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In anticipation of a cold snap, many people think about the upcoming tests, since cleaning a private yard from fallen snow takes a lot of time and effort.
There is a solution to the problem – this is modern snowplow technology. How to choose a snow blower, every owner of a private house and a country cottage should know.
Rating of budget snow blowers up to 30 thousand rubles
Snow removal equipment is an expensive pleasure that not everyone can afford. However, among the budget options there are several worthy models.
AL-KO SnowLine 46E
- electric motor with a power of 2 kW;
- 1-stage cleaning system;
- mechanical regulation of the ejection sleeve of the collected snow (control from the taskbar);
- distance of discarding the collected snow – up to 10 m;
- bucket dimensions – 46×30 cm;
- augers – rubber, smooth;
- weight – 15 kg.
Advantages:
- low noise performance;
- built-in thermal protection;
- the ability to control with one hand;
- quick-folding rubberized handle;
- high-quality assembly;
- lack of difficulties with care and maintenance;
- low cost.
Disadvantages:
- non-self-propelled model;
- does not cope well with trampled and wet snow;
- glaciation of the cavity with straps.
“The AL-KO SnowLine 46E electric snow blower is suitable for cleaning small areas. Maneuverable and small-sized machine is easy to operate. If we talk about the shortcomings, it is worth noting the constructive imperfection of the model. The plastic on the underside of the snow blower is damaged by ice and rocks. Snow is packed into the cavity with belts and pulleys, which quickly freezes.
“Sibrtech ESB-46LI”
- electric motor;
- 1-stage cleaning system;
- mechanical regulation of the ejection sleeve of the collected snow (control from the taskbar);
- distance of discarding the collected snow – up to 7 m;
- bucket dimensions – 46×31 cm;
- augers – rubber, smooth;
- weight – 16 kg.
Advantages:
- capacious battery;
- the ability to control with one hand;
- the presence of LED-headlights;
- high-quality assembly;
- lack of difficulties with care and maintenance;
- maneuverability and compactness;
- low cost.
Disadvantages:
- non-self-propelled model;
- high noise performance;
- increased vibration;
- auger rubber, weakly resistant to severe frosts.
In January 2022, we bought a Sibrtech ESB-46LI electric snow blower for cleaning the yard in the country. As it turned out, they did not fail with the choice of technology. The small and manoeuvrable snow spreader easily and quickly copes with snow cover up to 10–15 cm high. The battery charge lasts for 20–30 minutes of uninterrupted operation
Huter SGC 4000
- 4-stroke gasoline engine with a capacity of 6.50 liters. With.;
- 3-liter fuel tank volume;
- self-propelled;
- 2-stage cleaning system;
- bucket dimensions – 56×42 cm;
- screws – metal, toothed (embossed);
- mechanical regulation of the ejection sleeve of the collected snow (control from the taskbar);
- metal sleeve for ejection of snow;
- step transmission.
Vadim, 53 years old (Lipetsk): “I have been using the Huter SGC 4000 snow blower for two years. I want to note the stability and strength of the model. Thanks to the inflatable tires with winter tread, the snowplow can be used even in icy conditions. Unfortunately, there were some troubles – the auger drive cable broke. It was not easy to get original spare parts in our city.”
Advantages:
- affordable price;
- high build quality;
- ease of operation;
- lack of difficulties with care;
- low fuel consumption;
- sustainability;
- maneuverability.
Disadvantages:
- inaccurate spread of snow;
- difficulties with cleaning wet and trampled snow;
- hard to get original parts.
The best petrol snow blowers
For clearing a large area, it is better to choose a gasoline snow blower. Powerful and maneuverable equipment works even where there is no electricity. On the modern market, snow blowers are presented in a wide range: there are models of , Chinese, Japanese, Swedish or American assembly.
