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.
Design
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Self-propelled design. In self-propelled snow blowers, the built-in motor drives not only the auger, but also the wheels / tracks, ensuring the movement of the device. In this way, you do not have to push the snow blower by hand, which makes work much easier — especially with heavy, powerful models. Most self-propelled models have a transmission that allows you to adjust the speed of movement, as well as the ability to move backward (see "Number of gears").
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Overload protection. A safety system that protects the unit from breakdowns in the event of critical loads. The main reason for the occurrence of such loads is the jamming of the screw — for example, due to the ingress of a foreign object. Therefore, most often, special bolts are used for protection, connecting the auger to the motor gearbox: with a sharp increase in load, the bolts are cut off and the auger is disconnected from the gearbox. Another option is overheating protection that reacts to engine temperature; it is found predominantly in electrical assemblies and can be used alone or in combination with shear bolts.
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Headlights. The presence of a headlight (headlights) in the design of the snow blower allows you to use it for work at night, when there are no other light sources or they are not enough. In addition, in some models, the headlights turn on automatically every time the engine is starte
...d — they play the role of a warning signal that the unit is running.
— Heated handles. Heating system for handles, which the operator holds during work. This feature is especially useful as snow blowers are used in cold weather, and hands can get cold during prolonged use. On the other hand, with small volumes of cleaning, you can completely do with gloves, so heated handles are found mainly in powerful models with internal combustion engines, designed for large volumes of work.Selectable locking differential
The ability to
unlock the differential is a mechanism that allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds.
This function is relevant only for self-propelled models (see "Design"). Many of these units do not have a differential at all, and if it is, it is locked by default — both of which mean that both drive wheels rotate at the same speed when powered by the engine. This has a positive effect on patency, but creates inconvenience when cornering: when turning, the wheel on the outside must rotate faster than the wheel on the inside. Unlocking the differential eliminates this inconvenience. On the other hand, a relatively small and light snow blower can also be deployed manually by disengaging the clutch and turning the unit on freely rotating wheels. Therefore, this function is provided only in powerful and heavy models, in which "manual" rotation is difficult.
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.
Fuel tank volume
The amount of fuel that the snow blower tank can hold at one time. Knowing this figure, as well as fuel consumption (see above), you can easily calculate the approximate operating time on one gas station. However, manufacturers usually choose the volume so that the operating time reaches at least 2 – 2.5 hours, so in most cases you can not pay much attention to this parameter.
