Electric shovel: what is it

ordinary  a shovel is very heavy  labor, because it is necessary to make great efforts to raise snow and throw it to the side.

Using mechanical  snow shovels (they are also miracle shovels, super shovels) seriously reduces the complexity of snow removal, since it is enough to move the tool forward, and clean up  snow on the side of the shovel will be   independently.

In most cases, mechanical shovels mean electro-shovels (electric shovels), i.e. small electric  snow blowers.

There is no clear standard to separate mechanical shovels from snow blowers.

IN industry  mechanical shovel means any device that tolerates  bulk cargo, including soil, from one place to another.

• have a mass up to 15 kilograms;
• their movement is due to muscular strength, and the mechanism is engaged in snow removal;
• suitable for cleaning smallplots, such as a playground in front of the house or access to the garage;
• do not require  for special trainingand education;
• their value does not exceed   10 thousand rubles.

Types of mechanical shovels

Only the criteria described in the previous section fall two types  devices:

• screw shovels (manual);
• electro-shovels.

Auger

Screw shovel is good combination of ordinaryshovels for cleaning snow and two- or three-turn auger.

Principle of operation This device is simple - when the shovel is pushed forward, the auger ribs touch the ground and begin to rotate.

Rotating auger squeezes  snow on the side of the road.

Such a device is not able to recline snow long away, therefore, to clean the area whose width is greater than the width of the shovel, you will have to spend very a lot of strength.

After all, the auger squeezes snow from a distance 5-30 centimeters  from a shovel (depending on the speed of the device pushing), which means that as the shovel moves towards the snow being thrown out, thickness  snow cover will become more and more   more.

The use of a shovel is limited   physical abilities  the one who uses it. In addition, a shovel bad fit  for cleaning caked  snow, because it is difficult to crush it into pieces that the auger can move.

A wish reduce labor costs  when removing snow led to the appearance of electric shovels.

These tools are designed as simple as possible, so they only work in single mode.

Electric motor  through gearbox  drives screwwhich gives snow acceleration.

Snow flows from the auger to the rotary nozzlethrough which it flies in the right direction.

The working width of these device is 20-30 centimeters, because it is limited by engine power.

Than more powerful  the electric motor more  the amount of snow it can accelerate to the desired speeds for a certain time period. The increase in electric motor power is always associated with its growth massesTherefore, in such devices do not use electric motors with a power of more than 2 kilowatts (usually from 700 watts to 1.2 kilowatts).

However, there are models of electric snow shovels with a working width up to 50 centimeters, the power of their motors approaches 2 kilowatts, and the mass exceeds 10 kilograms.

Devices of such low power are used for cleaning small plots. After all, this snow blower performs the same functions as a screw shovel, only with less effort  the one who uses it.

Unlike a conventional shovel, an electric not allowed  clean up deep  or caked  snow because it cannot dig at different depths or remove snow in layers.

Trying to remove thick snow over 20-25 centimeters  (depending on the model) will lead to the fact that the device will not be able to recline the snow, as it will bounce off the upper layers and scatter in all directions. In addition, a unit of this type quickly get stuck, because the snow located above will impede its movement.

Cleaning caked  snow electro shovel is not available because to reduce the mass use plastic  auger that does not withstand heavy loads. Also this unit not suitable  for cleaning wet  snow, firstly wet snow clogs the gutter or is ejected to a distance of less than a meter, secondly, moisture can get into the contact of the extension cord and the plug of the device itself and cause a short circuit.

Read more about this problem in the article (Safety Precautions When Working With Snowblowers).

Electric snow shovels are used only for cleaning snow with flat surfaces, such as:

• asphalt;
• concrete;
• tile.

Trying to clear snow with gravel  coatings or rammed  soil will lead to fast breakdown  auger.

After all, a plastic screw does not withstand collisions with:

• ground
• stones.

Some models are equipped with small wheels, which is essential facilitates  snow removal, although it increases the mass of the unit.

How to choose a mechanical snow blower

To correctly select  mechanical shovel, it is necessary to answer several questions:

• which  snow will have to be removed;
• which area  must be cleaned;
• where and how keep  mechanical shovel;
• is it possible to stretch from the house to the place of cleaning extension;
• who will be work  mechanical shovel;
• who will be service  mechanical shovel.

