Snow Blower Storage

!±8± Snow Blower Storage

For most of us, when spring arrives, snow blower storage is the last thing we want to think about. We don't really want to remember that, where the grass is now starting to turn green, there were several feet of snow just a few short weeks ago.

Unfortunately, the snow will return all too soon and how we handle our snow blower storage now can have a big impact on how ready we will be for the coming snow season.

Here is what I recommend as the minimum for storing a snow blower through the summer season:

Clean the exterior of your unit well. If you have used your blower around melting-salt, you should power wash it. It is also a good idea to spray all the exposed metal parts with good rust preventive oil. If you have a larger machine and use tire chains, you should take them off, check for any damaged or worn links, and spray them well with rust preventive. They should be hung until you prepare for next snow season. Check your tires for any damage, such as: cracking, checking and nicks, and make sure they are properly inflated before storing. Check all cables and cable ends. Replace any that are broken or kinked now instead of waiting until the next season starts. Replace any cracked or frayed belts now--don't wait until next fall and then not be able to find the one you need. If you have to store your machine in a dusty area, like an outdoor garden shed, it would be a good idea to cover it well.

Two-cycle Engines

Remove the spark plug and rotate the piston to bottom dead center (BDC). Then "fog" the interior of the cylinder with two-cycle fogging oil (available from any place that sells two-cycle engine equipment). You may want to manually rotate the piston up and down a few times, leaving it in the BDC position, and then give it another shot of the fogging oil. Replace the plug and it's ready for next season. Completely empty the fuel tank and fuel lines, and spray a little fogging oil into the fuel tank. If you can drain the carburetor bowl on your engine, this should also be done.

Four-cycle Engines

Run the engine to warm it up, then drain the oil and refill with fresh oil. You should also run the engine a few minutes with the fresh oil circulating. Fill the fuel tank, and add a gasoline stabilizer. This can be purchased at any auto parts store. Then run the engine until the stabilized fuel is distributed throughout the lines and carburetor. For extended storage of your four-cycle engine, follow the procedures outlined in "Two-cycle Engines."

Electric Snow Blowers

Be sure to carefully check all electrical connections and switches for your electric snow blower. Don't wait until the next snow season to do this, because it is too easy to forget and things always seem to fail when you need them the most. Your power extension cord should also be carefully inspected for cuts or nicks, or worn connectors. It is also a good idea to keep your snow blower extension cord separate from your other extension cords, and hung up out of the way to protect them from any accidental damage.

These are only the minimum things you should do for snow blower storage. It is always a good idea to review your owner's manual for any special things you need to do before storing your particular model until the next season.

Snow Blower Storage

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A Review of Popular Snow Blower Products

!±8± A Review of Popular Snow Blower Products

No job is too small or too big for a snow blower. From the humblest light powdering to the heaviest blizzards, there's a machine designed to clear the way. Here is a look at several brands of snow blowers and what you should know before making that first purchase.

Toro Snow Blowers

Toro's 12 single-stage, dual-stage, and electric snow blowers offer a 5-year warranty on their exclusive 2-cycle R*Tech Engine. Most warranties only last 2 years. Other goodies Toro offers: A special trigger for releasing power to the wheels for tight turning action; an omni-directional joystick for mechanically aiming the discharge chute; and a heavy-duty gear case, eliminating the need for shear pins.

Honda Snow Blowers

Honda's line of ten snow blowers feature logical control layouts and "infinitely variable" drive speeds, allowing you to choose your exact speed in forward and reverse without stopping. Most other snow blowers have 6 forward speeds and 2 reverse speeds. Honda snow blowers all use Honda engines, which focus on fuel economy.

Ariens Snow Blowers

Ariens offers 14 high-quality single- and dual-stage gas snow blowers, plus the unique Power Brush, which is perfect for clearing away light snow and leaves. All Ariens snow blowers have tires that don't require chains, preventing wear and tear on your driveway. Ariens warranties last 3 years.

MTD Snow Blowers

MTD is a family of outdoor equipment brands, including Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, Yard Machines, and Yard Man. Yard Machines boasts 14 different gas and electric snow blowers to fit your needs. Troy-Bilt and Yard Man sport the biggest, most powerful machines for the heaviest jobs. White Outdoor offers the most affordable models, ranging from 0 for their single-stage unit to ,100 for their largest dual-stage thrower.

John Deere Snow Blowers

John Deere contracts Frontier Equipment for their snow blowers. All Frontier Equipment single-stage snow blowers, as well as their smallest dual-stage units, use standard Tecumseh Snow King engines. Their 9 to 13 horsepower units use Briggs and Stratton Intek Snow engines, which are designed for performance in sub-zero temperatures, quick starts, and quiet running. All Frontier Equipment dual-stage snow blowers are optimized for constant carburetor and engine temperatures, with an optional engine block heater.

Murray Snow Blowers

Snapper makes Murray's snow blowers. They come in all sizes and stages. They only offer 5 forward speeds rather than the standard 6, but their exclusive "Creeper Speed" makes up for it by getting you steadily through some of the tougher portions of the job.

