You must have extra shear pins at your home for your snow blower. Order them now! Shear pins are designed to break and they do. Get an extra set and tape it right to the handlebar of your snow thrower.

I am not going to list the shear pins for the Chinese Snow Blowers. I have not found any of them available online. You will have to order from the manufacturer.

Removing and Replacing Shear Pins: Yes, you can do it!

Shear pins are designed to fail before your snowblower’s auger or gears if you hit a rock, chunk of ice, or another object while clearing snow. When this happens, you will have to replace your broken shear pin.  Most of the time when a shear pin breaks the two ends will break off and the rest of it will stay in the auger. You will have to rotate the auger until you find it and then push it out. Once in a while, it will shear so that you just can’t push it out with the new one. In that case, you need a pin punch. The pin punch has a flat end so you can drive the broken shear pin out without the pin sticking in the hole. (Don’t use a punch with a point. That can flare the end of the broken pin and then make it impossible to get out.) I’m not going to show you how. Watch both of these videos if you need more training.

Buy Here: Craftsman 3/16 x 5 in. Pin Punch

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTZInS6ZG9Y

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7KnJJzc630

Shear Pins

22 to 30 inch Craftsman Model Starting with 247. Cub Cadet 500 series, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Yard-Man

Buy Here: Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins

3/4 inch diameter auger shaft.  Designed for all Craftsman models starting with 247, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt Snow Throwers except 33 & 45 inch. Made of metal alloy, the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins are designed to break under a predetermined force and keep other crucial machinery safe from damage. These shear pins are built to keep thegearboxx safe from debris that jams the snow blower. Also fits Fits Cub Cadet 500 series 2-stage snow blowers
Fits Cub Cadet 700 series 2-stage snow blowers
Does NOT fit Cub Cadet 900 series 2-stage snow blowers
Use Cub Shear Bolt 2 for 900 series models
Fits 2005 and newer MTD 2-stage snow blowers
MTD 300, 500, 600 and 700 series models

33 & 45 inch Craftsman, 900 Series Cub Cadet, 33 & 45 inch Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Yard-Man

 Buy Here: Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins

1 inch. diameter auger shaft.  Designed for 33 & 45 inch Craftsman models starting with 247, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt Snow Throwers. Made of metal alloy, the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins are designed to break under a predetermined force and keep other crucial machinery safe from damage. These shear pins are built to keep the gear box safe from debris that jams the snow blower. Also fits Fits Cub Cadet 900 series 2-stage snow blowers

Agri-Fab, Craftsman Tractor Mounted Snow Thrower

Buy Here: Craftsman Snowblower Shear Bolts

For Craftsman Tractor Mounted Snow Thrower Models that start with 486. Also for other Snow Throwers made for the brand by AgriFab. BERCO snow blowers use a different shear bolt and you will have to get them from your servicing dealer.

MTD late model Snowthrowers

Buy Here: MTD Shear Pins for 300/500/600-Series 2-Stage Snow Blowers (4-Pack) OEM-738-04124

Auger shear pins with clips for most MTD late model Snowthrowers. Original equipment replacement. Package contains: 4 of 1/4″ x 1 1/2″ shear pins & 4 of bow tie cotter pins. Fits all late model 2 stage Snowthrowers with 3/4″ auger shaft and stamped steel augers. These MTD Genuine Factory Parts Shear Pins for 300/500/600-Series 2-Stage Snow Blowers (4-Pack) help protect a snow thrower from damage when the impeller comes in contact with a solid object. These replacement pins fit MTD 300/500/600-series 2-stage snow blowers made in and after 2005.

