. The machine coped equally well with both. For the price it's a very worthy option.

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.

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.

Cleaning 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 thick, 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 high in several approaches.

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.

Main technical characteristics

A snow plow on a walk-behind tractor does not have its own engine, so technical parameters are assessed based on the following simple points:

dimensions, for example 60 x 64x82 cm;
compatibility with models;
maximum depth of snow cover (17-25 cm);
working width – about 50-60 cm;
screw rotation speed. Depends on the engine speed and gear ratio. Approximately in the range of 1800-2500 rpm;
total weight of the device is 40-60 kg.

These parameters differ on different models, therefore they are indicated approximately and on average.

The compatibility of the snow blower with the walk-behind tractor is also important. Many of them are universal; they can be used on most models of walk-behind tractors immediately or with minor modifications.

For example, this includes the Russian SMB NEVA model. Compatible with the entire range of walk-behind tractors of this brand (MB 2, MB 23 and others) as well as Oka and many Chinese models with left-hand drive pulleys.

Type of snow

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.

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

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.

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:

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.”
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.

Number of snow removal stages

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 thrown 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.

Advantages and disadvantages

This device turns the walk-behind tractor into a snow blower, significantly expanding its capabilities.

A specialized snow blower of similar performance with its own engine costs from 50 thousand rubles. up to 120 thousand rubles.

Mounted snow blower for walk-behind tractor – from 13 thousand rubles. up to 30 thousand rubles. When using it, there is no need to buy another complete expensive unit with its own engine. An ordinary walk-behind tractor does not sit in the garage throughout the cold season, but works even in winter.

There is more and more suburban housing. Such a unit can be useful in areas located, for example, 500 m from main roads, which are regularly cleaned by road services. In case of heavy snowfalls, a snow blower for a walk-behind tractor may be the only option to quickly clear the passage to the main roads.

There are two main disadvantages:

Low quality , design flaws in the snow blowers themselves, which some manufacturers may have.
Wear of the components of the walk-behind tractor itself . Operation in cold weather requires the use of winter oils. When the snow blower is operating, the gasoline engine operates at fairly high speeds. In terms of overall engine life, a walk-behind tractor that is also used in snow blower mode will wear out much faster than one that does not work in the winter.

As an example, the following video. Mounted cleaner after 2 years of operation, repairs and design improvements:

General disadvantages include significant limitations - it is used to remove snow only on flat surfaces. If solid foreign objects (stones, hummocks of frozen earth, metal, etc.) get into the snow, there is a high probability of breakdown. First of all, the planes of the spiral of the auger and the impeller that throw out the snow are bent or broken off. It may tear out the shaft bearing fastenings or bend the shaft itself.

It effectively removes only loose, freshly fallen snow that has become compacted or cannot be removed with ice.

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.

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

changing the horizontal rotation angle;
changing the vertical rotation angle.

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

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.

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 it will be noticeably cheaper with equal performance.

Another autonomous option is to purchase an attachment that can be used in conjunction with a 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.

When to buy

We recommend purchasing a snow blower in winter , immediately after the first snow falls, since you can return or exchange a fully functional unit that you didn’t like within 14 days .

This is written in Article 25.1 of the PPA, so the seller does not have the right to refuse you. If you purchase a snow thrower long before the snow falls, you will not be able to check its operation and, if necessary, exchange it for a more powerful one or one that suits your conditions.

We also recommend that after choosing a specific model, type its name on the Internet and compare offers. This will help you find stores that offer this device on the best terms, and also offer various promotions or discounts .

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.

Favorite with ZiD-Lifan 7.0 hp engine.

Main characteristics

Country of origin: Russia.
Engine - ZiD-Lifan.
Engine power - 7 hp.
Width/depth of tillage - 90 cm/30 cm.
Weight - 73 kg.
Additionally - a set of pneumatic wheels.

