8 Snow Blower Maintenance Tips
These essential maintenance tips will ensure your snow blower is ready to tackle the snow. From changing the spark plug to checking the belts and inspecting the paddles, follow these steps recommended by Amanda Campana, Craftsman product manager for Sears, to keep your snow blower running smoothly when the next snowstorm hits.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Inspect belts for wear and tear, cracks, and replace if needed, remembering to take a photo before removing them so you'll know where they go.
- Check auger paddles, shave plate, skid shoes, and shear pins for wear and damage, replacing or reversing them as necessary for optimal snow blower performance.
- Change the spark plug by disconnecting it, checking for damage or deposits, and replacing if necessary.
Is your snow blower ready for winter?
Be ready before the next snow storm hits by performing some routine maintenance on your snow blower now. Follow the expert tips in this checklist of what to do before the first snowstorm.
(Text Version of Infographic)
Maintain Your Snow blower – 8 Things to Do Before the Snow Flies
1. Change the Spark Plug
Disconnect the plug from the lead, and remove it with a wrench. If there’s damage or deposits, replace it. If not, pop it back in – secure but not too tight.
2. Inspect the Belts
Did you find excessive wear and tear? Cracks? If so, replace them.
Tip: Snap a photo of the belts before you take them off so you’ll know exactly where they go.
3. Give the Paddles Their Due
The auger paddles are the hardest working parts on your snow blower, so check them often for wear and tear. If they don’t hit the ground anymore, replace them.
Tip: Order replacement parts from searspartsdirect.com, or play it safe and call the pros at Sears Home Services.
4. Check the Shave Plate
This scrapes the snow off your driveway. If it’s worn on a single-stage snow blower, reverse it. For a two-stage snow blower, replace it.
5. Flip the Skid Shoes
These are the adjustable pieces on a two-stage snow blower that let you set the height of your auger. Most are reversible. If yours look worn, flip the over and use the other side, making a note to replace them next year.
6. See if Any Shear Pins are Damaged
Shear pins connect the auger to the gear case. Did you know they’re meant to break? It’s a safety feature – they’ll break if the auger and gear case are overloaded.
Tip: Keep several extras in the garage. You don’t want to have them break with no replacements on hand.
7. Change the Oil
Let the blower warm up to make the oil flow easier. Then turn it off, pull the drain plug and drain the oil into a container. Pop the plug back in and fill the machine up with oil.
8. Use Fresh Gas with Stabilizer
Fill ‘er up with fresh gas (you did remember to empty it last season, right?) and make sure to include fuel stabilizer. It’ll keep the gas fresh longer and help prevent clogs.
Remember to be safe when working with tools, and always protect yourself. If in doubt, call the pros at Sears Home Services.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A snowblower auger is the spiral-shaped blade mechanism at the front of a snowblower that cuts through snow, breaking it up and directing it towards the chute for expulsion, playing a crucial role in the snow clearing process.
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