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Basic Design of Snowblower
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. |
