Snow blower
A snow blower or snow thrower is a machine for removing snow from an area where it is not wanted, such as a driveway, sidewalk, roadway, railroad track, ice rink, or runway. The commonly-used term "snow blower" is a misnomer, as the snow is moved using an auger or impeller instea…
Should I buy a snowblower?
You can spend $2,500 or more for the biggest, beefiest snow blowers. But our tests of almost 50 models confirm that the most capable machines can power away 18 inches or more of heavy snow—and the icy plow pile that blocks your driveway—for less than $700.
What to look for in a snowblower?
What To Look For In A Snowblower
- Factors To Consider When Choosing A Snowblower. There are a couple of things to keep in mind before deciding on this piece of equipment. ...
- Types Of Snowblower. Snowblowers come in three major types: single-stage, two-stage, and three-stage. ...
- Features to Consider. ...
- Conclusion. ...
What snow blower should I buy?
Typical cordless units can handle snow up to 13-inches deep and run up to 30 to 45 minutes. Gas snowblowers can easily handle snow 20-inches deep or more and, with enough gas, run for hours on end. And if you run out of gas, just add fuel and keep going. The choice comes down to how much snow you typically get, and how much space you have to clear.
What is the best snowblower to buy?
- Model Number: 31A-2M1E793
- Power Type: Gas
- Clearing Width: 21 in.
Is it worth getting a snow blower?
In short, snow blowers are worth it if you get a significant amount of snowfall each year or have large areas that need cleared from snow. A small investment in a snow blower pays dividends in manual labor savings and risks. However, that's just the short answer.
When should you use a snowblower?
The most common question we receive about how to use a snow blower is, 'When is the best time to snowblow?' . After talking with the experts, we recommend beginning once snow has accumulated only a few inches.
Do snow blowers work on ice?
If you're facing chunks of ice within snow, you're very much in luck. This is one of the easiest situations you can encounter because all you have to do is run your gas-powered dual stage snow blower over the ground, and let the augers break up the ice chunks.
What is the difference between a snowblower and a snow thrower?
A "snow thrower" refers to a single stage snow removal machine that picks up the snow in one motion and throws it out the chute with the continuation of that movement. The term "single stage" describes the fact that the snow is thrown in one single movement. A "snow blower" refers to a two stage snow removal machine.
Can you use a snowblower on grass?
Yes, you can use a snowblower on your grass to clear light or heavy snowfall. However, you should only clear snow with the right snowblower that won't give your lawn an unsightly haircut. Not all snowblowers deliver the best results when used on grass.
Can you use a snowblower while its snowing?
The most common question we receive about how to use a snow blower is, 'When is the best time to snowblow?' . After talking with the experts, we recommend beginning once snow has accumulated only a few inches. It puts less strain on your snow blower, and makes it easier to control where the snow goes.
How much do snow blowers cost?
Pricing Guide: How Much Does a Snowblower Cost?Snowblower TypeBest forAverage Price1-stage gas snowblowerSmall paved areas and flat terrain$549.422-stage gas-powered blowersLarge, rocky, or uneven driveway$1,081.193-stage gas-powered blowersLarge, rocky, or uneven driveway$1,699.302 more rows•Nov 11, 2021
Can a snowblower remove sleet?
Yes, a snowblower can also remove ice, but how well it goes depends on the thickness of the ice and the size and weight of the snowblower. The snowblower needs to break the ice into chunks that can be pickup by the augurs. A bigger, heavier and more powerfull snowblower will be able to break thicker ice.
Are snow blowers easy to use?
They're fairly light and easy to handle and take up about as much storage space as a mower. They also clear a large swath (20 to 22 inches), and some models offer electric starting.
What is better a snow blower or a thrower?
Snow throwers work better with light snow accumulations. Because they're smaller and less powerful than snow blowers, snow throwers are better suited to removing light snow accumulations of about eight to nine inches, maximum.
What's the minimum amount of snow to use a snowblower?
Snowblowers work on any depth of snow. However, you will find the best results on snow deeper than two inches. There are some additional factors you should consider when removing snow including the type of snow and the surface you will be working with.
Is a snow blower better than a plow?
Time - It can take much longer to clear a large area using a snow blower in comparison to a snow plow. Capacity - Smaller, single-stage snow blowers work extremely well with light and fluffy snow.
What does a snow blower do?
A snow blower removes snow from one area and relocates it to another. It picks snow off the ground and discharges it to the side. It clears snow of...
