Why is my snowblower clogging or not throwing snow?

Winter weather can be relentless, and our trusty snowblowers often become our saviors when it comes to clearing the snow-covered battlegrounds. But, as many seasoned snow warriors know, these machines have a knack for clogging up at the worst possible times. Clearing snow is demanding as it is, and nobody wants to add to the labor by constantly pausing to clear a stubborn clog. Fear not, for in this guide, we'll explore some practical tips to help you not only prevent snowblower clogs but also identify and address any mechanical issues that may masquerade as a simple blockage.

Let's dive right in, making sure your winter battle stays efficient and frustration-free.

When winter's icy grip tightens, we turn to our trusty arsenal of snow removal tools to rescue us from the snowbound chaos. For those who depend on snowblowers to clear their paths, the frustration of encountering clogs is an all-too-familiar ordeal. Clearing snow is demanding work, and nobody wants to lengthen the job by repeatedly pausing to unclog their machine. In this guide, we'll explore some essential tips to not only minimize snowblower clogs but also uncover and address potential mechanical issues that may mimic the symptoms of a blockage. So, let's jump right in and ensure your winter snow-clearing endeavors are as smooth as possible.

• Common Causes of Clogs
  • Hidden Objects
  • Wet Heavy Snow
  • Too Much Snow Too Fast
• Mechanical Issues
  • Single Stage Snowblowers
    • Paddles and Scraper Bar
    • Single Stage Snowblower Belt Tension
  • Two Stage Snowblowers
    • Two Stage Snowblower Belt Tension
    • Shear Pins
    • Gear Box
  • Off-Season Maintenance

One crucial rule that cannot be stressed enough is never attempting to clear a clogged snowblower with your hands. This warning bears repeating because it stands as the leading cause of snowblower-related injuries. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), a recent year saw a staggering 590 finger amputations associated with snowblowers, and on average, there are approximately 5,740 visits to hospital emergency rooms due to snowblower injuries.

When a snowblower becomes clogged, its moving parts come to an abrupt halt. This pause builds up tension, akin to a tightly coiled spring. This design is intentional, meant to safeguard the auger or engine from damage when the auger or paddles suddenly stop. However, when you clear the blockage, this pent-up tension is released, causing the machine's components to resume movement until the tension fully dissipates.

To ensure your safety while combating winter's icy onslaught, never resort to using your hands to clear a clogged snowblower. Instead, be sure to adhere to our snow removal and winter safety tips, which will help you navigate the winter wonderland securely.

Whether you're operating a single-stage or a two-stage snowblower, certain culprits tend to cause clogs that can disrupt either type of machine. Whether it's an unseen object, the specific nature of the snow you're clearing, or a mechanical glitch, understanding these common issues can be your best defense against clogs. This knowledge not only helps you proactively prevent clogs but also enables you to distinguish between a simple blockage and a potentially more severe mechanical problem.

Here are some invaluable insights from the mechanics' perspective:

1. Fuel Woes and Hidden Obstacles: Snowblower mishaps, such as clogging or failure, often trace back to fuel issues or concealed objects. If you find yourself constantly needing to keep the choke engaged when running your snowblower, it's a clear indicator of a fuel problem that requires professional servicing.

2. Chute Clogs and Hidden Hazards: The primary culprit behind chute clogs is inadvertently running over hidden objects like newspapers. These objects can easily get coated with a thin layer of snow, blending seamlessly with your driveway or walkway, lying in wait to disrupt your day and leave you with a half-cleared path.

By being aware of these common issues and heeding these tips, you can steer clear of snowblower troubles and keep your winter battles hassle-free.

When a hidden object finds its way into a snowblower's paddles or auger, it's practically a guarantee for a frustrating clog. Whether it's a frozen newspaper or an unsuspecting dog toy, these unexpected intruders can swiftly turn your snow-clearing mission into a time-consuming ordeal. What's more, depending on the extent of the damage, it might also dent your wallet with repair costs.

Our top recommendation: ensure that any areas you intend to clear of snow are entirely free from objects that could easily get concealed by snowfall and subsequently lodged in your snowblower. To achieve this, consider marking your walkways, driveways, or planters with driveway markers. These markers not only make your boundaries clearly visible, even in deep snow, but they also help you avoid unintentionally colliding with any landscaping materials used to edge your walkways and planters. This simple precaution can save you both time and money during the winter months.

Whether you're wielding a single-stage or a two-stage snowblower, battling wet and heavy snow can be a challenging endeavor, and clogs are a common adversary. This is because wet, dense snow, especially when it's been treated with de-icing agents, possesses a stickiness that's hard to shake off. When snow becomes partially melted or "wet," it tends to compact more readily and easily adheres to other surfaces, eventually leading to troublesome clogs within your discharge chute.

To mitigate the impact of wet and heavy snow, one effective strategy is to tackle snow removal early. When temperatures are lower, the snow tends to be lighter and drier, making it less prone to clumping and clogging your snowblower. So, the earlier in the day you can venture out to clear the snow, the cooler the temperature will be, and the sun will have had less opportunity to melt and refreeze the snow, reducing the chances of clogs.

In the world of snowblowers, there are two primary types: single stage and two stage snowblowers. Understanding how both of these systems operate can be instrumental in discerning potentially more severe mechanical problems that might initially appear as simple clogs.

• Single Stage Snowblowers: These machines are relatively straightforward in design. They utilize a single auger (a rotating spiral-shaped blade) to both collect and expel the snow. The auger directly contacts the ground and draws in the snow, which is then propelled out of the chute. If you encounter issues with snow not being thrown properly, it could indicate a problem with the auger's rotation or the chute's orientation.
• Two Stage Snowblowers: Two-stage snowblowers are more complex and efficient. They feature both an auger and an impeller. The auger collects the snow and feeds it to the impeller, which then forcefully ejects the snow through the discharge chute. If you notice problems with the snowblower's throwing distance or the auger's feeding capacity, it might be a sign of issues with either the auger, the impeller, or the transition between the two.
  By understanding the fundamental differences between these two types of snowblowers, you'll be better equipped to diagnose and address any mechanical troubles that may initially appear as clogs. This knowledge can save you time, frustration, and potentially costly repairs during the winter season.

For single-stage snowblower owners, keeping an eye on the gap between your paddles and the scraper bar is crucial for optimal performance. When this distance becomes too large, it can lead to several issues, including reduced snow-throwing distance and, in some cases, snow being thrown under or behind the machine, potentially in your direction. If you find yourself having to tilt the machine forward excessively to get it to engage with the snow properly, it's a clear sign that you should inspect the gap between your paddles and the scraper bar.

Here are some practical guidelines to follow:

• Check Manufacturer Recommendations: Some snowblower manufacturers provide markings on the paddles to indicate when they should be replaced. Be sure to consult your snowblower's manual for specific guidance.
• Keep the Gap Small: As a general rule of thumb, the distance between the scraper bar and the paddles should not exceed half an inch (approximately 1/2").
• Finger Test: With the snowblower turned off and the spark plug boot disconnected for safety, if you can fit your finger between the paddle and the scraper bar, it's a clear indicator that it's time to replace them.

Regularly monitoring and maintaining this critical gap will ensure that your single-stage snowblower operates at its best, providing efficient and hassle-free snow clearing during the winter season.

Two Stage Snowblowers

Two Stage Snowblower Belt Tension