This article provides instructions for the beginner to operate a snow blower. Welcome to Shebang, your
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Snow Blowing
Snow blowers use gasoline engines to provide the power to blow snow. They come with different sizes engines,
ranging fro 3 to 20 HP, depending on the width of the auger. The common size for around the home is 8HP with a 24
inch auger. The 12 HP snow blower with a 27 inch auger is also very common. The women will find the 24 inch snow
blower most suited for her size. Any snow blower with an engine less than 8 HP will have trouble with packed snow,
such as the city plow leaves in your driveway. Some 24 inch blowers have a 5 HP engine, the 8 HP is a better mate to
provide all round snow blowing.
The snow blower engine needs the same care as the lawnmower. The oil must be changed every season, if you want to
extend the life of your machine. The spark plug will last several seasons before needing changing. Check the level of
the oil every 3-5 times of use. To check the oil unscrew the oil fill plug/dip stick, lift out of the machine and note the
level of the oil. The oil should be between the add and full mark on the dip stick, if low add a little oil, 5-20 weight oil
is what is needed for easy winter starts and use.
Top View
Starting a Snow Blower
The first time you use your snow blower, check that the key is in place, key does not turn, just insert, check the oil level, and fill the gas tank. If the gas line has a on-off tap, turn it on (on is when the tap knob is parallel to the fuel line). Push the primer bulb 3 times, turn the choke all the way to the right, lift the throttle 3/4 of the way up. If the machine has electric start, plug in an electrical cord and push the start button and hold until it starts, if it does not start in about 20 seconds, there may be a problem, otherwise the engine should start, and run kind of rough. Slowly turn the choke to the left, a little at a time while listening to the running sound of the engine. If you turn it too far to the left while the engine is cold, the engine may stop. Run the engine with the choke in about the 3/4 on, until the engine warms up a little, then turn the choke all the way to the left and leave it there. Operate the throttle according to how fast you want to go, and how far you want to throw the snow. Most times you will run the engine with the throttle full open to throw the snow as high and far as possible.
View from Rear
Side View
With the engine running, select a transmission speed on the control panel, depending on where you will be using it.
In tight quarters, or for deep packed snow, select a speed of 1 or 2. On open ground select 3 to 5. Use the reverse where needed. The machine will not move until you squeeze the right wheel drive hand clutch lever on the handle bar. The left clutch lever on the handle bar controls the auger and snow throwing device. Before moving, turn the chute direction hand crank and direct the chute in the direction that you want to throw the snow. Adjust the guide hood angle on the end of the snow throw direction chute, all the way up for height. If you are working on a windy day, you may need to lower the angle to prevent the wind from picking up the snow and blowing it back onto you. Some snow blower has lever control for angle, others you adjust by hand. Before moving, give each clutch lever a quick squeeze to check if anything is frozen. If everything is working, then proceed with your snow blowing.
Safety
Use safety glasses, be aware of people and vehicles. Stop and let people and vehicles go by before proceeding. Never leave a running snow blower unattended.Wear warm mitts and dress warmly.
Tip
If the snowblower does not start right away, and you can smell gas fumes, the engine is probably flooded, wait a few minutes, turn the choke all the way to the left (completely off) and try starting.
Clean all the snow off the snowblower after each use, and top up the fuel, so ithe unit is ready for the next use.
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