Manual snow blowers: features and types

Clearing snow from the path with an ordinary shovel only at first glance seems to be an active and rewarding pastime. In reality, after 20 minutes, the back begins to ache, the hands get tired, and the very monotony of the lesson evokes melancholy. Special equipment - a manual snow blower - will help save time and effort.

Manual snow removal equipment is used to remove snow from the local area. The equipment consists of a bucket including a snow thrower with a control handle. The mini snow blower can handle snow clearing up to 400 square meters. The quality of the harvest, as well as the time taken to clean, is determined by the size of the bucket... The higher it is, the higher the snowdrift can be cleared. The wider, the faster the operator will cope with his task.

The principle of operation is quite simple: the equipment moves under the guidance of the operator in the right direction, captures the snow and throws it aside.

Unlike electric or gasoline-powered self-propelled models, manual technology gives the operator complete freedom. This is a fairly lightweight tool that will allow you to remove snow in hard-to-reach places. Compact dimensions ensure the clearing of terraces, curbs, steps.

In addition, these parameters are very convenient when transporting the snow blower. Convenience during transportation or storage is provided by the telescopic folding handle.

Compared to self-propelled models, the distance for the manual snow thrower is unlimited. The owner of the equipment himself determines which area needs to be processed. That is the manual snow blower is more maneuverable... Of course, this is a more economical option, which is good news. The advantages include the small dimensions of the equipment, which provide easy transportation in a small space, for example, in the trunk, as well as the possibility of self-assembly in the presence of the simplest materials.

Manual snow blowers are virtually maintenance free. This is especially true for electrical models. This is an environmentally friendly option, unlike a specimen with a two-stroke internal combustion engine, however, this type also has its advantages, namely: efficiency and rationality.

Of the minuses of a manual snow blower, it should be noted the additional load that must be used by the operator. If a self-propelled vehicle drives by itself, and it is enough only to direct it in the right direction, then manual equipment must be pushed forward, due to which the owner of the unit gets tired faster.

Hand-held snow blowers can be classified according to the type of snow blower.

The stores offer two options:

• one-stage;
• two-stage.

The first option is also called auger. In his device, snow is thrown away using a special pipe. During the rotation of the auger, the snow masses are taken away and placed in the pipe, from where the snow is thrown to the side. The two-stage type is a more complex unit.In this case, the selection of snow occurs due to the auger, and it is thrown into the pipe due to the operation of the rotor.

In addition, manual snow blowers can be categorized according to auger type. This often becomes the main criterion when choosing a technique. The mechanism works like a food processor.

There are two types.

• Flat surface auger... Such a machine is designed to clean the track from freshly fallen snow. Usually, this technique serves for quick cleaning of the surface layer, by virtue of it light soft snow embankments.
• Toothed auger... Works with more complex snow masses. Serrated auger equipment can handle tough wet snow or tall snow drifts. The number and size of the teeth are determined by the height of the snow embankments and the parameters of the area that needs to be cleared of snow.

The screws can differ not only in the features of the device, but also in the material. This element for hand-held snow blowers can be made of steel, rubber or plastic. Each variety has its own pros and cons, but in any case, when operating manual equipment, you should avoid falling stones, pieces of wood and other obstacles under the auger.

Even the most stable steel auger quickly breaks down when hit by such an obstacle. This is especially true for single-stage units, where the speed of rotation of the augers should be maximum.

And also manual snow machines are:

• mechanical;
• drive.

The mechanical device can be a mechanical structure with a blade, shovel, and other mechanisms. Drive, in turn, can be divided into electric and gasoline varieties.

By the way, many owners of private houses make their own mechanical machines for snow removal. However, their working qualities are still not as strong as those of the drive variants.

Non-drive models they will clear loose fresh snow without any problems, but only until the height of snow emissions on the sides of the paths does not exceed the permissible level. Further, the tool will no longer be able to throw snow to the side.

For driven instances such obstacles are not terrible. In this case, it is possible to throw snow to the side at a distance of up to 5 meters, and therefore the operator does not have to worry about the height of the snow embankment on the sides of the track. However, this unit is capable of removing only a loose snow layer no more than 30 cm thick.

Manual snow blowers are designed for everyday use. Self-propelled vehicles are used in public utilities. However, machines for home use must also meet basic requirements. For example, the material of the impeller is an important criterion.

The choice of motor is important. Electric models are light weight, less vibration, they are easy to operate, but they are only suitable for an area with a power supply. In addition, the power of such a unit is rather limited.

Gasoline models can handle larger embankments, their area does not matter, but they are more difficult to maintain. For example, periodically they need to be lubricated and refilled... In addition, it is a heavier unit in terms of weight, which makes it difficult to work.

Most mechanical models have special wheels that greatly aid in the snow removal process. The operator does not have to spend additional forces pushing the tool. As for the manufacturers, then the most popular models are Forte, Huter, Stiga, Husqvarna, Sibrtech.

pay attention to popular unit "Janitor's Dream"... It is a lightweight, manoeuvrable tool that easily clears even packed, stuck snow. This model is purchased not only as a tool used in everyday life, but also for use in urban services.

The equipment easily penetrates those areas where the work of special equipment is impossible. The rubber grips will keep your palms from freezing; the bucket itself is made of 2.5 mm metal, which provides resistance to high shock loads. The bucket width is quite suitable for large-scale works - 80 cm. The price is quite affordable.

The following video will tell you about the intricacies of choosing a manual snow blower.