Snow blower: types, advantages, rules of use

In the harsh winter conditions, land owners have a number of additional concerns. These include the cleaning of snow masses that are actively accumulating and interfering with economic activities and comfortable movement around the territory.

Snowblowers are an excellent solution to this problem, removing most of the work from a person. But in the choice of this technique, there are several important points that must be taken into account. In addition, you need to understand that snow blowers require the right approach to work and regular maintenance. This article was written just to make it easier for you to understand these important topics.

Table of Contents

• Petrol snow blower
  • Pros and cons of a gasoline snow blower
  • Rules for using a gasoline snow blower
  • Care and maintenance features
• Electric snow blower
  • Pros and cons of an electric snow blower
  • How to use an electric snow blower
  • Care and maintenance features
• Cordless snow blower
  • Pros and cons of a cordless snow blower
  • Rules for using the battery-powered snow blower
  • Care and maintenance features

Petrol snow blower

The machine is powered by a gasoline engine. The user controls the petrol snow blower by holding the handle. In the lower part of the equipment there is a knife, which constantly cuts the snow masses, and they, in turn, fall on the augers and move to the chute. From this part of the car, snow is thrown over a fairly long distance.

Pros and cons of a gasoline snow blower

I would like to note that gasoline options are purchased more often than other types of snow blowers. This happens due to a number of important advantages:

• Autonomy. The performance of the device is independent of the mains supply. The car runs on gasoline, so its functionality is limited only by the volume of the fuel tank. In this regard, the owner can clear more extensive areas from snow masses.
• Power. Compared to electric and battery models, gasoline cleaners have higher power ratings and thus get the job done faster.

Having figured out the advantages of gasoline snow blowers, it is worth talking about their disadvantages. Among these are:

• Volume. The operation of the gasoline engine makes rather loud noises. With some models, you may even need to purchase a hearing aid protector (special thick earmuffs).
• Dimensions. The device has large dimensions, which in some cases can cause difficulties in control. This is especially true for non-self-propelled vehicles.
• Environmental hazard. The processing of gasoline leads to emissions of substances into the atmosphere that have a negative impact on the environment and on the user of the car.
• Cost. Gasoline models are often more expensive than other models and require regular gasoline bills.

Rules for using a gasoline snow blower

• Do not use the device in the vicinity of explosive substances. A gasoline powered snow blower is explosive, so it is important to keep it away from various sources of fire. It is also not recommended to leave fuel and oil cans near possible sources of ignition. All this increases the risk of an explosion.
• Do not use the device in areas with round slopes. During the cleaning of such areas, there is the possibility of sliding or even turning over the equipment. To avoid this, it is best to carefully inspect the work area. Also check the presence of foreign objects, which may later become in the working mechanism and lead to its damage.
• Do not lift the appliance while it is running. In case you want to move the car, be sure to make sure it is turned off. Otherwise, your clothes can get caught in the snow collection mechanism, not to mention your hands.
• Do not run the engine in a poorly ventilated area. The exhaust from your device contains substances that are extremely harmful to your health.

Care and maintenance features

After purchasing gasoline equipment, it is advisable to carry out the first maintenance. Check if your snow thrower is equipped with the following items:

• special grease designed to be applied to the gearbox;
• spare belts;
• spare friction ring;
• shear bolts.

Gas powered snow blowers are fairly reliable, but to reduce the risk of breakdowns, it is best to do the following regularly:

• Check the oil level;
• Inspect augers and shear bolts and check their fixation;
• Do not allow loose nuts and bolts;
• Monitor the condition of the cables;
• Measure tire pressure;
• Lubricate the cables.

If you notice that the oil level has dropped even slightly, then add it. The oil should be selected in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Electric snow blower

These units are adapted for operation from the mains. First, the device is connected to a 220 volt outlet. Then, after pressing the power button, the engine starts its work, it drives the auger, rotor and other parts of the structure. As the snow blower moves, the auger cuts off the snow and directs it into the outlet chute, just like in the gasoline counterpart.

Pros and cons of an electric snow blower

By analogy with the previous version, I propose to list the main advantages and disadvantages of mains powered snow blowers. So, the advantages of these models are:

• Cost;
• Light weight;
• Maneuverability;
• Ease of work and maintenance;
• Environmental Safety;
• Low noise indicators;
• No need for gasoline and oil.

Of the minuses of electric models:

• Low power;
• The need for an electrical network.

