•  Are Single-stage Snowthrowers good? It depends on how much snow you get at one time, the type of snow you get, and how far you want to throw the snow. Single-stage snowthrowers work best on 2-8 inches of snow. If you regularly get more than that single-stage snow throwers can be hard to use. Good single-stage snowthrowers will work on all types of snow. the better models will throw “normal” snow 15-25 feet so they will throw the snow off your single and two-car driveways. They will not throw heavy/wet snow or slush very far – usually only a few feet. If you normally get drifting you will want a two-stage snow blower to throw the snow farther away from your driveway so you don’t get deeper and deeper drifts as the winter progresses.
• Are single-stage snowthrowers self-propelled? The correct answer is no. Some single-stage snowthrower augers are designed so they will pull the snow thrower through the snow as it clears the snow. This feature is called “auger-assist.” This feature works best if there are 4-6 inches or more snow. On most models with rubber paddles when you lift up on the handles the auger will touch the ground and this will also help to pull the snow thrower through the snow.
• Can I use a single-stage snowthrower on a gravel driveway? Single-stage snowthrowers and designed to clear the snow right down to the pavement so they will pick up rocks and throw them. Since the gravel driveway is rough they are also very hard to push. They also don’t work on grass and dirt for the same reasons. If you want to clear a path out to the shed or clear a patch of lawn for your dogs you really need a two-stage snow blower for the task.
• Can single-stage snowthrowers break ice?  Can single-stage snowthrowers remove ice? Not really. It will not clear a sheet of ice off your driveway. Single-stage snow throwers generally have a plastic scraper behind the auger. This scraper has about the same clearing power as a poly snow shovel. What that means is if you throw salt or sand on the ice and the sun has a chance to melt the ice in places down to the pavement a single-stage snow thrower will be able to bust through the ice layer and scrape some of it up and throw it off your driveway.
• Can you use a single-stage snowthrower on slush? Yes, single-stage snowthrowers grab the slush and in one motion throw it out the chute. The good ones have the auger housing designed like a funnel so the slush doesn’t catch inside and plug the snowthrower. Be Aware – even the best will only throw slush a few feet.
• How much does a single-stage snowthrower weigh? A small 18-inch gas-powered single-stage snowthrower weighs about 60 lbs, a normal size 21-22 inch weighs about 90 lbs., and a larger 24 inch weighs about 130 lbs.
• How much is a decent single-stage snowthrower? Good gas-powered single-stage snowthrower are not cheap. A small 18-inch costs about $450, a normal size 21-22 inch costs about $650, and a larger 24-inch costs about $850.
• Is an electric or gas single-stage snowthrowers better? In general, gas single stage snowthrowers are better than cordless electric and much better than corded electric. There are two cordless electric snow blowers for the fall of 2019 that are better than about half of the single-stage snow blowers on the market. The Best Cordless Electric Snowblower For You! Fall 2019
• What brand makes the best single-stage snowthrowers? It depends on the website reviewing the products, owner reviews, and other factors. In general, Toro has the best overall reputation although Honda, Ariens, Troy-Bilt and Briggs & Stratton all have one or two models that rate well with review sites and owners.

Fuel & Oil Questions About Single-Stage Snowthrowers.

• 

  Do Not Use Fuel From This Pump In Your Snow Blower!

   Can I use regular gas in my single-stage snowthrower? Yes, the engine is designed for regular unleaded 87 Octane fuel with up to 10% E10 ethanol. DO NOT use fuel from a pump labeled E15 or higher ethanol. It will ruin your engine and void your warranty.