Do snow blowers work on ice?
Snow blowers work on ice if they are powerful, large, and heavy enough. How well a snowblower works on ice also depends on the thickness of the ice...
What does a snow blower run on?
A snowblower runs on gasoline if it has a gas engine. Most users find 87 octane fuel good enough. You can use any gasoline, as long as it doesn't c...
Is electric start snow blower worth it?
An electric start snow blower is worth it if it has a 4-cycle engine. Starting a small snow thrower with a 2-cycle engine only takes a few pulls, b...
What is the chute on a snowblower?
The chute on each snowblower looks a bit different depending on what type of model you have. There are manual push snowblowers that have the chute being short, to the side, and very low as there isn’t a lot of pressure created.
How does an auger work?
They operate in the same way as a drill, which clears wood or stone chips by funneling them through the channels that run to the top of the barrel. An auger works in exactly the same way but on a much bigger scale.
What is a jet engine snow blower?
Jet-engine snow blowers. Jet engines and other gas turbines are used for large scale propelling and melting of snow over rails and roads. These blowers first were used in Russia and Canada in the 1960s, and were later introduced into the U.S. by the Boston Transportation Authority.
How much snow can a snow blower remove?
Snow blowers range from the very small, capable of removing only a few inches (a few more cm) of light snow in an 18 to 20 in (457 to 508 mm) path, to the very large, mounted onto heavy-duty winter service vehicles and capable of moving 20-foot (6.10 m) wide, or wider, swaths of heavy snow up to 6 feet (1.83 m) deep.
What is a single stage snow blower?
On a single-stage snow blower, the auger (the paddle mechanism visible from the front) pulls snow into the machine and directs it out of a discharge chute. The auger contacts the ground, making single-stage snow blowers unsuitable for use on unpaved surfaces.
What is a snow thrower?
Snow thrower on Simplon Pass. A snow blower or snow thrower is a machine for removing snow from an area where it is problematic, such as a driveway, sidewalk, roadway, railroad track, ice rink, or runway. The commonly used term "snow blower" is a misnomer, as the snow is moved using an auger or impeller instead of being blown (by air).
How to clear a snow blower jam?
The correct procedure is to turn off the engine, disengage the clutch and then clear the jam with a broom handle or other long object. In an effort to improve safety, many manufacturers now include a plastic tool to be used to clear jams, often mounted directly to the snow blower.
What type of power does a snow plow use?
It can use either electric power (line power or battery), or a gasoline or diesel engine to throw snow to another location or into a truck to be hauled away. This is in contrast with the action of snow plows, which push snow to the front or side. Typically, the snow is discharged to one side.
Does a jet engine melt snow?
The jet engine both melts and blows the snow, clearing the tracks faster than other methods. While offering considerably greater power in a relatively lightweight machine, this method is much more expensive than traditional snow removing methods.
Single-Stage Snowblowers
The least expensive snowblowers on the market are single-stage models that will bring snow into the auger, break the snow up, and then throw it through a chute.
Two-Stage Snowblowers
It's important that you consider two-stage snowblowers since they are becoming more popular amongst homeowners with larger properties. The first stage of the snowblower acts similarly to a single-stage one, but it also has a second job that blows the snow away.
Three-Stage Snowblowers
Although these devices aren’t recommended for absolutely everyone, especially as they are the top tier powerful snow removal machines, they do boast an ample amount of power that might be tempting. In comparison to the other designs, you’ll find that a three-stage model will have two augers with an induction accelerator in the middle.
What is the purpose of a snow blower?
Their purpose is to clear a path as they work.
What is a snow blower made of?
These can be made from either plastic, steel or other metals, like aluminum. Smaller snow blowers, designed to be lightweight machines for clearing light to medium snow will usually use a plastic auger. Heavy-duty snow blowers will usually have a metal auger. The blade design of the auger will also vary.
How far does a single stage snow blower deposit snow?
A single-stage snow blower will deposit the snow about 10-20 Ft. from the machine.
What is the difference between an electric snow shovel and a single stage snow blower?
The only difference between an electric snow shovel and other single stage-snow blowers is that they are smaller and lighter, this makes them the easiest to use.
How does an auger work?
Most augers lift the snow from the ground, shred it into small light particles and fling it upward. Machines that use two augers work differently, but more about that later. The snow then moves through a chute and is blown away from the machine – anything from 10 Ft to 50 Ft.
What is the blade design of an auger?
