Electric snowblowers
 

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.

I spent $200.00 on a 22 inch True Value Snow Chief model back in 1987. Still
works great. I have owned several gas blowers before that. I will never go
back to gas.


"Don White" wrote in message
...
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.

On Mon, 27 Dec 2004 18:50:06 GMT, "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.

The big ones work very well, but with heavy wet snow, they can be
problematic. I've noticed that under heavy loads, this thing really
sucks the juice and has a tendency to stall - you need to be careful
how much snow you try to remove at one time.

This is the one that I purchased for my daughter's office walk - which
has a similar configuration to yours, just a little longer.

http://www2.northerntool.com/product-1/200153624.htm

I have one of these for the apartments. This is also somewhat
problematic with heavy snow, but with smaller cuts works terrific!!
For the heavy 6" or more, I have a 36 inch, 15 horse Ariens. Moves
snow quick. Then again, I have 750' of walk and three driveways to
clear. :)

You may want to consider a small two stage - they make one that is
pretty effective. It doesn't seem like a large area, but 40x10 isn't
all that small.

Just remember, if there is lots of water in the snow, any snowblower
sucks. :)

Good luck.

Later,

Tom

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.

(From someone who lived in the ****ing snowbelt for more than 30 years, and
hated every minute of it.)

--
--
Karl Denninger ) Internet Consultant & Kids Rights Activist
http://www.denninger.net My home on the net - links to everything I do!
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Go for a small 2 stage gas snowblower...you'll be much happier. If you get
enough snow where you are to warrant thinking about buying a snowblower,
then you may as well get one that will be good enough to remove big
snowfalls. Even a small (5 or 6 HP) 2 stage gas snowblower will be better
than an electric one. And, make sure that you get a 2 stage one, not one of
those crappy 1 stage "paddle" gas ones.

If price is a factor, then look for a good used one.

Let's put it this way, I would take a 15 year old 6 horsepower gas 2 stage
snowblower over a brand new electric snowblower any day!

"Don White" wrote in message
...
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.

Having owned an electric broom (11amp), electric snow thrower, and gas snow
blower, I found that the key to successful snow removal is to keep the rpms
high, i.e., thicker/heavier snow requires slower forward motion. Of course,
the smaller models just will not cut deep snow removal as well as the bigger
models (although I've used the broom on 2 feet of snow by taking off 6"
layers at a time -- royal pain in the back). I've kept the broom and gas
blower.

"Harry Krause" wrote in message
news:1104173881.5a927da04386b52d74b2bfa3bc6ae6a1@t eranews...
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.


Well, if you have lots of wet, heavy snow, you need a dual stage
thrower. Dunno if the electric will do the job. Find a place that'll let
you try it out on the snow...

"Franko" wrote in message
...
Having owned an electric broom (11amp), electric snow thrower, and gas
snow
blower, I found that the key to successful snow removal is to keep the
rpms
high, i.e., thicker/heavier snow requires slower forward motion. Of
course,
the smaller models just will not cut deep snow removal as well as the
bigger
models (although I've used the broom on 2 feet of snow by taking off 6"
layers at a time -- royal pain in the back). I've kept the broom and gas
blower.

I made the mistake of visiting a showroom with a few beers in my belly and
bought the Toro 1800 on impulse. Time will tell if it's worth while. I
don't need to clear large areas in a hurry, as I live on a small city lot
and am retired. As long as it's no slower than shovelling, I'll be happy.
The big consideration is placement of the snow. Not many places to throw it
and as the banks get higher, the scoup is harder to dump.

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.

"Curtis CCR" wrote in message
snip
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.

I purchased Craftman's best electric chainsaw last year (12 amp 16" bar)
and was amazed how well it cut. I'm talking 12"-14" diameter Ash branches.
My electric tools are only used on occasion and I tend to keep them for a
lifetime (unless they break). I like the idea of light tools that I can
hang up and forget about until next years project. This is why I took a
chance with the Toro 1800..and also Consumer Reports ratings.

"Franko" wrote in message
news:bKIDd.79898$uM5.12281@bgtnsc05-
snip
I only got rid of the electric
snow thrower because the extra heavy duty extension cords got extra heavy
to
drag around -- also, too long and the voltage drop ends up burning the
electric motor eventually.

