A snow blower’s job is pretty simple: Clear carpets of snow from the driveway, sidewalk, walkways, and many other places. Running a snow blower may seem like a skill you can master in two minutes, but in reality, that’s not the case. Properly operating a snow blower requires great skill, proper knowledge, and correct judgements. So properly learning how to use the snow blower – sometimes called a snow thrower –will reduce the strain of the task even more.
Please consider this guide as a source of informational tips for overall snow blowing techniques. This guide will teach you how to use a snow blower efficiently and also involves tips for maintenance and safety.
Primary Snow Blowing Tips To Keep In Mind
The snow blowing tips summarized below will assist you to maintain and operate your snow blower for maximum efficiency and safety.
Organize Your Snow Blowing Plan
Always devise a plan beforehand going out for snow blowing. The procedure is identical to mowing a lawn; make a backward and forward pattern to remove the snow from the region easily. Always keep in mind that the spout of the snow blower is not facing/throwing snow towards people, homes, or vehicles. Think about where you want to throw the snow and decide whether the snow blower will expel to two sides or only one side of the region.
Also, avoid discharging snow onto the streets as this can be hazardous to the vehicles and especially motorcyclists. Plus, pay attention to where the wind is moving and then decide to expel the snow in a proper manner.
Buy Fresh Gas And Use Additive
Always fuel up with fresh gas for a fresh start. Leftover gas won’t cut it for snowblowing. Fresh gas has a more volatile blend, which means the snow blower will start easily without a crank. Modern gas has a short shelf life. The old gas is actually one of the major causes that small engines won’t start. Make gas last with a fuel stabilizer—but only put in the prescribed amount. Too much, and the stabilizer jams up the snowblower carburetor.
Type of Surface – Steep or Unpaved
Think of a track-driven, two stage snow blower, which passes smoothly over gravel, grass, or other uneven surfaces. These start at around 24-inch clearing widths. You won’t clear down to the surface, but what’s left will melt more easily. If you have a standard two-stage snow blower model, change the skid shoes to elevate the auger box’s scraper edge slightly off the ground. Otherwise, the scraper will constantly catch on the surface.
Get Out As Early as Possible
Suppose, the forecast predicts large storm totals, begin blowing before snowfall finishes. This will save gas and wear on your snow blower, since blowing small amounts is better. If you clear the driveway before the blizzard comes through, take time to blow snow along the road edge heading toward your driveway to reduce what the blizzard will deposit.
Buy a Boot Dryer
In regions with common heavy snowfalls, a boot dryer pays for itself in the first blizzard. Meaning, that you can head out, remove snow for Round 1, then come inside to warm up, dry your boots and gloves, and have toasty, dry gear to put on when you head out again for a Round 2. It’s also super useful for drying gloves and hats after friendly snowball fights!
Maintaining Snow Blower – Practice Good Maintenance
Consistent seasonal maintenance is crucial for preserving your snow blower in good condition for more snow storms to come. Here are some general guidelines for snow blower maintenance to keep your snow blower set for action.
Replace the Spark Plug With New One
Detach the plug from the lead, and remove it with the use of a wrench. If there’s damage or deposits, exchange it with a new one. If not, fit it back in – secure but not too close and tight.
Properly Examine the Belts
Inspect the belts. Wear and tear? Cracks? If so, replace them with new ones. Never misjudge the role of belts as they are very important. Also, snap a photo of the belts before you take them off so you do not forget and you will know exactly where the new ones will go.
Review the Shave Plate
Shave plates are very significant, they scrape the snow off your driveway. If it’s worn on a single-stage snow blower, then reverse it. For a two-stage snow blower, exchange it with a new one.
Check Out if Shear Pins Are Damaged
The shear pins attach the auger to the gear case. Did you know they’re meant to break? It’s a safety attribute – they’ll break if the auger and gear case are overloaded. It’s best to replace them.
Hopefully, you found this guide helpful and hopefully it gave you some basic ideas regarding snow blower tips and maintenance. At last, always remember to be safe when working with tools, and always protect yourself and others.
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