Snow is one of the main attributes of the Russian winter. It causes a lot of difficulties to many people: the snowy sidewalks and roads greatly complicate the movement on them. Manual cleaning of large areas is not an easy task; therefore, more and more people and organizations prefer a technique such as a snow blower. Due to the fact that such products are very popular, a huge number of very different models appeared on sale.
Getting confused in the available assortment is quite simple. So that you can choose the best design for yourself, we decided to make a rating of the best snow blowers of 2019. It included the most popular, according to users, models. However, before we begin to consider the useful characteristics of this equipment, let's look at its design features, varieties of snow blowers. In addition, you need to consider what points are important when buying such devices. Let’s start with this.
Summary of the rating:
What do you pay attention to when choosing a snow blower?
For a competent purchase of this product, it is necessary to clearly understand exactly what tasks are set for it. The fact is that all similar units will be quite different from each other in a huge set of parameters. One can be adapted for cleaning a large snow-covered area with ice, the other is suitable for clearing a small area in front of the house. Snow blowers can be classified by maximum cleaning area. If the area of the site does not reach 50 square meters, then a low-power design that works on battery or electricity is quite suitable. These are the cheapest products.
With a snow depth of 25 cm and more, a similar snow blower will be completely ineffective, it will be much faster and better to clean a gasoline device. Such products have the original shape of a bucket, due to which they are able to easily cope with snowdrifts, the height of which can reach about 40 cm, but there are also quite powerful devices that can cope with snowdrifts up to 50 cm. Gasoline units will become most effective if removed area is 100 square meters. m and more.
Many models are equipped with a self-propelled drive based on wheels or tracks - this factor greatly facilitates the operation of this equipment. There are often situations when the opportunity to clean snow arises only at the weekend. This leads to the fact that the mass coalesces, becomes heavy and loose, or even becomes covered with ice crust. In this case, a rather powerful and productive device will be needed, since a weak model is unlikely to be able to throw snow over a considerable distance.
Most snow blowers belonging to an inexpensive price category can only work with soft or fresh snow. The bucket in them is in most cases made of plastic, so it is not designed for serious physical exertion. A wet or already caked cover will severely damage the screw. Metalized rubber buckets are equipped with products whose power is above 5 horsepower.
Bucket width is an important indicator.For non-self-propelled products, a too wide bucket will become a noticeable drawback, since the operator will have to put a lot of effort in order to push it in front of him. Standard auger products with a capacity of about 5-6 horsepower are not able to throw snow a distance further than 5 meters. The equipment can be equipped with several cleaning stages. Single-stage units are used for working with narrow areas. Two-stage products are more versatile, have a reinforced rotor that will accelerate the mass to high speed.
When choosing models for inclusion in our rating of the best snow blowers, we relied not only on these factors, but also took into account user feedback, and also took into account the price-quality ratio. We divided the review into three sections, for each of which we selected the most optimal, from our point of view, products. We hope that it will be interesting, informative and useful for you.
Inexpensive price segment
3. AL-KO SnowLine 55E
The products of a German company that has its history since 1931. Today it has over forty representative offices located in many countries of the world. The manufactured equipment is quite in demand, especially since almost all of it is intended for use in domestic conditions. This model is one of the most popular and common, as it has good declared characteristics and is not too expensive. The grip is wide and very powerful, due to which the unit is able to easily cope even with heavy and strongly packed snow. The equipment is compact in size, which facilitates not only its operation, but also storage. Power indicators are enough to completely clear the household or house plot from a pile of snow drifts. The engine power of the device is 6 horsepower.
The snow blower has only one cleaning system, however, the auger is designed in such a way that in combination with a powerful engine allows you to fully compensate for the absence of the impeller. The motor is equipped with an electric start system, so the product will be able to start even at fairly low temperatures. The snow chute can be adjusted by hand using a special mechanism. This allows you to set it in the most suitable position, which will provide a high level of cleaning efficiency. The volume of the fuel tank is increased, so you can use it for quite a long time without stopping.
Benefits:
- Affordable cost;
- German quality workmanship and assembly;
- Decent amount of fuel tank;
- The duration of the operation period;
- The ability to work autonomously for a long time.
Disadvantages:
- At very high loads, the drive belt can fly off, however, returning it to its place is quite easy.
