A snow blower is a device the size of a lawnmower. Your job is to draw in large amounts of snow, crush it, and then throw it out in a direction where the snow does not interfere. Many models are self-propelled, so you only have to steer them and not push them. In private use, such a device is ideal for clearing sidewalks and driveways quickly and easily over a large area.
You usually get snow blowers with petrol or electric motor.
Hybrids are also available, where different engines take care of drive and milling. Electric snow blowers require a cable connection to a socket, provided they do not have a battery, while petrol snow blowers primarily work wirelessly. Each type of device has its advantages and disadvantages. There different types of snowblower for example, battery powered snow blower, Electric and petrol snow blowers.
Differences between electric and petrol
Gasoline engines are the battleships under the snow blowers. They are large and heavy, but offer enough power, depending on the engine power, to powder even frozen snow over a large area. Also, with a petrol engine, you are not tied to the socket range or have to wait for the battery to be fully charged. The disadvantage is that these devices are more difficult to control, especially in winding areas. Not everyone has the power to start the device with a cable; these models are the most maintenance-intensive, take up most of the space, and are by far the loudest.
An electric snow blower is the exact opposite of a petrol engine: the engine power is usually designed for everyday snowfall and not for a winter catastrophe. The devices are a bit quieter, smaller, lighter, and therefore more comfortable to use. The electric snow blowers also start at the push of a button. For this, models without a battery must always be connected to the power line by cable. This makes electric snow blowers a good alternative in the vicinity of buildings, for example, in residential areas or winding application areas.
What to ask yourself before buying
Before you buy a snowblower, you should consider a few points – after all, the most potent and beefy model may not be suitable for your property. That is why we would like to give you a list of questions that you should answer for yourself:
Is snowblower necessary?
- A snow blower takes up a lot of space, and even the best one doesn’t do all the work. Only buy a snowblower if snow shoveling is not an option, or it is worth it for the area.
Which snow should be milled?
- The easiest task for a snow blower is fresh snow and powder snow. If, on the other hand, frozen, heavy or muddy snow is also to be milled, you need a larger caliber.
How quickly should the work be done?
- Engine speed, as well as working width and height, play a role in speed. If the evacuation does not have to be completed in five to ten minutes in the morning, you may also be able to use a weaker but more compact device.
Are there any gradients on the property?
- More fragile models may no longer make it up the mountain. A wide selection of courses can help here.
Is the milling surface angled?
- Electric snow blowers are often more comfortable and easier to maneuver.
Where should the snowblower go?
- A snow blower is not in use most of the year and should be kept protected from the weather. So you have to make sure that you have enough space for such a device.
What types of soil should be used for milling?
- Depending on the material type of the milling unit, the floor can be damaged. Artificial turf, for example, is a sensitive victim here. So determine in advance which substrates the snowblower is recommended for.