Comparison Romet GARDEN HE 4 vs Intertool SN-4000

— Petrol. An internal combustion engine that uses gasoline as fuel. Such motors are often more powerful than electric motors, in addition, they do not depend on the mains connection and the length of the power cord. On the other hand, gasoline snow blowers are usually heavier, have a higher noise level, and emit fuel combustion products into the air. In addition, they are more expensive to operate and require the purchase of fuels and lubricants. These machines are worth paying attention to if you plan to work in large areas and/or in conditions of a lack of electricity.

— Diesel. Diesel internal combustion engines. In such engines, it is easier to achieve high torque than in gasoline ones; for this, however, you have to sacrifice speed, but for snow blowers this moment is not critical. In addition, diesel fuel is cheaper than gasoline. On the other hand, the engines themselves are quite expensive and difficult to maintain, and at low temperatures they are more likely to have problems starting. Therefore, diesel engines have not received much distribution; they are found only in single models of heavy professional snow blowers.

— Electrical(network). Snow blowers with electric motors, usually, are powered by a conventional 230 V network. Compared to gasoline, such devices are lighter, cheaper to operate, produce less noise and do not pollute the air; in add...ition, they are more compact and easier to store. On the other hand, the power of electric snow blowers is usually much lower, and mobility is limited by the length of the power cord. Such models can be recommended primarily to those who plan to clean relatively small areas in the immediate vicinity of power sources — for example, the yard of a private house or the exit from the garage.

— Electric (battery). Snow blowers with an electric motor powered by a built-in battery. Such models have very low power and limited operating time, while they are more expensive and weigh more than their mains-powered counterparts. On the other hand, the battery snow blower works without being connected to the mains and does not depend on the length of the wire. So such a unit will be an perfect choice for cleaning a relatively small area, near which there are no outlets.

The width of the strip of snow that the snow blower can clear in one pass. The larger the capture width, the fewer passes will be required to process the site, which is especially important on large areas. On the other hand, for processing small spaces, clearing individual paths, etc. significant width is not required (moreover, a “narrow” snow blower will pass more easily in a hard-to-reach place). The larger the capture width, the more powerful the engine, usually, ceteris paribus.

The most compact modern snow blowers have a working width of less than 50 cm, these are mainly electric models of low power, although gasoline units are also found. A width of 50 – 60 cm can be called relatively small, 60 – 70 cm — medium, and in the largest models this figure exceeds 70 cm.

The maximum thickness of the snow layer that the snow blower removes in one pass. If you plan to regularly remove snow as it falls in a small area (for example, in the courtyard of your own private house), a grip height of up to 20 cm will be enough. If the opportunity to remove snow is rare (for example, in a country house where you visit only on weekends), you should pay attention to more powerful models with a height of about 50 cm.

The shortest distance that the snow blower can throw the collected snow.

The minimum range is indicated only for models with adjustable throw distance (see above). The meaning of this parameter is that in fact, long-range snow casting is not always desirable. For example, when clearing a path in the yard of a private house, snow often has to be poured literally next to the path, a little further — and it will fly onto the windows and walls of the house.

Note that the ejection range is a rather conditional value, because. snow (especially loose, freshly fallen snow) tends to dissipate in flight.

The maximum distance to which the snow blower can throw the collected snow (for models without throwing distance adjustment, the operating range itself). This value is rather arbitrary, since snow can be strongly dispersed in flight. Nevertheless, it characterizes the capabilities of the unit well and allows you to compare it with other models.

Long range is important mainly when working on large areas — it allows you to throw snow across the cultivated area so that it does not have to be collected a second time. As for specific figures, the value up to 10 m is considered relatively small, 11 – 15 m — average, and in the most "long-range" models this figure can be 16 m or more.

The diameter of the working tool of the snow blower. Other things being equal (primarily engine power), a smaller diameter auger gives more force during rotation, and a larger diameter auger allows you to process more snow in the same time. Therefore, units with large augers can be recommended primarily for working with large volumes of relatively soft snow, and with small ones — for dense packed cover and crust.

The speed of rotation of the working tool of the snow blower.

Other things being equal, a higher speed is good for performance, a lower speed gives more torque and improves efficiency in hard snow and crust. However, in fact, this parameter is more of a reference than practically significant: manufacturers select the speed in such a way as to ensure sufficient efficiency and productivity. In addition, many models are produced with several gears, where the rotation speed can be adjusted.

The size of the engine installed in a gasoline or diesel (see "Engine type") snow blower. With the same type of internal combustion engine (see above), more displacement usually means more power and more fuel consumption.

Snowblower engine power in horsepower.

The universal unit of power today is watts, but for gasoline and diesel engines (see "Engine type"), the traditional designation in horsepower may also be given. 1 HP approximately equal to 735 watts.

The higher the engine power, the higher the performance of the snow blower, the better it handles with high dense snowdrifts and icy crust. However, more powerful engines consume more fuel, weigh more and cost more, and their use is not always justified. Detailed recommendations on choosing the optimal power for a specific situation can be found in special sources.