5 Pre-Season Tips for Snowblower Maintenance
Nebraska has already seen the first snowfall of the winter season. Luckily, it wasn’t much, and it disappeared pretty darn quickly. But this is Nebraska we’re talking about, and the big snowfall is not a “Will it happen?” but “WHEN will it happen?” If you have yet to prepare your snowblower, you’re running out of time. Unless you somehow found snow to blow somewhere between the months of March through October, your snowblower has more than likely been cooped in your garage or shed for months on end. There are plenty of maintenance issues that can result from a sedentary motor, causing the parts to fall out of sync and cause malfunction. Just like people must warm up before a slow pitch softball game to avoid injury, small engines need a quick tune-up before ridding your driveway of that cold, unwanted precipitation.
You should always start your engine before the first snowfall of the season, or in Nebraska’s case, the first significant snowfall of the season. Ensure all the main components of the snow discharge system are in sync and functioning how they were intended, and glance over the cables, springs, pulleys and bearings, and no engine of any size can operate without a belt. These are just a few tips to maintain your snowblower preparation for the upcoming winter work and avoid any preventable catastrophes.
Let’s dive further into each of these maintenance steps.
Always start your snowblower before the first snowfall
Due to fuel storage issues, it’s essential to start your snowblower before the first snow. Fuel that sits in a small engine for more than 30 days significantly reduces the chance of a proper start. This is why we recommend using a synthetic fuel when the unit is being stored or not used for more than 30 days. Just like checking over your lawn mower after a long winter, snowblowers are even more prevalent to fuel storage issues, as they are used less often than mowers and are usually stored for a longer period of time. If needed, consider draining the old fuel and replacing it with new to improve initial starting problems.
Make sure that the main components of the snow discharge system are all in sync
The chute is one of the most important pieces snowblower maintenance. It is made up of three parts—the paddles, the scraper, and the belt. It is essential that all three pieces be in good shape and functioning optimally. The entire unit will be out of sync if one or more of the pieces is not working correctly—specifically, during a heavy, wet snow, the unit will not be able to discharge the snow properly of out of the chute, leading to clogging and additional problems outside of the chute system.
If the paddles and scraper need to be replaced, it is a smart choice to go ahead and replace the belt while you’re at it. Belts can be tricky, as they can still look brand new when they’re completely worn out. Snowblower belts are relatively inexpensive, consider keeping a few extras in your storage to make quick repairs, rather than driving all the way to the repair shop on the fly.
Check the cables, springs, pulleys and bearings
This part of the unit rarely fails – but it is always wise to inspect it just in case. These components of the unit are vital to the overall performance of the machine. A bad pulley can chew up the belt and cause problems with the entire discharge system. In addition, cables can stretch and the surrounding rubber protecting them can corrode and fray. Most of them are adjustable, but sometimes need to be replaced depending on the situation.
In addition, go ahead and lubricate the drive, chassis and other parts that need it. Retighten nuts and bolts that shook loose from previous use. Also, make sure to change the engine oil after a long period of sedentariness.
Ensure the structural integrity of the unit
A good rule of thumb is to check over the structural integrity of your unit. Places to look would be the case, housing, wheels, and axle. Specifically, you will want to check the lower housing area as single stage snowblowers sit directly on the ground. Every time you hit a crack or ice, the unit jolts and can lead to lasting damages and needed repairs.
You should also check the handles for damage, cracks, bends, or even rust. A bent handle can cause the auger (the paddles that move the snow) to spin on its own without you even pulling the engagement handle. A proper handle adjustment is extremely important for the auger and belt system.
If there’s something you’re not sure about, you should contact a certified servicing dealer for your unit
It is always wise to take your unit to manufacturer specific certified technicians when you’re not entirely sure what the problem is.
If mechanical work is not something you do every day, it is very easy to miss a step along the way of pulling the unit apart and putting it back together. This can then lead to the components of the machine not working properly, requiring you to bring it into an expert anyways. This can end up costing you time and significantly more money in the long run.
Certified technicians are experts at fixing and diagnosing units quickly and efficiently—they do this day in and day out. They know the machines and equipment like the back of their hands.
Not everyone can be an expert in this field. That’s why there are professionals. Lucky for you, professionals at Ty’s Outdoor Power are located in Lincoln, Omaha and Gretna. You are a pro at what you do, and our mechanics are pros at what they do. Let us save you time and money while keeping your snowblower in optimal condition. We specialize in Honda and Toro snowblowers but are equipped to handle any brand you bring through our doors. If you purchase a snowblower from us during the month of November, we are offering FREE delivery, along with a full tank of gas and pre-assembling. Find out more here.
Avoid the maintenance hassles of your snowblower and expensive fixes that come with it. We have an online scheduling system coming soon, but in the mean time you can reach us by phone at any of our locations to schedule your snowblower maintenance appointment at Ty’s Outdoor Power.
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