Pull-Cords and Push Shovels

Get Your Snow Clearing Implements Ready for Winter Now

 

            Whether you enjoy the exhilarating cardiovascular work-out or dread the chore of clearing freshly fallen snow from your driveway and walkways, the days on the calendar are counting down and you will soon need to pull your snow blowers and shovels from their summer storage places.

            One thing sure to put a crinkle in your day is hearing silence when you pull the cord on your snow blower or have your shovel snap when you are already ten minutes late for work.

            If you commit to doing some preemptive maintenance now, you can avoid the non-working pull cord misery and having to sheepishly ask your neighbour to borrow a shovel. Snow blowers require annual tune-ups to keep them in top working condition.

            Being proactive means you will get to work on time while the line-up of non-working snow-blowers grows at your local small engine repair shop and you will not have to join the grumbling consumers looking for the type of snow pusher they need while the stock dwindles.

            There are common parts you should have on hand before annual routine maintenance is performed. They include a paddle and scraper ball kit, primer bulb, spark plug and a carburetor kit.

            Preston Williams of G.C. Small Engine Repair in St. John’s, Newfoundland says he, “could write a book” about the mistakes snow-blower owners make every year. As a small engine mechanic for over 35 years, Williams’ guidance can save you both money and frustration.

            He says, “The most important thing is to try your machine now and not wait for the first snowstorm to be announced. Small engine repair businesses are at their busiest at that time and there may be a delay in getting your machine serviced.”

            Williams emphasizes that, “our winters are changing and most times when we get snow, it is followed by rain which is heavy and puts a lot of strain on snow-blowers. Another important factor is to buy a unit sufficient in power and size to accomplish their driveway as many people purchase small snow-blowers not realizing, until it’s too late, that it is not powerful enough to get rid of heavy wet snow.”

            If you are mechanically inclined and a DIYer, you can do the single stage snow-blower and two and three stage snow-blowers tune-up yourself.

            For a single stage snow-blower, follow this checklist:

·         Power wash the entire unit

·         Flush the fuel system

·         Test/inspect all safety components

·         Install a new spark plug (should be done every 100 hours of use or once a season)

·         Check scraper bar, belts and paddles for wear

·         Adjust and lubricate the bail cable (if applicable)

·         Rebuild the carburetor

·         Adjust the RPM (if needed)

·         Check compression

For two and three stage snow-blowers, also do the following:

·         Change the engine oil

·         Test the ignition system

·         Check transmission fluid levels

·         Adjust and lubricate all cables

For electric snow-blowers, inspect and replace or repair:

·         Extension cord (for corded snow-blowers)

·         Battery (for cordless snow-blowers)

·         Drive blade

·         Scraper blade

When you have completed all maintenance checks, test the overall operation of the unit.

            Don’t neglect the tires! Measure the tire pressure, adding air when needed and replace them if they are visibly worn.

            When doing annual maintenance, remember to include your snow-blower accessories such as heated hand grips, cab attachments, covers and tire chains.

            At the end of the season, either run the snow-blower engine until it is dry or siphon out the remaining fuel. Gas can start to degrade within 30 days. If you are not draining your fuel prior to storage, you definitely need to use a fuel stabilizer to prevent your engine’s fuel system from clogging and breaking-down of other components.

            Before you load up your snow-blower for a trip to the repair shop, run through this checklist:

·         Consult the trouble-shooting guide section of your owner’s manual

·         Be sure your machine is fueled with fresh gasoline

·         Put in a new spark plug

·         Check that the safety key is in place

·         Remove snow or ice from the gas cap

·         Check the oil levels

·         Primed the engine in accordance with the manual’s directions

No matter what kind of snow-blower you have, following some standard practices can extend the life of the machine and save on maintenance costs:

·         Store your snow-blower on a mat with grooves that keeps melting snow away from your machine which can lead to rusted components

·         Use a wet cloth to wipe salt and dirt off your snow-blower after every use

·         Put a cover over your machine when stored

·         Use a non-stick spray to coat the inside of the machine’s snow-blower chute and auger

Before you put your snow-blower away for the season, follow these universal routines in addition to any specific procedures in your owner’s manual:

·         Allow the machine to cool and wash all exterior parts, letting them dry before storing

·         Use a silicone or light oil in order to rust-proof the machine if it will be stored in an unventilated area

·         If you choose to leave fuel in the tank, be sure it is stored away from any ignition source such as a spark or flame and consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions in regards to fuel

Even if you have a snow-blower, you will still need a dependable shovel to clear some walkways and steps.

Sometimes, shovel handles break at the most inconvenient times so be sure you always have a back-up. Also, always carry a shovel in your vehicle as part of your emergency supplies. You can purchase folding shovels which take up less space, but check the customer ratings on durability. If you find your vehicle stuck in the snow without a shovel, a hubcap can make a satisfactory substitute.

Purchase a shovel with a lifetime warranty. Of course, it won’t help if the handle snaps after a big snow storm, but at least you can get a free replacement.

Fiberglass handles are more durable than wood and they will not crack or split when exposed to different weather elements. They also have a softer grip and are flexible. However, unlike wood handles, they cannot be replaced when broken.

Spraying your shovel with cooking oil makes the snow easily slide off.

Even though they are more expensive, a shovel with an ergonomic design will make the job easier and can help keep the body pain from shoveling away.

If you don’t consider yourself a DIYer, you can get great advice about snow blowers, shovels and a lot more by searching for what you need on YouTube or at the manufacturers website.

      When you take the time to keep your snow-blower in good working order and purchase reliable shovels, you can take some of the bite out of the inevitable winter snow storms.