Types and rating of models of snow shovels and how to make them yourself
The snow cleaning and throwing shovel is intended for cleaning flat surfaces of snow cover. They are manual or mechanical. The latter can have additional attachments in the form of a motor, which significantly reduces the effort required during work, since the worker will spend energy only when moving the shovel, and the snow will be removed by the engine.
The main varieties and their characteristics
There is a wide variety of snow shovels, from the simplest to the most mechanical. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a closer look. While everything is relatively straightforward with conventional hand shovels, there is no specific standard to separate power shovels from snow blowers.
Auger
An auger shovel is a combination of a shovel with an auger - a special device in the form of a screw. Usually the auger in the excavators has 2-3 turns.The principle of operation is quite simple - when the shovel is pushed forward, the edges of the auger from contact with the surface begin to rotate and push the snow to the right or left of the direction of travel.
Manual
If the setting in motion of the auger shovel or its direct work takes place only thanks to the muscular strength of a person, we are talking about hand tools.
mechanical tool
This category includes shovels, in which the mechanism is engaged to remove snow, and the worker only pushes the shovel forward.
Non-self-propelled mechanics
If the auger shovel has no means of moving it during operation, it is said to be non-self-propelled. Typically, a similar mechanism is equipped with skis to reduce slippage.
Self-propelled
If the auger shovel has wheels or tracks, it is considered self-propelled. It is much easier to push such a shovel.
electropath
In fact, it is a kind of auger, more precisely its mechanized version. The shovel is not driven by the muscle power of the worker, but by an electric motor. Connecting the tool to electricity is traditionally done using an extension cord. There are also cordless excavators, in which the power source is located on the excavator itself. Their power is slightly less than that of mains-powered excavators using an extension cord.
Telescopic pole for clearing snow from roofs
Such devices are a wide scraper with a long handle. Their stem consists of 3-4 stems, folding into each other. The length of such a handle in working condition can reach 9 m. In addition to clearing snow from roofs, such devices are used to knock down icicles.
Choice criteria
The criteria for choosing a snow removal device depend on the type of snow (fresh or packed), the surface area to be removed and the material used. Let's consider them in more detail.
type of snow
The main parameter by which the selection is made. Mechanical shovels should be used to remove fresh or packed snow from a height of 15 cm. Some types of snowblowers can be used for fresh snow up to 25 cm in height. height.
In other cases, either conventional hand shovels or specialized heavy-duty snowblowers with powerful engines are used.
cleaning area
The use of different types of shovels is recommended depending on the area of the surface to be cleaned. This is because the width of the tool, and therefore the number of passes, will be different. A wide shovel will cover a larger area at once and therefore the job will be completed faster.
Also, when using mechanical cleaning equipment, they may have different throw distances of the removed snow. Therefore, it is recommended to use manual and mechanical tools on areas not exceeding 50 square meters. Mr.
Storage space
The storage space for the device has no special requirements. It can be stored in any room. The best option is a garage or a barn.
Possibility to connect to electricity
If a mains powered electrical device is used, a means of connecting it must be provided. For this, an extension cord with a length of at least 30 m is required, as well as an external socket on the wall of the room.
Employee skills
You don't need any skills to work with a snow thrower. It is quite easy to learn and does not require skilled personnel.
Execution material
Depending on the material from which the device is made, it is able to withstand different loads and, therefore, to work with different types of snow. A conventional plastic shovel can be used to remove fresh snow, as there will be no extra force when separating the snow cover from the ground. Frozen and packed snow will require the use of aluminum or metal shovels.
Polycarbonate tools have characteristics intermediate between plastic and metal. Often in its manufacture, polycarbonate is used in the construction of the case, and reinforced metal inserts are used in the manufacture of the working edge (knife).
Comparative analysis of varieties
The most practical self-propelled auger excavators on wheels. You don't need to exert much effort to move them. The operation of conventional non-self-propelled excavators is more laborious. The least comfort will be felt with conventional hand tools.
Ranking of the best models
Today, the number of auger shovels is significantly limited, but the range of electric shovels for snow removal is simply huge. This is due, first of all, to the simplification of their design and the reduction of the cost of the manufacturing process.
