A regular maintenance routine of your snow blower will keep it in top condition all winter long. In order to ensure maximum performance and safety of your snow blower, we suggest you do the following steps!
Change the oil
Like any vehicle, oil changes are necessary for maintenance, and snow blowers are no exception. Make sure your snow blower is warmed up first prior to changing the oil, that will allow the oil to flow easier.
Change your snow blower's spark plug
Keep your snow blower engine consistently producing power by replacing the spark plug once per season (or approximately 100 hours of use). Remove your spark plug with a socket wrench and clean any loose deposits with a wire brush. When putting in the new spark plug, make sure to not over-tighten the spark plug - snug, but not too snug!
Inspect your snow blower belts
A smooth belt allows your snow blower to transmit power efficiently. If your snow blower belts show any sign of wear and tear, it's time to get them replaced. Before replacing, it would be a good idea to take a picture of the belts so you can make sure you change them properly.
Inspect your snow blower auger paddles
Think of your the auger paddles like the workhorses of your snow blower - they work hard! Like the belts, check for any wear and tear on your paddles. If these paddles don't hit the ground like they should, we highly recommend replacing them.
Inspect the shave plate
Did you know that the shave plate is the part of your snow blower that takes the credit for scraping the snow off your driveway? When the shave plate on single-stage snow blowers is worn out, you can get away with simply reversing it. However, for a two-stage snow blower, on any sign of wear and tear, you must replace it.
Flip or replace the skid shoes
The snow blower skid shoes allow you to adjust the height of the auger. Most skid shoes can be reversed, when one side is worn out simply flip them over and use the other side. Then make sure that you replace these the following year!
Inspect the shear pins
Snow blower shear pins connect the auger to the gear case. Shear pins are the one part of your snow blower that can break due to overload - and you don't have to worry about it, as long as you have several replacements in stock!
And finally,
Change the gas
Following the last use of your snow blower for the season, make sure to empty the gas tank. In the new winter season prior to first use, fill it up up with fresh gas. In addition, fuel stabilizer will help keep that gas fresher longer and prevent buildups and clogs.
At HBI, we are committed to maintaining your snow blower so that it can last you through many tough winters. Do not hesitate to give us a call at 519-773-3100 or send us an email at info@hbi.ca to get your snow blower serviced, or if you have any other questions.
Shop online for our selection of Columbia snow blowers or visit us at our store (730 Talbot St. West Aylmer, ON Canada N5H2V1). Be sure to follow us on our Facebook and Instagram pages for more great HBI offers and events!