MTD large frame late model Snowthrowers

Buy Here: MTD 1/4 in. x 1-3/4 in. Shear Pins for 900 Series 2-Stage Snow Blowers (4-Pack) OEM-738-04155

Auger shear pins with clips for all MTD large frame late model Snowthrowers. Original equipment replacement. Package contains: 4 of 1/4″ x 1 3/4″ shear pins & 4 of bow tie cotter pins. Fits all late model 2 stage Snowthrowers with 1″ auger shaft and stamped steel augers. The MTD Genuine Factory Parts 1/4 in. x 1-3/4 in. Shear Pins for MTD 900 Series 2-Stage Snow Blowers (4-Pack) will help prevent damage when the impeller comes in contact with solid objects.

Husqvarna, Mcculloch, Poulan, Poulan Pro, Brute, Murray, Simplicity, Snapper, Briggs & Stratton

Buy Here: Craftsman Snowblower Shear Bolt Kit

Old Craftsman models starting with 536. AYP Husqvarna. Craftsman 88618. Designed to resist stress and protect the gear box, the Craftsman Snowblower Shear Bolt Kit helps keep it safe from debris which can jam or slog the snow blower. These bolts shear when faced with a severe impact caused by debris like a large rock or a block of ice and ensure the smooth functioning of your snow blower. Bring home this handy kit to prevent stress damage from reaching the gear box your snow tool.

Briggs & Stratton

 Buy Here: Briggs & Stratton Snowblower Shear Bolts

Temporary Shear Pins for just about all snow blowers. Choosing genuine replacement parts like the Briggs & Stratton Snowblower Shear Bolts will extend the engine life and improve the performance of your snowblower. Shear bolts are designed to act as a buffer when your snowblower runs into harmful debris which could in turn potentially damage the engine. Gear box and engine are safe from stress load as these shear bolts break when faced with a sudden and severe impact caused by debris.

Stanley Beast Snow Blowers

Buy Here: Snow Blowers. Set of Two Shear Pins for Snow Blower

 Ariens Deluxe Ariens Platinum and Ariens Professional Series Shear Pin Kit

Buy Here: Snow Removal. Shear Pin Kit for Ariens Deluxe Platinum and Professional Series Sno Thro 3 Pack Bolt and Nut

The Ariens Shear Bolts Kit is designed with detailed specifications to fit our Sno-Thro units. These material, process and dimensional specifications ensure high uniformity and accuracy so the shear bolts rupture at the designed load limits every time.

Three bolt/nut pack designed for ariens deluxe, platinum and professional series sno-thro models
Ariens replacement part
Ariens sno-thro shear bolt
For attaching Ariens sno-thro auger

 Ariens Compact Shear Pin Kit 

Buy Here: Ariens Snow Removal. Compact Series Snow Thro Shear Pin Kit (3-Pack)

The Ariens Shear Bolts Kit is designed with detailed specifications to fit our Sno-Thro units. These material, process and dimensional specifications ensure high uniformity and accuracy so the shear bolts rupture at the designed load limits every time.

Toro. Current model Toro 2-stage snow blowers do not use shear pins.

The post Shear Pins For Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Ariens Snow Blowers appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

by: Paul Sikkema

Craftsman has put together short videos that go through the basic maintenance you should perform on your snow blower to keep it running this season.  These videos are short and to the point. If you follow them – you can perform the task and save yourself $100 or so for a “tune-up” at your local repair shop.

These videos will give you the information you need for 90% of the 2-stage snow blowers on the market. This includes all Craftsman 6 speed snow throwers,  Cub Cadet 6 speed snow throwers, Troy-Bilt 6 speed snow throwers, Yard Machines 6 speed snow throwers, Husqvarna 6 speed snow throwers, and most other brands with 6 speeds forward.

I am including pictures of a Husqvarna to show you that all of the current brands are different – yet basically the same. If I can do this, you can do this.

AFTER the videos, I put together a list of the minimum tools you need to do all the maintenance on your snowthrower. Of course this is a list of Craftsman tools – because all these tools have a complete, no questions asked, life-time warranty.

Craftsman Snow Thrower – Changing the oil

Changing the oil on another brand is basically the same. The drain tube/plug may be on the side of the bottom of the engine instead of the back.

