Contents
An electric snow shovel is a device designed to quickly remove dry and freshly fallen snow mass from small and hard-to-reach areas. The name is due to the similarity with the handle of a conventional shovel. But that’s where the similarities end.
Other official names are snow thrower, electric snow shovel, etc.
Below we consider the features of an electric shovel, how it works, what types there are. We will analyze the pros and cons, highlight the selection criteria, features of several models and other important points.
What is an electroshovel, general purpose
An electric shovel is designed for snow removal and is used as a replacement for a more expensive snow blower. It is a product with a rubberized handle that provides a comfortable grip and control.
Other structural elements are a control panel, a housing with an electric motor and an auger for removing snow mass.
Some manufacturers install a brace that helps with transportation. This is a useful option, because the average weight of the product is six to eight kilograms.
Changing the operating mode is not provided, which simplifies the design and application features of the product. Weight reduction is achieved, as a rule, by using lighter materials for the body or other elements.
Electric shovels made of wood, aluminum or plastic are on the market.
Purpose – automated cleaning of snow mass in small areas where the use of a snow blower is impractical or expensive.
Often used in households and businesses for snow removal in relatively small areas, parking lots, paths, stairwells, etc.
Operating principle
The electric shovel is powered by a household mains or battery. When turned on, snow is captured and distributed to the left and right to the level of the side stops. Subsequently, the snow mass under pressure is ejected several meters in all directions, providing a high cleaning speed.
Depending on the configuration, the snow shovel has to be suspended or carefully moved forward. Thrust or other elements for movement are not provided.
Sometimes an additional brush is installed, which allows you to clean the area from ordinary debris in the summer, which expands the functionality of the device.
As noted, the snow thrower can be powered by a battery or a household network. The first option is more convenient, because you can move in any direction and not pay attention to the length of the cord.
Power supply from 220 V hinders movement somewhat. The advantage is that you can work without time limits and not worry about battery drain.
Unlike a snowplow, an electric shovel is not self-propelled. It must be pushed in front of you. The advantage of some models is the presence of large wheels, but they are not always provided.
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TECH SPECS
There is a wide range of electroshovel models with different parameters and at different prices on the market.
General specifications are presented in the following range (for different manufacturers):
- power from 650 to 2000 W;
- height and width of capture – 26-60 cm and 12-30 cm, respectively;
- ejection range – from 2 to 15 m;
- weight – from 5 to 24 kg;
- the number of speeds is one.
The cost ranges from $50 to $300 on average. The price depends on the manufacturer, power, design and other features of the electric shovel.
Types
There are three main types of electroshovels on sale (according to the screw material) – aluminum and wooden. Reinforced plastic models are less common.
Consider the features of different types:
- The aluminum electroshovel is made on the basis of aviation metal, which guarantees a long service life, comparative lightness and reliability. The advantages of such a shovel are increased productivity, resistance to malfunctions and no risk of corrosion. The use of aluminum leads to an increase in cost compared to other types of models.
- A wooden electric shovel has a wooden base, but metal or plastic linings are still used as additional elements. They are necessary for greater ease of use and to ensure mechanical strength. Such electric shovels have an affordable price and do a good job of removing snow on various surfaces, including tiles or other fragile surfaces.
- Plastic. In such devices, the body and a number of other elements are made of reinforced plastic. It is of high quality, resistant to mechanical stress and does not damage the surface.
As a rule, several materials are used in the manufacture of electroshovels, but the main difference concerns the design of the body and auger.
Criterias of choice
When buying an electric shovel, it is necessary to take into account the purpose of the purchase and the scope – for home use, for summer cottages, etc. The final choice of power, material and other parameters depends on this.
Basic criteria for choosing electric shovels for snow removal:
- Manufacturer. You can find models from more than ten major manufacturers on the market. The most demanded companies are Huter, GreenWorks, DDE, Stiga, Monferme and others.
- Manufacturer country. Electric snow shovels are made in China, France, USA, South Korea and Sweden. The geography of production is expanding every year, new factories appear, which expands the choice of products and makes the price more competitive in the market.
- Capture width. This parameter determines how much gap the electric snow blower captures at a time. When choosing, you need to focus on the type of territory. When it comes to cleaning stairs or other narrow surfaces, it is advisable to choose models with a small gripping width (up to 20 cm). When processing large areas, wide electroshovel options are more suitable.