2. ELITECH CM 6
Budget and functional model from Chinese developers. The product is characterized by a simple device, so it almost never breaks. The exterior is beautiful and modern. No complicated electronic parts are provided here, only proven solutions are used. The model is made of the highest quality materials, does not require special maintenance during operation. Management is simple, maneuverability is excellent, the engine consumes a minimum of fuel, but at the same time it is characterized by high performance indicators. With the help of this unit it is possible to clean difficult areas, as well as quite large areas. Product dimensions are small, including weight. This allows for high maneuverability.
Engine power is about 6 hp, the maximum strip width reaches 56 cm.The volume of the fuel tank is 3.6 liters with an average flow rate of about 0.6 liters per hour: it turns out that a full tank will be enough for continuous operation for six hours. The gearbox is mechanical here - there are four forward and two rear speeds. They switch easily and conveniently, there is a friction disk. The diameter of the screw is 24 cm, it is made of stainless steel, all edges are carefully sharpened. They fight well not only with packed snow, but also with ice and a fairly thick infusion. The starter is manual, it will start the engine at any temperature. The body is metal, not damaged by snow drifts.
Benefits:
- An elementary design in which there is simply nothing to break;
- Low gasoline consumption;
- Reliability;
- High build quality;
- The location of all controls is carefully thought out.
Disadvantages:
- A little narrower wheels, because of which on loose snow the cross-country ability will be slightly worse.
1. Interskol SMB-650E
The machine is a domestic production, which is designed specifically for working in hard-to-reach areas. It is able to clean the surface of snow and ice where much more powerful and bulky equipment does not reach. Mostly, this snow blower is designed to work at home - clearing areas near houses and porches, paths, parking spaces and driveways. The unit is equipped with high quality wheels that perform well even on very slippery surfaces. The wheels are made of stainless steel, the treads are quite deep. The tires themselves are designed so as not to slip and provide better traction. Interskol-Loncin brand powerful and efficient motor is provided. This is a four-stroke engine that can operate efficiently and reliably even at abnormally low temperatures. It is quite powerful, has good torque, so that all the useful functions of this unit are fully disclosed.
The bucket is metallic, all elements in direct contact with the snow cover are characterized by a high level of quality. The snow blower itself has a very attractive appearance. The bucket is equipped with a screw mechanism that captures and crushes any snow and severe ice. Literally in one turn he takes a decent amount of snow and processes a significant area. The exhaust chute can be rotated in different directions. It is also made of high-quality stainless metal, not subject to corrosion processes. To make the device comfortable to use in the dark, he has a powerful flashlight. An electric start system is also provided, but the motor can be started using a manual starter. The handle has an ergonomic shape, it can be adjusted according to the user's height. All controls are positioned so that they are always at hand.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- High power level;
- High-quality and durable engine;
- Able to cast snow to a distance of 10-12 meters.
Disadvantages:
- It is necessary to tighten some bolts from time to time.
Average price category
3. MTD Smart ME 61
The machine is able to cope with the thickness of the snow cover of 50 cm in one pass, the working width is 61 cm, the snow itself is cast to a distance of 9 to 12 m. In order to completely clear an area of about 500 square meters. m device will need about two hours. On the screws there are teeth made of carbide materials. The edges of the drum blades are sharpened very sharply, due to which the device shows its useful performance characteristics on packed snow and ice well. The snow blower can be used not only for clearing the territory, but also for laying tracks and maintaining it in working condition. The gasoline engine is economical and reliable, allows you to work completely offline.The engine of the MTD ThorX 70 OHV brand, it is equipped with isolated drives for air and throttle valves, a fuel pumping system is provided. It can be easily launched even in thirty-degree frost. The motor is equipped with one cylinder, operates in four-stroke mode, the valves are located at the top of the engine. It works relatively quietly, practically does not vibrate.
Disc-o-Matic friction transmission is responsible for the self-propelled unit. Speed adjustment is smooth, without jerking, the user almost does not notice the switch. Screw assemblies are attached to the rotating shaft due to special shear bolts. The impeller is equipped with metal blades in the amount of 3 or 6 pieces. The bucket, designed to capture snow, has ideal geometric characteristics, equipped with plastic ski guides on the sides. In the area where the bucket is in contact with the snow mass, a cutting knife is located. The diameter of the wheels is 38 mm, they are equipped with tubeless Snow Dog tires, the tread is quite deep, made in the shape of the letter X, thanks to it the machine moves steadily both in soft snow and on ice. The deflector that removes snow mass is made of plastic that is resistant to low temperatures, can change the angle by 180 degrees, and is manually adjusted.
