Rating of Kettama snow blowers: pros and cons, model range, characteristics, cost
Portable snow blowers are the best option for snow removal equipment for small farms and public utilities.
One of the best options are products manufactured by Kettama Niigata Mechanical & Electrical.
We'll talk more about Kettama snow blowers in the article.
Content
- In what country is it produced, who is the manufacturer?
- Advantages and disadvantages of Ketama snow removal machines
- Popular models
- Preparing for launch
- How to launch and use?
- Maintenance and storage
- Where to buy, at what price?
- Owner reviews
- Alternative options on the market
- What to do if there is a weak snowfall?
- Video on the topic of the article
- Conclusion
In what country is it produced, who is the manufacturer?
The Japanese company Kettama Niigata Mechanical & Electrical produces snow removal and other equipment.
Snow blowers run on gasoline, equipped with powerful engines. Wheels - with pronounced tread. The functionality and even the appearance of different models of snowfields have significant differences and additional options.
Kettama snow blowers are available in tracked and wheeled versions. Professional variations include heated grips, electric start and headlights.
Advantages and disadvantages of Ketama snow removal machines
The Kettama brand has proven itself well in the equipment market. Snow removal models have many advantages:
wide range of models;- attractive appearance;
- ease of use;
- efficiency;
- ease of assembly;
- high cross-country ability;
- high quality materials.
Disadvantages of snowfield models Kettama:
- There may be difficulties in purchasing original parts;
- professional models are expensive;
- heated grips and headlights - only in expensive models.
Popular models
A wide selection of Kettama models allows you to choose a snow blower that suits your requirements, with the desired characteristics and in a given price category.
Several lines are produced snow blowers:
- Storm;
- Drive;
- Luxe;
- Pro;
- HD.
STORM KTA 60-G (Economy)
Snow blower Kettama equipped with a 6 hp engine. The snow capture when passing the snow blower is 56 x 40 cm. The manufacturer has 4 speeds for moving forward and 1 for reverse.
Snow is thrown away at a distance of up to 11 meters. The fuel tank has a capacity of 3.6 liters. The cost of a snowfield is from 60,000 rubles.
DRIVE KTA 60-V (Basic)
Snow blower DRIVE has a higher power engine - 8 hp. With each pass, this machine can clean a strip of 61 x 51 cm.
It is possible to select one of 5 forward speeds. There is only one reverse gear. The price of the Kettama snowfield is from 80,000 rubles.
Luxe kta 120A (Superior)
Luxe Series Snow Blower Model 120A equipped with a 10 hp engine. Engine crankcase - 0.95 l. There is an electric starter and a headlight. The bucket is large, captures snow 76 x 51 cm.
Snow throwing – up to 11 meters. There are 5 forward speeds and 1 reverse speed.Heated handles provide additional convenience. Fuel tank - 3.6 liters. Snow blower weight – 120 kg. Kettama price – from 140,000 rubles.
Pro kta 350A (Professional)
Engine power of the professional model Ketama is 12 hp. Crankcase capacity – 1.1 l. An electric starter and headlight are provided. The snow blower clears a large strip with each pass - 107.8 cm wide with a snow cover thickness of 54 cm.
The device has 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. For comfort of work there are heated handles. The weight of the snowfield is 135 kg. The price of the device is from 230,000 rubles.
HD kta 350 (Heavy Duty)
Snowman category HD Kettama – on caterpillar tracks, has high power - 15 hp. The volume of oil required is 1.1 liters. There is a possibility of electric start, and there is a headlight. The bucket is large enough, with its help you can remove snow 86.8 cm wide and 54 cm high.
Throwing away collected snow up to a distance of 15 meters. There are heated handles. The weight of the device is 146 kg, the price is from 250,000 rubles.
Preparing for launch
The new Kettama snowfield needs to be prepared for launch. At this stage, it is completely assembled, installing elements that were not secured by the manufacturer for ease of transportation. The engine must be filled with SAE 10-W30 oil.. It is suitable for equipment that operates at low temperatures.
In the future, before each start of the Kettama device, the engine oil level is monitored with a dipstick. If the level is less than required, the oil needs to be added.
Gasoline should be filled into the fuel tank. AI-92 is suitable for these devices. You should not pour more fuel than specified.
How to launch and use?
Most budget Kettama models can only be started manually. Other models have an electric starter.
Before starting, check:
- state of the snowfield,
- availability of fuel,
- condition of wheels and auger,
- oil level, etc.