Craftsman Snow Blowers

Craftsman has an exclusive agreement with Sears whereby Sears both sells and services Craftsman snow blowers. This is desirable because Sears's technicians where you bought your machine know the machine inside and out. Craftsman snow blowers use Briggs & Stratton for their smaller engines and Tecumseh for their larger engines. Newer Craftsman snow blowers are made by AYP or Murray.

Simplicity Snow Blowers

By design, Simplicity snow blowers are anything but. Their 11 models boast such extras as a special handle for releasing power to the right wheel, allowing for turning on a dime; a snow depth and density sensor that automatically adjusts power to the auger and impeller; and a Briggs & Stratton Intek Snow engine, which is built for subzero temperatures, quick starts, and quiet running.

A Review of Popular Snow Blower Products

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Yard Machines 31A-2M1A700 21-Inch 123cc OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Single Stage Snow Thrower

!±8±Yard Machines 31A-2M1A700 21-Inch 123cc OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Single Stage Snow Thrower

Brand : Yard Machines
Rate :
Price : $349.99
Post Date : Dec 07, 2011 10:37:30
Usually ships in 3-4 business days

Makes quick work of whatever Old Man Winter has in store. Great for clearing driveway, sidewalk and paths. U.S.A. Engine Displacement (cc): 123, Stage: 1, Start Type: Recoil, Clearing Width (in.): 21, Tire Size (in.): 7 x 1 1/2

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Tips For Maintaining Your Snowblower

!±8± Tips For Maintaining Your Snowblower

If you don't want to be standing out in the cold arguing with a snowblower that doesn't want to run, then do the annual maintenance before the snow starts flying. Regular maintenance will give you years of hassle free use, and less attitude from your blower. Don't forget the safety aspect, because without proper maintenance your snowblower could become a hazard.

Each fall before winter arrives, you should check all bolts, belts, and moving parts, to ensure they are not frayed, loose, or worn. Belts are best checked by removing and checking for cracks. Replace any worn parts, and tighten any loose bolts.

Turn your snowblower on its side and check the scraper bar. This is the bar that rubs against the ground and scrapes the snow off. This item wears, so check to see if it need replacement. If you neglect to replace the bar when it is worn, it will lead to damage on the snowblower's housing, and that's will hurt your pocket book. In fact, if your snowblower gets a lot of use through out the season, check it regularly.

Check the rubber paddles and the rubber on the auger. If your finger fits between the rubber and the housing it's time to replace the rubber. A new rubber will help your snowblower operate at its optimum performance levels.

Check tires for wear and proper inflation. Adjust as needed. If you have tire chains for your snowblower, have them handy or put them on in advance. There's nothing worse than searching in the freezing cold, while trying to remember where you put the chains.

There are only two types of snow blower engines: The two cylinder engine which uses mixed gas and oil. You'll just need to replace the spark plug on this style of engine.

If you have a four cylinder engine which uses straight gas, with the oil in the crank case just like your vehicle, you'll need to change the oil, spark plug, and filter. You should also check the oil each time before you start it. Most four cylinders use 5W30 oil, and hold approx 20 ounces. Refer to your owner's manual for the correct oil weight, and replacement part numbers.

Lube the drive and chassis. If you have two stage blower, make sure you check the lube in the gear box. Check with your owners manual whether you have a one stage or two stage. It will also tell you the type of lubricant to use.

If there was fuel left from the previous year, you'll need to siphon it off, and fill the gas tank with fresh gasoline. It doesn't hurt to add some methanol in with the fuel, once or twice a season, to avoid condensation from building up in the tank, or the carburetor icing up.

Tips For Maintaining Your Snowblower

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Powerland PDST24 24-Inch 196cc 6.5 HP OHV Gas Powered Two Stage Self Propelled Snow Thrower With Electric Start (CARB Compliant)

!±8± Powerland PDST24 24-Inch 196cc 6.5 HP OHV Gas Powered Two Stage Self Propelled Snow Thrower With Electric Start (CARB Compliant)

Brand : Powerland | Rate : | Price : $599.00
Post Date : Nov 28, 2011 20:51:07 | Usually ships in 24 hours

Powerland PDST24 24-Inch 196cc 6.5 HP OHV Gas Powered Two Stage Self Propelled Snow Thrower With Electric Start (CARB Compliant)

Powerland powerful gas powered snow blower with a 24 inch clearing width to get the job done fast and a 2 stage throwing mechanism to throw snow 20 feet.

More Specification..!!

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Yard Machines 31AS62EE700 24-Inch 179cc OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Two Stage Snow Thrower With Electric Start

!±8±Yard Machines 31AS62EE700 24-Inch 179cc OHV 4-Cycle Gas Powered Two Stage Snow Thrower With Electric Start

Brand : Yard Machines
Rate :
Price : $749.00
Post Date : Nov 17, 2011 13:36:15
Usually ships in 24 hours

Features a 179cc, OHV 4-cycle, Yard Machines Engine. 24-inch Clearing Width with Auger Drive. 12-inch Impeller Diameter and Serrated Auger Type. 13-inch by 4-inch Snowhog Wheel Size. 6 Forward / 2 Reverse Speed Control. 2-quart Fuel Capacity with Oil Included in the Carton. Loop-Folding Handle for Ease in Storage.

