Snowblower maintenance can be a little challenging for first-timers. However, from doing it routinely, your skills will improve, and maintenance will no longer be a hassle. Like any other working equipment, snow blowers demand regular maintenance.
This ensures it keeps operating well and removes snow from drive paths for years to come. Failure to maintain the snowblower may result in high-cost repairs, unworthy trips to the scrapyard, and waste of valuable time and money searching for a replacement.
Even more, snowblower maintenance isn’t merely straightforward. It varies based on its features and type of model. It also relies on its powering system, either electric, battery-powered, or gas-powered snowblower.
For instance, electric snow blowers need less care than gas-powered ones. The reason is that they do not have engines that need regular changing of oil or replacement of spark plug. Electric snow blowers need maintenance to check on the worn-out parts—areas like auger paddles, belts, and batteries worth relief.
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Snowblower Maintenance Tips
Here are tips to guide you through proper maintenance:
- Examine the Auger – Augers are rotating blades in the snowblower guard. A single-stage snow blower has rubber padded augers that scrap the ground and wears out—making the rubber paddles with wear indicator holes. The indicator for replacement is when the paddle wears to the indicator hole.
- A two-stage snowblower has saw-like steel drills to work through moderate, icy, and heavy snow. Even though the snowblower does not wear out, the blades can damage the paddle of rubber if they operate on rocky grounds. Thus they still need maintenance.
- Check the Slide Shoes – A two-stage snowblower has double slide shoes located at the auger. These protect and control auger paddles and scraper blades, enabling them not to come into contact with the surface. Tough skid shoes are steel-made like scraper blades.Strong contact by rough gliding over the surface can scrape paint from the shoes exposing them to rust and corrosion. You can turn over the Skid shoes to the opposite side of the snow blowers. But if both sides wear out, check out the best snowblower skid shoes in the market and do a replacement.
How to Gas Drain the Snowblower
Spring happens to be one of the best times to drain the snowblower. During this season, you are required to drain the necessary gas from your snow blower and store it safely. You also need to know the safest and accurate way to drain your snowblower. You will learn about the fastest and easy way to exhaust gas from a snowblower from the guideline below. Now put on the gloves, and let’s get to work.
Why Remove Gas in the Snowblower?
Emptying your gas is essential before you store the snowblower for next winter. It is not recommended to keep gas in the engine for an extended period without using it. By doing so, you hinder the chances of the snowblower failing you when you come to start it. The reason to empty gas from the machine is the same as when you store the snowblower with oil.
That is an exception to cars as they are not motionless for a long time. When you let the gas stay in the storage tank for a prolonged period, the gas will evaporate. And leave additives in the tank snowblower gas has ten percent ethanol. When it combines with water, they form a harmful material. This can damage the carburetor and some engine parts.
Ways that You Can Best Drain a Snowblower
Before getting down to it, get a container, a pump for siphoning, and snowblower instructions. Once you have everything on the list for the procedure, here are guidelines to follow:
- Go through the User Manual – Even though it is simple to siphon gas from a snowblower. It is necessary to look at the user’s instructions. The manual will help you know whether your model requires any precise maintenance. You are doing this after draining gas. And how long to run the gas out of the snowblower.
- Siphon Pump Assembly – Siphon tanks are simple and easy to use as most are hands that you can use with your hands with inlet and outlet tubes. Insert one end of the tube in the fuel tank and the other end in the container. It is best to use tall containers to avoid spilling.
- Pump Fuel – Once everything is set, start pumping out fuel. Air pressure performs the other work when the siphon pump begins sucking out fuel. Move the tube to rotate the tank ends to guarantee you remove all the fuel.
- Jerk the Engine – After sucking the oil, a little amount will remain in the snowblower. With the fuel cover/lid on, ignite the engine and allow it to run until it stops. The process will not take long since you have to siphon all the fuel.
Snow blower Prep for winter
The best time for snowblower preparation is during the winter season when snow is nearing. First snow should not hit when your machine is not ready. Take an hour of your time preparing and identifying any issue worth repair with the steps below.
- Examine tire pressure – Long-term storage can affect Snowblower tire air pressure in several ways. It is essential to inflate them well before use. This way, you ensure that you do not tamper with other parts and achieve the best adhesion in the winter season. Use a bicycle pump to inflate tire pressure for the snowblower and look at the user manual for guidelines.
- Check the belts – Check for tear and wear on the belts. If you notice any, take the time and replace them. Take a picture of the belts before doing a replacement to help you know where to place the belts.
Conclusion
Snowblowers perform many tasks during the winter season. And you have to make sure it gets regular maintenance. You can do this by looking out for worn-out parts and draining gas. This is essential, especially when you are storing it for several seasons. The last thing you need is snow getting in and your snowblower failing to turn on when the time for use comes. Hence, it is vital to keep it in quality condition by following the above maintenance steps.