Oil Drain Plug on Husqvarna

If the oil drain is on the side, I usually put a block of wood under the transmission housing to lift the back of the snow blower off the ground and remove the wheel. That way I can get an old ice cream container right up to the drain tube to collect the oil. Some people put a piece of cardboard down under the used oil container to soak up any drips. If you spill some on your cement floor, oil dry, kitty litter or sawdust all work well to soak up the oil.  Put the oil dry on the spill and leave it for 24 hours. If there is a stain left use Dawn/water to scrub the stain.

If you have never changed oil in an engine before I want to warn you that if you get it on your hands it can be very hard to get off. The dirt in the oil stains your hands. Wear vinyl gloves. Washing your hands thoroughly with Dawn will usually clean most of it off though.

Save the oil. You are going to use some of it in the next two videos. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8q3OjHkYfgA : :

In the video Craftsman suggests warming the engine up before changing the oil. If your work area is 45 degree Fahrenheit or warmer I don’t recommend doing this. Why? Your snow blower engine is designed to run in cold temperatures and should not be run for more than a minute when the temp is above 45 degrees.  Instead of warming up the engine, I just set up the container I am draining the oil into on the ground, open the drain, and then walk away for 20 minutes or so.

By the way: When I get an empty cooking oil bottle in the kitchen, I use it to store my used engine oil out in the garage. I use the oil for lubricating shafts and when I get too much it is easy to transport to a recycling facility. 

Craftsman Snow thrower – Wheel Maintenance

You don’t need a grease gun to do this task. Any automotive store sells a container of wheel bearing grease about the size of a Planter’s peanut can.  One container will last you 10 years. I use a paper towel to wipe the grease on the axle.

It is a good idea to do this on your lawn tractor also. That way if you ever have to remove a wheel it will come off easily.

Craftsman Snow thrower – Driveshaft Maintenance

Watch the video and look a the picture of the Husqvarna transmission. The difference is MTD produced snow blowers use gears to reduce the speed, Husqvarna and others use chains.

Here is where you can use the engine oil you drained from your engine. Use that old oil to lubricate the shaft.  I use a paper towel dipped int he oil to lube the shaft.

Husqvarna Friction Drive Click For A Larger View

Try not to get oil on the big aluminum disk and the rubber “tire”. Oil on those two items will cause your transmission to slip. If you want to lay a rag or paper towel on the disk to protect it when you lube the shaft.

I suggest when you get the snow blower tipped up and the transmission cover off, put the gear selector in 6. Lubricate the shaft. Then put the gear selector in R2 and then lubricate the other side of the shaft. You can also wipe oil on the gears/chains.

List of tools you need to work on your snow blower quickly and safely:

Go through this list of tools and see get what you don’t have.  You can buy these online, pick them up at your local Sears or have them shipped right to your home. Click on each item to review it and/or buy:

1. 3/8 inch Socket Set: The new Universal Craftsman sets will handle most nuts and bolts including the new Torx style. Here are 3 different sets. The basic set is what you need. The other two sets have more tools so you can do more stuff around the house.

2. Spark Plug Sockets: Spark plugs on the new OHV engines require a special spark plug socket to get them safely in and out of the engine. This set covers all the spark plugs for small engines (and most cars, trucks and power sports)

3. Screwdriver Set:

4. Pliers Set:

5. 3/16 Punch:

6. Safety Glasses:

7. Hammer: Any old beater will do…….. including a claw hammer in your kitchen drawer.

The post Changing The Oil, Wheel Maintenance, Drive Shaft Maintenance on your Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Husqvarna, Ariens Snow Blower appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

by: Paul Sikkema

Craftsman has put together short videos that go through the basic maintenance you should perform on your snow blower to keep it running this season.  These videos are short and to the point. If you follow them – you can perform the task and save yourself $100 or so for a “tune-up” at your local repair shop.

