Purpose, types of scrapers for snow removal, tips for selection and operation

With the onset of cold weather, all owners of private and commercial real estate are faced with the question of the need to remove snow.

To perform the work, a special tool is required. In recent years, scrapers have become especially popular - scrapers with a large bucket for moving snow.

For more information about what this device is, how to choose it and how to use it correctly, read the article.

What it is?

A scraper or engine is a practical tool for clearing snow over large areas. If when working with a shovel you have to constantly lift it, loading your lower back, then with the help of a scraper the snow is simply moved to the side, for example, to the edge of the site or the side of the road. A person spends less energy, effort and time clearing the territory.

The product is equipped with a U-shaped handle and a wide bucket., which moves large volumes of snow at once. That is, it is moved and raked into a pile, but not thrown aside.

It is most convenient to work with a scraper on a flat area, without holes or potholes. With its help, only freshly fallen snow is removed; if it is covered with an ice crust, the tool will not cope with the task.

Kinds

There are several types of scrapers, including:

1. Standard engine. To control the tool, it is simply pushed forward, moving the snow like a bulldozer.
2. With auger. There is a screw installed on the front part. As the scraper moves forward, the screw rotates, throwing snow to the side.
3. With wheels. They can be installed either on the engine itself, on its lower surface, or welded to the rear of the frame.
4. On skids. Their presence makes it easier to move the engine in the snow.
5. With aluminum or steel bucket. Metal engines are the most durable, but also the most expensive. With proper use, they will last at least 10 seasons and will not require replacement or repair.
6. With polycarbonate or plastic bucket. Snow does not stick to it, it is lightweight and wear-resistant. Polycarbonate has increased strength. Plastic is less resistant to mechanical stress.
7. With straight and curved handle. The convenience of working with the tool depends on the shape of the handle.

How to choose?

When choosing a scraper for snow removal you need to pay attention to the following points:

• the size of the bucket is its width and length, the larger it is, the faster it will be possible to cope with snow removal, however, not everyone can move a massive bucket loaded with snow, so you need to proceed from your own physical capabilities;
• the material from which the bucket and handle are made; metal products are considered the most durable;
• the presence of wheels or runners, they facilitate the sliding of the scraper along the surface;
• weight of the product - the smaller it is, the better, but this parameter should not be at the expense of quality;
• the presence of stiffening ribs, they can increase the strength of the working surface and prevent it from breaking due to high loads;
• handle shape, anti-slip pads;
• the presence of a protective edge on the side of the bucket;
• price, manufacturer, warranty period.

Top 5 best models

The most popular models of scrapers for snow removal:

AL-KO 160180

Bucket size: 61x80 cm, length: 138 cm. The working surface and handle are made of strong and durable steel. The bucket is wide, rounded, which allows you to rake a significant amount of snow in one go, and is reinforced with stiffening ribs.

The smooth surface makes it easy to control the engine. The total weight of the product is 5.8 kg. Price - 3800 rubles.

Finland 1539

Bucket size: 54x68 cm, length: 141 cm. The working surface is made of plastic, reinforced with stiffening ribs. There are sides on the sides, and the edge is protected by an aluminum strip.

The handle is metal, durable. The scraper is lightweight, weighing only 3.5 kg, so even a woman can use it. Price – 2400 rubles.

Cycle Standard Barin (6378-00)

Bucket size: 53x70 cm, length: 145 cm. Scraper with a curved plastic bucket and three sides. The bumper of the product is protected by a metal edge, the working surface is supplemented with stiffening ribs.

The handle is made of steel and can withstand impressive loads. Product weight – 3.6 kg. Price – 1900 rubles.

Berchhouse №8

Bucket size: 44x82 cm, length 120 cm. The tool is equipped with a durable polypropylene bucket. This material does not burst in the cold and is able to withstand impressive loads. Snow does not stick to the bucket; it glides well over the surface.

Easy movement of the scraper is facilitated by wheels mounted on the bottom of the product. The aluminum handle is curved for a more comfortable grip. Price – 1600 rubles.

SIBIN DS-750 (421838)

Bucket size: 41x75 cm, length: 112 cm. The bucket has a rounded shape and is equipped with sides that prevent snow from falling out. The working surface and handle are made of durable steel, which is coated with a compound that protects the metal from corrosion.

The front side of the bucket is reinforced with a bar. The product is lightweight, weighing 3.6 kg. Price – 1500 rubles.

How to use?

Using the snow slider is very simple.

To do this, perform the following steps:

• lower the product onto the track;
• load snow with a bucket, pushing it forward;
• lower the handle and drag the snow to the storage location - preferably to the side of the road or into a ditch;
• if there is a curb on the path of movement, then first, using the same scraper, they make an exit along which the obstacle is bypassed.

How to make a cleaning tool with your own hands?

You can make a scraper yourself. It is constructed from dense plywood with a thickness of at least 5 mm, or from wooden beams. The basis for the ladle can be an old plastic barrel or tray.

The handle, made of wooden slats, is attached to self-tapping screws. To strengthen the working surface, use a strip of galvanized steel. If you have a welding machine, you can make a metal scraper.

The video will show you how to make a snow scraper with your own hands:

Where and how to store?

Storage rules scraper:

1. Before sending for storage, the instrument is cleaned of dirt and thoroughly dried.
2. All rubbing parts are lubricated with grease. Rust is removed from painted areas and the coating layer is restored.
3. The engine cannot be stored outdoors. It must be under a canopy. It is advisable to cover it with a tarpaulin.
4. If the device is on wheels, remove them. The optimal storage temperature for tires is +5…+10 degrees.

Helpful information

Tips that will be useful to all scraper owners:

1. You need to select an engine for your height.The handle should be approximately at the level of the middle of the chest, otherwise it will be uncomfortable to work with the tool.
2. The scraper is not used for crushing ice.
3. To prevent the appearance of calluses, you need to wear gloves.
4. If the handle is metal, it should have linings, since in cold weather the metal becomes icy.

Conclusion

The scraper will be a real boon for people who are faced with the need to remove snow. It cannot 100% replace a shovel, but the tool does its job perfectly. The main thing is to choose a quality model.