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Snow Blowers: 8 Steps to Keep Yours Running Smoothly

!±8± Snow Blowers: 8 Steps to Keep Yours Running Smoothly

Your snowblower is perhaps your most valubale piece of mechanized machinery that you own (besides your car of course!) - so it requires regular servicing to ensure that it will perform just when you need it. If you look after your snow blower correctly you will enjoy several winters of excellent response and performance from your blower. Well worth that additional investment if you do not want to be left stranded. Here are some basic and practical ways that you can help prolong the life of your snowblower.

1. Tires. You need to ensure that your tires have aqequate thread and that they have enough pressure. If you have chains then you need to ensure that they are in good conditions and stored somewhere convenient.

2. Two Cylinder Engine. If you have a two cylinder/two stroke engine that uses a mix of gas and oil then you will need to periodialcally replace the spark plug.

3. 4 cylinder engine. You snowblower engine will need to be maintained and serviced just like any other engine. For four cyliner engines with separate oil and gas, you will need to change the oil, filter, and spark plug. Oil levels should ideally be checked every time you use your snow blower. A four cylinder engine will typically use 5W30 oil and take around 20 ounces. It is best to keep a stock decent supply of oil.

4. Rubber Paddles.You need to regularly check the rubber paddles and the rubber on the auger. The space between the augur and the housing should be less than the width of your finger. If more, then you should replace the rubber to allow your snowblower to run more efficiently.

5. Scrapebar. Check out the condition of the scraperbar. To do this you need to turn your snowblower on it's side. The scraper bar does the work of moving the snow and so is likely to wear quickly and will often need replacing. It is imperative that you replace the bar before if gets too worn. If the bar is worn you can damage the housing on your blower and you will end up with far bigger problems and expense. Depending on how often you use your snowblower, I would recommend regualr checks.

6. Drive and Chassis. It is important that you lube the drive and chassis. If you have a 2 stage snowblower you will need to Your owners manual will confirm which type of snowthrower you have and tell you which type of lubricant to use.

7. Belts and Bolts. Check all the belts, bolts and moving parts. Over the Summer bolts can become worn or loose. Belts can become frayed or cracked. Belts may also need to be tightened. Check out your owners manual on how to do this and always adhere to the safety guidelines.

8. Fuel. It is best practice to ensure that there is no fuel left in the tank from the previos year. It is recommended to siphon off the old gaseoline and fill up with a fresh tank. To prevent the carburetor from freezing it is also recommended to add some methanol to your gaseoline once every few months.

Snow Blowers: 8 Steps to Keep Yours Running Smoothly

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Summerizing Your Snow Blower

!±8± Summerizing Your Snow Blower

It's time to put your snow blower away for the season. Chances are you've already stuck it in the corner of your garage or shed and happily forgotten about it but, trust me, drag it outside and take a little time to prep it for proper storage.

Besides, it's a lot easier to work on it in the natural sunlight of your driveway or back yard than in the thick of a major Winter snow storm. It won't take long at all if you have been taking good care of it. First of all, buy yourself a spark plug, some Winter weight oil such as 5W 20 or 5W30, the same year round oil that most cars use these days. Also, buy some fuel preservative such as Sta-Bi, Store Safe or any other comparable brand.

First off, change the spark plug even though it looks good. It's worth the few bucks for the added benefit of a hot spark on a cold day. It wouldn't hurt to snug down the head bolts in case any of them have become loose. If you don't have a torque wrench, just snug them down while choking up on the wrench handle so as not to over-due it. Use a criss-cross pattern for even distribution.

Chances are the bolts won't even move but it's worth the extra 2 minutes. Top off the gas tank with fresh fuel, leaving enough room for the gas preservative recommendations and start the snow blower up and let it run for 10 minutes or so in order for the preservative to make it's way into the carburetor and it's small orifices and cavities where un-attended fuel turns to varnish and creates a no-start situation come the first snow fall.

Note: There is another school of thought that says to drain the fuel tank and run the carburetor completely out of fuel for storage. In my opinion, flip a coin and do whichever you want. They both prevent the problem of stale fuel plugging up your carburetor.

Next, take advantage of the warm engine to drain the hot engine oil while the nasty sediments are properly suspended and drain out with the old oil instead of staying behind in the bottom of the oil pan. Dispose of the oil properly at your local auto repair shop.

If you're up to it, replace any worn or stretched drive belts and rubber faced drive disc if your snow blower has one. Otherwise, save that for your local servicing dealer. Lubricate all external pivot points on the levers, cables, linkage, etc. with some WD-40, white lithium grease or an appropriate substitute. All those small pivot holes dry out and become elongated over time if they are never lubricated.

That's it. Enjoy your summer!

Summerizing Your Snow Blower

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