Is Your Snow Blower Ready for Winter?

Winter is a matter of weeks, or maybe months, away. That first blizzard will hit you like a train. You can’t stop it; it’s inevitable. That being said, you need to be prepared.

Your snow blower has probably been sitting untouched since last winter. Before the snow arrives, take a few minutes to make sure it is ready to work.

Before touching anything, turn the machine off, remove the key and let it cool. Disconnect the spark-plug wire on a gas model or remove the batteries from a cordless model.

Check the following:

1. Tighten any loose nuts, bolts and screws.
2. Inspect the tires or tracks.
3. Make sure the chute moves properly.
4. Look for damage around the auger and housing.
5. Check the scraper bar and skid shoes for wear.
6. Look underneath the machine for oil or fuel leaks.

Ariens recommends checking fasteners, tire pressure and engine-oil levels as part of regular maintenance.

For a gas snow blower, check the oil and inspect the spark plug, fuel lines and fuel tank. If old, untreated gasoline was left inside, follow the manufacturer’s directions for removing it before adding fresh fuel.

For a battery-powered snow blower, charge the batteries and inspect them for cracks, swelling or damaged terminals. Only use the manufacturer-approved charger.

For a corded electric model, inspect the power cord and use an outdoor-rated extension cord that meets the manufacturer’s requirements.

Always follow the maintenance schedule in your owner’s manual.

Check the belts, scraper bar, skid shoes and shear pins. Replace anything that is cracked, badly worn or damaged.

Keep the correct replacement shear pins nearby. Never substitute an ordinary bolt because shear pins are designed to break and help protect the machine if the auger hits something solid.

Do not wait until snow is already falling to discover that your machine will not start.

Move a gas snow blower outside before starting it. Let it run for several minutes, then test the drive, auger, chute controls, lights and heated grips if equipped. After shutting it down, check for leaks, damaged belts or unusual noises.

Perform the same basic function test with battery and corded models in a dry, open area.

Remove hoses, toys, rocks and other objects that could become buried under the snow. Place markers near curbs, landscaping and driveway edges so you can see them during a storm.

It also helps to keep spare shear pins, a cleanout tool, a sturdy shovel, ice melt and the correct oil or charged batteries within reach.

If the chute becomes clogged, shut the machine off, remove the key and wait for every moving part to stop. Disconnect the spark-plug wire or remove the batteries, then use the supplied cleanout tool.

Never put your hands inside the chute or auger housing. The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that most snow-blower injuries happen while people are attempting to clear these areas.

Inspecting and testing your snow blower now can save you a major headache later. If your current machine needs repairs, handle them before the forecast turns ugly.

If it is time for an upgrade, shop for snow blowers and winter equipment at Acme Tools and get ready before that first blizzard arrives.

Make sure to check out some of these great snow blowers too. The old blower from 2005 might not cut it anymore, and you don't want to get stuck panicking during a blizzard.