Electric  shovel suitable for harvesting fresh  snow thick up to 25 centimeters. Auger  shovel used for harvesting fresh  and thick packed snow up to 15 centimeters. If it snows morethen you have to use or the usual  shovel or more powerfuldevices.

Mechanical snow blowers are used in areas of up to 50  square meters, such as:

• a platform in front of the door;
• walkway to the garage or gate;
• front yard;
• parking near the garage;
• a small children's playground;
• house territory.

Cleaning larger areas is complicated by the fact that you have to repeatedly shift already cleared snow, because auger  shovel throws back  his only 15–20 centimeters, a electric  shovel on 3-5 meters. In addition, the electrical unit not allowed  use longer than 20-30 minutesafter which he needs at least half an hour of restso that the motor has time to cool.

Rechargeable  snow blowers are too heavy and do not fit the definition of a mechanical shovel, so we devoted this article to them.

For the operation of the electrical device must be pulled out of the house extension.

Particular attention must be paid to outer coating  extension cord - not allowed  use those that are afraid of snow and water or crack in the cold, that is, from:

• plastic
• tissue.

therefore is necessary  extension cord coated of:

• rubber
• silicone.

If there is no way to extend a normal extension cord that is not afraid of wet snow and frost, then choose other types of snow blowers.

Commissioning snow removal children  get for them auger  shovel because it is much less dangerousand a fast rotating auger can seriously injure  a child.

Cost and best models

Stores only offer two  models auger  shovels, but the number of models electric  snow shovels calculated hundred. We have prepared two tables in which the most important characteristics of those and other devices are described in detail. In addition, you can use various services for price comparisons, such as:

Auger

Electric shovels

User reviews

Shopkeepers interested in increasing sales tout  most expensivemodels, but do not reveal their real capabilities. Often because they themselves do not know. Therefore, the only way to find out   realthe capabilities of such devices - view numerous forumswhich discuss the experience of using mechanical shovels.

Most reviews agree that mechanical  shovels are good only for fresh  snow of small thickness. If you have to clean compacted, wet or thick snow, it is advisable to buy more powerful  unit or use the usuala shovel. Therefore, mechanical shovels are only good for cleaning. small  plots, for example, a platform in front of the house or an entrance to the garage.

Where could I buy

There are two possibilities.   buy  mechanical shovels:

• purchase them at a store;
• order through the Internet.

Buying a device in reala store or office of an online store is preferable, because in this case you can make sure that you are buying the exact unit that you have selected or ordered. In addition, they will check it in the store and, if something does not work, they will provide another snow blower of the same model or return the money.

If you buy a mechanical shovel in online store  and you can’t visit the office on your own and pick up the goods, then they will deliver it to you by mail or transport company. In doing so, you lose the benefits described above.

If you get not that  the device that you ordered, or it turns out to be faulty, then you have to at own expense  send it to the seller and wait for one of two things:

• reimbursement  all your costs (device cost plus shipping cost);
• delivery similar  merchandise and returning you the shipping costs.

Most likely money for shipment  mechanical shovel seller you will returnHowever, this will not happen soon. If you do not like the color or some other parameter, then you will not be able to return the shipping costs.

Therefore, it is preferable to take the goods from the store or office on your own, in this case you do not have to spend money on shipping. After all, if you didn’t like something, then you have the right to immediately demand a replacement, and store employees are not entitled to refuse you.

When choosing via the Internet, it is convenient to compare models and see the characteristics immediately along with prices. This is what the selection interface looks like electric shovel  in one of the online stores:

Warranty repair

Regardless of how you buy a mechanical shovel, you still get guarantee  and you can free repair  in case of breakage.

Delivery of the broken unit to the store’s office will deliver  you from need independently  deliver it to the seller or to the workshop, the address of which is indicated in the documentation for the snow blower. Then, the store or workshop will conduct an examination, which either recognizes the case guarantee, and then the unit will be repaired for free, or not.

If the case is recognized non-warrantythen you have to pay for repairs  independently or to contact the consumer protection department with a request for an independent examination. If an independent examination recognizes the case as a warranty, then you will either be repaired for free, or go to court  with the statement of claim.

Warranty service  a device received via mail or transport companymay be very dear  due to the need to pay for yourself shipment  unit to the repair site.