• Are single-stage snowthrowers 2 or 4 cycle? All single-stage snow throwers sold in the U.S. in the last 10 years are 4 cycle. No need for a separate gas can.
• Is it bad to run a single-stage snowthrower engine with the choke on? No. Small engines without EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) don’t have carburetors that automatically adjust the fuel ratio for different temperatures and altitudes. So, you need to do this by adjusting the choke lever.
• Why is my single-stage snowthrower sputtering? Adjust the choke lever until the engine smooths out. After the engine warms up you may have to further adjust the choke.  Small engines without EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) don’t have carburetors that automatically adjust the fuel ratio for different temperatures and altitudes. So, you need to do this by adjusting the choke lever.
• Can I use SAE 30 instead of 5w30 in my single-stage snowthrower? SAE 30 engine oil is thicker than 5W30 and it will make the engine hard to pull over and hard to start in cold weather. Rule of thumb: Below 32 degrees use 5W30.
• How many cc is a 5.5 hp engine? Around 208cc. Horsepower ratings are no longer used with small engines in the U.S. There are too many factors that go into determining the actual horsepower of an engine, let alone, the fact we use three different government standards to measure HP for small engines.
• How many horsepower is 208cc? Somewhere around 5 HP. Horsepower ratings are no longer used with small engines in the U.S. There are too many factors that go into determining the actual horsepower of an engine, let alone, the fact we use three different government standards to measure HP for small engines.
• How many horsepower is a single-stage snowthrower CC? 136cc around 3 HP, 179cc around 4 HP, 208cc around 5.5 HP and 250cc around 7-8 HP. Horsepower ratings are no longer used with small engines in the U.S. There are too many factors that go into determining the actual horsepower of an engine, let alone, the fact we use three different government standards to measure HP for small engines.

If you are not quite sure what snow blower you need please check out these articles:

• The Best Snow Blower For 2019
• Buying A New Snow Blower FAQS,
•  What Is The Best Snow Blower For Me? – All Your Questions Answered Here!
•  13 Snow Blower Features And Myths That Matter
• 5 Best Commercial Snow Blowers 2019

By The Way – All Opinions are Mine.

Keeping up with snow blowers is almost a full-time job and I take finding the best snow blower for you very seriously. The U.S. manufactures currently sell about 400 different models made here in the U.S. alone. In addition, there are always another dozen or so foreign manufactures trying to wedge their way into your pocketbook. By the way – a quality $500 two-stage snow blower no longer exists. The base regular price is now $699.

Affiliate Disclaimer: Please assume that if I send you to a retailer to purchase a product that I will make a small commission from that sale. FTC disclosure: **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links.

The post 17 Common Questions About Single-Stage Snowthrowers appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

Other companies that are using it call it “Automatic Steering.”

There are no problems with the new Ariens Auto-Turn differential. The differential itself is a welcome addition to snow blowers and I high recommend any snow blower that uses it. It is a new technology and is much easier to use than any previous snow blower. But like any new technology there is a slight “learning curve” as we get used to it. Please read this article because it does describe a few things that you should do if you are having issues using this machine.

Below are four items you should be aware of. Like all snow blowers it is a mechanical device and you should be aware of how to use it and how to troubleshoot if it is not performing to your expectations.

1. New, Inexperienced Owners:

The Auto-Turn is so much easier to use than a snow blower with locked or pin-lock axle that some of you are “over-steering” the machine. Take some time to get experienced with the Auto-Turn. You don’t have to “man-handle” this snow blower like the last one you used. For example, I have a snow blower that uses trigger steer. When I’m blowing snow I know that if I want to turn it just a little pulling the trigger will usually cause the snow blower to turn too much, so I catch myself forcing the handles with my hips instead of using the triggers. If you do that with the Auto-Turn it senses that you want to turn and may “over compensate” your movement. So….don’t put as much effort into turning as you are used to. Move the handles with your arms instead of your whole body and you will see that the Auto-Turn will work a lot better. Guide it-Don’t Steer It.

