Small snow removal technique: manual devices, self-propelled models, tracked technique. Specifications, manufacturers, prices.
Picturesque drifts look very well in the forest or in the park. But if your car snapped right in front of the garage, and the paths around the cottage became absolutely impassable, it's time to go close to the destruction of snowflowers. You can, of course, arm a shovel and spend a lot of time to clearing the territory adjacent to the country house. But it is wiser in advance to purchase a small snow removal machine, it will save a lot of your strength, nerves and time. Inune will have to regret, late to work that you bought an ordinary sedan, and not the taiga all-terrain vehicle.
Everything is thought out
More recently, a small snow removal technique was perceived as a rather exotic attribute of the country. However, every day, small universal snow cleaning machines are becoming great demand, and the choice of models presented in stores is becoming more wider.Now in our country you can buy snow removal techniques made in the USA, Japan and Europe. The Russian market presents such firms such as Ariens, MTD (USA), Karcher (Germany), Husqarna (Sweden), Toro (Canada), Honda (Japan).
Working resource, power, maneuverability, technical equipment and, of course, the price of a snow blower depends primarily from its class. Household cars are the simplest on the design and are much cheaper than "older sisters", which can occasionally see on our streets. Nevertheless, the principle of operation and the device of modern household and professional snow removal combines are about the same. The cunning mechanism, actuating a small internal combustion engine, takes the snow mass inside the machine where a powerful impeller is installed. Rotating, it throws snow through a rotated box in the desired side (left or right) to the distance from 1 to 15m, depending on the brand and model of the machine.
Of course, if you compare small snow removal technique with motoblocks, then you have to admit that the latest features are more: changing the hinged snowpower to other equipment, the motoblock can be used in summer for various gardening. But specialized snow cleaning machines still cope with their task, because they have an engine adapted to low temperatures. Anemadent light source (headlight), low pressure wheels (we will take off the combine more convenient to move in deep snow), the electrical start of the engine facilitate your work and expand the capabilities of the snow blower. Ergonomics are thoroughly thought out. On all snow removal combines, levers and handles are located so as to maximize and simplify management in all weather conditions. Some models even heated handles! Designers thought about reducing vibrations. For example, in Swedish snow blowers Husqarna, all control systems are equipped with rubber shock absorbers to reduce the vibration transmitted from the gearbox, auger and the engine.
Shovel ... with the engine
The most simple snow removal machines are non-communicable devices with an electric motor with power, as a rule, 3-5l.s. These models are designed for smooth surfaces with solid coating and are designed for daily cleaning of small areas (let's say, the entrance to the garage and the tracks around the house). We can quickly remove such devices to quickly remove the lightweight, which has just fallen and not yet blind snow thick up to 10 cm. To connect the machine to the power supply, the extension (up to50m) is usually used, suitable for use in the open air. This is important: the cable must be equipped with special splashing electrical connectors with rubber covers. Electrical snow blowers without drive drives have a minimum of service devices, but are available at a price and justify this price "for all hundred".
Among the models of this class can be called, for example, a Snowfox snow blower from MTD ($ 300) with a plastic case and an electric motor with a capacity of 1.5 kW. The car discarded the freshly loose snow at a distance of up to 4m. The direction of emission can be adjusted by turning the upper part of the gutter to 190. A sufficient surface cleaning width (35cm) and the optimal height of the snowmaker (20cm) make the device convenient to remove snow from the tracks around the house. Snowfox weighs only 21kg, manage it is easy. During operation, you do not need to apply significant efforts, you move the almost "empty" machine, as the snow is quickly discarded to the side. For the safety of the snow blower operation, a special lever is provided in the design, when the engine is lowering, the engine and auger almost immediately stop. Snowfox can be stored even in a close garage - wheels with a diameter of 11 cm and the folding handle make the car very compact. I am a single advantage: unlike gasoline engines, the electric motor works quiet enough. So early in the morning, being done for the work, you do not overcome the entire district "motorcycle" taura.
But do not forget that the machines of this type are not intended for cleaning the dense, staring snow or ice. The operating wine string is clearly indicated by the scope of the model. The use of the machine is not intended to be fraught with breakdowns and suspension warranty.
Aggregates with gasoline engines are the most powerful (up to5l.s.) from non-intended machines. Snowflowers of type 522 models from Ariens, 140 and YM5350S from MTD, STH9.53 from Karcher, HS621W from Honda, Snow Commander GTS from Toro cost more electrical apparatus, but more functional, because they do not require a "leash" (electrical cabin). Machines of this type can be applied on relatively even and vast territories or on areas remote from home. Such maneuverable and light snow blowers with a width of surface processing at least 53cm can be cleaned from the freshly empty snow roller or pad in front of the garage gate. Most models have a two-stroke engine with a power of 3 to 4.5 liters. (depending on the brand), manual starter, fuel tank with a capacity of up to 2l. As a rule, one stage of cleaning is envisaged: the captured freshly fallen snow is discarded to 6-10m.
