Self-propelled gasoline snow blowers: what are they and how to use them?

The snow blower has become an indispensable companion in areas where there is a lot of rainfall in winter. This technique allows you to quickly clear the area, making a minimum of your own efforts.

A self-propelled gasoline snow blower is different in that it does not require any effort on the part of the user to move the equipment around the site. The ease of use has made the device very popular. It is enough only to direct the unit in the desired direction, then the snow blower will independently move along a given trajectory and at a set speed.

On sale there are both tracked models and wheels, which are distinguished by wide rubber and deep tread. Which is better is difficult to say, since both options have the necessary grip and are distinguished by maneuverability. If necessary, you can remove snow with a slight slope, this does not affect the performance of the equipment in any way.

All models presented in a large assortment on the market can be divided into three types by weight:

• lungs weighing no more than 55 kilograms;
• medium with a weight of 55-80 kg;
• heavy - 80-90 kg.

It is also possible to classify such units according to technical parameters, for example, the throwing distance of the removed snow. The more powerful the technique, the heavier it is, and accordingly, the greater the range. In the middle, the maximum amount by which the snow blower can throw snow is 15 meters. Lightweight compact models have an indicator of several meters, usually up to five.

If we consider self-propelled and non-self-propelled models from a constructive point of view, then the former are distinguished by the presence of several augers, additional equipment with headlights, which allows the use of equipment even at dusk. Such units are popular with utilities.

The technique in question is created according to a typical scheme. The bucket, through which the snow is cleared, is installed at the front. The size of this part of the snowblower depends on the model. The wider its width and height, the more productivity the technique can boast. The auger is mounted horizontally, since in this position, when it rotates, the snow mass moves into the impeller, which is necessary for the equipment to throw the removed snow to the side over a long distance. All of these elements are driven by a motor, which is also responsible for the rotation of the caterpillar or wheels.

A manual starter is additionally installed as a fallback. A heating system is provided on the handles, which protects hands from frostbite during operation of the equipment. They also have control levers with the location of the bucket and switching the speed of the auger. Modern models offer the user up to six forward and two reverse speeds.In more expensive versions, there is a special regulator responsible for the position of the chute. It can be used while the snow blower is in motion. The snow throwing range is also an adjustable value.

If you have to work at night, then it is worth purchasing a model that includes halogen headlights. They differ from others in their high power and illumination range.

Wheel blocking is an additional function provided by a cotter pin. It is necessary to increase the cross-country ability of the vehicle. The bucket design has special reliability and strength, which are provided by the use of additional stiffeners. There is a scapula at the back. You can also observe a plate made of metal in the structure, which is necessary for cutting off the accumulated layer of snow. The bucket height is adjusted by means of the installed shoes.

The impeller is also manufactured from a durable metal alloy that has unique strength characteristics. It is covered with an anti-corrosion layer, so it retains its original properties for a long time. There is also a worm gear in the design, through which mechanical rotation is transmitted from the motor to the axis. From there, the auger mounted on strong bolts is activated.

Snowblowers are sold at different prices, it all depends on the manufacturer, model, equipment. They all have pros and cons. It is worth saying that the units produced by German companies rarely break down, since this quality is known all over the world. Some users with minimal technical knowledge can fix minor faults on their own, but if we talk about stable work, then, of course, it is better to contact a specialist.

Snow blowers are popular for the following benefits:

• maneuverability;
• quickly clear the desired area;
• do not require operator effort;
• they do not have a wire that would get tangled under their feet;
• headlights are provided in the design, so cleaning can be done in the dark;
• affordable cost;
• can be operated at any minus temperature;
• no big repair costs;
• take up little storage space;
• do not make noise during operation.

However, even with so many advantages, this technique is not without its disadvantages, including:

• special requirements for the type of fuel;
• the complexity of the settings;
• requires regular oil changes.

Professional snow blowers have unique technical characteristics. Not the last place in the rating is occupied by American, Chinese models and Russian-made devices, but German equipment is always in the leading positions.

The list of the most demanded units includes the following models.

• Craftsman 88172 is equipped with a four-stroke engine that works great in low temperature conditions. The snow swath is 610 mm. The equipment moves with a capacity of 5.5 liters. with., while there are only two reverse gears, and six front gears. The weight of the snow blower structure is 86 kilograms. The equipment is assembled in America, where it undergoes the strictest quality control. As a result, the unit can be praised for its reliability, resistance to stress, durability and ease of use.

This model is not without its drawbacks, for example, its gutter is made of plastic, respectively, it is lower in rating than the iron one.

• Daewoo Power Products DAST 8570 has a width and height of the capture of the snow mass of 670/540 mm.Such a professional technique is able to cope even with a large area, since its engine power is 8.5 horsepower. The weight of the structure has been increased to 103 kilograms. This South Korean machine can throw snow up to 15 meters. For the convenience of the user, the handles are heated.

• "Patriot Pro 658 E" - a domestic snow blower, which is equipped with a convenient panel. Due to its location, it was possible to reduce the burden on the operator. The model has a built-in engine with a power of 6.5 horsepower. The technique can move at six speeds forward and two backward. The total weight of the structure is 88 kilograms, while the snow capture width is 560 mm, and the bucket height is 510 mm. The impeller and chute are made of high quality steel. The chute can be swiveled up to 185 degrees.

