12 19 Inches Snowblowers Compact Snowblowers for Light Snow Clearing
12-19 inches snowblowers are the smallest and most compact snow blowers. This size is only found in single stage models. Size is one of the most important factors that come into play when choosing snow blowers. There are many ways to measure the size of the machines. You can either look at size based on the machine’s physical dimensions or based on their clearing widths. The clearing width refers to the total width of the area that the machine can clear in a single pass. Thus, this should match the area that you need to clear.
12-19 inch models are lightweight and are often designed like shovels with an electric motor and an auger system at the end instead of a simple shoveling blade. Thanks to their electrically powered auger that simply scoops up snow, they are great alternatives to snow shovels because they save you from the strenuous task of bending and scooping.
Single stage snowblowers with 12 to 19 inch clearing widths are highly recommended for clearing driveways, sidewalks, and other narrow and small lanes or areas. All areas should also be paved, but these small machines should not be used in clearing snow off hilly drives, inclined areas, and gravel surfaces. Usually, they can only remove around 4 to 6 inches of snowfall, so they are recommended for those who live in areas that get only light snow.
One of the popular 12-19 inches snowblowers is the Yard Machines 31C-040-800, which cuts paths at a rate of 12.5 inches per pass. This compact snow removal tool is one of the smallest in the market, but it comes with an 8.5 amp electric motor instead of the usual 7 amp you see in other models at this size. No wonder it can throw up to 25 feet away, and that it is also a bit on the expensive side at its price of $180.
Reviews about the machine are mixed. Using it is quite easy; it comes with a discharge chute whose direction can be adjusted into three different positions. But what’s most notable about it is that the Yard Machines Snow Fox may be small and powerful, but it is not as lightweight as you’d expect a 12 inch snow blower should be; it weighs a total of 22 lbs. in all, while other 12-inchers weigh only around 13 to 15 lbs. Thankfully, though a bit heavy, the machine ships fully assembled with its molded plastic housing, light aluminum handle, and wheels.
The Toro 1800 Power Curve is one of the most popular models that fall within the 12-19 inches snowblowers category. This is an 18-inch snow blower and is the most popular offer from leading brand Toro. Even with its 18-inch clearing width, it is quite expensive at $300. However, according to reviews, the price is well worth it, thanks primarily to the Power Curve technology. This technology includes the curved rotor and a new zip deflector, both of which help the snow thrower pick up snow and throw it out faster and more thoroughly.
Even the design of the snow thrower is carefully planned. It comes with large wheels and an ergonomic handle. Its intake height is 10 inches, so you can use this more moderate to heavy snow despite its electric motor and its size. The motor, after all, is 15 amp model, so you can trust it to provide excellent performance and a good throw of up to 30 feet away. Finally, the chute, which rotates up to 160 degrees, deflects snow quite flexibly. The reviews for this tool are consistently positive.
If you want the largest you can get from the 12-19 inches snowblowers category, go with the Snow Joe Ultra 622U1, an electric snow blower with a 19-inch clearing width. Although a bit larger, this is less expensive than the Toro 1800 Power Curve with its price of $220. Snow Joe is really well-known for its inexpensive but highly effective products.
As for this model, it comes with a 13 amp electric motor that gives it just enough power to gather up to 11 inches of snow from 19-inch wide paths. This means you can move snow from a 2150 square feet area in just an hour. After picking up snow, it then throws the snow out at a rate of 800 lbs. per minute. This is also one of the few electric models to come with a scraper to make sure every layer of snow is removed from the pavement. It is also equipped with a chute deflector that controls the height of the discharged snow for safety and convenience purposes.
Electric vs. Gas Powered
Most 12 to 19 inch snowblower models are powered by an electric motor instead of a gas engine. This means you can’t avoid the hassle and limitations of a power cord. This is small compromise, however, for the convenience of an electric motor. Aside from being fairly durable with no need for maintenance, these light and compact snow blowers are hassle-free because they don’t need oil or gas to run.