2. Assembly and Set-up Issues:

If you buy your new Ariens from The Home Depot please read and follow all the assembly directions. In addition read Number 3 below and verify the housing is aligned to the frame. The Home Depot offers an optional set-up and delivery. This setup is performed by an Authorized Ariens Dealer and I highly recommend spending this extra $79 if you are not mechanically inclined or new to using a snow blower. The Ariens Dealer takes the machine out of the packing crate, assembles it, inspects the new unit and makes any adjustments so when you use the snow blower for the first time it works exactly as it should. (I wish all brands offered this expert setup) The Deluxe 28 inch Model 921030 Ariens is letting me use this winter was taken out of the crate, assembled and adjusted by my local Ariens dealer BARSTOW STREET AUTO SERVICE.

3. Housings are not seated on the transmission frame. Ariens makes it easy for you to change the drive belts if you ever need to. To make the belt change easy there are slotted holes in the auger frame so it is very easy to insert the mounting bolts when you re-assemble the snow blower. The new Auto-Turn is sensitive enough that if you end up tightening these bolts with one side in the top of the slot and the other side in the bottom of the slot the snow blower thinks you want to turn and it will auto-compensate all the time. So if you split the snow blower to change the belts make sure you get both sides of the housing seated back on the pivot pins.

If your new snow blower wants to turn all the time lift up the front end and look at the skid shoes. If one is showing more wear than the other follow the procedure below to realign the housing to the frame. You only have to do this once.

Here is a video from Ariens on doing this adjustment:

Click for a larger view

Aligning the Blower Housing To The Transmission Frame. 

From: David Miller, Product Support Manager. Ariens Company

1.       Place the machine on a smooth level surface.  The garage floor is a good spot, as long as you stay away from the floor drain, since the floor is sloped in that area.

2.       Verify tire pressures are correct.  Recommended inflation is embossed in the sidewall of the tire near the rim.

3.       Loosen the skid shoe mounting bolts so that the skid shoes are completely loose, and the scraper blade is touching the ground.

4.       Loosen the four bolts (two each side) that attach the blower housing to the frame.  When all four bolts have been loosened, you may notice the machine settle into a level position.

5.       Ensure the frame is fully seated into the blower housing by pressing down on the handlebars.

6.       Retighten the four bolts (two each side) that attach the blower housing to the frame.

7.       Place a 1/8” spacer under both ends of the scraper blade and retighten the skid shoes.

8.       Press down on the handlebars and gently set the blower housing back down, verifying both skid shoes touch the ground at approximately the same time.

By performing these steps, the erratic motion of the machine which was being blamed on the Auto-Turn is corrected, and the machine drives in a nice straight line.

Ariens shot a video yesterday showing these steps, and will post it on the Ariens You-Tube channel early next week.

4. Other items I want to highlight if you set up the snow blower yourself: 

• Missing wheel keys. If you remove a wheel for any reason the Ariens Auto-Turn uses “keys” between the axle and the wheel rim. These are rectangular pieces of steel about 1/4 inch by 1 inch long may fall out onto the ground when you remove the wheel. Make sure you find them and put them back when you replace the wheel.
• Skid shoes need to be flat on ground, not tipped. When I set up a new snow blower for hard surfaces like a driveway I adjust it so there is about 1/8 inch of clearance under the bottom of the scraper.  I have a 20 inch piece of wood that is about 1/8 inch thick that I place that stick under the scraper. I then loosen the skid shoes and lower them. When I tighten them I make sure the the bolts are even in the slots and that the shoes are not tipped.
• Tire inflation. Just like a solid axle snow blower if both tires are not inflated the same the snow blower will want to turn in the direction of the tire with the lower tire pressure. The problem is aggravated with the Auto-Turn and it “thinks” you want to turn in that direction. If the snow blower keeps wanting to turn check to make sure the air pressure is the same in both tires.

In summary, there are no problems with the new differential. The problems are “normal” issues that you will have with all snow blowers. Ariens has not seen any actual malfunctioning differentials. 

Buy Here: Ariens Deluxe 28 in. Electric Start Gas Snow Blower with Auto-Turn Steering 921030

Go Here to read my full review: 2014 Ariens Deluxe 28 Snow Blower 921030 with Auto-Turn Review

The post Problems With Ariens Auto-Turn Snow Blowers? appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

Just like the Bosch starter in your car these motors are licensed from the manufacturer so that Sears can put the Craftsman name on it.

