Comparison of snow blowers: which is better - electric or gasoline

There are numerous models of both electric and gasoline snow blowers on sale.

This technique is designed to facilitate the work of clearing the territory in winter.

Read the article about which gasoline snow blower to choose, what pros and cons they have, and which ones are in high demand.

Advantages and disadvantages of electric snow blowers

Pros of electric snow blowers:

1. Light weight. It weighs only 10-15 kg, so it is easy to operate even for a woman.
2. Small size. The equipment does not take up much space when stored.
3. Low noise level.
4. It does not pollute the environment and does not harm the health of the operator, since it does not emit exhaust gases during operation.
5. Easy to maintain. It comes down to cleaning the housing and augers from dirt and storing them in a dry room.
6. Easy launch. Simply connect the equipment to a power source and press the ignition button.
7. Affordable price. The minimum cost of the electric model is 7,000 rubles.
8. Easy to start even in cold weather.
9. Careful attitude towards the coating. Electric snow blowers' augers will not damage tile or asphalt.

Minuses:

1. The units are not self-propelled. They will have to be pushed forward manually.
2. Difficulties in cleaning uneven areas with complex terrain.
3. The equipment will not be able to cope with snowdrifts, compacted snow and ice.
4. During prolonged continuous operation, the machines become very hot, which forces the user to pause.
5. Need for a power source.
6. Expenses to purchase a professional extension cord that can be used outdoors.
7. A damaged cord may cause electric shock. In addition, if positioned incorrectly, it will interfere with the operator.
8. The units are not suitable for cleaning areas larger than 150 square meters. m.

Pros and cons of gasoline-powered models

pros gasoline snow blowers:

1. Autonomous work. You don't need a power source to start snow removal. Such a machine can be operated even far from buildings.
2. High performance. With their help, it will be possible to quickly clear the territory of snow, even large areas.
3. Ability to remove wet and compacted snow.
4. High cross-country ability. The wheels of gasoline models have a large diameter and deep tread. They easily overcome the uneven terrain encountered.
5. Ease of Management. Self-propelled vehicles move independently; the user does not have to make any effort to push them forward.
6. Optimal snow throw range. It can be adjusted to a distance of up to 15-18 m.
7. Models with tracks. Such units will be an excellent solution when working in difficult areas, with ruts, holes, potholes, as well as in heavily snow-covered areas.
8. Reliability. Most structural elements are made of metal, which extends their service life.
9. A wide range of. Gasoline models are represented in the lineup of most snow removal equipment manufacturers.

Minuses:

1. Large weight and size. You will need space to store equipment.
2. Noisy work.This figure for some models can reach 110 dB or more, but at the operator’s seat the indicated values ​​are always lower.
3. Harm to the environment. When the unit operates, exhaust gases are released into the air, which pollute the atmosphere. In addition, they are inhaled by the employee operating the equipment.
4. Difficult repair. For example, you won’t be able to handle engine repairs on your own.
5. Special maintenance. Regular replacement of oil, spark plugs, and air filters is required. This leads to additional costs.
6. High price. The minimum price of a car is 50,000 rubles, and the maximum can reach several hundred thousand.

What do they have in common?

Similar features electric and gasoline snow blowers:

• The equipment has a single purpose - snow removal;
• similar structural elements - auger, snow ejection chute, control handle, casing;
• ease of operation - the machines can handle snow removal on their own, you just need to move them forward;
• possibility of adjusting the snow throw range;
• similar storage conditions - equipment is placed in warm, dry rooms with a minimum level of humidity;
• Manufacturers - there are companies that produce both electric and gasoline models.

What is the difference?

Main differences:

• Gasoline snow blowers run on fuel, while electric snow blowers operate on mains power;
• the owner of gasoline equipment will spend money on purchasing gasoline, and electric equipment on paying utility bills;
• gasoline equipment is larger than electric equipment;
• electric snow blowers can only throw away loose, freshly fallen snow, while gasoline blowers cope with compacted layers; moreover, some models are equipped with durable corrugated augers that can even cut through ice;
• Gasoline snow blowers weigh 5 and sometimes even 10 times more than their “brothers”;
• the auger of gasoline models is most often made of metal, and that of electric models is made of rubberized plastic;
• the cost of gasoline snow blowers is several times higher than the cost of electric analogues - the minimum price of a gasoline model is 50,000 rubles, and an electric one is 7,000 rubles; advanced models can cost up to 800,000 rubles, while electric snow blowers cost about 50,000 rubles.

