Jackson 517-782-3319

Lansing 517-321-3570

 

 

Jackson 517-782-3319

Lansing 517-321-3570

 

 

Jackson 517-782-3319

Lansing 517-321-3570

        Maintenance Tips for Snow Blower Storage

        By
        3 Minutes Read

        As the cold weather fades and the need for a snow blower passes, taking the time to prepare the machine for the time off will aid in keeping the performance of the snow blower up and extending its lifespan.  

        Storage Maintenance

        Draining the Fuel

        Although the fuel may be stabilized, we suggest that you empty your snow blower's fuel system before putting it away for the season. Gas can decompose and form sludge inside the fuel tank, carburetor, and fuel lines. Refer to the instructions in the operator's manual to drain the fuel tank, then operate the snow blower until the remaining gas is completely used up and the engine shuts off.

        Change the Engine Oil

        During the non-winter months, it's a great idea to take the time to switch out the engine oil in your snow blower to make sure that it is in optimal running condition for when you need it. This instructional video will provide a straightforward guide to show you how to do the oil change.

        Visit The Power Barn to purchase engine oil and extend the life of your equipment.

        Clean and Protect the Exterior 

        To keep your snow blower in pristine condition and prevent rust, it is important to wipe away any salt stains on it with a wet cloth and mild soap and then dry it thoroughly. Spray Paint can also be used to ensure that your blower looks new with a glossy, long-lasting finish.

        Ensure your snow blower is prepped for the initial snowfall by examining and replacing any worn or broken components. Belts, friction discs, and nuts and bolts are among the components that may require replacement after some period of use.

        Lubricate All Points

        • Maintaining the parts that move frequently through cleaning and greasing can prevent rust and corrosion from accumulating, which can cause the parts to become stuck and unusable. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on lubrication for your machine.
        • Parts of the snow blower that should be lubricated on a regular basis are the axles, augers, and tractor components. Greasing Snow Blower Axle Shafts – Remove each wheel from the axle and remove any rust with sandpaper. Then, wipe the axle clean and coat it with a thin to medium layer of grease.
        • Clean the axle and coat it with just a bit of grease. When you are doing this, be sure to clean and grease from the axle ends with the snap clips. You do not want the clips to rust the axle and this could happen if you overlook this step.  Rusting will make it difficult to remove the wheels.
        • To lubricate the snow blower's augers, unscrew the shear bolts from each auger, fill each auger shaft's grease fitting with grease, and manually rotate the auger to spread the grease evenly. Reattach the shear bolts and tighten them to the recommended torque listed in the user manual.

        • To ensure your snow blower tractor components are properly lubricated, take off the bottom cover and follow the instructions in the owner's manual. Put grease on the hex shaft and the gears, and apply a slight bit of oil on the chain, wiping away extra oil. Consider adding grease to the pinion shaft as well.

        Use a Snowblower Cover

        At the end of the winter season, it is important to secure your snow blower with a top-notch cover. These protective covers keep the machine clean, preventing dust and dirt from accumulating. Snow blower covers are made with strong, long-lasting 300 denier polyester fabric and are capable of withstanding the test of time.

        By following some simple advice, your snow blower will be safeguarded during the off-season and be in top condition when you need it again. Do this every year for a snow blower that will last for many years!

        To keep your snow blower running smoothly, it's important to clean and grease the axle shafts. Detach the wheels and take off any rust with sandpaper. Once the axle is clean, apply a thin-to-medium layer of grease. Make sure to also lubricate the axle ends where the clips are attached to avoid rusting and difficulty in removing the wheels.

        To properly grease the axle shafts of a snow blower, first, remove the wheels from the axle and sand down any rust. Then, wipe off the axle, and spread a thin-to-medium layer of grease evenly over it. Additionally, clean and apply grease to both ends of the axle, paying special attention to the snap clips since if left unlubricated, they could become stuck to the axle, making it difficult to remove the wheels.

        Picture of Ryusei

        Ryusei

        Ryusei is the general manager of the Power Barn in Lansing and Jackson, Michigan, and enjoys repairing power equipment.

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