When it comes to commercial snow blowers, the amount of variation from one application to another can be significant, making it vital to choose the right machine for the job. This article will discuss how to choose a snow blower for your industrial or commercial application.
What Is a Commercial Snow Blower?
A snow blower—not to be confused with a snow plow—is a machine built to remove or shape snow in various applications, such as airplane runways, roads, ski slopes, or mountain passes. Snow blowers make use of either an impeller or auger to move snow out of the way before hurling it to the side through a chute. Because of this, they’re often referred to as snow throwers.
5 Items to Consider When Choosing a Snow Blower
When choosing a snow blower, there are five items to consider. These items include characteristics of the individual machine as well as environmental factors.
1. Volume of Snow to Be Moved
The first factor to consider is the volume of snow to be moved, including both depth and the amount of ground you’ll need to cover. The more space you need to clear, the more tons of snow per hour you’ll need from your machine.
2. Type of Terrain
Second, terrain has a significant impact on the type of snow blower you choose. More rugged terrain requires a machine with higher maneuverability and control, while flat terrain may not be as demanding. Areas with lots of inclines and descents will require machines with greater stability in terms of balance.
3. Casting Distance
In many applications, casting distance is a very important factor. Casting distance is a measurement of how far the machine can throw snow, and it’s particularly important in applications where you need to clear a wide open space, such as an airport or ski resort. On the other hand, use cases with narrower clearing requirements may not need as much distance.
4. Maneuverability Constraints
Tight spaces require smaller, more maneuverable machines than open spaces do, so if you need to do a lot of turns or perform more precise work, a smaller machine with specialized control features may be preferred. On the other hand, an open area may benefit more from a larger snow blower.
5. Reliability of the Snow Blower
Finally, the snow blower itself should be reliable. You want to opt for a machine that is built to last while being relatively straightforward to maintain. While a high quality machine may cost more upfront, you’ll set yourself up to reduce maintenance and replacement costs over the long term.
Other Considerations for Choosing a Snow Blower
Of course, there are other considerations for choosing a snow blower as well. These include factors such as the price, useful attachments, and specialized features. Some machines may be overkill for your application, while others may need special attachments to satisfy your needs.
Snow Blower FAQs
How do I know what size snow blower to buy?
The machine needs to be large enough to handle the volume of snow you’ll need to clear while not being so bulky that it runs into maneuverability issues.
How long does a snow blower last?
It depends on how well you maintain it as well as how much use it sees during the year. A well-maintained ZAUGG snow blower, for instance, can last for decades.
High Quality Snow Blowers for Commercial Applications
If you’re looking for a high quality snow blower for your industrial application, Hardline Equipment offers the best machines available on the market. To learn more, contact us.