Below are the ratings of the best models of the considered types of inventory with characteristics and a brief description.
Shnekovyh
Usually in the range of online stores and other trading platforms, this type of product is called "mechanical snowblower".
- FORTE QI-JY-50 mechanical snowblower. Simple mechanical device with snow removal on the right. The features of the tool are as follows:
- snow traction width: 57 cm;
- snow grip height: 15cm;
- weight: 3.2 kg;
- handle length: 100cm;
- material: plastic;
- price: 2400-2600 rubles;
- 1 year warranty.
- "Patriot Arctic" mechanical snowblower. A more advanced model with a reinforced bucket, additional stiffeners near the auger bracket and a reinforced handle. Snow Blower Features:
- snow grip width: 60 cm;
- snow grip height: 12cm;
- type of movement: on wheels;
- weight: 3.3 kg;
- handle length: 110cm;
- material: plastic;
- price: 2300-2500 rubles;
- 2 years warranty.
Electric Shovels
The choice of such devices is quite large, and most of their representatives within the same class have approximately the same characteristics, differing mainly in design. Consider the most popular models:
- Daewoo DAST 3000E Power Products. Electric snowblower with one-step cleaning system. His characteristics :
- power: 3kW;
- snow grip width and height: 50 by 35 cm;
- screw material: rubber;
- casting distance: 12m.
- weight: 17kg.
- AL-KO SnowLine 46E. Electric device for adjusting the position of the chute, having the following characteristics:
- power: 2kW;
- grip width and height: 46 x 30 cm;
- screw material: plastic;
- Projection distance: 3m.
- weight: 11kg.
- Hyundai S. electric snowblower with chute adjustment and control panel. His characteristics :
- power: 2kW;
- snow grip width and height: 45 by 33 cm;
- screw material: rubber;
- Projection distance: 6m.
- weight: 14kg.
Is it possible to do it yourself
You can make a mechanical auger shovel yourself, but it will require some basic metal and plastic working skills.If the goal is to make not just a tool, but a full-fledged mechanized assistant, then you will need to use some kind of engine (internal combustion or electric).
Naturally, in the second case, the device must have a solid metal structure, therefore it is recommended to use welding for its manufacture. Consider how to make a mechanical auger snow blower without a motor yourself:
- A camera is designed to receive the snow. It has a semicircular shape and is made of galvanized steel. A hole is made in the upper part for the outlet pipe. Its sides should be made of durable material (thick plywood, plastic, acrylic) so that they can hold the tree. A tube with a diameter of 20 mm is used as a shaft.
- The slats are attached to the tree. Dense rubber or thin steel blades are attached to it.
- To ensure the rotation of the shaft on the flanks, it is necessary to fix the hub mechanisms.
- In the hubs, the shaft is mounted on bearings.
- Install the outlet pipe.
- Attach a handle.
This completes the process of creating a snow thrower.
Selection tips
In order to correctly select a snow shovel, a number of questions must be answered, depending on the answers to them, the final choice of tool is made:
- What type of snow will need to be removed.
- What areas will you need to work in?
- How and in which room the tool will be stored.
- Is it possible to use an extension cord at the cleaning site.
- Who will operate and maintain the tool.
If you need to remove fresh, compacted snow from a shallow depth (10-15 cm), you should use an ordinary snow thrower.To remove exceptionally fresh snow from a height of 15-25 cm, you will need to use electric models.
In the event that the snow cover exceeds 25 cm, you should use either a conventional hand shovel or more powerful mechanical means with gasoline engines (for example, stationary tracked snowblowers).
Conventional mechanical snowblowers work well on areas no larger than 50 square meters. Mr. Typical areas where they can be applied include:
- areas in front of houses;
- small courtyards;
- car park;
- playgrounds.
Cleaning large areas will require the use of power tools, because even using an electric shovel, it cannot be used for more than 30 minutes to avoid overheating of the electric motor. In addition, it should be borne in mind that when using the electric shovel without a battery, an extension cord with hermetic insulation must be used in order to avoid electric shocks. It is advisable to use a rubber extension cord or silicon.