So What makes a Craftsman Snow Blower Engine one of the best on the market today?

OHV (overhead valve) design for lower emissions, more power, and reduced fuel consumption. Shielded spark plug boot reduces unwanted electrical interference.

OHV Design with Cross-Flow Cylinder Head: More efficient, cleaner burning engine than conventional side valve engines. Results in lower emissions, more power and reduces your fuel consumption.

Cast Iron Cylinder Sleeve: Automotive style piston and rings riding in a cast iron sleeve cylinder provides longer life while reducing bore wear and oil consumption. Superior to aluminum.

Forged Steel Crankshaft: Better strength/weight ratio than cast iron which means stronger and more durable.

Cast Iron Cam Shaft: Commercial grade cast iron camshaft provides better durability and longer life than nylon composites. Heavy Duty Crankshaft Ball Bearings Can withstand higher loads and reduces wear caused by oil contamination or low oil conditions.

Induction Discharge Ignition: These solid state ignitions deliver a longer spark duration. This makes the engine easier to start and much more dependable in frigid, sub-zero temperatures.

Simple-to-use controls designed for easy access and mitten operation.

Ergonomic Operator Controls with Oversized Mitten Grip: Oversize and readily accessible controls for convenient operation. Ergonomic oversize mitten-grip starter handle for easy starting and accommodates the largest of gloves.

Designed to Run On Today’s Fuel: These motors are designed from the ground up to run on fuels containing up to 10% ethanol.  Remember, fuel can go bad and separate in as little as a month if left untreated. If any of your small engines won’t start because of stale fuel the problem is not the engine, it’s how you are storing your fuel (Please, always use a fuel stabilizer like Sea Foam)

Push button 110V electric starter eliminates pull starting. Mitten-grip manual pull is provided as a backup.

Electric Starter with Alternator: Push button 110V electric starter UL/CSA   28 inch and larger models have a 20W AC / 20W DC alternator for lights and optional heated hand grips.

Mechanical Compression Release: Minimizes pulling effort for smooth and easy starts.Manual Choke with Primer for fast, easy, reliable starting on those frigid sub-zero days.

Mechanical Governor: Mechanical governors are still the best way to get precise, immediate control of engine speed. This gives you faster engine response and less lugging of the motor when you reach that heavy snowdrift.

Electronic Ignition with RFI-EMI: Shielded Plug Boot Induction Discharge Ignition delivers longer spark duration which is required for easy, dependable starting in frigid sub-zero temperatures.

110-Volt Push-Button Electric Starter:  Besides the large mitten grip handle on the recoil starter all 2013 Craftsman engines have a push button electric start. Just plug a 3-prong extension cord into the connector on the side of the engine and push the little red button.

Low-Tone Muffler: The muffler has a heat shield to protect you and channel warm air to the carb and significantly reduces exhaust noise. This engine is much quieter than your old snow blower.

Ratchet-style gas cap and removable fuel filter prevents unwanted contaminants. Up to a 5.0 litre fuel tank means less fillings and longer run time.

Fuel Capacity: Up to 5.0 litres (nearly twice industry standard) for fewer fillings and longer run times.

Automotive-style, oil dipstick allows for easy oil checks both at the start and throughout the season.

Extended Oil Fill and Dipstick: Allows for easy maintenance when filling and checking oil levels.

Extended oil drain for quick and easy oil changes makes ongoing maintenance simple and clean.

The post Who Makes Craftsman Snow Blower Engines appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

First thank you so much for your web site. If you ever add a paypal to give “tips”, I would gladly chip in.
If I could ask you a question: I’m in the northeast. Bought a new Craftsman 88173 over the summer when Sears was having a good deal. Haven’t done anything with it other than taking it out of the box.

