A snowstorm in the 7 day forecast should not be a reminder
to have your snow blower tuned up! If you put the snow blower away last year
with concerns about performance, now is the time to act. As soon as it’s
cold enough for snow, small engine shops are quickly inundated with calls for
repair, replacement part supplies run short, and many homeowners are forced to
grab a shovel and clear snow the old fashioned way.
Schedule service early and save money. Most small engine
shops will offer incentives or specials that encourage customers to get the
snow blower tuned up in late summer and fall. The small engine shop can curb
the influx of calls when it snows and you can save some money!
If you plan to service the machine yourself, here are a few
pointers to keep in mind to keep the job frustration-free.
1-
Keep the owner’s manual handy and make note of
the snow blower’s model and serial number. When ordering replacement parts
online or at your local dealer, the model and serial are critical to getting
the correct parts. The manual will tell you everything you need to know about
the snow blower and the items that need to be addressed for proper tune-up.
Where to grease moving parts, oil change information, belt location and
adjustment requirements are all spelled out in the manual.
2-
Go all out – don’t try to save a few dollars by
avoiding critical replacements with temporary repairs. Replace the spark plug,
remove & paint rust, and if the condition of the belt is questionable –
install a new one! New equipment is expensive but will run like new for many
years if properly cared for.
3-
Get started. Unless your garage is heated and
outfitted with a lift – waiting to start only means the ground will be colder
and your hands more reluctant to cooperate! The mad dash for common replacement
parts starts at the first sign of snow too. Order early and stock up on
shear pins, fuel stabilizer, or even a spare scraper blade.
Determine the parts needed for your snow blower tune-up,
order online, and receive the shipment in time for a weekend project.
ProPartsDirect.net sells genuine replacement parts for the most popular brands
like Ariens, Toro, Cub Cadet, Simplicity, and Snapper.