- Engine power. This parameter can reach 2 kW. The best solution is to buy an electric shovel with a motor power of about 1 watts. As a rule, this is enough to clear snow in large areas without the risk of overheating. When choosing, it must be remembered that the consumption of electricity and the discharge rate of the battery (for battery models) depend on the engine power.
- Ejection distance. The maximum figure can reach 15 meters (average 6-8), which must be taken into account. When cleaning a small area from a snow mass, snow should not be thrown into neighboring areas.
- grip height. Modern snow blowers are capable of capturing up to 60 cm of snow cover. This is convenient when the region often receives high rainfall. Otherwise, the electric shovel will “dig in” in the snow and will have to go through the same area several times.
- screw type. On sale you can find rubberized or non-rubberized auger. This parameter affects the smoothness of the ride and the ability to use in areas prone to damage.
- Ejection distance control. A big plus if the electroshovel has the option to change the ejection range. But such models have a higher price.
- Heated handles. In expensive electric snow shovels, the handle is heated, which increases the comfort of work in cold weather and allows you to hold the shovel even with your bare hands. Heating also prevents snow or ice from freezing on the surface of the handle.
- Power supply – from a battery or a 220 V network. When choosing, it is worth considering exactly where snow removal is required. If it is necessary to process areas remote from objects with a voltage source, it is better to choose battery options for electroshovels. Their advantage lies in the lack of binding to the household network. In other cases, conventional models powered by 220 V are more suitable, because they do not have operating time restrictions.
- Start type – manual or electric starter. In the first case, the start of the electric shovel is provided manually, and in the second, according to the principle of starting the car (a starter is installed). The starter version is more convenient to operate, but requires proper maintenance, and the cost of such models is higher.
- Ejection direction regulation. In some electric shovels, you can change the direction of the ejection depending on the area being cleaned. The change occurs in manual mode, or it is not provided.
- Weight. The weight of an electric shovel depends on many factors – engine power, material of manufacture, handle design and other points. It is better to give preference to models that weigh up to 7 kg. More bulky snow blowers should be chosen with care, because their use requires a lot of physical effort.
- screw material. Electric shovels with a plastic, wooden or metal auger are on the market. It is desirable that this part be made of a soft material that is flexible, lightweight and impact resistant.
An additional criterion for choosing is the price. This indicator depends on many factors, namely design features, functionality, manufacturer, etc.
The cost of electric shovels for snow removal varies over a wide range, so when choosing it is important to focus on the place of application and financial capabilities.
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Advantages and disadvantages
An electric snow shovel has its pros and cons. They must be taken into account when choosing a product between a manual and self-propelled snow blower.
Device advantages:
- Comparative lightness and small size. The design is simplified as much as possible, due to the absence of a tank and a number of other additional elements. Even with a weight of 6-7 kg, the mass is almost not felt. The compactness of the electric shovel allows it to be used for clearing snow even in small spaces without any storage difficulties.
- Reliability and long service life. In modern snow removal mechanisms, protection against overheating is provided, prolonging the life of the motor. The electric snow blower motors are equipped with double insulated windings, which guarantee additional protection against water and reduce the risk of breakage. The electric shovel engine is unpretentious and is able to work for a long time without the need for expensive maintenance.
- Low noise level. The electric motor of the snow blower makes almost no noise, which does not require the installation of an additional soundproof housing. This factor further facilitates the design.
- Environmental friendliness. Electroshovel motors are environmentally friendly. In the process of their work, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide or other harmful elements are not emitted.
- Ease of use. Electric snow blowers don’t need to add oil or buy gasoline. In addition, the start-up process is simplified here. All that is required is to charge the battery in time or insert the plug into the socket.
- Low price. Unlike self-propelled snowblowers, electric shovels have a lower price, but they do the job just as efficiently.
Disadvantages of electroshovel:
- Lack of power. Often, motors up to 2 kW are installed on manual snow blowers, which is enough for domestic purposes, but not enough for professional work. In the latter case, a gasoline or diesel snow blower is more suitable.
- Poor mobility. Mains-powered electric shovels are “tethered” to 220V sockets, which forces you to stay close to power sources or use extension cords. For cleaning the area near the office or a country house, this is not a problem, but in remote areas it may be difficult. The problem is solved if you give preference to a battery-powered shovel.
- Difficulties with ejection of frozen snow. Structurally, electric shovels are designed for cleaning fresh and still loose snow. If it melts, and later becomes covered with an ice crust, difficulties arise, and the motor may overheat.
