The Ego 56 volt self propelled snow blower doesn't meet my high standards

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Thump553

Thump553

Lifer
Jun 2, 2000
12,839
2,625
136
I love my electric chainsaw and would never go back gas again, but I can't imagine how an electric snow blower could be anything but a bad joke.
 
Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,988
13,940
126
www.anyf.ca
I'm thinking you have a faulty unit. Especially if it's pulling to the side, it almost sounds like some gearing is not engaging or something. I would contact support. I was looking into that unit myself actually and it does have good reviews. Toro also makes one that looks promissing. I don't NEED a new snowblower though so probably won't buy that any time soon.

If I find myself going to my property in winter once I have a cabin there then I will probably get one for there.
 
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Thump553

Thump553

Lifer
Jun 2, 2000
12,839
2,625
136
shortylickens said:
Forum member # 492 who did not watch the vids.
Click to expand...

I'm a youtube addict-if I didn't watch those videos I've already seen at least half dozen similar ones. Let me summarize the probable conclusions of a positive review: (1) electric snowblower costs substantially more, especially if you buy backup spare batteries, (2) at best an electric snowblower works almost as well as a gas powered one but is a lot quieter and (3) battery life is very short in any sort of appreciable snowfall.

I'm way past standard retirement age and live on a hill with a 200 foot hilly drive. I've lived all my life in northern climes and had one gas snowblower or another since the late 70s. My conclusions: (1) snowblowers aren't needed for 1 inch of powder, a broom or a shovel will do, (2) when it's wet, heavy snow, for each inch above above eight inches your chances of a power outage go up exponentially as does the time needed to clear a way out. This alone rules out electric snowblowers for all but the foolish or lazy.

I'm not saying gas powered snowblowers are the greatest-they still come with carburetors (an invention of the devil), take a whole lot of basic maintenance that most people can't or won't do, and are are noisy and stink. Modern gas powered snowblowers are amazingly well engineered but they also really cheap out on things like using sheet metal thickness.
 
M

mztykal

Diamond Member
Apr 21, 2000
6,713
48
91
That first would’ve sold me on it…looks like it charges through the snow…
 
shortylickens

shortylickens

No Lifer
Jul 15, 2003
80,287
17,082
136
sdifox said:
Shouldn't you get a replacement if it is defective? It's too plasticky to be sturdy.
Click to expand...
no the body is metal, and the auger & impeller, with plastic trim.
And I think the problem here is the motor isnt doing its job, which has nothing to do with the plastic trim of course.
Or the batteries were shit.
 
Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,988
13,940
126
www.anyf.ca
According to a reliable source (OP) the super high capacity batteries makes it work harder and longer. Was able to handle 2 inches of snow and 1 inch of slush and ran for good 30 minutes.

Actually good to know since I'm eyeing one of these or similar model for maybe next year. Trying to switch everything over to electric myself.
 
MtnMan

MtnMan

Diamond Member
Jul 27, 2004
9,442
8,853
136
Got an ACE flyer in the mail today. EGO as a riding lawn mower and states it will cut 2 acres on one charge.
 
Meghan54

Meghan54

Lifer
Oct 18, 2009
11,684
5,228
136
MtnMan said:
Got an ACE flyer in the mail today. EGO as a riding lawn mower and states it will cut 2 acres on one charge.
Click to expand...
Saw that, too…along with its $5500 price, and the $470 per battery price. Yeah…no.
 
JEDIYoda

JEDIYoda

Lifer
Jul 13, 2005
33,986
3,321
126
Where I come from, we use Dylithium batteries that hold their charge indefinitely!
 
NutBucket

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,165
640
126
Mini nuclear reactors....or Mr. Fusion. Then I'll dump gas ;)

I find carbs to be rather simple devices. If you're not going to use it for a while, turn off the gas and drain the bowl. That's it. No electronics, batteries, etc. It just works.
 
Red Squirrel

Red Squirrel

No Lifer
May 24, 2003
70,988
13,940
126
www.anyf.ca
The trick with batteries is to buy them with another tool. You get better value, assuming it's a tool you can use. I rarely buy power tool batteries on their own unless I see them on sale and take advantage of the opportunity. I have probably like 10 Ryobi 18v batteries now, and two Greenworks 80v batteries. I want to try to get maybe 2 more Greenworks ones then I think that is going to be more than enough.

I have the Greenworks chainsaw and the snow shovel (throws snow upwards to get it in the yard) so far. Have not used the chainsaw yet since I don't have a way to get to my bush property but looking forward to trying it. I used the shovel almost exclusively since I got it. Snowblower has been acting up and my garage is unheated which makes it suck to work inside. I plan to insulate it and turn it into a shop... eventually.

Greenworks also makes an earth auger that I am interested in getting, and also a power wheelbarrow. Electric stuff is awesome off grid, the power is free and basically unlimited. Zero emissions is only the icing on the cake. Now if they could make electric ATVs and stuff too, that would be awesome.
 
NutBucket

NutBucket

Lifer
Aug 30, 2000
27,165
640
126
The problem is it is scale. For your normal 18V batteries there are lots of opportunities to obtain batteries. For 40v+ there are just less since you're not purchasing as many tools.
A decent performing electric ATV I just don't see anytime soon since there just isn't room to "hide" a decent size battery. And forget it if you run out of juice on the trail. Then what? LOL
 
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