Basic Design of Snow Blowers
You will find many varieties of snow-removing
machines. There are two main types of snow blowers, Single-Stage Blower and
Two-Stage Blower.
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Single-Stage Gas Snow
blowers
Two-Stage Gas Snow blowers
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Single-Stage Snow
blowers
Single-stage gas
snow blowers use an auger assembly made from a combination of metal and plastic
or hard rubber. The auger spins at high speed to chip ice and snow, collect it,
and direct it out of a discharge chute. Though not propelled by engine-driven
wheels, the spinning auger contacts the clearing surface and pulls the assembly
forward. This results in some degree of self-propulsion, but the operator must
still guide the machine. Because the auger directly contacts the clearing
surface, single stage blowers are best used on pavement or other smooth
surfaces.
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Single-Stage Gas Snow
Blower
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Single-stage gas blowers vary in clearing width
from about 12"-22". Narrower widths work well on sidewalks but require more
passes to clear driveways.
Many models have multi-directional discharge chutes
that can be aimed from the operating position while the blower is in use. These
snow blowers have wheels and can throw snow 25'-35'. These units are intended
for residential use after light to moderate snows of 3"-5."
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The auger rotates at a high speed to gather snow and throw
it out the chute.
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Two-Stage Gas Snow
blowers
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The main difference between Single-stage gas and
Two-Stage Gas blowers is the spinning impeller behind the snow collection auger.
The impeller functions like a pump. It collects the snow churned by the main
auger and pushes it from the discharge chute at increased speed. More snow is
moved a greater distance (up to 45' with some models) allowing the blower to
handle deeper snow and larger clearing areas. Clearing width is also larger,
from 20" to more than 36" depending on the model.
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The basic design of Two-Stage Gas models
necessitates engine-driven wheels or tank-style tracks. Unlike a Single-stage
gas model, the clearing auger doesn't contact the clearing surface. Instead, the
front of the blower rides on adjustable metal plates or skids. The skids control
the clearing height of the main auger and can be replaced when they become worn.
Due to the adjustable clearing height, Two-Stage Gas snow blowers can be used on
almost any surface. Each model uses some form of multiple speed, reversible
transmission. Some transmissions allow the operator to apply power to each wheel
independently to aid in turning, while others require the operator to turn the
machine manually.
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Two-Stage Gas Snow
Blower
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Most Two-Stage Gas snow blowers have 4-cycle
winterized engines specifically designed to operate in extremely cold
temperatures. Their starting mechanisms are freeze-resistant and cooling systems
are designed for use in cold temperatures.
Many Two-Stage Gas machines intended for
residential users and professionals provide additional features. Options include
heated handgrips, hydrostatic variable-speed transmissions, electric start
mechanisms, headlamps, drift cutters for deep snow, and vinyl cabs for
protection from the cold. Options vary by model and manufacturer.
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