The owners manual calls for 16 gauge up to 100 feet, which is plenty for me.
I went to Costco looking for a 12 gauge 100 ft cord with one female plug and
a short adapter to make it a triple they had for $30 CDN. Just my luck ,
none in stock.
Until I get a better cord I'll make due with my lawnmower one which is no
problem to lug around. (100 ft @ 16 gauge)

"Don White" wrote

The owners manual calls for 16 gauge up to 100 feet, which is plenty for
me.
I went to Costco looking for a 12 gauge 100 ft cord with one female plug
and
a short adapter to make it a triple they had for $30 CDN. Just my luck ,
none in stock.
Until I get a better cord I'll make due with my lawnmower one which is no
problem to lug around. (100 ft @ 16 gauge)


Well, if the 16 gauge up to 100 feet is "plenty" for you, then why not just
stay with the lawnmower cord? Use it for the lawnmower in summer and the
snowblower in winter...as far as I can see you don't even need a new cord
from Costco.

"blank" wrote in message
...

Well, if the 16 gauge up to 100 feet is "plenty" for you, then why not
just
stay with the lawnmower cord? Use it for the lawnmower in summer and the
snowblower in winter...as far as I can see you don't even need a new cord
from Costco.

I just got back from a nice walk to the local Canadian Tire Store. The
cords in stock had conflicting info on them.
One Noma cord advertised that it was 14 ga and could handle 15 amps, but
when I looked at the table on back it recomended 12 ga for 12-16 amps. the
Noma 'Contractor' cords were really nice...100' @ 12 ga with great plugs for
$ 80.00 CDN. A bit pricy. I think my 16 ga cord is a bit light. I may
buy a 25' contractor 12 ga cord to supplement my existing 50' 12ga triple
tap version I bought at Costco last year. I don't want to burn the electric
motor on the snowblower.

"Don White" wrote in message
...

"blank" wrote in message
...

Well, if the 16 gauge up to 100 feet is "plenty" for you, then why not
just
stay with the lawnmower cord? Use it for the lawnmower in summer and the
snowblower in winter...as far as I can see you don't even need a new cord
from Costco.

I just got back from a nice walk to the local Canadian Tire Store. The
cords in stock had conflicting info on them.
One Noma cord advertised that it was 14 ga and could handle 15 amps, but
when I looked at the table on back it recomended 12 ga for 12-16 amps.
the
Noma 'Contractor' cords were really nice...100' @ 12 ga with great plugs
for
$ 80.00 CDN. A bit pricy. I think my 16 ga cord is a bit light. I may
buy a 25' contractor 12 ga cord to supplement my existing 50' 12ga triple
tap version I bought at Costco last year. I don't want to burn the
electric
motor on the snowblower.



A lighter gauge cord will not result in burning out the motor on the
snowblower but may result in the cord catching on fire from excess heat.

"JimH" wrote in message
...


A lighter gauge cord will not result in burning out the motor on the
snowblower but may result in the cord catching on fire from excess heat.

Not sure about that.
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...ges/h00010.asp

These people thing a voltage drop over a too small cord can affect the tool.

"Don White" wrote in message
...

"JimH" wrote in message
...


A lighter gauge cord will not result in burning out the motor on the
snowblower but may result in the cord catching on fire from excess heat.

Not sure about that.
http://www.taunton.com/finehomebuild...ges/h00010.asp

These people thing a voltage drop over a too small cord can affect the
tool.



Thanks for the link. You may be correct. But the fire hazard is also a
concern.

These people thing a voltage drop over a too small cord can affect the tool.

Sure!
the lesser voltage, will make the motor pull more than the requiered amps which
will over heat the brush's and commutator in the motor and will usually burn
them out.

Use a heavier chord especially if you have to go a considerable length from the
house or garage.

Tim

In article ,
JimH wrote:



"Don White" wrote in message
...

"blank" wrote in message
...

Well, if the 16 gauge up to 100 feet is "plenty" for you, then why not
just
stay with the lawnmower cord? Use it for the lawnmower in summer and the
snowblower in winter...as far as I can see you don't even need a new cord
from Costco.

