A worthy option for functional and relatively inexpensive equipment: the Champion ST553 petrol self-propelled snow blower

Preparing for the winter season for owners of private buildings requires checking the availability of snow removal tools.

To make work easier, along with conventional shovels and hand scrapers, gasoline-powered equipment is successfully used.

One good option is the Champion ST553 snow blower.

Description of the Champion model

Champion is a small snow blower that is designed for clearing snow in small areas - near a garage or house, walkways, etc. The compact-sized snowfield is convenient for private use, when maneuverability of equipment and ease of operation are important.

The principle of operation of the Champion ST553 snow blower is similar to other models - the auger scoops up snow and redirects it to the snow ejection impeller. The impeller, rotating, transfers it further into the chute, through which the ejection occurs.

A large number of models of snow removal equipment are produced under the Champion TM.

Pros and cons of the model

The ST553 snow blower has many advantages, thanks to which the equipment is in good standing with customers and is in constant high demand.

The advantages include the following:

• spacious bucket;
• wheels with pronounced tread;
• reliability;
• metal screw;
• efficiency;
• compact size of the device;
• affordable price.

Minuses:

• no lighting provided - no headlight;
• not high power;
• manual start;
• there is no separate stand for working handles;
• there is only one reverse speed;
• no heated handles.

Assembly

The Champion ST553 device comes almost assembled. The user only needs to assemble it. To do this, the Champion is removed from the box along with the individual structural elements that will need to be mounted.

Work order:

1. Inflate the wheels.
2. Install wheels.
3. Install the handles, aligning the existing holes on them and on the frame guides.
4. Secure the handles with bolts and nuts.
5. Install the snow ejection chute and stoppers, secure the structure.

Preparing for launch

Before starting productive work on clearing snow debris, preparation is necessary:

• pour engine oil into the engine;
• check the oil level, top up if necessary;
• pour gasoline into the fuel tank;
• add lubricant to the gearbox, if necessary;
• check the quality of fasteners and the reliability of all bolted connections;
• inspect safety valves and control levers;
• check the condition of the wheels;
• check the condition of the auger.

The height adjustment of the snow intake is determined using special slides, which are located on both sides of the auger on the outer casing. It is necessary to take into account the type of surface that needs to be cleared of snow. The smoother it is, the lower the limiters are placed.

How to launch and use?

The Champion ST553 snow blower is started after the device is prepared for operation. Procedure:

1. Check oil level.
2. Determine the direction of the wind.
3. Adjust the snow blower taking into account the wind and the quality of site cleaning.
4. Close the air damper until the engine warms up.
5. Warm up the engine for 1 minute.
6. Open the fuel tap.
7. Bleed the fuel pump 3 times.
8. Turn on the engine.
9. As it warms up, open the air damper.
10. Set the gear shift lever taking into account the snow condition (4 for fluffy, loose snow, 2 and 3 for medium density, and 1 for dense/deep snow).
11. Gas lever - to maximum engine speed.
12. Turn on the augers.
13. Turn on the move.

You can determine that the engine has warmed up by the fact that it runs smoothly with the air damper fully open and the valve covers on it are warm.

After the area was cleared, the Champion snow blower you need to turn it off correctly:

• stop work;
• turn the engine to idle speed;
• stand in this state for 1-2 minutes;
• turn the ignition switch to the “off” position;
• close the fuel valve.

Run-in

For brand new Champion equipment, the first five hours of operation are very important. During this time, the serviceability of the device is determined, and the parts rub against each other, therefore you need to act according to the rules:

• do not overload the device;
• The running-in must always be under load, and not at idle.
• change the oil - perform it after break-in (drain the old one, fill in the new one);
• Upon completion of the running-in, check the condition of the wheels, belts and other structural elements.

Draining the oil should be done with the engine turned off but still warm.

Maintenance and storage

You can carry out routine maintenance of Champion equipment yourself. In case of serious breakdowns, it is better to contact service centers that specialize in repairing such equipment.

Machine oil

Engine oil must be poured into the engine and its level must be constantly monitored.. Initially, the equipment is delivered without it.

The oil used is one that is intended for four-stroke engines. The manufacturer recommends CHAMPION SAE 5W30, but the use of another with similar characteristics is permitted.

For new equipment, it is important to carry out the first oil change after 5 hours of operation. The second replacement should be carried out after 25 hours of operation, and subsequent replacements every 50 hours. When carrying out the oil change procedure, you should monitor the absence of leaks.

Procedure for checking the oil level:

1. Place the snow blower on a level surface.
2. Remove the dipstick.
3. Wipe it dry and insert it into the removed hole without twisting it.
4. Remove the dipstick again.
5. Inspect the dipstick. The oil level should reach the upper mark on the dipstick.
6. If the level is not sufficient, add oil.
7. Install the dipstick and screw on the cap.

You should not operate equipment with a low oil level or with technical fluid that has already exhausted its service life, as this can lead to serious engine damage.

Fuel

According to the manufacturer Champion, the best option is to use AI-92 fuel. It is forbidden to use low quality gasoline or a mixture of it with oil, as it is intended for two-stroke engines, not four-stroke ones.

Procedure for filling gasoline:

• Clean the surface of the gas tank from dirt;
• unscrew the lid;
• pour in gasoline;
• screw the lid on.

Do not allow foreign fractions or water to get into the fuel.

How and where to store?

Champion snow removal equipment should be stored between seasons in a place protected from the weather. The device itself should be inspected for damage, gasoline and oil should be drained. It is better to put a cover on top of the Champion to protect it from dust, dirt and accidental damage.

Place of purchase and price

Buy snow blower Champion ST553 available in an online store or in hypermarkets that have departments with gardening equipment and care of the local area. The cost of a Champion, even of the same model, may differ at different points of sale. The average price is from 42,000 rubles.

Owner reviews

Buyers generally have a positive attitude towards the ST553 Snezhnika Champion model. The following advantages are noted:

• compact size;
• ease of use;
• relatively low price;
• copes well with light snow.

The disadvantages include:

• snow is not thrown far enough;
• the handle is low, not suitable for tall people;
• The auger cannot cope with dense crust and heavy snow;
• high noise level;
• reverse is very slow.

Alternatives

In addition to the Champion ST553, other snow clearing equipment also leaves a good impression on buyers.

Huter SGC 6000

Reliable gasoline snow blower with high performance characteristics. Hooter has a large bucket 0.62 x 0.54 m, a powerful auger. The drive goes to both the wheels and the auger too. This ensures good maneuverability of the snow blower.

The wheels are not slippery, with a pronounced deep tread. The model has convenient controls located on the handles. There are 6 forward and 2 reverse speeds. The price of the device is from 75,000 rubles.

PATRIOT PS 603

The model is self-propelled, has a powerful engine (7 hp) and a large bucket. Auger – metal, with good snow capture.

Snow is thrown up to a distance of 10 meters. The wheels are large and wide. 6 speeds forward and 2 reverse. The average price is from 41,000 rubles. An overview of the snow blower is presented in this article.

Huter SGC 4800E

This is a self-propelled gasoline snow blower that provides snow capture of 56 x 50 cm. The model has an electric starter and headlight.

Engine – 6.5 hp The collected snow is thrown 10 meters. The set includes a powerful lamp that allows you to work in the dark. Price – from 50,000 rubles.

Video on the topic of the article

Video review of the Champion ST553 snow blower:

Conclusion

The Champion ST553 snow blower is one of the worthy options for functional and relatively inexpensive equipment for private use. With this technique, you can keep your home area and walkways in order, clearing them of snow without significant physical effort.