At the very minimum, you should tune up your snowblower every year before the snow season begins. If you use your snowblower very frequently or it is old, you might need to tune it up more frequently if it is showing signs of wear. For the most part, one tune up a year should suffice for most snowblowers.
To learn more about tuning up your snowblower, keep reading. This article explains everything you need to know about snowblower tune up, including how to tune up electric snowblowers, three-stage snowblowers, and more.
Do snowblowers need tune ups?
It is important that you tune up your snowblower at least once a year. If you don’t, it won’t last as long as it should. Especially since snowblowers are only used during one part of the year but are exposed to a lot of moisture during this time, failing to tune up your snowblower can result in a lot of damage.
For best results, tune up your snowblower once a year before the season begins. At the end of the season, fix anything that needs to be fixed, but generally just clean it up before storage.
What is a tune up on a snowblower?
A tune up on a snowblower specifically focuses on the interior parts of the snowblower, as well as the scraper in some cases. Tuning up an electric and gas snowblower differs. The purpose of the tune up is to ensure that the blower is working at maximum efficiency. This will help your snowblower last longer and move snow more effectively.
What are signs that my snowblower needs a tune up?
The most obvious sign that your snowblower needs a tune up is if it is not working as it should. For example, you definitely need a tune up if your snowblower is not starting or it runs sluggish. Likewise, you should tune up your snowblower if it runs rough.
In other words, you should get a tune up for your snowblower if it shows any signs that it is not working at peak condition as it did first out of the box.
How much is a tune up for a snowblower?
The price of a snowblower tune up depends on a variety of factors, but most tune ups cost anywhere from $225 to $250. Snowblowers in bad condition or three-stage snowblowers will cost more than a new snowblower or single-stage snowblower. Meanwhile, electric snowblower tune ups are practically free.
What maintenance is required for a snowblower?
The most basic maintenance for your snowblower includes oil changes. You’ll need to change the oil about every 50 hours of use. You’ll also need to change the spark plug, inspect belts, inspect paddles, and check this shave plate.
Note that the maintenance for a gas snowblower and an electric snowblower differ. Gas snowblowers require more maintenance, but they are more powerful. In contrast, electric snowblowers are easier to take care of, but they aren’t as strong.
Should I replace my snowblower scraper?
If your snowblower blades look worn, you should replace them. Worn blades will not be able to clear the snow as you want and leave more snow behind. Before immediately replacing your scraper, make sure that the blade is adjusted as far down as possible. This may fix the problem. If the scraper still isn’t picking up enough snow, it’s time for a replacement.
How often should I change the spark plug in my snowblower?
Generally speaking, you need to replace the spark plug on your snowblower once per season. Another rule of thumb is to replace it after using your snowblower for 100 hours. For further maintenance, you should clean your spark plug once every 20 to 30 hours of usage and check out its gap.
How do you maintain an electric snowblower?
Because electric mowers do not have spark plugs, oil, or gasoline, they are easier to maintain than gas models. The most important thing you will need to do to maintain your electric snowblower is to wipe down any parts of the machine that gets dirty or salty.
If you have a DC model, you will also need to recharge and potentially buy a new battery whenever it dies, but it shouldn’t be that frequently.
How do you maintain a 3-stage snowblower?
Three-stage snowblowers need a bit more maintenance than single or two-stage ones. To make sure that your three-stage snowblower is in working condition, check the shear pins, shave plate, skid shoes, lubrication, auger shaft, gear shaft, wheels, and adjustments. By checking all of these parts, you will be able to maintain your three-stage snowblower for years to come.
How do I change the oil in my snowblower?
To change the oil in your snowblower, allow the engine to run for a couple of minutes in order to warm the oil inside. Then, stop the unit and place it on a level surface. Wait for all of the hot parts to cool before disconnecting the spark plug wire.
Now, allow the oil to drain. Whenever it stops, reinstall the drain plug and fill your engine with the correct oil type using the oil fill port. Put the cap back on and make sure you filled up the right amount of oil. Restart the engine to make sure everything works as it should.
Where do you grease a snowblower?
You should grease the snowblower around the thrower area. This will prevent snow from sticking to the auger, discharge tube, and housing. You will want to grease your snowblower at least once a year, but you might need to grease it up more frequently if you have used the snowblower a lot.
How do you lubricate a snowblower auger?
It’s important to lubricate your snowblower auger so it works as it should. It will prevent the parts from rusting together. In order to lubricate the auger, begin by removing the shear bolts from each auger. Then, pump the grease onto the grease fittings that are located on the auger shaft. Manually turn them after you are finished.
Hi, I’m John Stephens, chief editor and writer for Totalgardener.com. I’ve been gardening and raising animals for over 15 years starting with a small backyard plot in Northern Virginia where I grew corn, potatoes, squash, and using a high mulch technique called the Ruth Stout Method. I also raised ducks and small mammals for meat and eggs in a movable pen similar to the ones used by Joel Salatin. I later moved to Colorado where I experimented with growing greens using aquaponics inside. I eventually added a microgreens setup and home sprouting operation. I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned plus more from the other local gardening and animal raising experts I know.