I just got back from a nice walk to the local Canadian Tire Store. The
cords in stock had conflicting info on them.
One Noma cord advertised that it was 14 ga and could handle 15 amps, but
when I looked at the table on back it recomended 12 ga for 12-16 amps.
the
Noma 'Contractor' cords were really nice...100' @ 12 ga with great plugs
for
$ 80.00 CDN. A bit pricy. I think my 16 ga cord is a bit light. I may
buy a 25' contractor 12 ga cord to supplement my existing 50' 12ga triple
tap version I bought at Costco last year. I don't want to burn the
electric
motor on the snowblower.



A lighter gauge cord will not result in burning out the motor on the
snowblower but may result in the cord catching on fire from excess heat.

Yes it can.

Fewer volts = more amps for the same running speed.

This will reliably overheat motors.

--
--
Karl Denninger ) Internet Consultant & Kids Rights Activist
http://www.denninger.net My home on the net - links to everything I do!
http://scubaforum.org Your UNCENSORED place to talk about DIVING!
http://www.spamcuda.net SPAM FREE mailboxes - FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME!
http://genesis3.blogspot.com Musings Of A Sentient Mind

"Karl Denninger" wrote in message
news:H83Ed.23775$jn.14225@lakeread06...

In article ,
JimH wrote:



"Don White" wrote in message
...

"blank" wrote in message
...

Well, if the 16 gauge up to 100 feet is "plenty" for you, then why not
just
stay with the lawnmower cord? Use it for the lawnmower in summer and
the
snowblower in winter...as far as I can see you don't even need a new
cord
from Costco.

I just got back from a nice walk to the local Canadian Tire Store. The
cords in stock had conflicting info on them.
One Noma cord advertised that it was 14 ga and could handle 15 amps,
but
when I looked at the table on back it recomended 12 ga for 12-16 amps.
the
Noma 'Contractor' cords were really nice...100' @ 12 ga with great
plugs
for
$ 80.00 CDN. A bit pricy. I think my 16 ga cord is a bit light. I
may
buy a 25' contractor 12 ga cord to supplement my existing 50' 12ga
triple
tap version I bought at Costco last year. I don't want to burn the
electric
motor on the snowblower.



A lighter gauge cord will not result in burning out the motor on the
snowblower but may result in the cord catching on fire from excess heat.

Yes it can.

Fewer volts = more amps for the same running speed.

This will reliably overheat motors.

--
--
Karl Denninger ) Internet Consultant & Kids Rights
Activist
http://www.denninger.net My home on the net - links to everything I do!
http://scubaforum.org Your UNCENSORED place to talk about DIVING!
http://www.spamcuda.net SPAM FREE mailboxes - FREE FOR A LIMITED TIME!
http://genesis3.blogspot.com Musings Of A Sentient Mind

A brown out.

On Sat, 08 Jan 2005 16:46:21 -0500, JimH wrote:


"Don White" wrote in message
...

I think my 16 ga cord is a bit light. I may
buy a 25' contractor 12 ga cord to supplement my existing 50' 12ga triple
tap version I bought at Costco last year. I don't want to burn the
electric
motor on the snowblower.


A lighter gauge cord will not result in burning out the motor on the
snowblower but may result in the cord catching on fire from excess heat.

Then again, it would head up and melt the snow...then you wouldn't need
the snowblower! :)

Lloyd - in Vancouver, where we're under a Terrible Blizzard: almost 6" of
snow in a few places, and temps not even about freezing in the daytime!

"Lloyd Sumpter" wrote in message
...
Then again, it would head up and melt the snow...then you wouldn't need
the snowblower! :)

Lloyd - in Vancouver, where we're under a Terrible Blizzard: almost 6" of
snow in a few places, and temps not even about freezing in the daytime!


Lucky you. Now that I bought the thing, we probably won't get much more
snow this winter. That happened about 10 years ago when my neighbour bought
one. For the next three or four years you hardly needed a good stiff broom
to clear the walk.
Our weather seems to go in cycles.

Good news. After trying a hardware store & a building supply place with no
results, I decided to try Cotco once more before I held my nose and entered
Wal-Mart. To my suprise, Costco had the 100' length 12 ga outdoor cord
with the sindle female tap I needed plus a second short cord to convert the
big cord to a triple tap. the price was $ 24.00 CDN vs $ 80.00 CDN for the
NOMA 12 ga at the hardware store. The downside is... Made in China. Bring
on that snow!