Benefits:
- It is excellent at low temperatures;
- Plastic and metal parts are made very high quality;
- The unit is easy to manage.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
2. Champion ST553
This unit is able to easily cope in a single pass, even with a strongly packed snowdrift, the height of which reaches 51 cm, the working width is almost 53 cm - this is the best indicator compared to all models in this price category of our rating of snow blowers of the year. The largest angle of rotation of the gutter for throwing snow is 200 degrees, so you can throw out the mass in almost any direction. In order to make the operator as comfortable as possible using this equipment, the product is self-propelled and equipped with eight gears, six of which are front and two rear. In general, the equipment of this brand first appeared on the market in 2006. This is a domestic company, but recently it has moved all its main facilities to China. The company is in direct contact with many world-famous manufacturers of similar products and buys from them all the necessary structural elements. In particular, an American-made Briggs & Stratton engine is installed on this model.
The equipment is characterized by excellent operational characteristics, which allows its use not only in domestic conditions, but also as part of professional snow clearing. It turns out that the device will be very suitable for public utilities. It is worth noting the attractive appearance of the unit. All controls are located as conveniently as possible, the user does not have to be distracted by switching speeds or turning on the reverse. The exhaust chute can be controlled remotely. If necessary, you can purchase attachments in the form of a sweeping brush, which will make the surface to be cleaned even more even. The bucket has a sufficiently large volume, it is additionally equipped with a two-blade auger with large notches. Engine power is 4 horsepower with a volume of 163 cc, it is four-stroke. The capacity of the fuel tank is 3 liters, this parameter will be enough to work with a maximum load of about 3-4 hours.
Benefits:
- High level of power and reliability;
- Quality engine;
- Perfect weight distribution, no load on the hands and back of the user;
- Remote adjustment of snow stream output.
Disadvantages:
- Decently makes noise during work.
1. Husqvarna ST 224
This is a multifunctional model that was developed specifically for snow removal in extremely low temperatures, so this equipment can be used even in the northern regions of our country. The device is self-propelled wheeled, a gasoline engine, the total power is 6.3 horsepower, the volume of the fuel tank is 2.6 liters. In front are two LED headlights with enhanced brightness, so the product can be used even in complete darkness. The engine is started electric, there is a special preheating system, so the engine starts even in very severe frost. The mechanical gearbox has seven speeds at once, of which six are front and one rear. The mass of the unit is 90 kg. The principle of operation is two-stage - the product first captures the snow, and then switches to discarding it. If necessary, you can use the differential lock. This allows for optimal traction and full use of both wheels.
The bell is controlled, the lever for adjusting its position is located directly on the operator panel. The width of the snow band is 61 cm - an indicator slightly above average, but it is most suitable for a self-propelled installation of this type. All working elements, including mobile ones, are made of stainless steel that is not sensitive to the occurrence of corrosion processes, which can significantly extend the life of the unit. The ergonomics of the device are thought out as carefully as possible, which allows the user to control the snow blower with even one hand.
Benefits:
- It grinds perfectly not only packed snow, but also ice up to 4 cm thick;
- Throws snow at a decent distance;
- Handles have an ergonomic shape, have heating;
- High reliability of the design;
- High-quality assembly provides a long period of operation;
- A large number of speeds.
Disadvantages:
- The backward movement is rather slow, with melt snow it does not work as efficiently as with fresh snow, so it is undesirable to delay cleaning.
Elite Snowblowers
3. Honda HSM1390IKZE
The first apparatus in our review of the best snow blowers equipped with a caterpillar track. The rated motor power of the unit is 13 horsepower. The engine starts manually, it runs on gasoline, four-stroke. The ground snow discharge system is two-stage. The width of the bucket is 92 cm, it is able to pick up a snowdrift with a height of more than 50 cm. The screws are made of high-quality metal. The capacity of the fuel tank is 6.5 l, the weight of the entire apparatus is 240 kg. This is the first model that can be used for commercial use. For the stable operation of the tracks, special electric motors are responsible for receiving energy from a generator connected to the motor. Using such a system, it is possible to significantly increase the reliability of the unit and significantly extend its service life, as well as reduce the overall fuel consumption.
