Imagine waking up to your lawn filled with snow. Thinking about all the effort you would have to make to clear the snow, you take a deep breath and take out the snow blower covered in dust. However, now you realize that the snow blower is not working. Isn’t it stressful? So here is a complete guide on how to start a snowblower that has been sitting and save yourself from the frustration.
To start a snow blower that has been sitting you need to do a quick maintenance check. Turn off the choke if the machine was stored in a cool place. Then turn on the ignition and slowly turn on the choke until the engine starts working properly. Put the throttle on the highest level so that old fuel is burnt.
How do snow blowers work?
Snow blowers are the rescuers when the shovels do not help with clearing a path filled with snow. Snow blowers use an auger ( cork-screw shaped component of snowblower) that pushes the snow into a discharge chute which throws the snow out of the way. They are more efficient, less time taking, and more reliable. They have a powerful engine that helps the user to lift the snow and blow it on sideways.
How many types of Snowblowers are there?
Usually, two types of snowblowers are available in the market: single-stage and two-stage. Single-stage model has a single auger that sucks the snow and discharges it through the chute. Single-stage models are not suitable for areas with heavy snowfall as they can not clear the snowfall that is more than 8 inches.
Two-stage models are different from single-stage ones as they have a main auger whose only purpose is to suck the snow. An additional auger often called an “impeller” is installed in this snowblower that crushes and discharges the snow out of the chute. This type of snowblower is more efficient and powerful as it can clear snow up to 35 inches. They are also effective in rigid places like rocks and gravel sideways as the auger is not in direct contact with the surface.
Gasoline snow blowers are available in single-stage and two-stage models. However, electric snow blowers are only available in the single-stage model. Gasoline snowblowers are preferred by people as they are easy to carry.
What damages a snowblower?
There are some common mistakes that damage a snow thrower and you must keep an eye out for it.
Presence of fuel in warmer season
If the fuel is not completely taken out of the snow thrower before putting it away during the warmer months, it can do more damage to it than you can imagine. The gas might thicken which would clog the carburetor. It also causes a bad fuel smell when a snowblower is used after a long time. To prevent that it is suggested to use the siphon to empty the fuel or add some fuel stabilizer. Another option is to leave it running until the gas burns out.
Not Keeping Up with the Maintenance
Keeping your snowblower maintained keeps it from greater damages and extends its life.
- It is suggested to always check the fuel level before using the snowblower.
- The spark plug should be replaced once a year.
- Clean the carburetor using a carburetor cleaner. It improves the functioning of the snow thrower. Find how to clean the carburetor:
- Tighten the loose screws and bolts. Especially check the screws that are more likely to loosen.
- Keep an eye on the condition of the paddles and replace the worn paddles after 4-5 years.
Lower blade level
If the blade is kept very low it might scrape on the rock or cement which would damage it. It is better to keep the blade at a moderate level.
How to start a sitting snowblower?
Seasonal tools like snowblower are difficult to operate if they had been sitting for a while. To save yourself from the last moment panic, it is better to take out the snowblower before the snowfall season starts and give it a try. The step-wise guide is as follows:
Step 1: Put it in a safe area
Before doing a test drive, it’s better to take the snowblower in a clean and open place. It would make it easier for you to examine the snowblower and would also keep you safe from possible injuries.
Step 2: Perform a Maintenance Check
People who use a snowblower which has not been in use for a while without doing a maintenance check often end up doing more damage to the device. After taking the device in a clean area, do a quick maintenance check. Look for any loose bolts or screws and any debris within or outside the machine. The spark plug should also be examined using a tester. Snowblower’s oil level should be checked and fresh fuel should be added. Check the tire pressure as well.
Step 3: Check the temperature of the Snowblower
Before turning on the snowblower, check if it was stored in a cool environment or warm. If it was stored in a warm garage or store etc, it can be used right away. However, if it was stored in a cold place you need to turn off the choke. Turning the choke off would decrease the air supply into the carburetor which would result in a higher concentration and less tainted mixture of fuel. For that, you have to set the choke to “full” or “close” depending on the model.
This step can be skipped for snowblowers that were used recently. A step-wise guide with pictures can be helpful.
Step 4: Turn on the ignition
After checking the temperature, turn on the ignition. Now prime the engine by pressing the primer bulb or silicone bulb that would be located somewhere near the carburetor. Three to five presses would be required for a snowblower that has been sitting. If you have closed the choke, open it slowly until the engine starts working smoothly.
Step 5: Adjust the throttle
To ensure the best performance of the snowblower you need to get rid of any dirty old fuel already present in the machine. For this, you would have to adjust the throttle and put it at its highest level. In this way, it would completely burn any leftover fuel in the machine. Now get ready to clean your ground as the machine is in the best form to perform.
Video Tutorial
Here’s a video tutorial for the ones who want to watch how it is done practically. It demonstrates the exact procedure and explains each step performed for the operation.
Summary
Snowblower is a seasonal device and like any other device, its efficiency might decrease for sitting down for too long. To prevent it from greater damages or even breaking you need to follow the above-mentioned steps before starting a snowblower. Store the machine properly after using it. Happy cleaning!
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