Snow Blowers

What's the matter with you guys? Can't your engineers design a snow blower that is easy and virtually effortless to operate? I recently purchased a 30" Husqvarna snow blower and found it extremely difficult to handle for an arthritic 70 year old. In spite of all the accessories, the machine is too noisy, too heavy, and too hard to control. The handle controls are difficult to engage while trying to operate the turning handles. Unless you are a young, physically fit and fairly strong individual with extra large hands, you are out of luck!! Trying to turn that machine at the end of a pass requires herculean efforts. Might as well put it in reverse and back up the whole way!!!!!

Here's my simple solution and advise to your engineering and design people: I'm not professing to be an Einstein or an engineering marvel, but did you guys ever hear of hydraulics? They have been around since the 19th century. Here's the answer: cut out at least 1/3 to 1/2 the weight of a 30" machine by substituting the steel with carbon fiber or another light weight material. Use ball bearings to replace bronze bushings. Double the speed of the 2nd stage impeller to throw even the wettest snow out of harm's way. Install a mini-hydraulic pump unit run directly off the engine to power all the necessary equipment including the up and down chute and rotation thereof. Dispense with all V-belts. Replace the handgrip handle controls with easy to use hydraulic control valves at your fingertips. Install small control valves under the handle grips to control auger and drive wheels. So easy to engage that a baby could use. Run all hydraulic cables through the handles or under brackets for safety. In other words, conceal them. Utilize Honda 2 cylinder engines which are both reliable and quiet. Improve upon the muffler system to achieve the lowest possible sound emissions. Install 12 volt DC starters with enclosed 12 volt batteries. What happens now when your machine stalls out at the end of a 300' driveway? Do you run back and get more electrical cord? Forget it. Pull the cord and get a hernia...

So there you have it and it didn't cost you a thing!! A revolutionary new snow blower, which might cost a bit more, but will be much lighter, quieter, high-tech, and most importantly, much more user friendly and a joy to use so that my wife can do the driveway while I stay inside sipping a hot chocolate!!!!

If you would like to hear more about my engineering skills, you may contact me at: harvardmfginc@comcast.net.

Have a nice day.
Best regards,
Chuck