Almost all non-self-propelled snow blowers are equipped with a sphere of a special design with a rubber edge, which not only helps to promote the machine forward, facilitating the work of a person, but also increases the life of the snow-grappling mechanism. In addition, the screwed auger does not scratch the tile, which are laid down the walkways at home. Aveted precisely the fear of spoiling the path coverage stops many homeowners from buying snow blowers.
Self-propelled models
Practical every manufacturer of small snow removal equipment produces several modifications of self-propelled machines. The price of a specific model (usually not lower than $ 1000) depends on the power of the engine and the level of combine equipment: the number of speeds, as well as the presence or absence of an electric starter, wheel lock, headlights, etc. Professional class machines are characterized by a wider snowpath, a powerful engine (from7 to 12l.s.) and an increased working resource (up to 2.5C on one refueling). The overwhelming majority of self-propelled snow retarder models have profiled tires for better clutch with the surface and continuous forward movement. It is better to choose a car with the possibility of adjusting the tire pressure (the lower the pressure, the greater the area of contact with the wheel with the surface, and therefore above the patency).Self-propelled vehicles are able to remove even the blind snow, as they have a two-step, or two-step, cleaning system: the snow is first crushed, and then emitted through a nozzle for a certain distance. This is possible due to an enhanced gear screw having rigidity ribs. For example, the American production machine Ariens724 Deluxe series is equipped with high-speed screws designed specifically for high-quality cleaning of dense and wet snow. In this case, the width of the gripping snow - 61cm, and the release range reaches 15m. Installed on the machine TECUMSEH SNOW KING engine has a power of 7l.s. Among the own developments of the ARIENS company, it is worth mentioning the DISC-O-Matic drive system (6 forward and 2- back), which allows you to choose the optimal speed of movement of the apparatus under various working conditions. The augers are the served aluminum gearbox uses a special winter lubricant. The tank of the tank is enough for 45 minutes of continuous operation of the machine.
The snow blowers of the German concern Karcher deserve attention. Thus, the STH5.56 model with a two-step snow ejection system has a four-stroke engine Tecumseh power 5l.s., designed for easy launch in winter conditions and adapted to domestic fuel. The car is very maneuverable - it can turn inside the circle with a diameter of 2m. Forest equipment includes a special scrapering knife (descended as needed and allows you to remove even a highly compacted snow from the asphalt) and the manual starter. For an additional fee, you can order a device with an electromagomy. The combine provides the width of surface cleaning 56cm and height 50cm. The drive system on the wheels has a transmission (five speeds ahead, two- back).
When buying a snowmobile machine, you should ask the seller, whether the managed wheels are chosen by you, facilitating maneuvering while working. Wheel Management Scheme is simple: Pressing on the jackets located on the handles, you can block the right or left wheel, thereby changing the direction of movement of the device. Such an opportunity is simply indispensable with deep snow or high snowdrifts, when it is difficult to do with even a significant application of physical effort. Of course, snow blowers with controlled wheels closer to professional technique. Models of this class have a wide snow capture zone, several speeds and, as a rule, an electric and independent lighting source. These are snow blowers YM8413DE (gripping width- 84cm), Ariens1336 (92cm), Canadiana1032 (80cm), Husqvarna 9-26 (66cm), Hondahs1136 (92cm).
On caterpillars
With the help of the technique of this class, you can discharge the parking lots, sidewalks, pedestrian zones and large areas. Snow blowers on a tracked move are able to storm the highest drifts and snowflows, since wide profiled trailer tires provide them with maximum permeability. Almost all combines on the tracked move have an electric starter and a powerful halogen header for work at any time of the day. A caterpillar drive control aside (created like those installed on tanks) makes the car very maneuverable, allowing her to easily unfold almost in place. It is also important that all models, regardless of the brand, have up to six speeds in advance and up to two- back.
To increase the efficiency of the devices, at a particular state of snow, manufacturers use the so-called weight transfer system. History models of the company MTD, it is also referred to as WEIGHT TRANSFER. How does it all work? Special weight transfer lever can be adjusted to the position of the center of gravity of the snow blower relative to the wheel axes. For the future, when the center of gravity is dismissed forward, the car is most effectively coping with the cleaning of the blind, zealing snow. The second position of gravity is exactly above the axis - it is recommended for high-quality cleaning from ordinary snow. Finally, when the center of gravity is shifted back, it is convenient to clean snow on uneven surfaces, as well as carry a snow blower from one site to another.
A classic tracked technique sample is the Karcherssth8.66c snow hammer. The machine has a two-walled auger (cleaning width - 66cm), located on a separate shaft, independent of the cleaner wheel drive and replaceable sliding tires. Engine-four-stroke TecumTeh, with a capacity of 8l.s. It's easily even in a strong frost.
