Snow scraper: types, purpose, application and technical characteristics

A snow scraper is used in large areas with even surfaces. Its use simplifies the work and allows it to be completed in a shorter time. The tool is used when the snow has not yet compacted and become covered with a hard crust. The scraper will not cope with dense snow mass. Scrapers (engines) have different technical characteristics depending on the type. There are even models with wheels and runners.

What is a scraper

The scraper (drag) is a large plastic scraper with a U-shaped handle. In essence, this is the same snow shovel, only modified. It is more convenient to use the engine, your arms and back get less tired. In stores, the tool is presented in several types, with differences in design.

Differences from a snow shovel

If the shovel needs to be lifted to throw away the snow, then with a scraper the snow mass is simply pushed to the side of the road or raked into a heap. That's why the scraper is called a scraper. The large volume of the bucket allows you to capture a significant amount of snow.

Types of scrapers

Manual scrapers differ not only in appearance, size and price. They have different technical characteristics.

Scraper classification:

Standard. The model has a simple structure and control. The engine is pushed in front of itself, and as it moves, the bucket grabs the snow and moves it to the side of the road, similar to how an excavator does it.
Telescopic. This scraper has a long extendable handle. They are convenient for operating in hard-to-reach places or throwing snow off the roof.
Auger. A popular option equipped with a rotating propeller. Thanks to the fact that the auger throws away the snow mass, cleaning is easier.
On wheels. There are types of scrapers with different arrangements of wheels - on the engine itself or on the frame. A wheeled scraper has advantages over a simple mechanical option.
With runners. Such engines have a lighter stroke and are easier to move in the snow.
With a metal ladle. Aluminum and steel scrapers are more expensive, but the high price in this case is justified by a long service life.
With a plastic or polycarbonate bucket. Such models are less wear-resistant, but are lightweight and affordable. If we compare these two materials, polycarbonate wins over plastic in terms of strength.

Scrapers also differ in the shape of the handle. It can be straight or curved. Engines with a straight handle cope well with small amounts of snow. The curved shape of the holder makes it easy to clean the area, even if there is a lot of snow.

In any case, a manual scraper is inexpensive and easy to use. There is also a more serious technique - a self-propelled engine. Such models run on electricity, diesel and gasoline fuel. Self-propelled scrapers are designed for cleaning large areas. Not everyone can cope with them.

How to choose

The purpose of the scraper is to make snow removal easier. Based on this, you should choose one or another model. Please pay attention to the following points:

If a woman will do the cleaning from time to time, it is better to buy an engine with wheels or runners.Such models are easier to move.
Those who prioritize strength should choose a metal scraper rather than a plastic one. It will definitely last longer.
The length of the handle is important if you plan to use a scraper to remove snow from the roof of a low house or greenhouse. In this case, a telescopic model is suitable.
A wide bucket captures more snow in one go, but only a physically strong person can handle such an engine.
A characteristic such as weight also matters. It is better to choose a lightweight model, but not at the expense of quality.
The presence of stiffening ribs, a protective edge, and an anti-slip pad on the handle. These parameters provide increased strength of the product and ease of use.
The large drag scraper is controlled by 4 hands. In this case, snow removal is carried out very quickly.
Models with wheels are not suitable for occasional cleaning. Typically, the wheels are small and can easily get stuck in the snow if the snow layer is significant. Scrapers with large wheels found on the market are quite expensive.
The most affordable engines are made of wood, but they cannot be called durable. Some people make wooden scrapers themselves - it's not difficult.
If you want to choose a tool with a metal handle, it is better to opt for aluminum. The metal is durable and lighter than steel.

Last but not least, the purchase decision is influenced by the price and warranty from the manufacturer. It is advisable that the company that produced the instrument be “with a name.”

How to use

Unlike a shovel, scrapers are not lifted from the surface, loaded with snow. This is what makes them easy to use. The scraper is carefully lowered onto the path and smoothly moved forward. The bucket is filled with snow.Its direction is changed if there are obstacles on the way.

The tool requires careful handling. If you hit the ground sharply or try to shovel frozen material, the bucket may crack, which will significantly reduce the life of the scraper. After cleaning, the engine must be cleaned of adhered snow, wiped dry and stored until next use.

How to store

The instrument is stored clean and dry. To protect parts from rust during long-term storage, it is recommended to lubricate them with grease. It would be a mistake to keep the scraper outside. Due to weather conditions, the engine will quickly become unusable. It's better to put it in a shed or garage. As a last resort, the instrument is placed under a canopy, covered with a piece of tarpaulin. A scraper equipped with wheels is removed from them before being stored.

For owners of private houses, a scraper is indispensable in the winter season. Using the engine, you can quickly clear snow from not only the territory of your home, but also the roofs of outbuildings. In order for an instrument to serve faithfully for many years, it must be chosen correctly and carefully stored in proper condition.