Service maintenance

Like any other complex mechanism, this tool requires regular of servicewhich includes:

• cleaning  from snow;
• change of oil  in the gearbox (for some models);
• condition check bearings;
• condition check auger  and if necessary, its replacement;
• check all switches and wires.

Service is preferably carried out in   specialized workshops, to avoid loss of warranty  (if it is prescribed in the contract of sale).

However, many models can serve independentlytherefore in operating Instructions  all necessary actions and their order are spelled out in detail.

The video shows the operation of an electric snowplow Patriot 2200 with a power of 2 kW:

To summarize

Mechanical shovels are good alternative  ordinary shovels. After all, snow removal with their help is much easier. However, mechanical shovels are only suitable for cleaning. fresh  snow with a thickness of cover up to 10-25 centimeters, depending on the model. The most convenient are those devices that are equipped with wheels  - they are easier to move on a cleaned surface.

Mechanical shovels are well suited for cleaning small areas, the area of \u200b\u200bwhich does not exceed 50–150   square meters  (depending on model). Mechanical shovels:

• weighmuch   smaller  full-sized snowblowers;
• don't occupy  many places
• are standing inexpensively;
• ideal for cleaning the surrounding area small area.

Therefore, they are mainly in demand in private homes, however, they will find application in organizations with a small territory.

In contact with

In this (second) article devoted to domestic snow blowers, we consider electric snow blowers, their technical characteristics, safety measures, selection criteria .

In general, we examined in a previous article. Here we note some design features that are inherent directly to electric machines (hereinafter, the words "machine", "apparatus" means a snow blower).

FROMelectric cleaners (electroshops), like any other technique, but like everything in this world (this is already from the field of philosophy), it has its pros and cons. Pluses, of course, more. So, we note the positive points:

Electric snow blowers do not need fuel and oil. You do not need to bring gas to the country with you, you do not need to make fuel supplies, you do not need to periodically refuel the tank (in such devices there is no tank at all as unnecessary)

No harmful exhaust emissions

Noise from electric snow blowers is less than gasoline (with the same power)

Ease of maintenance - plugged into a power outlet, pressed a button and that's it

Profitability - with the same power and performance, energy consumption (in rubles) will be significantly less than the cost of gasoline consumed

The negative points are the following:

• An electrical extension cord is a communication device between a snow blower and an electrical outlet, which nevertheless presents a certain inconvenience: you need to unwind the wire, make sure that it does not get under your feet, or worse, under the rotating parts of the device.

Therefore, if the distance from the outlet to the edge of your site is more than 50 m, then use electric snow blower  impractical.

• Power Limitations - Domestic electric snow blowers are mainly available with a maximum power of 2 kW. This is due to the capabilities of conventional electric network  country house.

In order to save power, such snow blowers are usually non-self-propelled, but given their light weight, moving and operating electric snow blowers is not difficult.

Specifications

Now we will consider averaged ranges technical specifications as well as price ranges. What are the ranges of technical characteristics - these are not the characteristics of any one particular model, but these are the minimum and maximum values \u200b\u200bof indicators, for example, hundreds of different models of ten manufacturers.

Power (kW) - from 0.65 to 2.0

Coverage (cm) - from 26 to 60

Capture height (cm) - from 12 to 30

Range of emission (m) - from 2 to 15

Weight (kg) - from 5 to 23.5

Number of speeds - 1

Price (rub.) - from 3000 to 15500

Safety precautions

Safety measures are a set of rules for the performance of work, the observance of which allows us to exclude harm to ourselves and to people and animals. When using electric snow blowers, the following basic rules must be observed:

• Before starting work read and study  safety requirements in the instruction manual of your snow blower
• electrical safety - the extension cord must comply with the recommendations of the Cross-Section and Frost Resistance Manual. During operation, do not allow the cord to be damaged by foreign objects or hit it under the rotating auger.

Do not allow children to use the snow blower

Do not allow adults who do not have work experience and have not studied safety requirements to use a snow blower

Clothing and shoes should correspond to the work performed (clothing should not be loose, shoes should be with non-slip soles)

• Eyes must be covered with glasses or face shield.

The cultivated area must be free from strangers and animals.

Disconnect the snow blower from the mains when carrying, repairing, replacing parts, cleaning and maintenance

Remember, when working with snow blowers, you are responsible for your safety, for the safety of your loved ones and pets.

