Rules for choosing snow removal equipment for summer cottages

The owners of country houses and country houses in winter are faced with the problem of snow removal. To facilitate this task, a snow blower is needed. Some recommendations and rules for choosing a snowblower for a summer residence will help you choose the right model.

What kind of snow removal equipment to choose for a summer residence?

Snowfalls are unavoidable during the winter. And if there is little snowfall, then it is possible to remove the yard, paths or necessary areas with a shovel. But when a lot of snow falls, a shovel alone will not help. It is necessary to use the services of snow removal equipment for the dacha.

The modern market offers many models, types and types of snow blowers. From the variety of the existing model range, you need to choose the best option that would meet all your wishes and requests.

In fact, a snowblower is a special compact mechanism that consists of an auger (rotating body), an impeller (spiral blades), a power unit (engine), a housing with covers (a device that directs snow throwing). With the help of the impeller, the snow rises into the intake casing, then, turning into a small fraction, flies out through a vertical pipe with a rounded tip-casing. He orients the direction of the snow that comes out of the snow removal mechanism. The snow throwing distance can be up to five meters.

Types of snow removal equipment:

• Single-stage mechanisms are designed for cleaning small areas of fluffy or wet, not icy snow. Most often, such devices are made without power. They are best suited for people who are physically fit, since this type of technique needs to be pushed. A distinctive advantage of single-stage mechanisms is increased maneuverability and low weight;
• More efficient two-stage models with powerful engines. They move on their own on tracked or wheeled traction and are able to remove large areas of any snow, even icy. The principle of operation of the mechanisms is to shovel snow with a bucket. Then, through the auger and rotor, the snow is forcefully thrown into the side. Snow throwing distance can be up to 15 m.

If the territory of the dacha is small, one-stage snowblowers for the dacha are quite suitable. Two-stage snow removal equipment is designed for intensive cleaning of icy snow in large areas.

Types of snow removal equipment

All snow removal equipment is divided into two types: electric and fuel. This parameter allows the future owner to determine the desired model of the power unit.

The electric drive of the auger allows you to perform its functions quietly, without unnecessary noise. This is a significant advantage, since such a machine can be used at any time of the day without causing inconvenience to neighbors and residents of the house. It is lightweight and easy to operate (just plug in the power cord and press the start button). Despite this, maneuverability is significantly limited, since the standard cable is enough for 50 m distance from the power source. Works from a 220V network.

Models of electric snow plows are in great demand among summer residents, as they are environmentally friendly, more affordable, easy to store and transport, and do not need special care and maintenance. The auger blades are equipped with rubber pads that prevent damage to the surface of the platforms, tracks. The only indirect inconveniences are being tied to a power source and the inability to move independently.

Electric snow blowers are best used for freshly fallen snow. If the snow has already settled, and a crust has formed on it, then it must be removed carefully, removing it in small layers.

A significant advantage of gasoline-powered snow blowers is engine power. The range of such snow blowers offers summer residents two-stroke and four-stroke engines, with a capacity of 5.5 horsepower. They are equipped with a metal body, a wheel or caterpillar drive, a snow pick-up bucket and a rotary screw mechanism that allows you to throw snow at a distance of 8 m. The weight of the entire body of a gasoline snow blower is 60 kg, which allows you to self-collect snow. The operator only sets the direction.

A minor drawback is the frequent failure of some parts (belts, gears, engine elements, discs). Snow removal can be carried out in any remote areas, since they are not tied to a power source. Thanks to the power of the engine, it is possible to remove even icy snow that lasts more than 2 weeks.

Overview of snow removal equipment

If you make an overview of snow removal equipment, then you should focus on the most popular brands that produce quality equipment: MTD, Partner, Husqvarna. You can choose and purchase the best products tested in various conditions for a suitable price.

Owners of large summer cottages choose universal equipment in the form of mini tractors or walk-behind tractors. This is a multifunctional technique that is used as a snow blower in winter and as a soil cultivation tool in summer (for example, MTD LN 200 H, Husqvarna PF 21 AWD).

How to choose the right snow removal equipment for a summer residence:

• 
  Cleaning of small terraces. If you spend a little time at your dacha in winter, it will be enough to purchase an AL-KO SnowLine 46 E electric snow blower. It is practical and convenient, easy to operate, does not require much storage space;
• Cleaning a small area. For loose snow that has recently fallen, you can use the Husqvarna ST 121 E or MTD M series snow blowers. These are more functional models that can clear more snow in the area around the house. They are equipped with two-stroke or four-stroke motors;
• 
  Cleaning large amounts of snow in large areas. Models such as the MTD ME series and the Husqvarna ST 268EP are best suited for this purpose. These are self-propelled snow blowers with gasoline engines. They can be both tracked and wheeled, have a heated handle function and can move independently. A starter is used to start the motor. Engine type - two-stroke (auger + rotor);
• Cleaning large areas with varied terrain. These tasks require powerful technology. This is the Husqvarna ST 268 EPT and MTD OPTIMA ME 66 T. They have a caterpillar track. Machine weight - up to 200 kg. Engine power from 9 hp They work in all conditions and easily cope with large snow and ice over large areas.

Each model of a snowblower has its own characteristics and performance characteristics. Given the variety of the model range, you need to buy the mechanism that will meet all the necessary requirements and best of all cope with the task.

Video review of snowblowers