Operation of the Kettama snow blower is possible subject to compliance with the safety regulations specified by the manufacturer in the manual. Having chosen the path of movement of Kettama, the operator sets the direction of snow ejection through the chute. The speed of movement of the device is also selected. The smaller the layer of snow and the lighter it is, the faster the snow blower can travel.
After finishing the work, the snowman is given the opportunity to work idle for several minutes.to evaporate moisture from the engine. If the augers are dirty, it is better to clean and rinse them immediately.
When using a snowfield, you need to control that there are no foreign objects, people or animals in the way of its progress.
Maintenance and storage
Maintenance of Kettama snow blowers is a whole range of mandatory measures. If you follow them, the device will last longer and work better, with minimal likelihood of breakdowns.
Maintenance of snow removal equipment includes timely oil changes, and checking its level before each start of work. Additionally, the condition of various components is monitored to ensure their compliance with the standard.
The frequency of events recommended by the manufacturer is presented in the table:
For long-term storage until next winter, the device is placed in a place protected from weather influences.If the Kettama snow blower will not be used for several months, the fuel should be drained. It is recommended to lubricate metal parts with light oil to prevent corrosion. Working parts must be clean and dry.
Where to buy, at what price?
You can purchase a Kettama snowman of the modification you like from an official dealer. Such equipment is on sale in online stores, hypermarkets and specialized points of sale.
Cost depends on model. The price of budget devices starts from 40,000 rubles, professional equipment will cost much more – from 250,000 rubles.
Owner reviews
Buyers of Kettama snow throwers highly appreciate the device's productivity and ease of use. Assembly is not difficult. The disadvantages include the high cost of most models and the not always high performance of economy modifications.
Alternative options on the market
In addition to Kettama snow blowers, residents of private houses also buy other equipment for clearing snow. Popular models include models from such manufacturers as Carver, RedVerg and MTD:
-
Carver STG 7056WEL. The TM Carver snow blower runs on gasoline and is self-propelled. A headlight is included. The bucket is small - 56 x 53 cm. Throwing range - up to 15 meters.The engine is four-stroke, air-cooled. There is an electric starter. There are 6 speeds: 2 – backward, 4 – forward. The unit weighs 75 kg, price – from 51,000 rubles.
- RedVerg RD-SB76/13E. The RedVerg snow blower is equipped with a powerful 13 hp engine. There is an electric starter. The bucket is large - 76 x 51 cm. Ejection - up to 12 meters. There are heated grips. RedVerg price – from 83,000 rubles.
- MTD Optima ME 66 T. The MTD tracked snow blower is suitable even for uneven surfaces with difficult terrain. Engine – 7.9 hp. Snow capture – 66 x 53 cm. An electric starter is provided. The choice of speeds is large: 2 reverse and 6 forward. There is a headlight. The model's tracks are triangular. The fuel tank holds 4.7 liters. The ejection range is up to 15 meters. MTD weight - 110 kg. The cost of MTD is from 170,000 rubles.
A review of RedVerg snow blowers is presented in this article, MTD - in this.
What to do if there is a weak snowfall?
It is better to trust professional repairs of Kettama equipment to specialists. If the device is still under warranty, then you should not open the case yourself. It is better to entrust such work to a service center.
In some cases, malfunctions can be corrected on your own, and the intervention of repairmen will not be required. Most often the problem concerns poor snow throw. There may be several reasons for this, and each will require a separate approach:
| Cause of the problem | Solution |
| Snow sticking to the chute, impeller, augers | Turn off the engine and, using a special tool, clean snow-clogged components |
| Foreign object in the augers | Stop work, turn off the engine, clean the augers |
| Breakage of augers | Violation of operating instructions can lead to breakdown. Replacing the deformed unit will help fix the damage. |
| The speed is too high and the snow blower is unable to cope with the task. | Speed reduction |
| Incorrect setting of the turning chute | Adjust the gutter |
| Loose drive cable | Perform adjustment/replacement |
| Using a low-power model for clearing | Use the equipment for its intended purpose, taking into account the manufacturer’s recommendations |
In addition to those listed, there may be other reasons for difficult snow release. To find a more complex breakdown, professional diagnostics and equipment repair may be necessary.
Video on the topic of the article
Video review of the Kettama KTA300 snow blower:
Conclusion
Kettama snow blowers are high quality devices with good functionality from a Japanese manufacturer. With proper operation and high-quality maintenance, such equipment will last for years, making snow clearing easier.
