Working width
The width of the strip of snow that the snow blower can clear in one pass. The larger the capture width, the fewer passes will be required to process the site, which is especially important on large areas. On the other hand, for processing small spaces, clearing individual paths, etc. significant width is not required (moreover, a “narrow” snow blower will pass more easily in a hard-to-reach place). The larger the capture width, the more powerful the engine, usually, ceteris paribus.
The most compact modern snow blowers have a working width of
less than 50 cm, these are mainly electric models of low power, although gasoline units are also found. A width of
50 – 60 cm can be called relatively small,
60 – 70 cm — medium, and in the largest models this figure
exceeds 70 cm.
Min. throw distance
The shortest distance that the snow blower can throw the collected snow.
The minimum range is indicated only for models with adjustable throw distance (see above). The meaning of this parameter is that in fact, long-range snow casting is not always desirable. For example, when clearing a path in the yard of a private house, snow often has to be poured literally next to the path, a little further — and it will fly onto the windows and walls of the house.
Note that the ejection range is a rather conditional value, because. snow (especially loose, freshly fallen snow) tends to dissipate in flight.
Max. throw distance
The maximum distance to which the snow blower can throw the collected snow (for models without throwing distance adjustment, the operating range itself). This value is rather arbitrary, since snow can be strongly dispersed in flight. Nevertheless, it characterizes the capabilities of the unit well and allows you to compare it with other models.
Long range is important mainly when working on large areas — it allows you to throw snow across the cultivated area so that it does not have to be collected a second time. As for specific figures, the value
up to 10 m is considered relatively small,
11 – 15 m — average, and in the most "long-range" models this figure can be
16 m or more.
Motor type
Model of the engine installed in the snow blower.
With this information, you can find detailed data on the engine — from official specifications to reviews, reviews and advice on specific nuances. In this way, you can evaluate how a snow blower with this particular engine will suit your needs.
Engine size
The size of the engine installed in a gasoline or diesel (see "Engine type") snow blower. With the same type of internal combustion engine (see above), more displacement usually means more power and more fuel consumption.
Motor power
Snowblower engine power in horsepower.
The universal unit of power today is watts, but for gasoline and diesel engines (see "Engine type"), the traditional designation in horsepower may also be given. 1 HP approximately equal to 735 watts.
The higher the engine power, the higher the performance of the snow blower, the better it handles with high dense snowdrifts and icy crust. However, more powerful engines consume more fuel, weigh more and cost more, and their use is not always justified. Detailed recommendations on choosing the optimal power for a specific situation can be found in special sources.
Motor power
Snow blower motor power in watts. This designation applies to all electrical models; for units with internal combustion engines (see "Engine type"), the designation in horsepower (see above) may also be given.
The higher the engine power, the higher the performance of the snow blower, the better it handles with high dense snowdrifts and icy crust. However, more powerful engines consume more fuel, weigh more and cost more, and their use is not always justified. Detailed recommendations on choosing the optimal power for a specific situation can be found in special sources.
Launch type
Method of starting the engine of a gasoline (see "Engine type") snow blower. To date, there are such options:
— Manual (cable). The simplest way to start: the operator pulls the cable, which scrolls the shaft and gives the engine the necessary initial impulse. Such launch systems are as compact, simple and inexpensive as possible, moreover, they do not depend on power sources. On the other hand, it makes sense to use cables mainly in light and low-power snow blowers — to start heavy units, significant effort is required, which is easier to provide with an electric starter.
—
Electric starter (230 V network). Starting with an electric starter powered by a 230 V network (ordinary socket). An electric starter is a small electric motor that, when started, rotates the engine shaft, giving it an initial impulse. Such systems are more complex, heavier and more expensive than cables, but they are suitable for even the heaviest and most powerful engines; and the launch itself is extremely simple — the user only needs to press a button. At the same time, mains power allows you to do without heavy and expensive batteries. However the network itself is required to start, but most often there are no special problems with this; and in case the snow blower stalls “in an open field”, a spare launch system is usually provided in the form of the same cable. Therefore, most units with electric starters use mains power.
—
...href="/en/list/71/pr-35151/">Electric starter (battery). Starting with an electric starter powered by a battery installed in the snow blower. See above for the general features of electric starters, and battery power makes the starting system as autonomous as possible: the starter can be used regardless of the presence of outlets nearby, and the battery is recharged from a running engine if necessary. On the other hand, the presence of a battery affects the cost and weight of the unit, and the mentioned battery life is required relatively infrequently. Therefore, battery-powered electric starters are used only in certain models of high-performance snowplows, designed for long-term operation "in the field", away from the mains; the weight and price of the battery in such cases are insignificant compared to the weight and price of the unit itself.Noise level
The average noise level produced by the snow blower during operation; the actual volume may differ slightly from this figure, but these deviations are usually negligible.
Note that snow blowers are quite loud equipment, plus the higher the power, the generally higher the noise level. This parameter is measured in decibels, this is a non-linear value, so the actual loudness is easiest to evaluate using comparative tables. So, the most "quiet" modern models give out about 55 – 60 dB — this can be compared with a conversation in slightly raised tones. 70 dB corresponds to a loud conversation, 80 dB to noise on a busy city street, 90 dB to a freight car at a distance of about 7 m, 100 dB to an industrial workshop, 110 dB to a tractor motor at a distance of 1 m.
The lower the noise level, the more comfortable this model will be to use. And according to sanitary standards, the maximum noise level considered safe for prolonged exposure (up to 8 hours) is 80 dB. So if the selected unit is noisier, and you plan to work often and for a long time, you should take care of protective headphones or earplugs.
