You've prepared your snow thrower for winter weather, but what happens when your chute gets clogged after that first heavy snow? Don't worry. Just follow these six simple steps to unclog your snow chute.
Always remember that safety is your top priority when doing any type of maintenance work on your snow thrower. Don't ever use your bare hands to clear a clogged chute assembly. Make sure the engine is off and all moving parts have stopped before beginning any work.
1. Release the drive and auger controls.
2. Remove the ignition key to ensure that the engine has come to a full stop.
3. You should find your chute clean-out tool fastened to the auger housing. Remove it from the mounting clip. Location may vary according to model, so refer to your operator's manual if the clean-out tool is located elsewhere.
4. Take the shovel-shaped end and scoop out any ice or snow that's become lodged in or around the chute.
5. Now replace the clean-out tool to the mounting clip on the auger housing. Replace the ignition key to start the engine.
6. To make sure that all ice and snow have been removed from the shoot, stand behind the snow thrower and engage the auger control. By doing this for a few seconds, you'll ensure that all ice and now are removed from the chute.
You're ready to get back to clearing snow!
Ice covered windows, slippery sidewalks, and slushy streets don't make for a very good time. Clear the snow in less time by following the P&P Small Engines Snow Clearing Guide. With the right snow thrower and snow clearing technique, you can make the winter season a little easier on yourself.
Using the Right Snow Thrower
One of the easiest ways to decide on the right snow thrower is to evaluate the snowfall in your area. You don't need a big, powerful snow thrower for just a little snow, just like a little single-stage snow thrower won't do much good if you're trying to clear those tricky, three feet high drifts.
If your area only receives a light snow, a single-stage thrower will do the job. For medium to large cleanups of heavy snow, invest in a two-stage snow thrower. For extremely wet and heavy snow, we suggest a three-stage snow thrower.
Designate the Driveway
When everything's covered in snow, how can you tell where you need to start and stop your snow thrower? We suggest outlining your walkways and driveway with reflector stakes prior to the first heavy snowfall, if possible. By outlining these areas, you can help protect plants and hedge roots.
Pick the Pile Up Zone
When snow throwing, you want to make sure you're not allowing the snow to build up on the foundation walls or sides of your home. If snow ends up in those areas, it can melt, refreeze, and previous cracks have the potential to widen. In a worst case scenario, these cracks can open wide enough to let water seep into the walls of your home, causing unnecessary water damage and rotting wood.