Karl Denninger wrote:
In article ,
Don White wrote:

Anyone ever try an electric snowlower?
Not the Mickey Mouse little 'brooms', but the bigger 12 amp model
that
resembles a small 5 hp. I see Toro makes a model 1800.
My city lot only has 40' of sidewalk. but I have a 10' wide driveway
and
about 30' of wheelchair ramp for my mother.

1HP = 750 watts, more or less.

So to equal a 5HP engine, you'd need a 31 amp machine!

Eeeeeeek!

Go for the gas, and for wet, thick snow, you need a two-stage.

I have always wondered why electric motors on tools like this are
always listed in amps, rather than watts. Vacuum cleaners, elcetric
lawnmowers, snowblowers.

Well. I know why. If they used HP they wouldn't be able to compete
with gas powered tools. 12 amps is barely 2HP. If your snowblowing
needs can be met with a 2HP machine, then go for it. I don't know if
it's enough - I have never lived in the snow long enough to evaluate
the performance of snowblowers. My parents had one when they lived in
Utah... most of my snowblowing experience has been from visiting them.

If an electric tool will meet your needs, it has another advantage.
"Zero" emissions. I say "zero" with quotes because I view electric
tools and cars as "deferred" emission items. The pollution comes from
a power plant that generated the electricity somewhere else. However a
lot of electricity is generated in this country with relatively low
emissions. Electric stuff is "greener" and it's worth considering IF it
meets your requirements. It's the biggest reason I have an electric
mower.