Criterias of choice

The main criterion is the size of your site and the expected volume of upcoming work. With the help of an electric snow blower, you can clear the porch of the house, steps, paths to outbuildings, and a parking lot from the snow. You can also “punch” the drive from your home to the central road, which is serviced by powerful tractor equipment.

Depending on the area of \u200b\u200bharvested territories, the power of the apparatus you need is also selected. If this is a porch, steps, one or two short paths, then a small-capacity snow blower (approximately 1, 0 - 1.3 kW) weighing 5 - 10 kg is quite suitable for you. Such devices are also called electro-shovels. If large volumes of work are expected, the power should be at least 1.8 - 2.0 kW.

You also need to keep in mind that most electric cleaners are designed to work with loose, freshly fallen snow. This suggests that snow should be removed immediately after a snowfall so that it does not have time to cake and icy.

If in winter you do not constantly live in the country and do not have the opportunity to clean up freshly fallen snow, then when choosing a snow blower you need to clarify: is it intended for cleaning caked, iced snow!

And the third. If you intend to clear tracks and steps made of stone, tile, ceramics or other similar materials from snow, then you need a snow blower with a rubber or rubber auger. Such a screw will remove the snow "completely" and will not damage the coating of the tracks.

Rubber auger

I wish you success and a pleasant stay! In conclusion, a video on the topic “Here's a shovel is good, but a snow blower is better!”

With the onset of winter, the owner of a private house comes in a difficult time. The fact is that he has to regularly remove snow, and this can create a lot of problems, especially if you need to clear a lot of snow from a rather large area.

Naturally, few people will enjoy such an activity. However, today there is a solution that simplifies the implementation of this work. This is an electric snow shovel.

For most of us, winter is a welcome time. She pleases many with the fact that she can enjoy a mug of hot tea next to a well-heated fireplace. Also, winter is attractive because it allows you to ride from the snow slides.

There are enough among us and those people who are looking forward to this time of year to go skiing on freshly fallen snow.

However, not all people are looking forward to the pleasure of winter. First of all, this applies to the owners of cottages and summer cottages with a house that they use to relax on the weekend.

This time of year they associate primarily with snow, which covers a thick layer of paths and approaches to the house. And in order to remove it, you have to spend a lot of time and effort.

Naturally, if you use an ordinary shovel for this work, then this really will not bring any joy. However, if the farm has an electro-shovel, then a person is able to take a fresh look at winter. In fact, it represents small snowplow, which perfectly copes with loose snow, which attacked overnight the territory adjacent to the house.

With the help of this device, it is possible to put order on the porch, as well as on the paths that we use every day, with minimal time and effort. As a result, a person can use the time saved for snow removal for more enjoyable activities.

All this makes an electric snow shovel a more preferable solution compared to a conventional hand shovel. This tool copes with snow  and at the same time it is not a problem for him to remove wet snow.

The main unit of this unit is a housing with a motor. At the moment of interaction of this unit with snow, the absorption of snow masses occurs, which scattered on the sides  cleaned track.

There are on sale such models of electric shovels that equipped with removable brushes, due to which this tool can be used for cleaning courtyard surfaces in the warmer times of the year.

For the most part, electric shovels have similar technical characteristics:

• absorbed snow flies out at a distance of about ten m;
• cleaning of the snow-covered area is carried out at a speed of 100 to 140 kg / min;
• in one pass, this tool can clear a track with a width of 30 to 45 cm;
• the cleaning depth is about 40 cm.

Types of electropathic

To date, two types of such tools are on sale: aluminum and wooden.

Aluminum Electric Shovel. Seeing for the first time an electric shovel made of aluminum, most consumers perceive it as something completely fantastic. And in some ways they are really right.

Accomplished based on aircraft metal  This tool not only demonstrates a long service life, but also has a low weight, which makes it more convenient to use.

The main advantages of such electroscopes are the following:

1. High level of performance.
2. Resistance to breakage.
3. Increased corrosion protection.

Given the positive qualities this tool has, it is logical that its value will be noticeably higher  compared to the wooden counterpart. The fact that this tool is made of non-ferrous metal is sufficient reason for manufacturers to set such a price on their products.

An additional advantage of such electroscopic shovels is that wet snow masses stick well to aluminum. Having such a device in the household, any owner will appreciate it when it comes time to clean the area from snow.

