Transitions can be hard for seasonal equipment. Snow blowers are often parked in the garage after the last snow without a second thought only to be powered up and pushed into the first snowfall with the expectations of top-notch performance. You can make sure that your snow blower is ready for the first snow when you perform these five simple steps.
How to Prepare a Snow Blower for Winter in 5 Steps
It’s funny how easy it can be to completely forget the equipment that got you through the whole winter once the sun is shining and the birds are singing. There may not be snow now, but going through these steps this fall will make sure you’re ready to tackle whatever the first winter storm throws your way.
Step 1. Use Fresh, Good-Quality Fuel
Use fuel that is less than 30 days old. Gasoline gets “stale” over time and fresh fuel ignites more easily. Stale gas can leave harmful deposits that can gum up your product’s fuel system. Hopefully, you ran the engine out of fuel at the end of last winter. If you didn’t drain the fuel system in spring, empty it by running the engine dry.
The basic fuel tips for making sure your snow blower runs smoothly? Only purchase what you expect to use within 30 days, or add a stabilizer. If you add a fuel stabilizer the day you buy the gasoline, you can expect the fuel to stay fresh for 4-6 months. Fuel stabilizer is available from most Toro dealers.
It’s also a good idea to wait until the cool fall weather season arrives before purchasing gasoline for your machine. Gasoline is re-blended to suit the season, and although the difference isn’t as great as it once was, winter-grade fuel will make cold weather starts easier.
Step 2. Check Your Spark Plug
Starting a snow blower will always be easier if the spark plug is in good condition. If in doubt, replace it. A new spark plug will be able to better ignite the fuel-air mixture within the engine. You should also make sure the spark plug wire securely attaches to the spark plug.
Step 3. Change the Engine Oil
If you have a 4-cycle model in which fuel and oil are separate and you didn’t change the oil last spring, now is the time. Even if you only run the machine a few hours a year, the oil should be changed. Oil in a small engine does not break down very fast but it does become contaminated.
Moisture from the air and exhaust will build up in the oil within a very short time. This contamination will result in increased wear and eat away at internal parts over time. Following the recommended oil change schedule for your machine can help prevent expensive repairs. Here are some helpful Toro snow maintenance videos on how to properly change your engine oil:
- How to Change Engine Oil on a Single-Stage Snowblower
- How to Change Engine Oil on a Two-Stage Snowblower
Step 4. Inspect Cables, Rotor Blades, and Scraper
Before each snow season, inspect the rotor blades for wear. When a rotor blade edge has worn down to the wear indicator hole, both rotor blades and the scraper should be replaced.
Inspect the drive belt for fraying, cracking or signs of stretching. Replace the drive belt if any of these conditions occur. It is recommended to have an extra belt on hand in the event the belt breaks while operating.
Check for any loose fasteners and tighten them as necessary. Missing fasteners should be replaced immediately.
If you are a DIYer and like to perform your own maintenance or product repair, Toro offers genuine Toro replacement parts online at Toro.com/parts. Toro’s easy-to-use parts look-up tool utilizes your model and serial number to help you quickly identify the parts you need to keep your Toro equipment running like new.
Step 5. Protect from Rust
If you have a two-stage machine, grease the wheel shafts to inhibit rust. If you find any chipped surfaces, sand them and then touch them up with Toro Red Touch-Up Paint to protect your machine from the elements. Remember that the best snow blower storage, in-season or off-season, is dry and far away from heat sources such as furnaces or water heaters. Storing in the house or basement can pose ignition issues and should be avoided.
Don’t Forget to Review Your Owner’s Manual
Review how to start a Toro snow blower by reading the procedures outlined in your operator’s manual, including the proper operation of the safety features on your unit if you have any further questions. Want more maintenance tips? Visit Toro.com.
Built to Last
Now that you’ve learned how to winterize your snow blower, you’ll be more prepared for winter’s first blizzard. After all, there’s nothing worse than not being prepared when the wind is chilling you to the bone as you struggle with your equipment.
Make sure to protect the reliability of your snow blower with parts designed specifically for your Toro model. Genuine Toro parts are made from premium materials and engineered to enhance the safety and performance of your Toro equipment. Plus, every part we ship comes with a one-year full warranty*.
*See your local dealer or retailer for complete warranty details.
Beyond Snow Blower Storage: More Toro YardCare Education
There’s a lot more to learn about snow blower maintenance. Read Toro’s tips for buying a snow blower or starting a snow blower for the first time in the season. No matter the weather, our resources are here for lawn care maintenance and equipment advice.