According to professional reviews, the top five gasoline snowplows are as follows:
Denzel GSB-53
- 4-stroke gasoline engine with a capacity of 6.50 liters. With.;
- self-propelled;
- 2-stage cleaning system;
- bucket dimensions – 53×51 cm;
- screws – metal, toothed (embossed);
- manual control of the collected snow ejection sleeve;
- metal sleeve for ejection of snow;
- distance of discarding the collected snow – up to 11 m;
- weight – 58,3 kg.
Advantages:
- powerful and reliable motor;
- high-quality assembly;
- high wear resistance of components;
- step transmission;
- excellent functionality;
- light weight.
Disadvantages:
- inconvenient adjustment of the snow discharge sleeve;
- high price.
I’ve been eyeing snow plows for a long time. I chose between the Hunter, Denzel and Viking trademarks. As a result, I bought a Denzel GSB-53 snow spreader. Works great and quiet. The fence of snow goes almost at the level of the ground surface. In one visit, you can completely clean the yard of a private house. With high snow cover, you will have to work a little longer. Haven’t found any issues in a couple of years of use.
CHAMPION ST656
- 4-stroke gasoline engine with a capacity of 5.50 liters. With.;
- 3,6-liter fuel tank volume;
- self-propelled;
- 2-stage cleaning system;
- bucket dimensions – 56×51 cm;
- screws – metal, toothed (embossed);
- mechanical regulation of the ejection sleeve of the collected snow (control from the taskbar);
- metal sleeve for snow removal.
Advantages:
- powerful motor;
- 7 gears (5 forward and 2 reverse);
- low fuel consumption;
- ease of operation, care and maintenance;
- reliable and practical model;
- properly drawn up instructions for assembly, operation and maintenance.
Disadvantages:
- problems with the gear of the gearbox;
- the inability to quickly unlock the wheels;
- only manual start;
- overpriced compared to similar models.
For 4 years of operation, the CHAMPION ST656 snow thrower has fully worked out the money spent on it. The machine perfectly cleans snowdrifts. Sometimes it slips on the ice crust, but with a little more physical strength, they coped with such obstacles. The entrance to the house and garage is always clean
Interskol SMB-650E
- 4-stroke gasoline engine with a capacity of 6.50 liters. With.;
- 3,6-liter fuel tank volume;
- self-propelled;
- 2-stage cleaning system;
- bucket dimensions – 56×54 cm;
- screws – metal, toothed (embossed);
- metal screw diameter – 30 cm;
- mechanical regulation of the ejection sleeve of the collected snow (control from the taskbar);
- metal sleeve for snow removal;
- distance of discarding the collected snow – up to 12 m;
- weight – 73 kg.
Advantages:
- powerful motor;
- the presence of an electric starter;
- 7 gears (5 forward and 2 reverse);
- low fuel consumption;
- the presence of a headlight to illuminate the working area;
- ease of operation, care and maintenance;
- high-quality assembly;
- reliability and maneuverability;
- noise level – 96 dB.
Disadvantages:
- narrow neck for filling oil;
- insufficiently bright headlight;
- inconvenient gearshift lever;
- slow reverse;
- uninformative instruction manual.
There is a lot of snow in our area in winter. Therefore, cleaning the yard takes a lot of time and effort. After reading reviews about snowplows, I decided to buy an assistant. I chose the snow blower “Interskol SMB-650E” and did not lose. This is a real harvester for cleaning the territory. It copes well with loose, packed and even trampled snow. There are manual and electric starters. The headlight power is slightly lacking, so it is better to work during daylight hours
Daewoo DAST 6560
- 4-stroke gasoline engine with a capacity of 6.50 liters. With.;
- 3,6-liter fuel tank volume;
- self-propelled;
- 2-stage cleaning system;
- bucket dimensions – 57×51 cm;
- screws – metal, toothed (embossed);
- mechanical regulation of the ejection sleeve of the collected snow (control from the taskbar);
- metal sleeve for snow removal;
- distance of discarding the collected snow – up to 12 m;
- weight – 59 kg.
