Skid steer snow blower

Types of Skid Steer Snow Blowers

Using a skid steer snow blower attachment in cold weather has become an essential thing. Snow blowers are a great way of removing snow in yards and public areas where large machinery cannot be used. An excellent feature of snow blowers designed to fit skid steers is that they can be removed and replaced with other attachments if needed.

These Are The Common Types Of Snow Blowers:

• Drum Snow Blower:

  A drum snow blower has large rotating drums that can clear a lot of snow in one revolution. The design of the drums allows snow to be picked up and expelled onto the side of the machine. This is done by augers attached to the drums that paddle the snow. The advantage of using a drum snow blower is that it can clear snow of different densities and can even push slushy water to the sides. Their design means they are not easily blocked by wet snow. Another benefit is the large area they cover, which helps to clear snow quickly and efficiently. The downside of drum blowers is that they are usually more expensive than single-auger machines.

• Axial Auger Snow Blower:

  This snow blower has a single auger that works like a screw conveyor. The auger moves the snow towards the rear of the machine, where it is blown out through a chute by a rotating fan. One big plus of axial augers is that they use less electricity or hydraulic power to move them than dual augers or drum blowers. This makes them ideal for smaller machinery that can't handle larger, more powerful equipment.

• Dual Auger Snow Blower:

  With two augers fitted in the design of a dual auger snow blower, more snow can be moved towards the impeller fan than with a single auger. The lower auger moves snow, slush, and water better because it is closer to the ground and can pick up material sitting on packed earth. The dual augers share the load of moving material, making it a great choice for operators who regularly have to clear areas of heavy snow or slippery slush. A dual auger blower can also be used to clear ice and debris because the lower auger has paddles that help to break up debris and ice.

Specifications and maintenance of skid steer snow blowers

Specifications

• Compatibility: Snow blowers are compatible with skid steers of certain sizes. They may not work correctly if they are compatible with the skid steers.
• Widths: The widths of skid steers generally vary from 60 cm to 213.36 cm. The standard width is 91.44 cm.
• Blower capacity: The power of a snow blower skid steer is calculated in horsepower. It is necessary to consider the horsepower needed for clearing snow and just the horsepower of the machine.
• Chute Function: Snow skid blowers have a feature that rotates and tilts the snow in a certain direction. The snow is blown away from the moving path. The rotation and tilt are controlled by the operator with the help of a joystick.

Maintenance

• Regular inspection: It is necessary to inspect the snow blower to skid steer regularly to identify problems or repair issues. Check the condition of the belts, bolts, chains, and other attachment parts. Replace the damaged or worn parts immediately.
• Hydraulic system maintenance: For snow blowers that have cleaning attachments run by the hydraulic system, it is crucial to maintain the hydraulic system. Monitor the hydraulic fluid, clean the filters, and check the hydraulic hoses and connectors.
• Lubrication: Apply a suitable lubricant to moving and rotating parts. It will assist in smooth operations and reduce wear.
• Cleaning: Snow accumulates on the blower skid steer after use. It should be cleaned with the help of a shovel or brush. Make sure that the snow is not lodged in the engine or motor parts. Water should not be used for cleaning, as it can result in damage to the electrical system.
• Follow the maintenance manual: Manufacturers provide a maintenance manual. It includes the maintenance schedule and instructions for attaching equipment ensuring long-term durability.

Applications of Skid Steer Snow Blower Attachment

Due to their versatility, customer demand for the applications of the skid steer snow blower attachment continues to grow. Here are some common industries where it sees application use:

• Snowy Climate Regions

  Municipality and public works departments residing in areas that experience heavy snowfall are constant machine users. They mainly use the skid snow blowers to clear roads, highways, and paths, thereby ensuring smooth traffic.

• Landscaping Companies

  During the winter months, landscaping companies opt to use the skid blower to clear snow from their clients' compounds. They also remove snow from sidewalks and driveways, making the process fast and efficient.

• Construction Industry

  In snowy areas, the construction industry uses the machine to clear snow from their site so as to facilitate stable and safe construction. Clearing the site promotes smooth construction as well as providing better access.

• Airports

  Snow blowers provide essential support to airport authorities as they help in maintaining clear runways, taxiways, and parking areas. This ensures the safety of all airplane passengers. Using a skid blower promotes timely aircraft departures and arrivals.

• Agriculture Industry

  In farming or ranching industry that operates in snowy climates, the skid steer is quite instrumental in snow clearance. It opens up pathways, ensuring animals have access to their shelters. It also provides smooth access to essential farm facilities.

• Small Businesses

  Snowy conditions can severely affect the smooth operation of businesses. However, a mini skid steer snow blower attachment can help alleviate the situation by clearing pathways, parking lots and sidewalks.

How to choose skid steer snow blowers

It is essential to consider some factors before buying a skid steer snow blower. Some of the key parameters are explained in the following :

• Snow depth and frequency:

  It is important to consider the snow depth and frequency of a snowfall in an area. A powerful skid steer snow blower is needed for removing heavy snow depths or large volumes of snow. A powerful engine will be required to handle and remove such a deep level of snow effectively. Conversely, a machine with a manageable size can be used for light snowfall or a shallow level of snow.

• Snow type:

  The efficiency of a skid steer snow removal machine depends on its ability to handle a particular type of snow. Icy, packed, and loose snow types require different specifications in a snow blower. For instance, a skid steer equipped with an auger assembly would be used to tackle icy and packed snow. The diameter of the auger should also be determined, as it would ultimately influence its ability to tackle different types of snow.

• Affected area and obstacles:

  Consider the scope of the job when selecting a skid steer snow removal tool. The task requires selecting a skid steer with proper attachments if it includes navigating tight spaces. For obstacles like curbs and drainage areas, a snow blower with a more manageable intake width would work better.

• Machine compatibility:

  It is crucial to determine whether the snow removal attachment will be compatible with the skid steer loader. Besides checking the attachment plating, the hydraulic system and airflow connections should be compatible too. Before making a final purchase, a compatibility test should be carried out with the skid steer loader.

• Safety:

  For smooth operation and peace of mind, choose the skid steer snow blower with various safety features like emergency stop buttons, safety enclosures, and interlock systems. A snow blower should have an operator's manual and guidelines for all safety precautions related to the machine.

FAQ

Q1: How to use a skid steer snow blower attachment safely?

A1: Before using the skid steer snow blower, ensure the area is well lit and make it clear at all times. Avoid using the skid steer snow cutters in crowded areas to minimize risk. When operating the machine, stay alert and avoid distractions like phone calls.

Q2: Can a skid steer blower snow work in extremely cold temperatures?

A2: Yes, as long the maintenance schedule is observed and only high-quality contraband fuels and lubricants are used. Some compatible additives can be used to enhance performance in extreme conditions.

Q3: How long does it take to blow snow with a skid steer?

A3: It depends on the total area to be cleared and the perimeter in question. Larger areas take more time. For instance, clearing a residential driveway takes about 10 to 30 minutes, while clearing a parking lot takes about 1 to 3 hours.

Q4: Does a skid steer snow blower require special operating training?

A4: Snow blowers are skid steers attachments are easy to user and don't require special training. However, the operator should know the general rules guiding the use of skid steer attachments.