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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