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LCN December 2005 Horsepower01-04-06 | News



No Business Like Snow Business

So you've decided this is the year to give up snow shoveling and buy a snow blower (or snow thrower, depending on your preference). Well, don't wait for the snow to start flying before you make your purchase! Snow blower inventories can dip dramatically after that first wave of winter's fury. This consumer product review focuses specifically on an alternative to those hard-to-handle gas-powered monsters. Discover the world of electric snow blowers.


Manufacturer: Bobcat








Model No.: Toolcat 5600 with X117 Snowblower
Hydraulic flow rate: 18 gallons per minute
Clearing Path: 39 to 86 inches
Fan diameter: 15 to 24 inches
Weight: 4,800 pounds for Toolcat
Horsepower: 46 HP to 56 HP
Features: Fits on multiple Bobcat machines, steer skid loader or Toolcat, in between classes of loaders. Can switch out machine and demount attachments. Operator can work in comfort because of enclosed cab.
Cost: $428 to $1,070


Manufacturer: DR Power Equipment








Model No.: 156001
Horsepower: 11.5 HP, 13 HP, 15 HP and 17 HP configurations
Clearing Path: 30 inches
Weight: 160 lbs.
Gears: 4 forward, 1 reverse
One or two stage: one-stage
Features: Versatility of the field and brush mower platform. In addition to its base brush-mowing deck, the machine accepts the snow thrower attachment, a snow blade attachment, a 42?EUR??,,????'?? lawn mower attachment and a 6000 watt generator attachment.
Warranty: 2 years residential/1 year commercial
Cost: $559.20


Manufacturer: Loftness








Model No.: 962H
Horsepower: 200 HP
Clearing Path: 96 inches
Weight: 1,833 lbs.
Gears: tractor mounted
One or two stage: two-stage
Features: Category II or III hitch, 40-inch cut height, gear driven spout rotation of 270 degrees, adjustable skid shoes.
Warranty: One year
Cost: $6,885


Manufacturer: Ariens




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Model No.: 11528 LE Deluxe 2-Stage Snowblower
Hydraulic flow rate: Gear driven
Clearing Path: 28 inches
Fan diameter: 16 inches
Weight: 289 pounds
Horsepower: 11.5 HP
Features: 120-volt electric starter, headlights standard, 6 forward and 2 reverse speed, hand warmers with differential, new four-blade 14-inch impeller. THF chute throws snow higher, taller and farther. Retractable drift cutters.
Cost: $1,450


Manufacturer: Case IH








Model No.: BSX172H
Horsepower: Quick attach front
Clearing Path: 72 inches
Weight: 1,200 to 1,400 lbs.
Gears: Gear box reduction
One or two stage: two-stage
Features: Mid-PTO drive type; standard manual chute rotation, shear bolt protection and adjustable skid shoes; 24 inch fan diameter; four blades.
Warranty: One year
Cost: Price ranges between $3,000 to $5,000


Manufacturer: Grasshopper








Model No.: 412
Hydraulic flow rate: N/A ?EUR??,,????'??? PTO-shaft driven from Grasshopper power unit
Clearing Path: 48?EUR??,,????'?? (60?EUR??,,????'?? also available)
Weight: 210 lbs.
Horsepower: Power units range from 14 hp to 32 hp.
Features: Throws snow up to 30 feet. Discharge spout rotates 180 degrees, controlled from operator?EUR??,,????'???s seat. Heavy-gauge steel construction and high-speed augers with heavy-duty flighting. Powered by any front mount Grasshopper power unit, gas or diesel, air-cooled and liquid-cooled.
Cost: $1,270


Manufacturer: Husqvarna








Model No.: 10527 STE Snowblower
Clearing Path: 27 inches
Weight: 270 pounds
Horsepower: 10.5 HP
Features: Highest quality performance in the industry with two-stage auger/impeller system on all models. Tecumseh Snow King engines provide easy cold weather starting and smooth power to get the job done quickly. All controls have been developed to provide quick and easy adjustments. Single motion lever controls are provided for the ground speed and for the discharge chute.
Cost: $1,100


Manufacturer: PDK Inc./Rapid Technic Ag. Switzerland








Model No.: Euro
Horsepower: 20
Clearing Path: 40 inches
Weight: 770 lbs.
Gears: Hydrostatic, 0 to 5 mph forward / 0 to 2.5 mph reverse
One or two stage: two-stage
Features: Changeable snow heads, tillers, mowers, brushcutters, sweepers, snow blades, etc.
Warranty: 2 years
Cost: Base price $8,500 plus accessories /attachments


Manufacturer: Hanson Snow Blowers








Model No.: TM84
Horsepower: 27 HP
Clearing Path: 84 inches
Weight: 800 lbs.
Gears: Cast iron gear box
One or two stage: two-stage
Features: Raising and lowering from your hydraulic control in truck; electric key start, choke throttle, chute rotation and deflector from cab.
Warranty: 2 years
Cost: $8,400


Manufacturer: Honda Power Equipment








Model No.: HS520A
Horsepower: 5 HP
Clearing Path: 20 inches
Weight: 76 lbs.
Gears: Manual starter
One or two stage: one-stage
Features: Four-stroke engines, auger-assisted propulsion, available with a 120-volt electric starter. Capable of throwing up to 55 tons of snow per hour over distances of up to 26 feet.
Warranty: 2 years
Cost:$649

Manufacturer: Toro






Model No.: Power Max 11280 XE Snowblower
Clearing Path: 28 inches
Fan diameter: 12 inches
Weight: 253 pounds
Horsepower: 11 HP
Features: Power Max auger system recirculates snow, not immediately thrown, allows for making impeller velocity and snow-throwing capability. Quick-Stick chute control allows you to rotate the chute direction and deflection angle. Free wheel steering which have independent clutches on each wheel and provides zero-degree turn maneuverability.
Cost: $1,650


Manufacturer: Ventrac








Model No.: KX520
Horsepower: Tractor mounted
Clearing Path: 48 inches
Weight: 440 lbs.
Gears: Superior Gear box
One or two stage: two-stage
Features: An optical electric actuated height adjuster is available for total control of operation from the operator seat; double spiral saw-tooth auger; double hinge directional chute with optional electric remote control; adjustable skid shoes.
Warranty: Two years commercial
Cost: $3,185

Power Points

21 to 24 ?EUR??,,????'??? Inches, the path that can be cleared by a low-end two-stage snow blower. These machines have engines ranging from 5 to 6.5 horsepower.

26 to 33 ?EUR??,,????'??? Inches, the path that can be cleared by a high-end two stage snow blowers, with engines ranging from 9 to 13 horsepower.
Source: www.wisegeek.com

1925?EUR??,,????'??? Year the snow blower was invented. Arthur Sicard used his invention to remove snow from the streets of Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
Source: Wikipedia

3,310 ?EUR??,,????'??? Dollars, the average cost of the 12 snow blowers listed in LSMP?EUR??,,????'???s Equipment Review section.


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