With the onset of real winter, to the delight of children, mountains of snow appear on our streets. But not for all winter snowfall in joy. Particularly concerned with the issue of snow removal owners cottages and private homes. Such good old tools as a shovel are relevant, but it is much more convenient to use modern mechanisms. But which snow blower is better to choose, we will try to tell today.
Types of snow plows by control method
The snow blower, or the snowplow is special devicedesigned for snow removal in certain areas by capturing, grinding and throwing snow in a specified direction. Moreover, depending on the method of movement, the snow blowers are self-propelled and self-propelled. 
Self-propelled structures
Self-propelled snow plow moves independently, which closely approximates its classification to the tillers and mini-tractors. This machine is able to clean snow any compaction on a fairly large area, but it is much more expensive than the non-self-propelling version.
Non self-propelled snow blowers
Non-propelled snow machines the operator will have to move in front of him, hold the handle and guide himself. If the cleaning area is flat, without pits, hummocks and obvious biases, it will not be difficult. However, in other cases problems may occur.
Engine power of a non-self-propelled snow blower is typically 1.5-5 liters. with. The task of this device is to eliminate the snow from where it is not needed, and move it to where it will not disturb anyone. Self-propelled snow blowers usually throw snow away from themselves at a distance of about 5 m, not more.
As a rule, in non-self-propelled models, a rubber or rubberized auger is provided that does not harm the surface being cleaned and helps to move the machine (in contact with the surface, the rubber elements pull the machine back).
Since non-powered models have to move user, they have a mass of up to 35 kg, which allows women and teenagers to use it.
Important! The dumb variant is suitable for a small area, tracks and even ice skating rinks, but on condition that the snow is freshly fallen, soft, loose, not yet trampled.
Which engine is better
All snow blowers for the house consist of the following base nodes:
- wheels or tracks;
- bucket (casing);
- discharge chute;
- snow plow;
- control panel and handles;
- engine.
Some craftsmen make equipment and accessories for working on the plot with their own hands. If you are one of them, you can make yourself not only a shovel or a snow blower, but even a mini-tractor or equipment for a motoblock.
Advantages and disadvantages of an electric motor
Electric snow blowers - mainly non-self-propelled mechanisms, whose operation depends on the power grid. A distinctive feature of such machines is a small power (about 2-3 hp) and a large compactness. 
If you need a machine for normal needs, then the electric one is the best snow blower to give. He will perfectly cope with the task in small territories.
The electric motor has a number meritswhich give him such advantages over the petrol engine:
- Easy operation. Enough to have access to the network nearby.
- Dimensions and weight. As a rule, electric snow blowers weigh 20 kg, and the dimensions allow the device to be stored in the household pantry.
- Noise. The snow blower on the electric motor runs almost silently, so you won’t wake up your neighbors if you decide to remove the snow early in the morning.
- Price. Such cars are much cheaper than gasoline counterparts, and therefore, people with limited material resources can purchase this device.
Did you know? K. Blake from Canada became famous because he was able to assemble a snowblower from parts of old bicycles.
Pros and cons of a gasoline engine
The advantage of gasoline snow plows is engine power. Manufacturers offer two-stroke and four-stroke drives with a capacity of 5.5 liters. with. As a rule, these machines have a metal body and are equipped with a wheeled or tracked mechanism, auger-rotary design, which makes it possible to throw snow at a distance of up to 8 m, and a snow bucket.
Weigh petrol models up to 60 kg, which does not interfere with the self-cleaning of snow - the operator only directs the car.
A serious lack of petrol snow blowers is the frequent breakdown of some components (gears, wheels, engine components, belts). Despite this shortcoming, petrol-powered snow blowers it is better electric, because:
- You can clean the snow with such equipment in remote areas (there is no connection to the power source);
- You can remove the dense and trampled snow - the power for this is sufficient.