• "Champion ST656" they can be commended for their compactness, thanks to which they can be maneuvered even in narrow areas. The snow capture parameter is 560/51 centimeters, where the first value is the width, and the second is the height. The engine has a power of 5.5 horsepower. The technique has two reverse gears and five forward gears. The snow blower is being developed by American designers and produced in China and America.

• "MasterYard ML 7522B" equipped with a reliable engine with 5.5 horsepower. The weight of the snow blower is 78 kilograms. The manufacturer tried to think over the control system in such a way that it was convenient for the operator. The metal sludge discharge system has a long service life. To make the technique more maneuverable on the roads, a differential lock was provided in its design.

• "Huter SGC 8100C" - a crawler-mounted unit, which is ideal for carrying out a large amount of work in difficult terrain. The capture width is 700 mm, while the bucket height is 540 mm. A very powerful engine with a force of 11 horsepower is installed inside. The technique demonstrates excellent performance in difficult conditions. The 6.5 liter fuel tank allows the snow blower to operate longer. The auger is made of durable alloy, due to which it can remove a dense icy layer. In the basic configuration, the manufacturer has provided not only heated handles, but also headlights, thanks to which you can clean even at dusk.

• "DDE / ST6556L" - the ideal snow blower for the home outside the city. The design is equipped with a petrol unit with an average power of 6.5 liters. with., the weight of the structure is 80 kilograms. The parameters of the width and height of the capture are 560/510 mm. The maximum distance to which the snow mass can be thrown is 9 meters. The chute can be turned 190 degrees if necessary. The design provides for large wheels with a wide tread, which allows you to move more confidently on a snowy track.

Before purchasing a snow blower, it is worth making a detailed review of its technical parameters. Powerful and reliable units are heavy, expensive, can clear a large area faster, but in some cases it makes no sense to overpay for performance. One of the most important selection criteria is always the power of the power unit. Other technical indicators are repelled from it, including weight, width and height of the grip. In terms of reliability, German snow blowers occupy a leading position, since they are distinguished by high-quality assembly, a clear fit of all elements in the structure.

These are inexpensive models that can be operated in a small yard. They are popular for their maneuverability, light weight, compact dimensions, which allow the unit to be used on walkways and porches.If a large territory is provided in front of a country house, then it is better to choose a model with a capacity of up to 9 horsepower or more. As a rule, this level of equipment is used in public utilities and sports clubs in the fields.

In second place in terms of value are the parameters of the capture of the snow mass. The wider and higher the bucket of the snow blower, the faster the equipment can clear the area. In the simplest models, the bucket is 300 mm wide and 350 mm high. More expensive modifications can boast up to 700 mm in width and up to 60 mm in height.

It's not bad when the design of the snowblower provides for the ability to adjust the position of the snack, the height of the bucket, and the angle of the chute. It becomes more convenient to work with such opportunities. Additional accessories are always on sale. You can choose a unit with a brush so that it gently cleans the surface. Most snow blowers have a fuel tank capacity of 3.6 liters, but there are compact models where this parameter is 1.6 liters, as well as quite roomy expensive modifications, where the amount of fuel in the tank is 6.5 liters.

When buying snow removal equipment, special attention should be paid to the engine starting system, since the electric starter is more reliable. There are units on which both a manual starting system and an electronic one are installed. The first has the form of a lever that you need to pull to start the engine. In cold weather, such a starter does not differ in stable operation. The electric starter is presented in the design of the technology in question in the form of one button. Power is supplied from a battery or a standard network. The user is required to have a nearby outlet, through which the snow blower is started.

Of the entire construction of snow removal equipment, the chute is the most vulnerable part, therefore it is desirable that it be made of a durable alloy. Some manufacturers, in order to reduce the cost of production, use plastic as the material for its manufacture, but it is easily damaged by ice and large particles trapped in the snow. In this case, a metal chute is more expensive for the buyer, but in general, the design of snow removal equipment is more resistant to stress, therefore it pleases with its durability and reliability. It is possible to use such a unit more often, since the metal does not deform even when it collides with an obstacle.

Each manufacturer gives its own recommendations for the operation of equipment, which are detailed in the attached instructions.

• The technique in question has special requirements for the quality of the fuel. The oil change must be carried out strictly after the spent number of operating hours together with the cleaning of the filters.
• The equipment control system is located on the handle, like some adjustment levers, so it is desirable that this element is not subjected to mechanical stress.
• Small breakdowns can be avoided if a timely technical inspection of the equipment is carried out by specialists, and not to disassemble the device yourself. In the event of a malfunction and the need for repairs, it is best to use original spare parts and components, since they are milled exactly to the required dimensions.
• It is forbidden to smoke while refueling the vehicle with gasoline.
• It is worth taking care that large objects in the form of stones and branches do not fall on the auger.

For an overview of the Huter sgc 4100 self-propelled gasoline snow blower, see the video below.