- Relatively short range of snow throw. When buying, it is important to look at how far the snow mass is thrown. Here it is necessary to proceed from the characteristics of the territory and proximity to other people’s sites.
Electroshovels are not a self-propelled mechanism, so their management requires a certain amount of work. But this does not cause difficulties even for people with minimal physical fitness. The issue of control is even more simplified if the device has wheels.
accident prevention
Despite the thoughtfulness of the design, the electroshovel requires responsibility in the process of application. It is important to follow safety rules to avoid injury and other problems.
Before starting work, read the instructions that come with the device. It describes the features of the assembly, inclusion, actions in the event of a breakdown, etc.
If the electric shovel is powered by a network, it is necessary to inspect the cable for the fact of the integrity and quality of the outlet.
Additional safety requirements:
- Wear protective goggles and gloves. The former protect the eyes from snow emissions, while the latter protect against hypothermia (if the handle does not provide for overheating).
- Make sure the cord meets safety requirements in terms of section, frost resistance and length. When working, do not allow it to be damaged, pressed or exposed to sharp objects.
- Do not allow children to use the electroshovel. A person working with such equipment must understand its principle of operation and possible risks.
- Wear loose clothing. Shoes must have a non-slip surface to avoid falling.
- Remove unauthorized persons and animals from the treated area.
- Unplug the electric shovel from the mains during repairs or relocation.
It is important to understand that the snow blower is the same electric tool, which requires compliance with safety rules. Their violation is fraught with stress and unpredictable consequences.
Features of operation
With the correct use of the electroshovel, it successfully replaces self-propelled equipment, but it is necessary to take into account a number of features and “weak points” of such equipment.
In particular, wet and stale snow is too tough for such a product due to the rapid overheating of the engine. The height of snowdrifts, even with a high grip, should not exceed 60 cm.
It is desirable to work at temperatures up to -25 degrees Celsius. In more severe frost, failure or damage to some elements is possible.
When buying, it is important to look at the manufacturer’s requirements in terms of operating temperatures for the application. Keep an eye on the cable during cleaning (for models powered by 220 V). It should not be under the feet of the worker and in front of the electroshovel itself.
The cleaner is removing snow from the surface of the ground, so you need to make sure that the area being cleaned is free of debris or solid objects that could damage it. If something solid gets under the spinning auger, there is a high risk of failure.
As for stones and other small objects, they are not terrible for an electroshovel. But during the departure, they can damage nearby buildings or cars.
Additional recommendations for use:
- Do not use the snow shovel in low light or poor visibility conditions.
- Use at sub-zero temperatures when the snow is loose, dry and crumbly. With deep snow (more than 15 cm), it must be removed in layers.
- When cleaning, watch which way the wind blows. He must throw snow to the side, and not on the worker himself.
- If the snow has packed and a crust has formed on top, break it with another tool, and only then use an electric shovel.
- On average, up to 10 square meters can be cleaned in 15-30 minutes. m area.
If it is planned to remove snow from steps and narrow paths made of tiles, stone, ceramics or other hard materials, it is necessary to take products with a plastic, rubber or rubber auger.
Such a product removes the snow mass well from such surfaces without the risk of damaging them.
Where to buy
Electroshovels can be purchased at regular stores and online outlets. If such a tool is bought for the first time, it is better to contact a real store where you can look at the product, ask a consultant about it, read the technical specifications in the developer’s instructions.
If the product suddenly does not fit, it is easy to return or exchange it for another model. When buying in an online store, it is more difficult to do this.
When buying an electric shovel in an online store, it is necessary to check the goods before buying, but this is not always possible. The advantage of this option is a more affordable price, but you have to pay for shipping, and this partially “closes” the savings.
In addition, when a defect or performance discrepancy is found, the electric snow shovel is more difficult to change. Even in the event of a replacement, the buyer is responsible for shipping costs. If the money for the shipment is returned, then this does not happen immediately.
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Service Features
For some time, the purchase is under warranty, which is established by the manufacturer. In the event of a breakdown, the product can be repaired free of charge. Such work is carried out by specialized service centers.
If the case is recognized as not under warranty, you will have to pay for the repair of the snow removal electric shovel from your own pocket. This is possible when detecting mechanical malfunctions caused by improper operation.
To prolong the life of the electric shovel, proper maintenance is essential.