The case is lightweight, made of polymer compounds, reliably protected from moisture. It easily withstands both static and dynamic loads. As an additional feature, an electric control system for a snow-throwing bell has been installed here. A bright and long-range headlight based on a reliable LED is provided. The presence of an electric starter allows you to start the engine even in abnormally low temperatures. Due to the rather capacious tank, the snow blower can be worked out without a break for about 2-3 hours. Snow is thrown at a decent distance - up to 19 meters. The handles are very comfortable, if necessary, you can turn on their heating.
Benefits:
- High work efficiency;
- It copes with the cleaning of large areas;
- Lightweight housing made of polymer materials;
- Long period of operation.
Disadvantages:
- High price.
2.SNAPPER SNM924E
In second place is another multifunctional model of a professional plan. Compared to the other two constructions in this section, it costs a little cheaper, however, it is not inferior to them in terms of operational properties. The cleaning system here is of a two-stage type, it is equipped with an impeller made of high-quality sheet metal, the snow can be tilted up to a distance of 12 meters - this is very convenient if there is a need to clean areas that are decent in area. The augers are equipped with cloves that easily grind crust and even ice. The design is self-propelled. In order to be able to ensure smooth movement, there are six forward and two reverse gears. As users note in their reviews, this unit is very reliable, with its help you can achieve very high performance indicators. Gasoline engine, equipment power - about 7 horsepower. The volume of the tank is 3 liters: this capacity is enough for a long battery life.
The product does not weigh too much, so it is easy for them to maneuver, and it is also convenient to transport from one place to another. The augers are equipped with shear bolts that will reliably protect the gearbox from the occurrence of various kinds of defects in the event that the snow blower encounters various solid objects. The wheels can be unlocked if necessary, which will significantly increase the maneuverability of the equipment. The wheels themselves are pneumatic, with an aggressive Arctic Trac & Trade tread on the tires. With its help, it is possible to achieve excellent adhesion to the surface, slippage is practically not observed. In general, it’s enough to take care of the machine. The rotary deflector is adjustable by 190 degrees - for this a special regulator is located directly on the control panel.
Benefits:
- Very reliable and productive machine;
- Regardless of weather conditions, it will start the first time;
- Protectors go well in the snow, protect against slipping;
- Decent working width.
Disadvantages:
- The engine runs quite loudly - the operator will feel comfortable only in the headphones.
1. Huter SGC 8100C
Another design of German manufacture of self-propelled character. It is designed specifically for cleaning snow masses in areas of different sizes. With it, you can pave tracks, clean up areas, parking lots, household plots and so on. The power of the product is 11 horsepower. The engine here is gasoline, equipped with a single cylinder, is a four-stroke design. You can start the motor using a manual starter, however, for greater convenience, the snow blower also has an electric starter, but it is powered by a standard 220 V mains. The motor is cooled by air technology. The product is self-propelled, equipped with tracks, thanks to which it easily overcomes icy areas in the territory that is being cleared of snow masses.
The snow blower is characterized by excellent maneuverability and easy handling. The width of the strip being cleaned is 74 cm. Without refueling, it can work for about 3-4 hours. The design is equipped with eight speeds, of which six are front and two are rear. The halogen headlight is located on the front of the case, as with most models belonging to the premium class, the product is equipped with heated handles, the device weighs 115 kg. The product does not make too much noise. The auger is made of high-quality metal, the working edges are well sharpened, so it will quickly and finely crush the snow crust and even packed snowdrifts.The direction of ejection and range can be adjusted manually.
Benefits:
- High power;
- Soft and smooth running of the tracks in both front and rear gears;
- Life span;
- Attractive appearance;
- Reliability of components;
- Low gas mileage.
Disadvantages:
- After five or six seasons, some cables will have to be changed.
In conclusion, a useful video
Well, here we are ending with our review of the best snow blowers. We have collected the maximum information, we hope that you have now decided exactly which model will be most suitable for you. If some questions remain unresolved - write to us in the comments, we will promptly respond to your message.