When to choose which one for a country house or dacha?

When choosing snow removal equipment, you need to take into account not only the price. What matters is the power of the unit, its cross-country ability, snow handling width and more.

Electric

When should you choose electric? snow blower:

1. The area to be cleared is small, no more than 150 square meters. m. The equipment will be an excellent solution for people living outside the city, as well as for owners of private houses who have the opportunity to clear snow as it falls.
2. There is no space to store large equipment. Compact machines can be placed even in a small shed or garage.
3. There is access to an uninterruptible power supply.
4. The area where you will be working has a simple terrain, paved with paving stones or tiles.
5. There are restrictions on financial capabilities.
6. There is access to a source of electricity.

Top 3 models:

DDE STE 160

The engine has a power of 1.6 kW. In one pass it will be possible to clear a 34 cm wide path of snow. The auger is plastic and covered with rubber. Snow is thrown at a distance of up to 6 m. The unit weighs 6.6 kg. Price – 9,500 rubles. A review of DDE snow blowers is presented in this article.

ELITECH CM 2E

Engine power is 1.8 kW. In one pass, the machine clears a 50 cm wide path of snow. The snow is thrown at a distance of up to 8 m; the chute is made of plastic. The screw is rubber and does not damage the surface. Product weight – 16 kg. Price – 20,000 rubles.

Sibrtech ESB-2000

The engine has a power of 5 kW. The width of the cleared path is 46 cm. The auger is smooth and made of rubber. Snow is thrown at a distance of up to 9 m, the chute is made of plastic. Weight – 15 kg. Price – 28,000 rubles. An overview of the model is presented in this article.

Petrol

In favor of a gasoline snow blower a choice must be made in the following cases:

1. When large areas need to be cleared of snow. Autonomous machines are highly productive, which reduces time and labor costs.
2. The region where you live receives significant rainfall. The equipment can even cope with stale snow.
3. The area being cleared is uneven and has complex terrain.
4. There is a need to work in the dark. In this case, you should opt for models with headlights.
5. There is no constant access to electricity.

Top 3 models.

ELITECH CM6

The engine has a power of 6 liters. With. In one pass, a path measuring 56 cm in size will be cleared of snow. The auger is metal. Snow is thrown at a distance of up to 15 m. The weight of the equipment is 70 kg. The price of a self-propelled unit is 56,000 rubles.

STIGA ST 4262P

The engine has a power of 5.9 liters. With. The package includes an electric starter. The width of the path to be cleaned is 62 cm. The auger is embossed and made of durable metal that is not subject to corrosion. Snow is thrown up to 8 m through a metal chute. The weight of the equipment is 90 kg. Price – 91,000 rubles. An overview of the model is presented in this article.

SB 6000E Resanta

The machine is equipped with an 8 hp engine. With. The package includes an electric starter. The snow capture width is 62 cm. The auger is metal, with sharp teeth that can even cope with ice.

Snow is thrown at a distance of up to 15 m. There is a headlight for comfortable work in the dark and heated handles. Weight – 82 kg. Price – 82,000 rubles. A review of Resanta snow blowers is presented in this article.

Owner reviews

Users respond positively to gasoline snow blowers. They note the high productivity of the machines, which is especially important for owners of large territories. They believe that the cost of such machines corresponds to their performance.

People note that with the help of gasoline units they can cope with any snow. The disadvantages include the lack of an electric starter, since it is not included in all models. Owners of equipment do not like its heavy weight.

People who buy electric snow blowers are generally satisfied. Low cost corresponds to real product performance. They are compared to shovels that remove snow on their own.

Conclusion

Both gas and electric snow blowers can be a significant help in clearing areas. The main thing is to approach the choice of technology consciously, weighing its advantages and disadvantages.