The winter season takes the maximum advantage of your snow blower but now summer season is there and the snow has stopped falling until the next winter. In the first place, you will put your snow blower back in storage. At this moment, you might be considering only one question, how to winterize a snow blower? Therefore, to save your snow blower for the next season, you need to follow some maintenance steps for a longer life expectancy.
The best time to winterize a snow blower is when the spring starts and you are ready to pull out the lawnmower. Your storage steps vary for single, two, and three-stage snow blowers. A gasoline snow blower is stored by removing the gasoline and draining the fuel completely. Similarly, a battery-powered snow blower is saved for the offseason by removing out the batteries. Eventually, an electric snow blower is stored for the next winter by removing the cord to ensure its reliability for the next winter.
To winterize a snow blower you need to follow the guidelines mentioned in the snow blower instruction manual. These storage instructions are different for different models. Keeping in mind the precautionary measures for your specific snow blower model, you must follow these simple steps for securing your snow blower usage after the offseason. Resultantly, these instructions can help to accurately start your snow blower after the 9 months offseason.
Where to winterize a snow blower?
Incorrectly storing your snow blower can prove to be a headache when it snows next season without any warning. A snow blower can either be stored indoor or outdoor. When it comes to indoor storage, you utilize the garage. However, when outdoor storage is discussed, your snow blower is left outside the garage.
Garage Storage: The best location for snow blower storage is your garage. During the winter and the spring, you can cover your snow blower and place it on a garage mat. During the winter, it becomes difficult to dig out the snowblower that is facing troubleshooting when starting it because it has been placed in the cold for a long time. Meanwhile, in the spring, your snow blower space is occupied by the lawnmower, and your garage is filled by lawn tools. A snow blower can be placed into the shed but it must be covered completely.
Outdoor Storage: You can also leave your snow blower outside the garage with proper arrangements after covering it. If you don’t have enough space in your garage, you have to be certain to cover it completely to prevent it from snow and rain. Snow blowers storing sheds are excessively in use these days. These are used in place for limited garage space. These sheds only provide shelter to your snow blower to protect it from outside components.
Simple Steps for snow blower storage preparation
At the end of the snow, you say Goodbye to your snow blower and prepare to store it for the next season. How to winterize a snow blower? To answer this question, you need to follow these simple instructions mentioned as steps here.
Step 1 – Read your operator’s manual
You must check the “Maintenance & Adjustments” or “Off-Season Storage” section on your operator’s manual before following the storage process. Firstly, detach the spark plug wire of your snow blower to prevent any misfortune.
Single-stage snowblower storage maintenance
Step 2 – Position your snow blower
Locate your snow blower in a position that helps you to locate all parts easily.
Step 3 – Recognize the parts that are to be replaced
In the operator’s manual, some parts are mentioned that require to be changed every season. Those parts are to be identified carefully.
Two and three-stage snow blower storage maintenance
Step 4 – Check the shave plate
If you have a single-stage snow blower, tilt the snow blower back to check the shave plate and inspect that if the shave plate can be reversed. If it is already reversed you need to purchase an original one.
Step 5 – Drain the Fuel Tank
Afterward, drain out any fuel left in the tank utilizing a siphon pump.
Step 6 – Examine and lubricate the gear shaft
Rest your snow blower on the auger housing. After removing the lower frame cover under the unit, examine the gear shaft, and apply a thin coat of oil to the hex shaft. Do not lubricate the aluminum drive plate. Before assembling the snow blower back, you should also examine the rubber friction disc.
Step 7 – Inspect belts and the auger
In the next step, you will be uncovering the belt and examining it for wear. Subsequently, you can also check the auger’s rubber paddles and replace them in case of any damage. You can check this Beginner’s Guide to snow blower maintenance for added information.
Single, two and three-stage snow blower storage maintenance
Step 8 – Change the oil
Before storing your snow blower, change your engine oil by a siphon pump or a plastic drain sleeve.
Step 9 – Inspect the spark plug
Take out the spark plug and inspect it for signs of wear and damage. Then clean it with a brush. Next, reinstall it and reconnect the spark plug ignition wire.
Step 10 – Clean the engine
Clean the dust particles and debris around the engine and muffler by applying a thin coat of oil. For the prevention of rust, you have to clear out the dried salt accumulated around the engine.
Step 11 – Add fuel and stabilize the fuel tank
Fill the fuel tank with gasoline to prevent the metal parts exposure to moisture and humidity. It results in saving your snow blower from rust.
Step 12 – Completely storing snow blower
You are now able to put your snow blower either in the garage or in the shed for the winter season. A snow blower cover is used to cover your snow blower to save from paint job from getting scratches.
This video helps you to get more clear instruction:
Conclusion
These steps allow you to a proper functioning snow blower for the next season. You can also check for some additional information regarding how to start a snow blower that has been sitting for a season.
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