Wooden shovel

Although this tool is made of material traditional for our country, however, it is still impossible to treat it as a normal tool for removing snow.

First of all, differences are manifested when becoming acquainted with its wooden base, in which various metal plates. Moreover, they are not present here to give the instrument decorative look, and to improve the mechanical and operational parameters.

First of all, the cutting edge needs such pads, because thanks to them the tool is securely protected  from splitting and cracking.

With such an electric tool it is very convenient to clean surfaces of fragile materials, such as tiles. This shovel not only effectively removes snow from the surface, but also does not damage it.

Therefore, before deciding which of these options to choose for snow removal, you should answer the question of which surfaces you plan to use this tool for cleaning.

What to consider when buying electro shovels

If you look at shops specializing in the sale of appliances and tools for cleaning the house, then you can find many different electrical devices designed for snow removal and you need to take into account a number of points at the selection stage:

An electric shovel equipped with an iron screw is less preferable for the reason that during surface cleaning there is a danger of damage to it.

Advantages and disadvantages of an electric snow shovel

Knowing what this electric assistant is, it is easy to understand what advantages it has:

Typically, an electroshovel is not heavier than 8 kg. At the same time, in stores you can find such self-propelled devices, the weight of which can reach up to 17 kg.

Of the disadvantages that an electric shovel has, the following points should be highlighted:

• small thickness of snow, which they can remove in one pass;
• if the tool is powered by a network in which voltage fluctuations are observed, this can greatly affect its reliability;
• the presence of a cord, due to which it is connected to a power source, limits the area of \u200b\u200buse of this shovel;
• noise is one of the significant drawbacks of this tool, which can cause some discomfort during use, and often the shovel buzzes so much that headphones need to be used for long-term cleaning.

Should I buy a snow shovel

Thus, the advantages and disadvantages that a modern electric shovel possesses do not allow us to consider it an ideal choice for the owner of a private house. Therefore, he must decide on the feasibility of such a purchase.

Naturally, if a person is not afraid of physical activity, then the usual snow removal tool, which is available on the farm of each owner of a private house, will be enough for him. However, not everyone wants to spend time and energy cleaningsnow covered territory. In this case, it would be better to spend money on a more modern version of the snow removal tool.

Living in a private house, the owner has to deal with many tasks that are unfamiliar to the ordinary city dweller. One of them is cleaning the territory and tracks from snow. Considering that in our country, precipitation can exceed forecasts in terms of volume, it might become a serious problem for someone to clear the area of \u200b\u200bsnow.

However, even they can save themselves from such a laborious job if they purchase a more modern version of the snow removal tool - an electric shovel for snow removal. Thanks to her, a person can in less time and with less effort clear snow from any surface.

Also on sale are such models that are able to restore order on surfaces made made of fragile materialswithout damaging them. But at the same time, the electropathic does not apply to those devices that do not have disadvantages.

Loud noise and low maneuverability  due to the presence of the cord, it can create certain difficulties in maintaining the cleanliness of the house territory and paths. Therefore, so that you are not disappointed in your choice, you must first answer the question whether you really need this tool for snow removal.

An electric shovel is an indispensable thing for owners of their own houses. During periods of winter blizzard, the yard adjacent to the dwelling often overlooks. It is difficult to remove snow drifts without a special device. Many people use ordinary shovels, but this is too expensive. In this case, electrical devices that speed up cleaning the yard come to the rescue.

Pros and Cons of Electric Shovels

An electric shovel is a good and necessary device. Like any device, it has a lot of advantages and very few disadvantages. Ideal devices do not exist, any criterion in any case will cause some inconvenience. The main advantages of the shovel:

• compact dimensions;
• easy operation;
• reliability;
• long service life;
• silent work;
• simplicity in operation;
• optimal price.

Compact dimensions make it easy to control the device. Simplified design makes the tool simple and convenient.  Some models have a minimum weight of 6 kg, which is almost imperceptible.

Reliability and a long service life are another indisputable advantages. The electric shovel has a built-in program that protects the engine from overheating. This allows you to maintain the performance of the device for a long time.

Silent work is peace and comfort for others. Many devices of this type are characterized by increased volume during use. This device is silent, it will not cause discomfort to either its owner or neighbors.