Main works:
- Snow removal.
- Filling new oil into the gearbox (not for all models).
- Checking the condition and replacing bearings.
- Monitoring the condition of wires and the operation of switches.
- Inspection of the auger and its replacement in case of wear.
It is advisable to carry out maintenance in specialized workshops with the involvement of masters of their craft. This avoids the loss of the guarantee, if such a requirement is specified in the contract.
Analogues
If an electric shovel does not fit any criteria, you can choose other equipment.
The main analogues include:
- Battery operated snow blower. In fact, this is the same electric shovel, but powered by its own battery. This eliminates many of the inconveniences associated with dependence on the power source and the limited movement of the mechanism.
- Petrol shovel (benzolopata, motoshovel). It is structurally similar to an electroshovel, but has a gasoline engine with corresponding harmful emissions and noise.
- Attachment for trimmer or lawn mower. In this case, a special pad or snow ejector is installed on the product.
There are also self-propelled snow plows, but such a machine has a higher price.
Overview of modern models
The electric snow shovels market offers a huge selection of models for different needs and budgets. Let’s take a look at the most popular options below.
GreenWorks GD40SS
Electric shovel on the accumulator of production of the USA with a two-year warranty period. Designed to clear any areas of snow mass, suitable for garages and private homes.
The model is equipped with a brushless motor, which is not inferior in power to gasoline counterparts. The device emits a minimum of noise and vibration, there is no unpleasant smell.
The auger is made of ABS plastic, which is as light as possible and does not create additional load on the motor. In addition, such a screw does not scratch the surface. Battery life is up to 40 minutes on a single battery.
There is a system of protection against accidental activation. Additional advantages are light weight, snow throwing range up to six meters, battery operation at 40 V.
GreenWorks GES40
No less reliable battery-powered electric shovel with a width and height of snow capture of 30 and 11 cm, respectively. The snow throw distance is six meters.
Equipped with brushless motor. The total weight of the battery is 83 kg. A detachable handle is provided for greater ease of movement. Charger and battery must be purchased separately.
There is protection against accidental activation and a security key to prevent unauthorized use. In the manufacture of durable and frost-resistant material was used.
Huter SGC 1000 E
Electric snow shovel with 1,2 kW motor, working width and height of 34 and 15 cm respectively. The model easily copes with freshly fallen snow, but the compacted mass is beyond the power of this device.
Such a snow blower is the best solution for cleaning terraces, small roads, parking lots and other areas. Despite the low power, the snow ejection distance reaches six meters. The position of the handle is adjusted with a special screw. The total weight of the product is only 6,8 kg.
Stiga ST 1131 E
Compact electric shovel from a well-known Chinese manufacturer. Equipped with a 1,1 kW motor powered by a household network. It has a simple design, which outwardly resembles a trimmer.
The grip width is 31 cm, which is a good indicator for such products. The optimal scope of application is the entrances to the house, footpaths. It is advisable to clean only fresh snow, because the stale snow mass is not strong enough.
Zitrek ST2000
High-quality Chinese snow blower with small size and high level of reliability. An electric shovel is indispensable when it is necessary to clear small areas from snow – parking lots, terraces, paths, etc.
The engine power is 2 kW, which is enough to throw the snow mass at a distance of up to six meters.
The handle can be adjusted with a convenient screw without the need for special tools. The total weight of the product is only 5 kg.
The model also provides a single-stage system, reinforced plastic auger, a large snow blower width of 30 cm.
This is only a small part of the electric shovels on the market. The choice of products for snow removal is wide enough to choose a device according to its characteristics, type of work and price.
Should I buy an electroshovel?
The characteristics and advantages voiced in the article will allow us to draw the following conclusions. An electric shovel is one of the best solutions for cleaning small areas. When choosing, it is better to pay attention to products with a motor of at least 1000 W, capable of throwing snow at a distance of six meters.
It is desirable that the weight of the device is no more than seven kilograms, because otherwise the product will be difficult to move.
The selected model must be made of plastic or wood. The metal auger may damage the surface. The optimal grip width is 30 cm.
In general, the electric shovel is the optimal solution for removing snow up to 300 mm in small and difficult areas where the use of a snow blower is not possible.
When buying, pay attention to the manufacturer’s requirements in terms of operating temperature, power cord range and other characteristics. If you choose the right one, the device will last a long time and will not cause problems.