How Snow Blowers Work
What is a Snow Blower?
A snow blower is a piece of equipment that uses a spinning auger to push snow into a discharge chute to be thrown to the side and out of the way. Snow blowers are used to clear snow from paths, sidewalks, and driveways. There are two types of snowblowers, single stage and 2 stage. Single stage snow blowers have one auger whereas 2 stage snow blowers have the main auger, and then an additional rotating auger in the discharge chute to move snow through faster and to throw it farther.
Types:
- Single Stage – uses auger paddles to throw snow in, up, and out of the chute.
- Two Stage – uses metal augers to churn snow towards a high speed impeller, which discharges the snow out of the chute.
- Gasoline
- Electric
- Track Drive
- Wheel Drive
How It Works:
- The engine of the snow blower is started either by a push button electric start, or a recoil start
- The operator engages the drive lever/handle (two stage) or pushes the snow blower (single stage) forward at their own pace.
- A control lever/handle engages the auger which pulls snow into the auger housing, pushing it back towards the impeller (two stage). The spinning impeller, then shoots the snow out of the discharge chute.
- The auger paddles on single stage units throw snow directly into the chute for discharging. No impeller is required.
Maintenance Tips:
- Snow blowers, along with all other types of power equipment, can be dangerous. Check out some snowblower safety tips
- See How to Change the Spark Plug on a Snow Blower
- See How to Replace the Shear Pin on a Snow Blower
- See How to Replace the Scraper Bar on a Snow Blower
- See How to Replace the Auger Paddles on a Snow Blower
- Be sure to check you owners manual for a recommended maintenance schedule and for specific information about your model.
- For more snow blower how-tos Check Out Our DIY Site!
Jack’s Safety Tips: Before servicing or repairing any power equipment, disconnect the spark plug and battery cables. Remember to wear appropriate safety glasses and gloves to protect against harmful chemicals and debris. View our Disclaimer.
Featured Parts:
Related Posts
How to Adjust the Skid Shoes and Auger Control on Your Cub Cadet Two Stage Snow Thrower →
How to Test and Adjust the Drive Control on Your Cub Cadet Two Stage Snow Thrower →
How to Assemble the Handle and Chute on Your Cub Cadet Two Stage Snow Thrower →
How to Replace the Auger Belt on Your Cub Cadet Two Stage Snow Thrower →
MY SNOW BLOWER RUNS ON HI IDLE ONLY
the electric shute on my simplicity walk behind snowblower will stop turning during operation . i just today ordered a new switch and motor . have you heard of this problem before? in your opinion what would it most likely be? thank you
I used my snow blower for an hour then took a break. When I came back it started fine but the impeller rotated a couple of times and then stopped turning even though I made sure the lift lever off the hand control was lifting. Shear pins are in tact. Any suggestions on how to fix?
Thank you
Check the auger/impeller belt. It may be broken, preventing the impeller from turning.
I have a MTD 10 he 26 inch snowblower and after changing all belts it is now burning up rhetoric auger belts ( 2 of them on this model) they are the correct belts, and they are suddenly smoking/burning and disintegrate – what could cause this?is there bering on the impeller/auger I can replace? HELP please as it is going to snow again! We just got 31 inches!
I have an old Honda Snowblower track unit and love it. I need a new Carburetor.
Honda
HS80
SAI-1008199
Snowblower
You can search for your Honda snowblower parts using our Honda Parts Lookup. Simply Enter your model number (HS80) to view parts diagrams of that model. The replacement carburetor for a Honda HS80 would be part number: 16100ZE2H23