Snowblowers are great machines for winter survival. But what is the point of owning a snow blower machine if you are not taking care of it well by learning how to lubricate a snowblower ? All outdoor machines and equipment need proper maintenance, and a snowblower is no exception. If you want the machine to last for long and continue to clear snow for a long time, you should ensure that they are well lubricated to avoid expensive trips to the repair shops. This article talks about how to grease a snowblower for longevity and efficiency.
When the winter season arrives, you want to ensure that the snowblower machine is ready to do the job. The most important maintenance tip is the lubrication and oil. You must get your oil and lubrication right. For instance, oil should have the correct viscosity to do a proper job. It is good that you spend at least an hour with your snowblower before you start the job.
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Why snowblower lubrication is important
Snowblower lubrication is a critical snowblower maintenance practice. Grease your snowblower at least once every season to prevent the machine from rusting. It also protects parts from seizures and keeps them moving smoothly. Bear in mind that single-stage snow blowers have very few areas that need to be lubricated because they do not have grease points.
Lat us now look at the stages involved on how to lubricate a snowblower.
As you lubricate your snowblower, there are a few crucial parts of the machines that you must lubricate at all times. They include the following:
The axles. It is easy for rust to form on the metallic surfaces of the snowblower. During winter, the environment is usually moist. So, it is easy for rust to develop on the axles of the snowblower. So make sure that you lubricate the axles at least once every season to keep the machine in optimal condition. If the wheel axles are allowed to rust, they may not be able to move well, making the movement of the snowblower difficult.
To grease the axle, you must first dismantle the wheels before applying a layer of lubricant/grease along the axle. If rust has already formed, use sandpaper to file the rust away. Wipe the rust particles with a greased cloth before applying the lubricant. Do not forget to apply the grease on the wheels as well. It will make it easier to use the machine and maintain its maneuverability.
The augers also need lubrication. The auger shafts have to be lubricated because augers are metals that sit on metals. The point is, any metal that is joining another metal through a joint must be greased. Ensure to grease the auger shafts.
The tractor also needs to be greased to keep the snowblower moving without any difficulty and last long. The tractor is the enclosure onto which the engine of the machine is mounted. Turn the machine onto the front side of the engine housing. Now, remove the cover of the engine and lubricate the inside with lubricant. Every snowblower comes with a user manual that details the exact steps one needs to follow to lubricate inside the machine. Follow the manual carefully.
Inspect the parts of the machine
Inspection of the parts is a critical snowblower maintenance step to take. Although this is not directly related to lubricating the machine, it is crucial to ensure that all the bolts, nuts, screws, cords, and belts are tight and in the right place. Nothing should be loose. Sometimes, these parts could be loose. Lack of proper lubrication can increase tension and accelerate wear and tear. So you must check all these parts during the lubrication process.
A single-stage snowblower has one belt (it explains why it is called single-stage), while a two-stage snowblower has two belts that serve the drive and the auger. Whether you have a single-stage, a two-stage, or a three-stage snowblower, the belts can be worn out or crack. If that is the case, you should replace them instead of lubricating them. If they are not worn out, they only need a little lubrication and tightening. Also, check the starter cord to ensure that it is in perfect condition. Replace it immediately should you notice any sign of wear.
Do proper oil change
One way to avoid trouble with your snowblower is to change the oil periodically. You must change oil at least every season or after every 50 hours of operation. Some people do it even more frequently, but there is nothing wrong with that. It is better to over-change oil than to ‘under change’. Lubricating your machine without periodically changing the oil is like taking care of the outside of your machine while neglecting the inside. Both are critical.
For proper oil change procedure, refer to the user manual that came with the snowblower before changing the oil. As a rule of thumb, never change the oil before the machine has used up the current fuel. Before you replace the oil, be sure to drain out the current oil. Dismantle the oil drain plug and let the oil run out. You may also place an oil container underneath to collect the used oil for other purposes. You can also dispose of it safely.
The type of oil you use on your snowblower also matters. The type of oil you use is going to be determined by the climate of your area as well as the type of snowblower you are using. It is critical to check your user manual to determine the best type of oil to use. For example, most manuals suggest using a 5W30 oil for cold temperatures. Whichever oil you use, make sure that it is of the highest quality to avoid destroying your engine. You must invest in premium quality oil if you want your machine to last long.
Conclusion
If you would like to have your snowblower machine perform at its peak for the longest time, you must ensure that the snowblower machine is always well greased and lubricated. The key to maintaining the quality and efficiency of any outdoor power machine is keeping it free from rust. Pay particular attention to its moving parts and joints. Yet, you must never forget to take care of the engine by ensuring that you use premium quality oil and change it often.
