Preparing for Winter Use - Walk Behind Snow Equipment
Seasonal Walk-behind Snow Product Recommendations:
Engine Service:
It is important to make sure the engine maintenance is taken care of at the beginning of the season. This helps ensure the proper operation and reliability of the unit. It also allows for any mechanical issues to be addressed prior to use.
Possibly the most important thing on a 4-cycle engine is the engine oil. The beginning of the season is usually the recommended time to have the oil changed to help remove any contaminants that built up over the prior season, as well as condensation that could have collected in the crankcase over the storage period.
It is also recommended to have the spark plug and ignition wire checked and/or replaced at this time. A worn or fouled spark plug can make the unit hard to start or not start. It can also affect the performance of the unit while it is running.
Wear Parts:
The wear parts of the unit should be checked or replaced at this time also.
Paddles and scraper bars will wear with use, necessitating periodic replacement. Two-stage units should have the skid shoes checked and adjusted as well to avoid wearing out the scraper and damaging the housing of the blower.
Belts should be checked as well. Glazed or worn belts can slip during use which can further damage the belt leading to complete failure. They can also affect the snow blower's ability to efficiently move snow.
Control cables and linkages should be adjusted and lubricated to maintain proper tension on drive belts and operation of chutes or other associated parts.
Test Run:
The unit should be test run when finished with other maintenance.
Ensure that fresh fuel is used. See our Fuel Recommendations page for answers to frequently asked questions regarding fuel quality.
Put a small amount of fuel in the unit. Start per instructions found in the operators manual. Test operation of auger, self propel system (if equipped), and other controls.
After running unit it is recommended all fuel be drained and the unit run dry if it is going to be stored for more than a few weeks. This will help prevent fuel degradation in the unit which could lead to deposits or corrosion that could affect performance in the future.