As the winter season
and snowfall comes to an end, you probably will put your
snow blower away until next season. However, there are
a few steps that you should take this spring to assure
that your snow blower will start and function correctly
come next winter.
Yearly maintenance
on a snow blower is just as important as any other piece
of equipment you own. Maintenance on a snow blower is typically
done in the spring before it is put away for the season.
That way, your snow blower will be ready when the first
snow falls next year. By preparing your snow blower in
the spring, you save yourself from being out next winter
in the middle of a snowstorm with a snow blower that won't
start or one that needs maintenance done right when you
were counting on it to remove the 6 inches of fresh snow
that just fell.
Spring is the ideal
time to service your snow blower. If you need parts of
maintenance done by professionals, they will likely not
be busy or overwhelmed with work like they will be when
everyone else takes their snow blowers in for maintenance
or tune ups in the late fall or early winter. Getting this
out of the way now will save you hassle next winter.
There are only a few
maintenance steps that your snow blower requires every
year to keep it in good working order. These steps are
easy for the do it yourselfer and will save you money over
having a professional do the work for you.
First, you will want to inspect
your snow blower fan any damage. Look it over top to
bottom and see if anything appears broken or bent. If
everything checks out ok then you can turn to the next
step.
Next, look at the auger. If it is
the type that has rubber bolted on to it, inspect the
rubber for wear and for tears. Your owner's manual will
provide details about what to look for in terms of wear
on the rubber. If it needs replacement, head to a supply
shop and purchase the replacement pieces. Replacing is
as easy as unbolting the existing rubber piece and bolting
the new rubber piece on.
Next, remove and replace the spark
plug. Take the old plug with your to your local automotive
or supply store and ask for an identical replacement
plug. With the new plug in hand, screw it back in and
tighten it down. Replace the spark plug wire and move
on to the next step.
Removing the old gas from your snow
blower is a critical step. Ideally, you want to store
the snow blower with no gas in the system. Gasoline will
collect moisture over time and come next year, the bad
moisture filled gas may prevent the snow blower from
starting. To drain the gas you will need a container
to put the old gas in and possibly the help of a friend.
Unscrew the gas cap, position the container in the right
position, and tip the snow blower slightly to begin draining
the gas. A friend can help you lift the snow blower to
remove all of the gas. Dispose of the gasoline correctly,
or reuse it in another suitable device such as a 2 stroke
weed whacker or a chainsaw.
Now that the snow blower is drained,
I suggest adding a couple drops of 2 stroke oil into
the gasoline tank. The oil will help to keep the piston
and engine lubricated until further use. Add the oil
and pull the starter cord a few times to circulate the
oil.
The maintenance on your snow blower
is now complete. You may now put it away and rest easy
knowing that it will start next winter when that first
snow storm comes in.
Yearly maintenance is critical for
most equipment. Maintenance assures you that each piece
of equipment will work to their potential and will be
reliable for years to come.