My question is: should I be doing the summer/fall maintenance right now – change oil, etc.? It seemed to have shipped with some oil but not a lot – should I just drain it and put in the synthetic oil I bought along with it? Any other things I should do for good care and feeding? Feel free to just point me to a spot on your web site and say “DO IT!!!”

Again thank you so much.

Hi,

The post I Got My New Snow Blower Home, Now What? appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

Craftsman, Troy-Bilt, Yard Machines, Cub Cadet

Buy Here: Replacement Ignition Keys for Snowblowers with Craftsman Engines Part No. 951-10630

 These versatile Snowblower Replacement Ignition Keys are specially designed to fit in Craftsman snow blowers with OHV engines manufactured in or after 2008. You can also choose these keys to fit in most popular snow thrower models like Bolens, Huskee, MTD, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor, Yard Machines and Yard Machines GOLD.

Designed for reliability, these Craftsman Replacement Ignition Keys for Craftsman Engines are a must-have accessory for your snow blower
These ignition keys will fit snow blowers manufactured in 2008 and beyond with Craftsman OHV engines
Can also be used with Bolens, Huskee, MTD, Yard Machines, Yard Machines GOLD, Troy-Bilt, White Outdoor and Yard-Man snow throwers with 123cc, 277cc, 357cc, 179cc, 208cc and 420cc displacement engines…

Ariens, Husqvarna, Power Smart with LCT

Buy Here: Ariens 07500111 Ignition Key Snow Blower Accessories Snow Blower

 Snow Blower Replacement Key (LCT)

Ariens AX & Sno-Tek
Replacement Ignition Key

Replace a lost key in your electric start system
Compatability:

Use for 2010 and newer Ariens two-stage snow throwers
Use only for models with an LCT snow series engine
Will NOT WORK for Ariens Polar Force (Briggs) engine powered models

All Briggs Snow Engines After 2005.

Buy Here:  Ariens 07500012 Ignition Key Snow Blower Accessories Snow Blower

 Snow Blower Replacement Key (Briggs)
Replacement Ignition Key

Replace a lost key in your electric start system
Compatability:

Use for 2005 and newer Ariens two-stage snow throwers
Use only for models with an Ariens Polar Force snow series engine
Will NOT WORK for LCT engine powered models

The post Replacement Ignition Keys For Snow Blowers appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

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.

Here are a few good places to find a new one.

managemylife.com Mangemylife.com is the goto site for all Craftsman manuals. If there is a manual available, it’s there. You can search by item number “Craftsaman 88830” or model number “547.888301”   The manuals are free to read, save to your computer, and print on your printer. Managemylife was called managemyhome until recently so don’t be confused if I use the two sites in the same conversation.

Most of the other manufactures are now keeping the manuals on their site. For example, go to Husqvarna.com and click on support. You can enter your model number and get operator and repair manuals there.

If you have an old snowblower (I have a Montgomery Wards) here is a great resource. You have to purchase these manuals.

Manualsonline is a great place to find non-craftsman manuals. This link opens to the snowblower section of the website

The post Where to Find Snowblower Manuals appeared first on MovingSnow.com.

So you lost your manual.  You looked on the web and you have found 50 different places that will sell you one. Well, surprise! You never have to pay for a manual for any Craftsman lawn mower, tool, or snow blower.

They are readily available from the managemylife.com.  Managemylife is a Sears owned site.

To get your manual:

1. Find the model number on your snowblower (or other Craftsman item) It will look like 123.123456.  The current Craftsman snowblowers all start with 247. Write the number down.

2. Go to Managemylife.com and click on the manuals tab.

3. Put in your model number and hit the search button.

4. On the next screen you see a manual or a list of manuals.  Click on the “Get Manual” that matches your model number.

5. You can read the manual on your screen, download it to your computer, and/or print it out. It’s all free.

Buy the way, here is another great free resource: You can get manuals for most snow blowers, mowers, and other items at hammerwall.com

The post Manuals For Craftsman Snow Blowers – How To Get It For Free appeared first on MovingSnow.com.