Advantages:
- powerful motor;
- low fuel consumption;
- ease of operation and maintenance;
- high-quality assembly;
- protective coating of metal with anti-corrosion paint;
- the presence of expanders for the bucket.
Disadvantages:
- formation of an ice crust behind the ejection impeller;
- difficulties with cleaning the territory from trampled down or covered with an ice crust of snow;
- strong vibration;
- at low air temperatures, the possibility of difficulty starting the engine.
The Daewoo Power Products DAST 6560 snow blower has both pros and cons. Quickly clears the area of loose snow. If the snow is trodden down, you have to use physical force so that the snow pusher moves forward more confidently. Pleased with low fuel consumption. The coating of metal elements with anti-corrosion paint prevents the appearance of rust. The model is supplemented with removable expanders for the bucket. But when installing expanders, the bucket leads to the side
Hyundai S 5555
- 4-stroke gasoline engine Hyundai ICW160 with a capacity of 5.50 liters. With.;
- 2,6-liter fuel tank volume;
- self-propelled;
- 2-stage cleaning system;
- mechanical regulation of the ejection sleeve of the collected snow (control from the taskbar);
- bucket dimensions – 55×49 cm;
- screws – metal, toothed (embossed);
- metal impeller;
- distance of discarding the collected snow – from 1 to 10 m;
- weight – 72 kg.
Advantages:
- powerful motor;
- 8 gears (6 forward and 2 reverse);
- convenient running-in and carefully thought-out rotation of the sleeve for throwing snow;
- stylish modern design;
- lack of difficulties with operation, maintenance and service;
- high-quality assembly;
- low fuel consumption.
Disadvantages:
- large dimensions and weight;
- incomplete instructions for assembly and operation;
- difficulties with patency in places where an ice crust has formed;
- small fuel tank.
Having carefully studied the descriptions, technical and functional characteristics of snowplows, I chose the Hyundai S 5555 diesel snow blower. The machine was in operation for only a couple of weeks, but it showed its best side. High power, low fuel consumption and easy operation
Top Electric Snow Blowers
Small-sized and maneuverable electric snow blowers are the best option for cleaning a backyard or private yard. Mains-powered equipment copes well with loose snow cover.
Daewoo DAST 2600E
- electric motor with a power of 2.60 kW;
- 1-stage cleaning system;
- mechanical regulation of the ejection sleeve of the collected snow (control from the taskbar);
- sleeve rotation angle – up to 190°;
- bucket dimensions – 46×27 cm;
- augers – rubber, smooth;
- distance of discarding the collected snow – from 1 to 10 m;
- weight – 15,5 kg.
Advantages:
- durable stainless steel case;
- rubberized auger that can withstand large sub-zero temperatures;
- the ability to control with one hand;
- the presence of a headlight;
- lack of difficulties with care and maintenance;
- maneuverability and compactness.
Disadvantages:
- non-self-propelled model;
- difficulties with control in the presence of an ice crust on the surface of the earth;
- not suitable for cleaning packed and wet snow.
At the beginning of the year, I bought a Daewoo Power Products DAST 2600E household snow blower. A good model for daily cleaning of a private yard from snow. If the height of the snow cover is 15 cm or more, there are difficulties with management. The snow plow is compact and maneuverable, there is a halogen headlight illumination. The snow throw angle can be adjusted. In the description of the model, the range of the collected snow is overestimated. In fact – no more than 7 m
Denzel EST-51Li
- works on an electric motor;
- 1-stage cleaning system;
- mechanical regulation of the ejection sleeve of the collected snow (control from the taskbar);
- bucket width – 51 cm;
- augers – rubber, smooth;
- weight – 20 kg.
Advantages:
- built-in battery;
- the ability to control with one hand;
- the presence of a halogen headlight;
- lack of difficulties with operation, care, maintenance and storage;
- quality assembly.
Disadvantages:
- non-self-propelled model;
- no additional battery provided.
