Technical parameters and price ceilings are the most important information, based on which the scales of the purchase decision tilt in favor of one of the solutions. So what should you pay attention to when considering the purchase of a snowblower?
Choosing the type of snowblower is not a problem – the proverbial “stairs” begin, however, when you start thinking about the choice of a specific model.
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Pros and Cons of Electric vs Diesel Snowblowers
When choosing between an electric and diesel snowblower, it is important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of each type. Electric snowblowers are typically quieter, lighter, and easier to maneuver, and they are also more environmentally friendly and require less maintenance. However, electric snowblowers are limited by the length of their power cord or the amount of charge in their battery, and they may not have the power or performance of a diesel-powered snowblower. Diesel snowblowers, on the other hand, are more powerful and have longer running times, making them well-suited for large areas or heavy snowfall. However, diesel snowblowers are typically noisier and require more maintenance, and they also have a higher environmental impact.
Here are 7 tips to help you concretize your own expectations.
Determine the Area of the Garden
Before you start analyzing the technical parameters of individual snowblowers, focus on accurately determining the area of land to be cleared of snow. In this way, you will limit the field of choice only to those devices that directly perfectly meet your needs.
Maximum Snow Ejection Distance
Not the power of the motor, but the distance of snow ejection is your main determinant of a satisfactory purchase. If you decide on a snowblower with an underrated parameter be prepared for the fact that you will probably have to clean up the same snow again. Make sure that the equipment you buy is equipped with adjustments for both the distance itself and the appropriate angle of snow ejection – so that it lands exactly where you want it to.
Engine Power
Depending on the type of snowblower you choose, the engine power ranges from a few to a dozen horsepower: for electric ones it’s about 1100 W-1800 W, while diesel ones are about 4 – 5.5 hp. Do you want to quickly remove snowdrifts from large areas in the most inclement weather? Choose a snowblower with a more powerful engine. However, in case you want to lightly shovel the snow from under the garage – equipment with less power will suffice.
Working Width
It’s simple – the wider the range of snow removal, the less time and energy you will spend on getting rid of the accumulated snow. With an electric snowblower, you will clear about 31-45 cm of snow, while a combustion engine snowblower will clear correspondingly more: 55-61 cm. Often next to the yard, you clear the sidewalk adjacent to the property at the same time. Keep this in mind when choosing a snowblower! After all, it may turn out that the ideal model for your yard will not work on the last stretch of work. A maximum width of 50 cm – this is the ideal size of a snowblower that you will also use for sidewalks.
Working Height
Based on it you will determine how much snow thickness your snowblower can handle. If it’s too low, you may find the snowdrifts formed after heavy and wet snowfall too daunting a challenge. On the other hand, using an insufficiently large snowblower will expose its engine to too much work and, consequently, burn it out. Therefore, if you live in an area where very heavy snowfall is characteristic, follow the principle of “the more, the better” and get a sufficiently tall snowblower.
Lighting
Winter is a time for the persistent. You convince yourself of this almost every day when, by the light of your house (or car), you spend several hours struggling over clearing snow from your snow-covered yard. You don’t always have the opportunity to illuminate every cleared section, do you? When choosing a particular model of the snowblower, make sure that it will be able to solve this problem with an effective lighting system, which will significantly increase the comfort and efficiency of your work at the same time.
Manufacturer and Price
A trusted and noteworthy manufacturer is one that places special emphasis on durability, reliability, maximum functionality, and design of its equipment. Be sure to review the warranty card and look at the length of the warranty – our ceiling reaches up to 36 months for both consumer and commercial purchases.
The prices of snowblowers depend, of course, on all the considerations we have discussed so far, but this does not mean that a “relatively inexpensive and satisfactory” purchase is not possible! An electric snowblower is an expense of about 100 dollars, while a combustion engine snowblower is just over 500 dollars. Admit it yourself: it’s not so much, with the prospect of a perfectly groomed yard every day throughout the winter, right?
Environmental Impact
Another factor to consider when choosing between an electric and diesel snowblower is its environmental impact. Electric snowblowers are typically more environmentally friendly than diesel snowblowers, as they produce no emissions and have a lower energy consumption. In addition, electric snowblowers do not require oil changes or other maintenance that can generate waste. On the other hand, diesel snowblowers emit pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter, which can contribute to air pollution. Diesel snowblowers also require more fuel to run, which can contribute to the depletion of natural resources and increase the carbon footprint of your snow blowing operations.
Conclusion
Do not be afraid to demand – a snowblower, despite its relatively low price, is a piece of equipment that is expected to serve you consistently well for many years. The consequences of a questionable purchase will be borne by you, so take special care to analyze the various technical issues of the snowblower you have chosen.