Caterpillars or wheels: which is better for a snowplow
Self-propelled snow blowers are produced on a wheeled or tracked drive. At the same time tracked vehicles more powerful and at the same time more expensive (this is their only minus). The advantages of tracked snowplows can also be attributed to their ability to work on slopes and cope with even heavy work.
Did you know? Tracked snow blower can be replaced wheeled, if additionally put on on wheels anti-skid chains.
The choice of tracks or wheels is influenced by a number of factors. First of all, the ability to lock the wheels significantly increases maneuverability, and the operator can easily deploy the device.
Caterpillars allow you to work on slides, curbs and easily overcome small obstacles during transportation. In addition, tracked snow plows allow you to adjust the balancing apparatus.
To keep order in the yard in the summer you will help gasoline trimmer or lawn mower.
Advanced options when choosing a winter assistant
You can not choose a snowblower only by engine type. Before you choose a snow blower for your home, you need to consider a number of important characteristics.
Grip width and gutter material
The gutter is plastic and metal. Disadvantage models with metal gutter - they weigh more and often vibrate when working. At the same time, in case of severe frost, such a gutter will not crack or break if the snow inside it freezes.
Models with plastic gutters are lighter and cheaper, they do not rattle during operation, but the risk of frost damage is great. But if the snow inside is frozen, then such a gutter can be pulled out of the apparatus at a rather high speed (80 km / h).
Important! Before turning on the snow plow with a plastic chute, check the condition of the device.
Snow trapping mechanism
Efficiency and time of snow removal depends on the size of the gripping mechanism. The amount of snow capture depends on the size of the bucket.
The width of the grip is the distance that the machine can clear in one pass. The larger this parameter, the less need to do passes.
The height of the grip is the level of snow that the machine can handle. 
Electric snow blowers on average equipped with buckets with a width of 30-55 cm and a height of 12-30 cm. For gasoline snow machines, buckets are larger: height - 25-76 cm, width - 55-115 cm.
On the sides of the gripping mechanism are special plates for resetting the top of the snowdrift downwards (the so-called snow throwers).
The augers in shape can be smooth or have teeth. To prevent the machine from damaging the area, the screws are supplemented with special rubber linings.
Did you know? The range of emission of snow mass depends not only on the characteristics of the unit, but also on the direction of the wind. Therefore, sometimes there is a discrepancy between the values specified in the documentation.
Engine power
Although power is not the main characteristic, it should be considered before choosing a high-quality snow removal machine for the house. Manufacturers recommend next power depending on the area:
| 500-600 square meters. m | 600-1500 square meters. m | 1500-3500 sq. M. m | 3500-5000 sq. M. m | |
| Power, l. with. | 5-6,5 | 8 | 10-10,5 | 13 |
| Emission radius, m | 5-6 | 7-9 | 10-12 | 10-15 |
Important! The ejection range is not the last parameter, since with a small ejection radius it is necessary to make more passes through the section and, consequently, to spend more time.
Additional features (starter, heated knobs, lights, deflector, etc.)
Snow blowers can be driven by manual or electric start. With the manual version, you need to juggle the handle, and the electric start requires a starter. Electric start though it is considered more convenient, but manual is more reliable.
Many models of gasoline snow plows are equipped with a heated handles function, which makes it possible to perform work in any frost.
There are also expensive models with headlightsthat allow you to clean the snow in the dark. 
In addition, some models of snow blowers are additionally equipped with a heated steering wheel.
Also important is the presence of a snow plow. After all, a snowplow stuck in a snowdrift is not easy to pull out manually.
Having a deflector on the snow plow allows you to throw snow on the required side at a given angle. Some models allow you to control the deflector with joysticks, which significantly reduces cleaning time. If adjustments are made manually, the machine will have to be turned off, redirected, and only then continue to work.
If you have decided to purchase a snow blower, carefully read the characteristics of the model and use the advice of a specialist. Only after a detailed analysis can make a purchase. After all, you need a high-quality machine that will serve for a long time and efficiently, and snow removal will not be a routine work, but a pleasant pastime.
