How Does a Snow Blower Work?

History

The snow blower was invented in 1925 by Arthur Sicard. He later founded Sicard industries. The snow blower has came a long ways over the past 80 years, although the basic principles remain the same.

Types

There are two different types of snow blowers--single-stage and two-stage. A single-stage snow blower just uses an impeller to force the snow out a chute. A two-stage snow blower breaks up the snow with metal augers, than uses an impeller to force the snow out a chute.

Components

A snow blower is a relatively simple machine with a few components. There is a frame, motor, impeller and chute. In a two-stage blower, there are metal augers.

Frame

The frame of a snow blower can contain all the components and has a handle to push the blower. There are many large snow blowers, which may also have a seat and an engine for driving.

Impeller

The snow blower engine moves the impeller. The impeller is found at the front of the blower, it is the first thing the snow hits. The impeller is formed so that when it spins, the snow will go out a chute.

Metal Augers

These are only found in two-stage snow blowers. They are used to spin and break up the snow before it hits the impeller.

Chute

The chute is attached to front of the snow blower in direct contact with the impeller. All the snow is pushed through this chute. In most push snow blowers, you can easily point the chute in different directions.

Motor

The motor is what drives the impeller. The motor you find in a snow blower is no bigger than a motor in a lawn mower, sometimes even smaller. It is attached to the impeller with a belt to make it spin.

Resources

• Snow Blower Guide