25 Tips for Safe Use of Your Snow Blower

25 Tips for Safe Use of Your Snow Blower

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Winter weather can be unpredictable, snowstorms can without warning quickly transform a driveway or sidewalk into a slippery and dangerous surface. This is why owning a Snow blower is essential for quickly and efficiently removing that snow, but snow blowers can also be dangerous if not used properly.

Whether you're a seasoned snow blower operator or you are just starting out with your first snow blower, it's essential to take precautions to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.

Here we give you 25 top tips on how to use a snow blower. Tips that are short, sweet, practical and invaluable to help you get the job done efficiently and stay safe while you’re doing it, we also want to share a little about how to maintain your gas powered snow blower this will help you keep your gas powered snow blower running well for longer.

Contents hide 1 Snow Blower Maintenance 2 Snow Blower Safety Tips

Table of contents

So, let's get started and make sure you're fully prepared for safe and effective snow blower use this winter season.

Snow Blower Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential for your snowblower. You do not want to be stuck with a driveway full of snow and a snowblower that isn’t working because you neglected the maintenance.

Check over your snowblower at least before the first snowfall and before you store it for the summer months. If you do your maintenance before the snow arrives you’ll have time to go out and buy any replacement parts you may require and have them fitted before the next snows arrive.

Snow Blower Maintenance Check List

  • Blow up the tires if necessary or replace them if worn.
  • Put on the tire chains if you have them, ready for the first use of the winter.
  • Check all over the machine for any loose bolts or other moving parts and tighten.
  • Then remove belts and make sure they are not worn and replace if necessary.
  • Check the scraper bar by turning the machine on its side. Replace it if it is worn as neglecting to do this will lead to damage to the housing. The bar needs replacing with use so it’s a good idea to check it throughout the winter if you use the snowblower regularly.
  • Now check the rubber on the auger and rubber panels for wear. See if you can put your finger between the auger and the rubber. If you can it needs replacing. A worn rubber will have a detrimental effect on the performance of your snowblower.
  • For two cylinder engine you’ll just need to check and replace the spark plug. It’s a good idea to replace it once a year anyway to give you trouble free starting all winter. There’s nothing worse than a driveway full of snow and a snowblower that refuses to start because the spark plug is corroded.
  • For a four cylinder engine you’ll also need to change the oil and filter regularly. The correct oil will be documented in the manual but most use a 5W30 engine oil. Lubricate the chassis and drive. For a two stage snowblower lubricate the gear box.
  • Siphon off any gas left in the tank from last year and replace with fresh.
  • To avoid icing of the carburetor or condensation in the tank add some methanol to the fuel.

With proper maintenance you can be sure of a long life for your snowblower and trouble free operation all the winter, with your snowblower now ready to go let’s look at some practical safety tips to keep you from injury while clearing the snow.

Snow Blower Safety Tips

  • Make sure you’ve read the user manual and you know how to operate the machine safely. Know exactly how to switch it off fast in an emergency.
  • Check out the area you are going to clear and, if you can, move any debris you can see, as well as anything that you know is under the snow that is likely to be in your way, e.g. garden pots, ornaments. If you’re really organized you’ll clear you driveways of these kinds of hazards before the snow comes so you don't need to remember where they are.
  • Make sure you are properly dressed, i.e you’re wearing warm clothes without any loose parts or trailing cords.
  • Wear safety boots with good grip.
  • Wear safety goggles and ear defenders.
  • Keep your kids out of the way (and your pets) and don’t ever let your kids operate the machine.
  • Make sure you’ve got enough gasoline. If you need to refill, exercise extreme caution when doing so. Don’t fill the tank when the engine is running.

Clearing Snow.

  • Adjust the height of the auger housing/skid shoes to the right height for the kind of ground you’re clearing. In other words allow for bumpy ground, gravel and crushed rock, when setting the height.
  • Make all the adjustments you need to (and you can) before you start the snow blower.
  • Use properly rated extension cords, in good condition, for your electric starting.
  • Work out a safe and efficient clearing pattern in advance so that you don’t waste time and effort going back over areas you’ve already done.
  • Make sure you have enough light to work in.
  • Keep your hands and feet clear of moving parts at all times.
  • Adjust your speed to suit the conditions. You want to be walking, not running behind your snow blower.
  • Take care when crossing any driveways or public sidewalks.
  • Be aware of who and what is around you – make sure you’re not directing snow at other people.
  • Take extra care on sloping ground – don’t clear across slopes.
  • Disengage the auger/impeller when transporting the snow blower.
  • Clogged Chutes: Stope the engine immediately and wait for all moving parts to stop.
  • Ensure that controls are set so that there is no risk of the machine accidentally restarting. Disconnect the spark plug lead if necessary.
  • Use a proper, manufacturer-supplied tool for clearing the blockage.
  • Check that shear pins are intact. If not, replace them.

Storage.

  • Keep the auger/impeller running for a while after you’ve finished clearing, this will get rid of all ice and snow that may be left behind.
  • Spray any parts that may be susceptible to rust with WD40 or similar.
  • Allow the engine to cool before storing inside.
  • If possible, drain gas if storing for an extended period.

So, kit yourself out properly and keep your machine up to scratch and you should be able to stay snow blower safe this winter.

More Resources

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