Detailed characteristics and prices

Review

This compact and hard-working walk-behind tractor does an excellent job of not only plowing the land. Its functionality is expanded by the capabilities of cultivation, hilling, harrowing, grass cutting, and cleaning the area from debris and dust. It can also be used to supply water, remove snow and even transport goods. The adjustable steering wheel allows you to adjust the equipment to the user’s height, which greatly simplifies the control of the model. Pneumatic tires are a great option for added functionality. With such ground clearance (15 cm), you can transport building materials and crops even on country roads.

pros

compactness and lightness;
large selection of attachments;
convenient steering wheel adjustment.

Minuses

too light for difficult soils;
requires regular technical inspection.

Review from a real buyer

I took this walk-behind tractor because I heard a lot of good things about it. And reviews. In principle, they were not deceived. The only thing is that on the virgin soil I behaved a little uncertainly. I had to add additional weight to the body kit. Otherwise, the car is okay. Both in winter and in summer it showed itself only from its best side.

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.

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 mass.

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

convenience, which comes from 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.

Centaur 2016B

Main characteristics

Country of origin: Belarus.
The engine is gasoline (made in Japan).
Engine power - 16 hp.
Width/depth of tillage - 45-135 cm/20 cm.
Weight - 145 kg.
The maximum processing area is up to 50 acres.
Additionally - rotary cutter, hitch, plow, potato digger, rotary hubs.

Detailed characteristics and prices

Review

Gasoline walk-behind tractor for a summer residence - which one is better? Of course, it all depends on your capabilities and needs. But an ideal unit, first of all, should have wide functionality. For example, the Centaur 2016B model. Despite its heavy weight, this walk-behind tractor is considered one of the most productive, easy to manage and operate, and economical. It can easily cope with plowing light soils, hilling even tall seedlings and transporting up to 1000 kg of cargo in a trailer.

pros

large selection of attachments;
work on any soil;
compactness and efficiency.

Minuses

relatively heavy weight;
Not a very convenient scheme for replacing cutting elements.

Review from a real buyer

A beast-machine without exaggeration. He chews everything with the same enthusiasm: grass of any hardness, and whole grass. An excellent help on the farm, especially for farmers. I like its unpretentiousness - I checked everything once, set it up, replaced what I needed where it was needed, and you can work for a season without being distracted. I consider this walk-behind tractor one of the best in its class.

Price

Cost is one of the important factors for most people. Therefore, some try to purchase the unit that best suits 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

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.

Belarus 09N with Honda engine (9 hp)

Main characteristics

Country of origin: Republic of Belarus.
Engine: Honda GX270.
Engine power - 9 hp.
Number of speeds - 6.
Weight - 176 kg.
Additionally - a set of pneumatic wheels.

Detailed characteristics and prices

Review

Today, manufacturers offer various gasoline walk-behind tractors, the rating of which depends on many factors. If we consider “heavy class” units, then one of the best options can be safely called the Belarus 09N with a Honda engine. Of course, it is a bit heavy for unprepared summer residents, but it can easily cope with any virgin soil, has excellent functionality, is designed for the use of a wide range of attachments, and is very economical.

pros

high productivity and cross-country ability;
durability and ease of use;
acceptable price.

Minuses

timely replacement of the air filter is required;
high requirements for fuel quality.

Review from a real buyer

The walk-behind tractor is excellent, it worked for three years without failures. He had his carburetor washed out a couple of times, little by little. The engine is powerful and does not become capricious even under heavy loads. I want to take another one like this for the second section. I don’t recommend buying a unit for dachas on 5 acres - such a machine is only suitable for large farms.

Recommendations for selection

The best snow blower model is not necessarily the most expensive option. Before purchasing a device, it is much more important to clearly define the required functionality and features of use.

Will you be cleaning large areas? How often? How much snow will need to be removed? Are you willing to pay extra for additional features that improve the usability of your snow blower? Do you need a universal tractor that will also be useful in other seasons?

This is an approximate list of questions that you need to consider before purchasing a snow blower. The correct answers will help you manage your purchase budget wisely and enjoy using the chosen model.