Easy operation is associated with the lack of the need to use oil or gasoline. Just connect the device to the mains. However, low temperatures are not a hindrance. The price of the device is acceptable.

Despite the mass of advantages, there are also disadvantages. The main disadvantages include:

• power;
• immobility;
• low snow emission range;
• inability to cope with frozen boulders.

The power of the shovel is high, for domestic purposes this is quite enough. However, if you have to carry out professional work, the electrocope will not cope.

Immobility is tied to a network. You can work with the device exactly at such a distance that the cord length and the location of the outlet will “let go”.

Weak ejection range is a minus for professional use. 5 meters dump in a private house, this is quite normal. Finally, it will cope with large blocks of snow, the electro-shovel will not be able to.

The principle of the shovel

The snow shovel is connected to the mains through a safety switch. This will allow you to control the voltage and avoid failure. During operation, the main criterion is the discharge chute. He must always be free. Keep extension cords at a decent distance from the knives. This will prevent damage and electric shock.

It is necessary to work carefully, while always monitoring the wire. It is advisable to know the type of territory in order to avoid stones and other solid elements getting into the snowplow. It is necessary to carry out work in the daytime.

If there are slopes along the way, care must be taken. Snow must be removed with care, across the slope.

If the snow shovel hits a solid object during operation, turn it off and inspect for damage.

Do not use the device near water; this may result in electric shock. The movements should be smooth, without sharp jerks. Always keep the device a short distance. Keep the shovel out of the reach of children. This is a hazardous device that could injure or electric shock.

How to do it yourself

You can make a device yourself. First you need to make a rotor on a lathe. The shovel will be based on an electric motor. Therefore, all blanks must comply with its dimensions.

Externally, the rotor is similar to a steel disk, its thickness does not exceed 2 mm and a length of 29 cm. The resulting part must be connected to the hub using bolts. This design underlies the future apparatus. By welding, 5 blades must be attached to it. To increase productivity, additional stiffeners can be installed on the reverse side.

The cooling system works on the principle of a fan. To do this, blades are made of aluminum and are fixed on a pulley to start the motor. It is necessary to close the fan with the help of a soldered casing, which is previously placed on the crankcase cover.

A shaft is mounted on the resulting housing, which is fixed with bolts. The resulting structure is pressed against the frame by means of brackets that partially cover the ring.

Do-it-yourself shoveling is not at all a complicated process. The resulting apparatus is characterized by high power and performance.

When winter comes, the first thing we start to think about is how much snow there will be. Manually clearing the yard or parking is unrealistic. For this, many types of snow removal equipment have been created today. Unfortunately, domestic analogues are not worthy options. One has to pay attention to such foreign samples of snow-removing electric shovels, such as the Swedish "Stig", the Korean Hyundai, the Danish "Texas", the Dutch "Iron Angel". The mass of all these shovels is not more than six kilograms.

Where bulky professional ones will not drive up, maneuverable electric shovels are used. There are such samples where the width of the screw is not more than 30 centimeters. There are fewer.

All electric snow shovels have a characteristic single-stage mechanism - auger. It is rotated by an electric motor. A man moves a shovel to a mass of snow, which is removed to the side.

Very often in our yards as flooring  there may be paving slabs, as well as rubberized paths. Remember that a snow shovel with an auger will not harm them. On the screws there are rubber tips that will reliably protect the coating.

You do not have to put a lot of effort. You only need to move the shovel, and the snow will be discarded at a distance of 2 to 9 meters - depending on the type of model chosen.

All modern electric shovels have motors that are reliably protected from moisture inside. This is necessary so that work is safe. There is a temperature indicator on the motor. When overheating, this is automatically turned off.

All electro shovels are quite economical. Maximum power - two kilowatts. The engine runs silently. And the price of the device is relatively low.

But there are also disadvantages. You may notice that the shovel is constantly tied to a power source. And the power is not as great as we would like to have. Ice and packed snow is an overwhelming job for an electric shovel. However, if you need to clean only the porch or the exit in front of the garage, then it is better than finding snow shovels to find a device, as it is maneuverable and economical.

When choosing manual snow shovels with a screw, we recommend that you pay attention to the reviews. Often, owners of certain models are willing to share information on forums and thematic sites, while on the forums you can find additional information about European models of electric shovels.