The blade design of the auger will also vary. The most common design is that of a helix. These augers have horizontal blades that twist in helix pattern and run across the length of the auger. Others use a corkscrew design and some have independent blades that chop through dense ice and compacted snow.
How many augers does a snow blower use?
Most snow blowers use one auger, though there are some that use two. We’ll look at these differences later in the article when we take a detailed look at how different snow blowers work. An auger is basically a set of rotating blades at the front of the snow blower.
Choosing a Snow Blower
The main types of snow blowers are single-stage, two-stage and — in some areas — three-stage. Each type of snow blower is available in various widths, and single-stage and two-stage snow blowers are available in electric and gas-powered models.
How to Start a Snow Blower
The steps you take to start a snow blower depend on the type of snow blower you have. Electric snowblowers start with a switch or button. Gas snow blowers typically require operation of a choke control and may have plug-in electric starter or may start manually with a pull or recoil start.
Gas Snow Blower Troubleshooting
If you have a gas snow blower that won’t start, these tips may help you troubleshoot the unit. Check your manual for troubleshooting steps for your model.
Types of Snow Blowers
In addition to matching the snow blower to your terrain and snowfall, consider the advantages of each snow blower type.
Comparing Gas and Electric Snow Blowers
Compare these key specifications for gas, corded and cordless snow blowers to find a machine that'll meet your needs:
Snow Blower Add-Ons
Snow blower cabs are available for many medium and large snow blowers, helping shelter you from the snow, sleet and freezing rain. The snow blower cab creates a dome complete with a clear vinyl front and side panels. When the season is over, the cab folds up for easy storage.
Taking Care of Your Snow Blower
While snow blower repairs usually need to be handled by authorized service personnel, you may be able to replace some wear items like skid shoes, shear pins and drive belts.
The right add-ons will make for faster, easier, and safer snow clearing this winter
A snow blower’s job is pretty simple: Clear blankets of snow from your driveway, sidewalk, and walkways.
10 Snow Blower Features That Matter
1. Multiple Speeds Single-stage snow blowers and some inexpensive two-stage models have only one forward speed. Multiple speeds allow you to go faster when conditions allow, to finish in less time, or slow down for tougher tasks, like chiseling away at a tall plow pile or during lighter snow removal.
How We Test Snow Blowers
Consumer Reports doesn't get enough snow early enough in the season at our headquarters in Yonkers, N.Y., to test snow blowers, so we had to get creative. Instead of snow we use hundreds of pounds of sawdust that has been soaked in water to mimic deep, heavy snow.
Snowblowers 101
Not sure what the difference is between a single-stage and 3-stage snow blower? On the ' Consumer 101 ' TV show, CR expert Dave Trezza explains to show host Jack Rico everything consumers need to know about these snow-tossing machines.
What is the best snow blower?
ELECTRIC AND CORDLESS SNOW BLOWERS. If you live in a place that rarely sees accumulating snow — or if you can’t or just don’t want to shovel — and electric or cordless model is the best choice. They are generally lightweight and easy to maneuver, perfect for occasionally clearing your driveway or path.
What is the best 3 stage snowblower?
If you’re a top-of-the-line kind of consumer, you’ll want to consider a three-stage snowblower. With its oversize tires and monster throw chute, the Cub Cadet 3X is generally regarded as the best three-stage snowblower. It comes in mouth widths from 24-34 inches, and in engine sizes from 277cc to 420cc.
Can a single stage snow blower handle heavy snow?
While single-stage snow blowers simply suck snow up and throw it out, most can’t handle high volume or packed snow. Two-stage snow blowers use collection augers to break up heavy wet or frozen snow then jettison it through a throw chute, and are great for clearing large snowdrifts.
Auger
Impeller
Chute
Single-Stage Snowblowers
Two-Stage Snowblowers
Three-Stage Snowblowers
Conclusion
- All three types of snowblowers have their place, and the best one for you will depend on the size of the area you need to clear and also the climate that you live in. All types work by crushing up the snow and pushing it through the chute, with the only difference of how quickly your area can be cleared and far away it throws the snow. They are won...
Overview
Safety issues
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that each year there are approximately 5,740 snowblower related injuries in the United States which require medical attention. One problem with the design of the snow blower is that snow can build up in the auger, jamming it and stalling the motor. This is complicated by the fact that the auger could deform before applying enough resistance to the motor to turn it off. If the jam is cleared by hand, it is possible for the a…
History
Jet-engine snow blowers
See also