The first snowfall of the year is always highly anticipated. To keep that anticipation from turning into frustration, now is the perfect time to ensure your snow blowers are ready to tackle the season’s demands.
As we all know, heavy snowfall wreaks havoc on schedules. Snow-filled driveways, parking lots and sidewalks can slow commutes and make it nearly impossible to get anything done. In these instances, preparation is key. Routine preseason maintenance can help you avoid unexpected breakdowns and ensure your snow blower is up to the task.
While you’re tuning up your machines, take the time to reach out to your customers and remind them to schedule services before your calendar starts to fill up. By getting a head start, you’ll be ready when winter arrives. Take these steps to keep your machines in top condition.
1. Check your fuel source.
Gasoline gets “stale” over time and doesn’t ignite as easily as fresh fuel. It can also leave harmful deposits that gum up the fuel system.
Fill your snow blower with fuel that is less than 30 days old, and only purchase what you expect to use within 30 days. That’s not always easy to estimate, so adding a fuel stabilizer on the day you buy the gasoline can help the fuel stay fresh for longer.
2. Change your engine oil.
If you didn’t change the oil and filters last spring, now is the time. Oil in a small engine does not break down very fast, but it does become contaminated. Moisture from the air and exhaust can quickly build up in the oil. This contamination can increase wear and damage to internal parts over time.
Check the recommended oil change schedule in your owner’s manual to help prevent expensive repairs.
3. Check the spark plug.
A new spark plug will better ignite the fuel-air mixture within the engine for a smooth startup. If you’re unsure of the spark plug’s condition, it’s best to replace it. When putting in a new spark plug, make sure the wire securely attaches to the spark plug.
4. Inspect and tighten parts.
Give your mower a quick scan. Are there any loose screws, bolts or locknuts? If so, tighten them up. If you have a single-stage unit, take a look at the rotor blades for wear. When a rotor blade edge starts to wear down to the indicator hole, it’s time to replace both rotor blades and the scraper.
If you have a two-stage unit, inspect the skids and the scraper to ensure that the auger does not contact the paved or gravel surface. Adjust the skids and the scraper as needed to compensate for wear. Check the auger-gearbox oil and add oil if necessary.
What about drive belts and auger belts? If you see any fraying, cracking or signs of stretching, it’s time to replace it. As an extra precaution, it’s recommended to keep an extra belt on hand in case your current belt breaks while on the job.
Electric models
Both gas and electric snow blowers have their advantages, and one isn’t inherently better than the other—it all depends on your preference. Battery power technology has evolved to deliver the same performance and power as gas models, so talk to your local dealer to determine which is right for you.
One advantage of electric models is that they’re relatively low maintenance, but there is one important item to note. It may seem like a no-brainer, but if your snow blower is battery-powered, always check to make sure the batteries are fully charged.
End of the season.
Once warmer days start filling up the forecast, it’s time to prep your snow blower for storage. Servicing your snow blower in the spring can help its performance and durability come winter.
Many of the steps you take in the spring mirror the steps you take before winter.
- First, you’ll want to drain the fuel from the system. You can also change the oil before storage to help save you some time next winter.
- Give the machine a quick inspection and tighten any loose cables, nuts or fasteners. Check again for worn parts, like rotor blades.
- Finally, the appearance of your snow blower should match the performance. If you see any chipped surfaces, sand them down and touch them up with the appropriate paint so they don’t expand during the humid summer months.
- When storing the machine, make sure it’s in a dry place and away from heat sources like furnaces or water heaters. Generally speaking, avoid storing snow blowers in houses or basements.
Just like you regularly service your car, performing annual maintenance on your snow blower is vital to the machine’s performance, longevity and your bottom line. If you have questions, need help or just don’t have the time to work on your snow blower, call or visit your local dealer for assistance.
