Snow Throwers - A Primer
Snow Throwers come in many sizes and with many different features; so sometimes trying to make a decision on which one to buy is almost mind numbing. If you have experience with these machines, you likely already know the pros and cons of various designs and models. But, if you have never worked with one of these machines before, hopefully the following will be of help:
Basic Designs
Snow Throwers (sometimes called snow Blowers) have a powered "auger" built onto the front of a frame where it spins at a high rate of speed and forces any snow it contacts up and into a chute that shoots the snow away from what you are clearing off. The auger can be powered by either an electric motor or a gasoline engine. This is called a single-sTAGe machine.
All snow Throwers have an auger on the front, but the larger machines also have an "impeller" that picks up the snow delivered by the auger and throws it farther away at a higher rate of speed and volume. This is called a two-sTAGe machine and is used for heavier snows and larger areas to be cleared off.
Almost all single-stage Blowers need to be pushed into the snow by the operator, while most two-stage models have powered drive wheels that do much of the work.
Engine Power
The smallest units are used mostly for decks, patios, and short sidewalks, and fAirly light snow. These small machines can be powered by an electric motor, which means they cannot extend out from your house further than the length of your power cord and extension cord.
In addition to electric power, single-stage snow throwers are also powered by gasoline engines. Two-cycle engines (where you mix your oil and gas together) are being phased out because they pollute the Air; so the standard four-cycle engine is now used predominately.
The larger two-stage machines, which are self-propelled, use quite large engines that can be up to 15 horsepower. However, engine size alone doesn't mean the machine is efficient--you need to do some of your own research to determine the right combination for your particular needs.
Mounted Snow Throwers
These throwers are attached to mobile machines like ATVs, garden tractors, small farm tractors, BobCats, Forklifts, and the like. They are used when very large areas and heavy snow needs to be cleared off.
Special Features
It seems like the larger the snow thrower, the more features that seem to be available. They have chains to go on the Tires of self-propelled machines (a must). Some units come with power steering, heated hand grips, electric starters, and headlights. There are even enclosures available to keep the operator out of the eleMents. There seems to be no end to gadgets made just for this equipMent
Cost
The smallest electric models can be had for a street price of around to 0, plus the cost of any extension cords you need. The single-stage gasoline engine machines run around 0 to 0, and the larger two-stage units cost between 0 and over ,000. Mounted units can cost well into the thousands of Dollars.
Well, there you have a quick overview of snow throwers. If you are in the market for one, the best thing to do is ask those people who own a machine and find out what the pros and cons for each model are. If you can find a sales person that is knowledgeable--so much the better. Good luck.
Snow Throwers - A Primer
Snow Throwers - A Primer
