Types of snow blowers for the home: a complete review with photos

Are you interested in buying a snow blower? Would you like to know about the different types available? Whether you’re looking for the fastest, most powerful, or most convenient option, this article will provide you with all the information you need. We’ll discuss the various types of snow blowers, how they differ from each other, their operating principles, and the best models for home use.

A snow blower is a vehicle used to remove snow and ice from roads and other surfaces. While it’s primarily used by homeowners, these machines are also popular among private establishments, businesses, and companies in need of snow removal services.

What are the different types of snowplows available? Although a snow plow may seem like a simple tractor on wheels with a bucket, there are actually various types based on different factors such as scope of application, price, purpose, method of use, method of snow removal, type of control, type of wheels, and power supply. Here are some examples:

Based on application:

• Specialized: These are powerful and expensive machines designed for extensive work. They are commonly used by road services and private enterprises.
• Domestic (for home use): These are classic equipment for cleaning paths, grounds, and small areas. They have relatively low power and limited specialization. They are commonly used by residents of private homes.

In terms of price range, there are three types:

• Elite (expensive)
• Middle class
• Budget
• By purpose, specialization:
• Standard – focused solely on snow removal
• Universal – for clearing snow, ice, and similar substances
• By method of cleaning :
• With single-stage processing – their design includes a snow intake bucket, shredding auger, and ejection pipe. These machines take in the snow, which is then shredded along with any ice, and finally ejected through the snow discharge pipe. The direction of the ejected snow can be adjusted by rotating the pipe.

There are different types of snow blowers based on their control method:

• Self-propelled – these machines have their own built-in drive and the user only needs to guide them. They have high power and can move on their own.
• Non-self-propelled – these machines do not have a built-in drive and the user needs to push them to move. They typically have a rubber or durable plastic auger, which allows them to remove snow but not ice. These types of snow blowers are popular among dacha owners and people living in rural areas.

Within the self-propelled category, there are two additional types based on the type of wheels:

• Standard – these are more popular and cheaper to produce. They are suitable for a variety of surfaces.
• Caterpillar – these are commonly found on professional models used for working on rough terrain or mud.

Based on the power source, snow blowers can be categorized as:

• Gasoline snow blowers are powerful machines designed for working on large areas. They are equipped with a gearbox and require gasoline with oil as fuel. These devices are efficient but can be quite expensive.
• Electric snow blowers offer convenience, environmental friendliness, and compactness. They are smaller in size and more compact compared to their gasoline counterparts. While they may not be suitable for cleaning large areas, they are lightweight, affordable, and eco-friendly.

Principle of operation of a snowplow

The engine is started by the user – filling the fuel and starting it or connecting it to the mains. The engine that has been started rotates the central shaft, also known as the auger. In models that are self-propelled, the engine acts as a driving mechanism too. For non-self-propelled models, the user pushes them, but everything else remains the same. The bucket collects the snow, and then it goes into the device – straight to the auger. As the auger rotates, it effectively crushes the snow and ice. The shredded snow and ice are then directed into a specially designed tank. Here, it can either be accumulated or expelled through the snow removal pipe.

The primary advantage of snow blowers is their efficiency. They are capable of clearing the same street surface from snow faster and more effectively than manual methods used by people. Moreover, when utilizing snow blowers, the user expends fewer personal resources – such as time and energy.

Hyundai S 500

The Hyundai S 500 is widely regarded as the top-of-the-line electric snow removal machine on the market. Offering unbeatable value, this device is priced at just 15,000 rubles and boasts impressive features. With a width of 46 cm, it is able to clear snow that is up to 30 cm high. Equipped with a powerful 2-kilowatt electric motor from Hyundai, it has the ability to throw snow up to a distance of 3-6 meters, making quick work of any snow-covered area. Additionally, it comes with the convenience of headlights for nighttime use, a durable metal auger, and a comprehensive warranty. Not only does the Hyundai S 500 perform exceptionally, but it also sports a sleek and simple design that is sure to catch the eye.

AL-KO SnowLine 46 E

The AL-KO SnowLine 46 E, a high-quality German electric snow blower, is manufactured in Europe. It weighs 15 kilograms and features a foldable handle for easy transportation. With a capacity to remove snow up to 30 cm in height, it is equipped with a metal auger that can effectively handle both snow and ice. The top of the blower is coated with rubber to protect against scratches and damage. The model has a width of 46 cm and is capable of throwing snow up to 10 meters away. It operates on a one-stage cleaning system and offers an adjustable handle height, which is rubberized for user comfort.

• The price of the blower is 13,700 rubles.

Hyundai S 6561

The top-quality gasoline snow blower, similar to the finest electric snow blower, is produced by Hyundai. The Hyundai S 6561 features a robust 6.5 horsepower engine with a gearbox and pneumatic treaded wheels akin to those found on tractors. This machine is specifically designed for clearing vast expanses of snow, capable of operating in freezing temperatures, muddy conditions, and even on icy terrain. The motor boasts a lengthy lifespan of 1200 hours and offers high efficiency. With a bucket width of 60 cm and an auger height of 51 cm, this steel auger can effortlessly crush both snow and ice. Additionally, it is capable of throwing snow up to a distance of 11 meters, and the ejection pipe can be rotated 180 degrees for added convenience. The snow blower is equipped with a control panel and a halogen headlight for enhanced visibility. Widely regarded as a professional-grade model, it is commonly utilized for clearing vast areas and is priced accordingly.

• The average cost of this snow blower is 68,000 rubles.