How To Use A Snow Blower

As winter approaches, the anticipation of snowfall brings both excitement and the need for preparedness. Whether you are a seasoned snow removal expert or a first-time homeowner, understanding how to effectively prepare for snowfall is essential. Proper preparation not only ensures that you can clear your driveway and walkways efficiently but also helps to maintain safety for yourself and others. One of the key components of snow removal is having the right equipment on hand. Before the first snowflakes begin to fall, it's crucial to familiarize yourself with how to use a snow blower.

Always refer to operating instructions provided by the manufacturer on the proper use of your snow thrower. This will help you operate your equipment safely and effectively, ensuring that you are ready to tackle whatever winter weather comes your way.

Never reach into the auger area when machine is in operation! Only do so when engine is stopped and spark plug wire is removed and grounded.

General Safety Precautions Before Use

Never reach into the auger or chute area before removing spark plug wire and properly grounding using tape if necessary.

Disengage drive levers before starting the machine.

Never leave a running machine unattended.

Pay attention to footing on slippery surfaces especially when pulling machine backwards.

*Always refer to your operator's manual before using your snow thrower, this is merely a general guide.

Operating Your Snow Thrower

Although there are different models of snow throwers, the general procedure for starting and using them remains consistent. Again, always refer to your specific manufacturer's operator's manual.

Starting A Cold Engine

Step 1: (If equipped) turn the fuel valve to ON position. Look at your fuel tank where the fuel leaves the tank, the fuel valve will be nearby.

Step 2: On the operator's control panel, turn the ignition key to START or RUN position.

Step 3: On a cold engine, turn the choke knob to the ON or CLOSED position.

Step 4: Turn the throttle knob to the highest or FAST setting.

Step 5: Press the primer bulb several times if engine is cold or just being started.

Step 6: Pull starter rope.

Step 7: After engine has started wait a few seconds, if the engine begins to run rough and uneven slowly open the choke knob until it begins to even out. After it has warmed up turn the choke knob to the OFF or completely OPEN position.

For more detailed information on how to use a choke to start a small engine, please refer to our article here: How to use a Choke: Mastering the Choke Function in Small Engine Operation

In the SLOW throttle position allow the engine to warm up before throwing snow and operating at full speed.

Restarting A Warmed Engine

Follow the above steps however skip step 5 as you should not re-prime a warmed engine.

Snow Throwing Using A Dual-Stage

These procedures may vary from model to model, as such please refer to your operator's manual for safe snow throwing. Smaller snow throwers are called single-stage snow throwers that use paddles instead of an auger and are pushed through the snow manually. In a dual-stage snow thrower an auger feeds the snow into a fan blade that ejects the collected snow out of the chute. General operating procedure for operating these usually self-propelled units is as follows:

An example of a dual stage snow thrower.

Medium sized snow throwers have a chute to direct the snow thrown, giving the operator control over direction and distance.

1. Look for a chute direction control lever to rotate the discharge chute in the appropriate direction (consider wind direction if applicable).

2. Select the speed you wish to travel on operator's control panel.

3. Press down the auger control lever to engage the auger, release to stop.

4. To begin forward motion, engage the drive or traction control lever, to stop disengage this lever.

5. Use speed and direction selector to change speed or direction.

Again, whenever traveling in reverse direction pay close attention to footing on slippery surfaces and never leave an unattended machine running.

Try not to overload the machine's auger by going over previously plowed pathways.

When done using your snow thrower ensuring the ignition key is in the STOP position and after removing the key, disconnect the spark plug wire. It is a good practice to brush away snow and accumulated ice to prevent freeze up for next time use. Remember to reattach the spark plug wire before next use.