How Does a Snowblower Work?
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Background on Snowblowers
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The snowblower was invented in 1925 by Arthur Sicard. He later founded Sicard industries. The snowblower has came a long way since then, although the basic principles remain the same.
Snowblower Types
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There are two different types of snowblowers---single-stage and two-stage. A single-stage snowblower just uses an impeller to force the snow out a chute. A two-stage snowblower breaks up the snow with metal augers, then uses an impeller to force the snow out a chute.
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Components
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A snowblower is a relatively simple machine with a few components. There is a frame, motor, impeller and chute. In a two-stage blower, there are also metal augers.
Frame
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The frame of a snowblower contains all the components and has a handle to push the blower. There are many large snowblowers, which may also have a seat and an engine for driving.
Impeller
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The snowblower engine moves the impeller. The impeller is 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
The Chute
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The chute is attached to front of the snowblower in direct contact with the impeller. All the snow is pushed through this chute. In most push snowblowers, you can point the chute in different directions.
Motor
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The motor is what drives the impeller. The motor in a snowblower is no bigger than a motor in a lawnmower, sometimes even smaller. It is attached to the impeller with a belt to make it spin.
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Resources
- Photo Credit www.snowblowerguide.com