Self-propelled snow blowers: design features, model range

In winter, in the process of caring for the local area, you may need a more powerful tool for removing snow than an ordinary shovel. The category of such auxiliary devices includes snow blowers, especially self-propelled models, which stand out among similar equipment with a number of positive features.

The main characteristic of self-propelled snow removal equipment is operating comfort. As a rule, such auxiliary gardening devices move without the effort of the operator on a wheel or caterpillar drive. According to its design features, the snowblower will consist of the following main parts:

• different types of engine;
• screws and augers.

The working screw element has serrated blades, with the help of which the snow and ice that enter the machine are processed. And the screw conveyor, in turn, performs the task of delivering snow to the pump, with the help of which the snow is ejected. As a rule, these processes in self-propelled snow throwers occur almost instantly, therefore they are invisible to the machine operator.

The snow thrower perfectly copes with the tasks of cleaning territories of different areas, in addition, the equipment does not need to be pushed in front of you to carry out cleaning. Manufacturers of such auxiliary machines classify devices into several categories, taking into account the mass of the units:

• light self-propelled snow blowers, the weight of which does not exceed 50 kilograms;
• medium devices - 80 kilograms;
• heavy professional equipment, the weight of which will vary within 100 kilograms.

SSU can function with different types of motors. Most often, there are such modern models on sale:

• with a diesel engine;
• gasoline two-stroke;
• petrol four-stroke.

Based on their power, self-propelled snow blowers can be as follows:

• units with engine power up to 3 liters. with. - such machines cope with the cleaning of small areas in the presence of freshly fallen snow;
• equipment with a motor capacity of up to 6 liters. with. - can carry out cleaning of any snow masses, but not more than 1.5 meters in depth;
• snowplows with a capacity of more than 6 liters. with. - such machines can be used for ice and any types of snow masses, regardless of the condition and depth.

Today, domestic and foreign manufacturers produce four types of SSU, which are divided into categories based on their device.

In such machines, the energy from the crankshaft is directed to the gearbox, and then to the common shaft, which drives the propeller in the form of two wheels. Such features of the internal structure during the implementation of the maneuver require some effort by the machine operator.

This design assumes the distribution of rotational energy immediately to a common shaft, which interacts with two frictional mechanisms of the wheels. The essence of the friction system is similar to the clutch in a car. A similar arrangement of auxiliary equipment facilitates the maneuverability of auxiliary units.

This design is used for professional expensive equipment, which stands out for its power. As a rule, units of this type are very easy to control, since the distribution of energy within the units and wheels is carried out automatically.

The principle of operation of tracked snow blowers involves the flow of energy from the motor directly into the gearbox, and then into the differential, which distributes it between the two propellers. Changing the direction of travel is possible by blocking one of the tracks.

Wheeled or tracked self-propelled snow blowers have strengths and weaknesses that should be studied before purchasing devices. The advantages of the units include such characteristics.

• The main positive feature of the machines is their operating principle, which does not require any effort, pushing the cleaning equipment in front of you. To operate and transport the snow blowers, it will be enough to simply direct the unit in the right direction.
• As a rule, most models of self-propelled devices will be many times productive non-self-propelled counterparts, regardless of the manufacturer. This quality makes it possible to operate snow blowers to work with wet snow or ice.
• Self-propelled vehicles are several times easier to transport to the storage place after the end of the cleaning of the territory.
• The best modifications have a regulator for the location of the auger relative to the ground, in light of which the operator can independently determine the level of remaining snow in the area. This function is especially in demand during the maintenance of decorative areas in landscape design.
• Diesel and gasoline units have in their design shear bolts made of soft alloys, which reduce the risk of serious breakdowns when the auger interacts with any solid obstacle.

However, wheeled and tracked vehicles are also not without some disadvantages:

• almost all models of self-propelled snow blowers will cost several times more than non-self-propelled units for cleaning territories;
• along with the cost of cars, the price of their maintenance, repairs, components increases;
• in light of the large mass, such equipment will be more difficult to transport in the trunk of a car or in a trailer.

Among the most popular brands specializing in the production of such gardening equipment, the following manufacturers should be noted:

• Hyundai;
• Husqvarna;
• Honda;
• MTD;
• Interskol;
• Patriot;
• Champion etc.

Petrol self-propelled snow blowers Husqvarna recognized as the most powerful and reliable in Russia and Europe. All units are powered by the American Briggs & Stratton engine, which ensures uninterrupted operation and 100% start-up even in severe frost conditions. The range of Husqvarna snow blowers is represented by devices for servicing decorative areas of a small area, for servicing park areas, for operation in private adjacent territories.

MTD brand offers consumers machines for harvesting ice, icy snow masses, clearing areas from high snow drifts.

Among domestic manufacturers of gardening equipment, one can stop at inexpensive machines of the series Interskol SMB-650E... The device is remarkable for its power, in addition, the unit is capable of throwing snow masses for removal of up to 10 meters.

Hyundai brand offers small-sized vehicles of the S 5560 series, which are distinguished by their maneuverability, as well as powerful wheels, which provide the device with good stability even on ice.

Among the American self-propelled snow blowers, one should also highlight Patriot cars, in particular the PRO category. The cars are distinguished by a hybrid autorun system, ease of operation and a good level of maintainability.

The consumers are faced with a rather serious task in the selection of self-propelled equipment for servicing the territory in the winter. In the available variety of unit modifications, the following fundamental characteristics of the machines deserve special attention.

Tracked devices will have better grip on snow and ice, therefore, equipment in this category will better and faster cope with the task of collecting packed snow and ice crust on the site. And good adhesion of equipment to the surface of the site will greatly facilitate the operator's work with such units.

If you still like wheeled vehicles more, then the way out of the situation will be the acquisition of snow chains, which will need to be put on the wheels if necessary to solve complex tasks for cleaning the site. It is quite possible to service wheeled snow blowers independently without resorting to the services of service centers.

Gasoline cars will be very demanding on the quality of the fuel used, which can become a serious problem in Russian realities. For diesel devices, the seasonality of the fuel used should be monitored. Summer diesel fuel cannot withstand a temperature drop of more than -5 C. For regions where thermometer marks can drop to -35 C, owners will have to stock up on Arctic diesel fuel for servicing and refueling a self-propelled snow blower.

Gasoline units in this regard will be more versatile, however, the use of low-quality fuels and lubricants with impurities and additives can adversely affect the operational resource.

For self-propelled snow blowers, the main advantage in ensuring productivity and quality of service of the territory will be the large size of the working bucket for collecting snow masses. Self-propelled units are equipped with a rotary or screw-rotor drive, due to which the devices, for the most part, are capable of throwing snow over impressive distances.

Self-propelled snow blowers stand out for their ease of use. Typically, there is no need for a person to apply force in order for the assisted robot to move around the site. This feature allows even women to use the units.

The essence of machine control lies in the direction of the device in the right direction, with the setting of the required vehicle speed. However, the question of choosing the most suitable travel speed is fundamental during the cleaning of the area, since the wheel or track drive will push the device forward only at the optimal speed that allows the auger system to fulfill its task of processing and throwing snow masses.

An overview of the Forza self-propelled snow blower is waiting for you in the video below.