These videos will give you the information you need for 90% of the 2-stage snow blowers on the market. This includes all Craftsman 6 speed snow throwers,  Cub Cadet 6 speed snow throwers, Troy-Bilt 6 speed snow throwers, Yard Machines 6 speed snow throwers, Husqvarna 6 speed snow throwers, and most other brands with 6 speeds forward.

I am including pictures of a Husqvarna to show you that all of the current brands are different – yet basically the same. If I can do this, you can do this.

AFTER the videos, I put together a list of the minimum tools you need to do all the maintenance on your snowthrower. Of course this is a list of Craftsman tools – because all these tools have a complete, no questions asked, life-time warranty.

Go through this list of tools and get what you don’t have.  You can buy these online, pick them up at your local Sears or have them shipped right to your home.

Craftsman Snow thrower – Adjusting your skid shoes and shave plate

Craftsman made this video on adjusting the skid shoes and replacing the shave plate. In the video it shows removing the shoes and reversing them.  You ONLY need to do this if they are worn. For your new snowblower you only need to loosen them and slide them down.  My driveway is fairly smooth so I adjust them so there is about 1/8 inch clearance between the shave plate and the ground. (the thickness of cardboard) If your driveway or sidewalk is rougher, adjust them so the shave plate is higher.

If you are clearing a gravel or dirt driveway you may want to start at about 1/4 inch. If you are still throwing rocks, raise them higher.

Here is a short video on the Glide Tech Skid Shoes:

And another video, this one is about optional roller skids:

Here is a picture of a Husqvarna with steel skid shoes. You adjust these the same way.

Skid shoe on a Husqvarna

Craftsman Snow thrower – Shear pin replacement

Here are the correct shear pins for your 2012-2013 Craftsman Snow Blower.
Craftsman Snowblower Shear Pins Order a package or two and duct tape them to your handle bar. Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet, Yard Machines, MTD Pro all use this shear pin.

Every once in a while you will shear a pin and it won’t eject itself out of the snow blower. If that happens you will have to drive it out with a punch and hammer. Don’t use a nail unless you grind the end of the nail flat. The point of the nail can cause the sheared pin to flare and make it even harder to get out.  I had one last year that sheared flush. I couldn’t find the hole! I eventually found it by using a flashlight and slowly rotating the auger on the shaft until I saw a very fine circular line. That was the edge of the sheared pin.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7KnJJzc630

Here is a picture of a Husqvarna shear pin. Husqvarna uses a special bolt. DO NOT replace it with a standard bolt. You can get Husqvarna Shear Pins here:  Husqvarna Outdoor PP40003 Snowthrower Shear Pins

Husqvarna Shear Pin

Craftsman Snow Thrower -Auger Maintenance

To keep you snow blower is tip-top shape you should lube the front shaft at least once a year. This will help the shear pins eject easier if you break one.

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLHf3l9NUIY

List of tools you need to work on your snow blower quickly and safely:

Go through this list of tools and see get what you don’t have.  You can buy these online, pick them up at your local Sears or have them shipped right to your home. Click on each item to review it and/or buy:

1. 3/8 inch Socket Set: The new Universal Craftsman sets will handle most nuts and bolts including the new Torx style. Here are 3 different sets. The basic set is what you need. The other two sets have more tools so you can do more stuff around the house.

2. Spark Plug Sockets: Spark plugs on the new OHV engines require a special spark plug socket to get them safely in and out of the engine. This set covers all the spark plugs for small engines (and most cars, trucks and power sports)

3. Screwdriver Set:

4. Pliers Set:

5. 3/16 Punch:

6. Safety Glasses:

7. Hammer: Any old beater will do…….. including the claw hammer in your kitchen drawer.

The post Adjusting Skid Shoes, Replacing Shear Pins, Lubricating The Auger on your Craftsman, Cub Cadet, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Husqvarna Snow Blower appeared first on MovingSnow.com.