Technavio’s latest Global Snow Blower Market 2016-2020 report highlights the top four emerging trends that are expected to drive the market growth over the next five years. Technavio defines an emerging trend as something that has potential for significant impact on the market and contributes to its growth or decline.

Technavio agricultural equipment research analyst Tasneem Ali highlighted the top four emerging trends for the global snow blower market through 2020:

Battery-powered snow blowers

The release of battery-powered snow blowers has significantly contributed to the improvement in the global snow blower market because they are more powerful and useful than electric snow blowers.

Some of the popular models in the market are the Ariens AMP 24 Sno-Thro, Snow Joe iON18SB, and Ryobi RY40811. Powered by a 4hp brushless DC cordless electric motor, the new Ariens is energized by two 48-volt AGM valve regulated battery packs. This allows the equipment to match the utility and power of its gas-powered counterparts. In addition, it is not tethered to an electric outlet via any cord. It is also less noisy.

The AMP 24 Sno-Thro includes similar features as the Ariens Compact Sno-Thro and runs for 45-60 minutes on single charge depending on the snowfall. Charging the machine requires plugging it into a wall outlet. The Snow Joe model has a clearing path that is 18-inches wide and 8-inches deep. It uses two rubber blades to plow through up to 500 pounds of snow per minute. It also has features such as 3W LED light for night use and a 180º directional chute that can throw snow at a maximum distance of 20 feet.

Ryobi’s unit has a cleaning width of 20 inches and depth of 10 inches. A brushless motor is used to turn a 17-inch dual auger blade and throw snow up to 25 feet high using a 180º directional chute. It also has two 1.4W LED lights for night use. With many innovative and convenient features, the battery-powered models are gaining acceptance among consumers.

Hybrid technology

The increasing demand for new and unique equipment is leading vendors to continuously try and innovate their products and technologies. Through the advent of technology, manufacturers such as Honda have been able to formulate advanced snow blowers that provide better results; this also benefits the vendors by levying premium charges on the products.

“Honda is known for its hybrid gasoline-electric cars like the Civic Hybrid and CR-Z. However, the company’s recent hybrid model is designed to clear snow from the driveway and sidewalk,” said Tasneem. The first model was introduced in 2001 and has since expanded to five small and mid-sized hybrid snow blowers.”

In 2011, Honda’s power equipment division released the new HS1336i, a snow blower that combines a gasoline engine with two electric motors. The engine, while charging the battery, drives the machine’s clearing and throwing mechanism. The treads on which the snow blower moves are controlled by the electric model. The snow blower’s motors work on the principle of the hybrid vehicle. These motors act as generators to generate electricity when the machine is decelerating.

Increased assistance by vendors

Vendors have increased interactions with consumers to improve product knowledge. Providing manuals, product registration, warranty information, fuel recommendation, parts information, and product support videos are some of the major assistances provided by the vendors in the market.

Vendors provide snow blower support videos covering the following topics:

  • Setup includes instructions to unpack the snow thrower, set up the handlebars and chute, add gas and oil, and start and stop the engine
  • Operation includes instructions on proper and safe operation of the snow blower, including controls, auger inspection, chute operation, auger clutch lever, oil check, fuel addition, and starting and stopping the engine
  • Maintenance includes step by step directions on performing basic maintenance on the snow blower, including changing oil, altering the spark plug, providing short term storage, folding handle bars, and auger inspection

Use of Internet for product comparison

The Internet has allowed consumers to discover and conduct researches on outdoor equipment products, such as snow blowers and make subsequent purchases after comparing their features and efficiency online.

The number of consumers who frequently visit popular websites to read articles about the operations of products, safety, and related issues is on the rise. These consumers are likely to post queries before purchasing products. Manufacturers of snow blowers are expected to analyze this information to gain consumer insights and develop products to meet customer requirements.

Top vendors covered in this report:

  • American Honda Motor
  • Husqvarna
  • Sears Holdings
  • Snow Joe
  • Toro

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