HomeMy WebLinkAboutClinton News-Record, 1987-12-02, Page 51fi
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with all the snow, you may consider a snow thrower
Can I afford a snowthrower? Will I use it
enough to warrant the purchase? What type
of unit do I need? Can I handle it?
Each winter, first-time snowthrower
buyers ask themselves these questions.
Even so, many end up spending too much on
a machine too powerful for their needs. The
key to buying the right snowthrower is to
thoroughly research the options.
Snowthrowers are more popular than
ever, according to the Outdoor Power
Equipment Institute.
"In the past, snowthrowers were con-
sidered a luxury item," says Bert Thomp-
son, Toro marketing manager for snow pro-
ducts. "Our research indicates.
snowthrowers are taking on a role similar to
the family lawn mower."
Single Or Two -Stage
The first choice in buying_a snowthrower
is between single -stage and two-stage
models. There can be several hundred
dollars difference between these two types
of snowthrowers.
Small and mid-size snowthrowers are
referred to as "single -stage". They gather
snow with a high-speed rotor and throw it
out of the machine in a single action. Larger
models are called two-stage. A two-stage
model breaks up snow with a slow -turning
auger, then passes the snow to a high-speed
impeller system that blows it out through a
chute.
Single -stage units costs about $230 to $500
and weigh 17 to 75 pounds. Two-stage
machines weigh 140 to 300 pounds and usual-
ly sell for about $650 to $1,500. Of the two
types, two-stage units are the most powerful
and can throw as much as a ton of snow per
minute.
This season, however, a new generation of
mid-size single -stage models is available
with performance equal to smaller two-
stage snowthrowers. These new models can
throw snow up to 30 feet and up to 15 feet
high.
How Far And How High
These are the most important factors in
measuring the performance of a
snowthrower. You'll want a model that will
throw snow clear of wide driveways, not
part of the way across where it will need to
be removed again.
Almost as 'important is how many inches
of snow can the machine handle in a single
pass?
Rotors And Multi -Positional
Axles
The rotor is the spinning part that gathers
snow into the machine. Among the newest
types of rotors is a bell -curve shaped rotor
that improves the performance of some new
single -stage snowthrowers. The bell -curve
type rotor also has a self-propelling action to
pull the machine along, making it easier to
push.
On two-stage units, the rotor or auger
turns more slowly than on single -stage
models. The auger is designed to break up
ice and crusty snow. Be sure an auger has
thick spiraling metal, strong enough to
break up the crusty ice packs left by
snowplows at the bottom of your driveway.
On crusty snow, snowthrowers frequently
ride up and over drifts instead of plowing
through them. A new feature on some two-
stage snowthrowers eliminates this
problem.
A multi -positional axle enables the
operator, with the shift of.a lever, to move
the wheels to the rear of the machine from
directly underneath the engine. This adds 55
to 65 lbs. of additional weight on the front of
the machine, keeping it down in the toughest
snow. In light. snow, the wheels can be
returned to normal center position for
easier maneuvering.
Two Or Four -Cycle
"Compare snowthrower engines to lawn
mower engines," says Thompson. "Toro in-
troduced the first snowthrowers when
engineers realized that lawn mower engines
could be mounted onto a frame with a fast -
spinning paddle wheel to throw snow."
Two types of engines are used on
snowthrowers, two-cycle and four-cycle.
Two-cycle engines are most common on
single -stage snowthrowers and use an
oil/gasoline mixture. Four-cycle engines
are most often used on two-stage
snowthrowers.
The newer two-cycle and four-cycle
engines have vastly improved starting ease,
durability and fuel efficiency compared to
conventional motors. Electric start is usual-
ly not needed on these models. But if you
want it, add $80 to the pricetag.
Clutches
Two-stage units have two hand grips. One
activates the forward and reverse action,
while the other controls the auger and high
speed impeller. Make sure that the clutches
are easy to grip and close. If they're too
taut, your hands can become fatigued while
operating the snowthrower. And the in-
creased tension in your arms can translate
to sore muscles and back pains.
Chutes
A chute controls the snow stream. Well-
designed chutes should concentrate the
snow "plume" into a stream instead of a
fan -shaped discharge pattern that can be
easily blown about by strong winds. Look for
a model with an easily manipulated direc-
tional chute and a handle for turning the
chute that you can reach easily from the
Follow these steps
for a safe Christmas
December 23,1976
Clinton News -Record
Make sure you and your family have a
happy Christmas by taking a few precau-
tions to avoid accidents that can mar your
enjoyment. St. John Ambulance provides
the following check list of things to do for a
safe and injury free holiday season.
1. Be sure your Christmas tree is standing in
a pail of water to keep it from drying out.
2. Make sure your tree lights are in good
condition with no frayed cords.
3.When decorating the tree be sure to use a
sturdy stepladder instead of a chair or stool.
4. Make sure children's toys are sturdy and
suitable for their age group.
5. For small children, get presents that have
no sharp edges.
6. Don't use flammable articles for
decorations.
7. Keep your tree a sdfe distance from a
fireplace and be sure to use a fire screen to
keep sparks from your floor and rugs.
8. Keep your sidewalks and steps free of ice.
9. If you and your children ski, skate,
snowshoe, toboggan or snowmobile, make
sure you do it in a designated area.
10. Avoid painful frostbite by wearing the
proper protective clothing.
11. Drive carefully when winter road condi-
tions are icy or snow causes poor visibility.
operation position.
Where To Shop
Most snowthrowers are sold at power
equipment dealers or hardware stores says
Toro's Thompson. "The most important
thing is to buy your snowthrower from
dealers who stand behind the products they
sell and offer service and maintenance. The
most reputable dealers are usually the ones
authorized by snowthrower
manufacturers."
One of the best ways to avoid getting
snowed when buying a snowthrower is to do
background research. Check the November
1985 issue of consumer Reports for the
magazine's most recent snowthrower test
article.
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