How to use an electric snow blower

I will now outline the most important guidelines for the correct use of electric snow blowers:

• Before you start working with the device, carefully study the instructions, because the rules for operating specific electric models can be strikingly different from gasoline counterparts;
• Be sure to inspect the power extension cord before turning on the device. There should be no damage on it;
• When cleaning with an electric snow blower, do not allow the power cord to get into the section of rotation of the auger;
• If the wire is damaged, immediately turn off the snow blower and, without touching the damaged area, break the contact with the mains;
• If you suddenly notice that the plug of the machine does not fit into the outlet or enters it too easily and freely (which indicates not very reliable contact with the network), you need to either try to connect the device to another outlet, or replace the problem one;
• The cross-section of the extension cables must not be lower than that specified in the instructions for use of the selected snow blower. Otherwise, due to voltage drops in the supply wires, errors in the operation of the engine may occur.

Care and maintenance features

After each use of the electric snow blower, you should check for damage (which is generally recommended for absolutely all snow blowers of any type). If there is any damage, it is better to contact a service center, especially when working with electric cleaners. At least once a year, it is necessary to carry out a full check of the device in the appropriate service. Before you start cleaning the device, perform the following simple manipulations:

1. Switch off the electric motor.
2. Wait until the snow blower auger has come to a complete stop.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power supply.
4. Allow the motor to cool completely (about 30 minutes).

Do not use water to clean the snow blower as this could damage the electrical parts. Clean the snow blower immediately after use:

1. Tilt the snow blower on its side.
2. Clean the auger parts and discharge chute with a brush.
3. Return the snow blower to its original position.
4. Remove snow and dirt from the surface of the snow blower.

Cordless snow blower

The battery-powered snow blower has a similar operating principle to the previous versions. When moving forward, the device collects snow in a bucket. After that, the snow masses are ground and thrown away in exactly the same way as for network and gasoline counterparts.

Cordless cars are powered by a lithium-ion battery that can withstand low temperatures. All the user needs is to periodically charge the battery. Often the device comes with a second battery, useful when the main battery is discharged. It is worth paying attention to the characteristics of the batteries. In some models, they may not be suitable for standard 220 volt electrical outlets. For such products, you will need to buy a voltage converter.

Pros and cons of a cordless snow blower

Now we will also consider the most important advantages and disadvantages of battery models. Among the advantages of such devices are:

• Autonomy. Unlike electric motor devices, such models do not need to be connected to the mains;
• Ease. Most often, battery units do not have a lot of weight, so they can be operated by a female without problems.
• Environmental Safety. Just like electric snow blowers, battery options are environmentally friendly;
• Multifunctionality. You can find models with built-in headlights for night cleaning, heated grips for more comfortable and pleasant handling, and other useful features.

The following two problems can be distinguished from the disadvantages of battery technology:

• Most cordless snow blowers do not have a battery large enough to clean a large area;
• The lithium-ion battery must not be disposed of in regular trash cans. In the event of a battery failure, you will have to find a collection point for such waste, which will naturally take a certain amount of time.

Rules for using the battery-powered snow blower

• If the device begins to throw snow at a shorter distance than before, check the condition of the chute. In the event of a blockage, you can clean it yourself.
• If during use you begin to hear extraneous sounds from the device, revise all connections. In most cases, simply tighten the nuts harder to eliminate noise.
• If the electric motor starts to work worse, the problem may be hidden in the fuse. Just replace this small part and the technique will work like new again.

Care and maintenance features

For seasonal maintenance on your battery pack, you should inspect the unit for damage to the housing, attachments to moving and load-bearing parts of the equipment. For effective and safe snow removal, it is important to devote time to the local area – to remove everything that can get into the snow blower auger and thereby damage it, it can easily be stones, branches, wires and other debris dangerous for the unit’s mechanisms. Every time after work, do not forget to clean the snow blower from snow, make sure that excess moisture does not remain on the tool. It is advisable to remove the battery and store it separately.

These very simple tips will keep your equipment in excellent condition for many years.

Summing up the above, I note that there is no perfect snow blower that would suit absolutely every site and the user himself. Each variety, as you can see, has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Each of the characteristics mentioned may be key for you. Therefore, you should carefully familiarize yourself with all the qualities of a snow blower before buying it. As for the rules of use and care – for any of the listed types of cleaners, one main advice can be distinguished: carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. If you take into account all the tips outlined, then you can easily choose the optimal snowblower, and also avoid mistakes using the device so useful on the site.