I have long been on fire with the idea of buying a mini snowplow for cleaning the yard and driveway to the garage. Having carefully studied the assortment presented on the market, I chose the Denzel EST-51Li model. What to say? A good and very maneuverable unit that does a good job of cleaning the area around the house. The battery charge lasts for 30-40 minutes of uninterrupted and intensive work
Daewoo DAST 3000E
- electric motor with a power of 3 kW;
- 1-stage cleaning system;
- mechanical regulation of the ejection sleeve of the collected snow (control from the taskbar);
- sleeve rotation angle – up to 190°;
- bucket dimensions – 51×33 cm;
- augers – rubber, smooth;
- distance of discarding the collected snow – from 1 to 12 m;
- weight – 16,8 kg.
Advantages:
- a small snow blower with a powerful engine;
- the presence of LED-headlights for lighting the site;
- the presence of rubberized pads on the augers;
- high-quality assembly;
- impact-resistant ABS case;
- a light weight;
- the possibility of transportation when folded in the trunk of a car;
- Stylish modern design.
Disadvantages:
- difficulties with cleaning the trampled snow cover;
- overpriced in comparison with analogues.
With the purchase of the Daewoo Power Products DAST 3000E snow blower, I forgot about the snow blockages in the yard. Now snow removal is a real pleasure. The machine easily copes with cleaning a small private courtyard. Works almost silently. Many people complain that electric snow blowers are not suitable for removing large snowdrifts, wet or old snow. I tried my home assistant for clearing garden paths where there was packed snow. Did great. But with the cleaning of the trampled cover there are difficulties
To clean the dacha area I use a Daewoo Power Products DAST 3000E snow blower. Took on the advice of a friend. Good technique for ridiculous money. Works well, no complaints. If we talk about the shortcomings, the handle is rather weak. I had to reinforce it with bolts. The cord is not long enough, you have to supplement with a portable extension cord
What are snow blowers
The popularity of snow plows is growing day by day. Focusing on demand, manufacturers are trying to expand their product range as much as possible. Existing models are modernized and supplemented with various functions. New equipment is produced taking into account the needs of consumers.
There are several classifications of modern snowplow cleaning equipment:
- By purpose: household and professional.
- By engine type: gasoline, electric from the network and battery.
- According to the method of the snow intake system: one-, two- and three-stage.
- By type of management: self-propelled and non-self-propelled. Self-propelled models are wheeled and tracked.
- By severity class: light, medium and heavy.
By what parameters to choose
So, let’s deal with the main criteria for choosing a modern snow blower.
Comparison table of characteristics of snow blowers of different types
Cleaning area
When choosing a technique, it is important to consider the area to be cleaned.
To clean a parking lot near the house, garden paths, a driveway or a personal plot of up to 100 m², it is recommended to take a closer look at small-sized electric snow throwers. Compact machines are characterized by maneuverability and good speed.
If the snow removal area is large, it is better to buy a snow blower with a wide grip. Powerful self-propelled machines remove not only freshly fallen snow, but also caked snow. Caterpillar models were developed to pass through the ice crust.
snow type
The choice of auger (material and shape) is determined by the type and height of the snow cover. The plastic auger should be used for clearing fresh snow. When working with trampled or packed snow, the plastic may deform or crack.
A metal auger with a rubberized lining perfectly removes loose snowdrifts. Wet and covered with a light ice crust of snow is not a problem for such an apparatus. But a steel toothed auger is used to break the ice crust and clean the packed snow cover. Please note that metal teeth can damage the road surface. To protect paving slabs or asphalt from mechanical damage, special rubberized pads are put on the screw teeth.
Bucket size
The performance of the snow blower depends on the capacity of the bucket. The larger its size, the faster the snow blower will cope with cleaning the area from snow.
Electric models are compact. Accordingly, the width of the bucket will vary from 25 to 60 cm, height – from 12 to 30 cm. Compared to electric models, snow blowers are more spacious: more snow is removed in one “grab”. The width of such a bucket is 55–115 cm, the height is 25–75 cm.
