Snowblowers come in different makes and sizes, some one stage to stage or even three stage, some have tires and some have tracks, and some are in effect compact tractors adapted to clear large areas of snow.
It is important when operating a dedicated snowblower to understand what the various operating controls do, prior to anyone using it. You do not want to have to find out how to stop it when it is in full throttle and out of control.
Snowblowers are highly effective machines, but if not used correctly it can be quite dangerous. It is important understand the various operating controls to make sure the machine works at its best. Below are a guide to some of the most common operation trolls found on most snow blowers, but of course it is important to check the operating manual any specific model you buy.
Some snow blowers have an electric start button, while others have a more traditional pulley system, and the type of fuel will also vary with some being gas driven, and others relying on electric.
Throttle Control Lever
A number of snowblowers are fitted with what is called an engine mounted throttle control lever, which is used to start an engine when it is particularly cold, either because of extreme weather conditions or because it has been in storage or out of action for any period of time. There is also likely to be a choke lever which is important to use in addition to the throttle control lever when starting a cold engine
Some snowblowers also have what is known as a prime button, which injects fuel directly into the carburettor, which again help start an engine when the weather conditions optically cold.
Speed Selector Lever
Most snowblowers will have a number of speeds, normally some forward and some reverse. Whilst the number of speeds will differ depending upon the manufacturer of the snowblower, it is quite common to have up to 6 or 8 forward speeds, as well as to all three reverse speeds. It is common sense to realise that the lower speed should be started first, and only increased incrementally when the operator feels comfortable doing so.
If the snowblower is fitted with a traction drive clutch lever, then under no circumstances must the operator move the speed selector lever wildly drive clutch is operational. A traction drive clutch is it used to push the snowblower forward or backwards, and should be used with care and discretion.
Snow Chute Deflector
The main function of any snowblower is to gather smoke from the area being cleared, and discharge it into the air so that it lands a spot away as possible. The speed and effectiveness of this will vary depending upon the manufacture and type of snow blower used. It is common however for all snowbirds to have what is known as a chute, which is how the snow is ejected from the snowblower. The deflector mechanism is often used in conjunction with what is known as the crank, which is used to change the direction of the chute itself.
Most snowblowers will have as one of the selling points various features that illustrate the ability of the operator to change the direction and voracity of how the snow is injected from the machine.
Peter Main is a freelance writer who writes extensively about tractors and snowblowers, with a particular focus on manufacturers such as Craftsman Snowblowers, and Toro Snowblowers
Peter Main is a freelance writer who writes extensively about tractors and snowblowers, with a particular focus on manufacturers such as Craftsman Snowblowers, and Toro Snowblowers