Shipments of Walk-Behind Snow Thrower Units Down: OPEI

A lack of snowfall in the early winter months is blamed for a nearly 39 percent decrease in snow thrower shipments for model year 2007, The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute says.

An assessment conducted by the Virginia-based organization shows that just over 548,000 snow thrower units were shipped. This amount is a contraction of 38.8 percent from the previous year (model year 2006) and falls just below the industry level that was estimated for model year 2003. This estimate accounts for all walk-behind gas powered single-stage and two-stage snow throwers, as well as walk-behind electric snow throwers. Lack of snowfall in the early winter months played a major factor in the contraction of snow thrower shipments.

OPEI conducts a monthly shipments program that represents nearly 100 percent of the gas and electric walk-behind snow thrower market. This program is available only to OPEI members. A consensus estimate is made for all original equipment manufacturers that do not participate in the shipments program. This estimate is based on OPEI member shipment report data and OPEI members’ knowledge of the industry. Historically, snow throwers have been tracked on a different model year (March through February) than other outdoor power equipment.