Some models are supplemented with snow blowers. Special vane plates are used to kick off the top of the snowdrift. The shape of the screw is smooth and embossed. Often, a notched auger is supplemented with dense rubberized nozzles, which are necessary to protect the surface of the garden path from mechanical damage.
Direction and distance of snow throw
The control of the snow ejection sleeve can be manual mechanical, remote mechanical and automatic. In this case, the maximum angle of rotation to the left and right is 190 °.
The throwing distance of the collected snow depends on the specific model. So, the Sniper SNM924E snow blower throws snow at a distance of up to 12 m. The Honda HSM1390IKZE premium hybrid snow blower covers a distance of up to 19 m. The snow throw distance for most electric models does not exceed 10 m.
engine’s type
Snow plows are available in electric and petrol versions.
- electrical
Maneuverable electric models are more convenient to operate. Small dimensions and low specific gravity do not cause difficulties with the storage and transportation of equipment. The electric snow blower is suitable for clearing loose snow in small areas. Such machines are used in parking lots and in private yards.
- Gasoline
Petrol snow blowers are used for cleaning large areas. Compared to electric models, snow blowers are characterized by high power, practicality, reliability and efficiency. The equipment copes with loose, compacted, trampled and ice-covered snow.
Additional functions
Most modern machines have wide functionality:
- Small-sized models are complemented by an automatic rotation function that responds to the movements of the operator.
- The rubberized overlays on the handle of management interfere with sliding. Heated handle increases comfort while working. A warm handle is the best solution for a snow blower.
- Almost all modern snowplows come with an LED headlight. Soft, even light well illuminates the work area and does not irritate the eyes.
- The wheel/wheel lock makes it easier to control small and large snow blowers on ice-covered surfaces. With the differential lock function, even a physically weak person can handle the control.
Brand/price
When choosing snowplows, you need to pay attention to the brand name. Little-known brands that offer cheap snow and ice removal equipment do not differ in build quality and durability of parts.
The best snow blower brands are Honda, Craftsman, Husqvarna, McCulloch, Champion, Patriot, AL-KO, Wolf Garten and others. The Japanese brand Honda supplies practical, reliable and powerful equipment to the world market. The American brand Husqvarna specializes in gasoline internal combustion engines. Petrol snow blowers of this brand are suitable for cleaning the garden area in the country.
To clean a small area near the house, you can use self-propelled wheeled snowplows manufactured by Champion and Patriot. These brands are represented in the middle and economy segments. As for inexpensive equipment, Daewoo, Huter, Denzel and Enfield snowplows have good reviews in Our Country.
The cost of snowplow equipment is determined by the functional and technical characteristics. The price of universal models varies from 20 to 500 thousand rubles. The most expensive snow machines are Honda and Husqvarna.
Maintenance complexity
The life of your snowplow depends on following the recommendations for use and care. Timely replacement of parts and treatment of individual elements with oil increases the wear resistance and reliability of the machine. The engine of a gasoline snow blower will work properly and powerfully if you constantly monitor the quality of the fuel. The quality of fuel and oil affects the reliability, durability and functionality of the equipment.
According to the reviews of the owners, before each start of the snow blower, it is necessary to check the correct operation of all components and assemblies. If there are cracks, chips, oil leaks and other types of malfunctions, contact the manufacturer’s service center.
Video “Tips for choosing a snow blower”
The best choice
When choosing a snow blower, it is recommended to carefully study the technical and functional characteristics of the devices. It is important to take into account the area of the cultivated area, the frequency of use of equipment, the ratio of the criteria “price” and “quality”.
So, according to the rating announced by the profile companies, the best choice is the Daewoo Power Products DAST 3000E snow blower. This electric snow blower fully complies with the characteristics declared by the manufacturer, does not require special skills in operation and maintenance.