So you've decided to buy a snow shifter but don't know where to start? Here on this site we will help you choose the perfect machine to suit your needs and your wallet. We will explain each type of snow moving machine and bust that jargon. With our summary tables you'll be able to see at a glance the machine that is right for you.
For many years shovelling snow has been an arduous task, back-breaking hard labor and, more often than not, seen as the man's task. Those days are now a thing of the past, with many machines available to move snow. From small electric powered snow throwers such as the Toro 38361 to gasoline fuelled two stage snow blowers, for example, the Poulan PR6R24ES.
When deciding on what type of snow remover to purchase you must first ask yourself a few key questions.
1. What size of area do I need to clear and what kind of surface?
2. If I was to buy electric, do I have a power point I can work from?
3. Do I have a suitable place to store the machine?
Electric Powered Snow Shovels, Throwers & Blowers
The major advantage of an electric machine is the lack of maintenance required. No gas to mess about with, no oil changes, no spark plugs to clean and replace. You basically plug in and go. Electric machines are comparatively quiet and come in a variety and sizes relative to their recommended workloads. One thing that is essential is to buy with any electric snow mover is a decent grade, brightly colored extension cord suitable for low temperatures. Because of the power cable there is a distance issue so you must take this into consideration when decided on the type of snow remover to purchase. Also consider any obstacles in your garden that you may need to run your cable round. The basic model is a lightweight machine designed for occasional use or light snowfall, up to approximately 6 inches deep. Basically, they pick the snow up with a rotary blade and shoot it straight ahead to a distance of 20 feet. A good example is the Snow Joe Plus 322P which has a 7.5amp motor, a 12" working width and can tackle up to 4 inches of snow at a time. (With deeper snow it can shave of 4 inches at a time.) Because it is so lightweight at 12 pounds, it is easy to manoeuvre and carry and has a single handle, ergonomically designed to alleviate back strain. Another proven product is the Toro Power Shovel. With the same size motor as the Snow Joe 322 it cuts through snow of a depth of 6 inches, slightly more than the Snow Joe, and for the same price you might find it a better buy. With the accessories included it can be converted to a power broom for use in the garden all year round.
These types of machines are recommended for paths, patios and decking. Because they are so lightweight, they are ideal for steps too. These basic machines retail at about 0.
The next model up from the basic snow blower is the snow thrower. This is a machine that runs a two-stage process of picking up the snow and blowing it out at a controllable angle. These machines run a 15 amp motor for extra power, have a wider working width of around 18 inches and can clear a depth of 12 inches. A perfect example is the Toro 38381 which retails at approximately 9. It weighs in at approximately 26 pounds with large 4inch wheels for easy manoeuvrability. It can deal with all types of snow and throws it about 30 feet in the direction of your choice.
Electric Advantages
Ideal for small areas / light duty
Compact, easy to store
Low maintenance
Cheaper
Lightweight
Environmentally friendly
Electric Disadvantages
Not suitable for deep snow
Cable may inhibit distance
Not ideal in a breeze
Basic models cannot control direction of snow throwing
Not good for wet snow
Gas fuelled Snow Blowers
These are usually big heavy duty machines with a two-stage process. This works by the auger (spiral shaped rotating shaft) lifting up the snow from the ground and throwing it against a rotating impeller (rotor blade). The impeller then forces the snow up the discharge chute and out. On most machines this chute is moveable to control which direction and how far you want to throw your snow. To buy one of these machines you have to be serious about wanting to clear snow. An investment of between 0 and 00 is required for the actual machine then you've to add the cost of gas, oil and annual maintenance, replacement spark plugs etc to decide whether you actually need a big machine or could manage with one of the larger electric snow blower such as the Toro 38381 18-Inch 15 Amp Electric 1800 Power Curve Snow Thrower.
If you suffer with heavy snowfall, have a large area to clear and an electric model won't do. Read on...
Much larger than their electric counterpart, the gas fuelled snow blower's average working width is doubled and has an intake height of up 23 inches. Perfect if you need to do some serious snow clearing. The Poulan Pro PR6R24ES is an extreme machine and perfect example of a gas snow blower. It has a 205cc engine, weighs 265 pounds and is extremely heavy duty. Available for around 0, you need to be a serious snow clearer to want to purchase this model though if you do you won't be disappointed. However, it is non-CARB compliant so not available in California. For those Californians who wish to buy a snow blower the Powerland PDST24 is CARB compliant. As with many gas fuelled snow- blowers it has self propelled wheels for easy manoeuvrability and works great in all areas and all types of snow. It has an electric starter for those cold mornings. With a retail price of about 0 it has a great reputation for being reliable and easy to use.
Gas Advantages
Ideal for Deep and / or wet snow
Can cover any area, not held by cable
Heavy Duty
Powerful
Gas Disadvantages
Maintenance & added cost of fuel and parts
Will leave thin trace of snow because it doesn't clear from surface
Heavy
Pollution
Requires larger storage space
