Working width
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.
Snow height
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.
Max. throw distance
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.
Working mechanism
The type and material of the working mechanism standardly installed in the snow blower.
—
Metal screw. An auger is a structure of several spirally curved plates, which, due to rotation, ensure the movement of snow from the surface being removed and throwing it in the desired direction. Metal augers have high hardness and strength, making them well suited for working with hard crust, dense compacted snow and high snowdrifts. On the other hand, such a tool can damage the coating under the snow, so such devices are not suitable for working on paths with decorative coating. Also, a metal auger can break if it collides with, say, a stone, and therefore requires the use of safety systems (cutting pins). Such augers are usually equipped with powerful self-propelled models, in which the working tool does not lie close to the ground.
—
Rubberized auger. A type of auger (see above) made of rubberized material. Such augers are softer than steel ones, so they can be used to clear paths with decorative coatings without fear of damaging the surface. At the same time, they are suitable for working only with loose, freshly fallen snow - with dense snowdrifts or crust, such augers cope much worse than metal ones, and in this mode they quickly wear out and become unusable. Rubberized (or even all-rubber) augers are usually installed on non-self-propelled models, in which the tool can lie close to the groun
...d.
— Plastic screw. The advantages of plastic as a material for augers are their low cost and good hardness, thanks to which such augers cope much better with frozen crust and compacted snow than rubberized ones. At the same time, they are much more gentle on the road surface than metal ones, thanks to which they can be used almost close to the ground. At the same time, plastic is characterized by fragility and a tendency to crack when colliding with solid obstacles, and therefore this material is used relatively rarely and mainly in inexpensive snow blowers.
— Sweeping brush. A rotating cylindrical brush with long, stiff bristles mounted on a horizontal axis. This mechanism is designed to work with soft, loose snow of shallow depth. Its main advantage is the combination of clean processing and good grip width: the brush can provide a grip strip of 60-80 cm, leaving behind almost completely cleaned soil. Moreover, it can also be used on relatively “delicate” surfaces. But for high snowdrifts or densely packed snow, it is still better to use augers.
— Metal auger/sweeping brush. In this case, the snow blower is equipped with both types of working mechanisms (see above for more information about them), and the operator can install the most suitable one for the given conditions. This gives the greatest versatility: for example, you can remove the crust with a metal auger, and then install a brush and sweep the area clean.
- Dump. A device made of a curved metal sheet for clearing snow debris. Allows you to carry out large volumes of work; it is used to clear access roads, parking lots, areas near the garage or entrance gates to a personal plot from freshly fallen snow. To prevent damage to delicate road surfaces, a rubber coating is often placed on the bottom of the blade. Based on the working situation, there are usually three fixed positions of the blade: vertical, tilted to the right or left.Auger / brush diameter
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.
Motor type
Model of the engine installed in the snow blower.
With this information, you can find detailed data on the engine — from official specifications to reviews, reviews and advice on specific nuances. In this way, you can evaluate how a snow blower with this particular engine will suit your needs.
Engine size
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.
Motor power
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.
Motor power
Snow blower motor power in watts. This designation applies to all electrical models; for units with internal combustion engines (see "Engine type"), the designation in horsepower (see above) may also be given.
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.