To the question of choosing
As already mentioned, the range of snow removal presented today in the market is quite wide, so you can always choose the device you need. Of course, not in every shopping center there are all models. You will probably have to look into several stores or search for information on the Internet. The main thing is to determine what purpose you need a snow removal machine.
For one-time, time from time of work, when you just need to remove from the tracks, the most inexpensive models with a manual motion equipped with a gasoline or electric motor are excellent. Frequent cleaning of large areas will require a machine of greater power and more expensive. There are such combines (sizing or without wheels) easily cope with even the garbage that falls in the snow (bottles or cans from under beverages, branches, etc.). Check only the special protective grid, protecting a working person from fragments in the groove to emissions. In principle, the design of the auger and the snow ejection system is designed so that crushed stone falling, branches, small pebbles or small solid items does not cause a car with any noticeable harm.
The maximum construction time of the snow blower is limited by the fuel reserve. Usually a half-liter tank grabs about 45 minutes of continuous operation. In all modern machines, the engines consume non-ethydrated gasoline of the A-92 brand and are designed to use winter synthetic oils that store viscosity at low temperatures (for example, 5W30 or 5W40).
With frequent works with wet or blind snow, it is worth spending on a snow blower with a wheel-driven or caterpillars. By the way, the caterpillar models are ideal for removing snow from inclined surfaces, elevations or small slides.
You should pay attention to the technical characteristics of the electric starter. In the West, regular startup systems are designed for voltage 110V. Having bought such a model, you will be forced to look for a lowering transformer or an additional triggering device. Now, many manufacturers firms supply cars to Russia with a 220V starter (it is better to take them, because they are able to start at air temperature below 18C). So in the garage you can start the engine, it is enough to connect the starter connector to the network, press the corresponding button, turn off the cable and go to the street. In this case, snow cleaning even in severe weather conditions will be occupied by simple and even interesting.
| Firm | Model | Drive mechanism drive | engine's type | Starter | Engine power, l. from. | Mass, kg. | Snowmatt width, cm | Snowman height, cm | Number of speeds back / back | Fuel tank capacity, l | Price, $ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honda (Japan) | HS 621 G. | Manual | 4-stroke | Manual factory | 6. | 43.5 | 52. | 32. | - | 3.5 | 1380. |
| HS 622 et. | Self-propelled, on a caterpillar | 4-stroke | Electrostarter | 6. | 68. | 55. | fifty | - | 3.5 | 2157. | |
| HS 1136 K2. | Self-propelled, on a caterpillar | 4-stroke | Electrostarter | eleven | 207. | 92. | 58. | - | 6.5 | 6876. | |
| MTD (USA) | 140. | Manual | 2-stroke | Manual factory | 3.5 | 31. | 53. | 28. | - | one | 510. |
| 611d. | Self-propelled | 4-stroke | Manual factory | five | 66. | 56. | 53. | 5/2. | 1,8. | 980. | |
| E640F. | Self-propelled | 4-stroke | Electrostarter. | eight | 98. | 66. | 53. | 6/2. | 3.8. | 1310. | |
| E660G. | Self-propelled | 4-stroke | Electrostarter | 10 | 102. | 71. | 53. | 6/2. | 3.8. | 1463. | |
| E740F. | Self-propelled, on a caterpillar | 4-stroke | Electrostarter. | eight | 110. | 66. | 53. | 6/2. | 3.8. | 1560. | |
| Ym535s. | Manual | 4-stroke | Manual factory | five | 31. | 53. | 28. | - | 1,8. | 745. | |
| YM6170DE. | Self-propelled | 4-stroke | Electrostarter. | 7. | 60. | 61. | 53. | 6/2. | 3.8. | 1590. | |
| Ym7195de | Self-propelled | 4-stroke | Electrostarter. | 9.5 | 99. | 71. | 53. | 6/2. | 3.8. | 1730. | |
| YM7195DE | Self-propelled, on a caterpillar | 4-stroke | Electrostarter | 9.5 | 110. | 71. | 53. | 6/2. | 3.8. | 1875. | |
| Karcher (Germany) | STH 9.53. | Manual | 2-stroke | Manual factory | 4.5 | 33. | 53. | 28. | 1 forward | 1.9 | 1070. |
| STH 5.56. | Self-propelled | 4-stroke | Manual factory (electrostarter- additional option) | five | 72. | 56. | fifty | 5/2. | 3.8. | 1800. | |
| STH 8.66. | Self-propelled | 4-stroke | Electrostarter | eight | 92. | 66. | 52. | 5/2. | 3.8. | 2450. | |
| STH 8.66 C. | Self-propelled, on a caterpillar | 4-stroke | Electrostarter. | eight | 101. | 73. | 52. | 6/2. | 3.8. | 2880. | |
| Ariens (USA) | 1336 OHV. | Self-propelled | 4-stroke | Electrostarter. | 13 | 149. | 91. | 24. | 6/2. | 3.8. | 2940. |
The editors thanks the Bauland store for help in the preparation of illustrative materials.