Do you need help with your old snow blower? It might be time for a replacement if that’s the case.
Snow blowers are an essential tool during winter weather or icy conditions. Old snow blowers have been known to experience issues like no power, poor performance, and poor ergonomics. As a result, these machines may start causing structural damage to your property.
Replacing your old snow blower is an excellent way to avoid these safety hazards and improve the performance of your machine. By doing so, you’ll also reduce your carbon footprint.
Here are fourteen common signs that indicate your snow blower is past its prime and needs to be upgraded.
1. The Engine Is Leaking Oil
One clear sign that your old snow blower could need replacement is if the engine is leaking oil. A well-maintained snow blower should not leak any fluids.
If it is, it’s a sign that either you haven’t been performing regular maintenance or your machine has worn-out parts that can no longer keep all the components safe and operational. Consider replacing your snow blower if it starts leaking oil.
2. The Blades Are Dull or Bent
The blades of your snow blower are the parts that do the work and must remain sharp to clear away snow effectively. Over time, these components can become dull or bent from regular use, reducing their efficiency and affecting performance. If you notice that your blades are no longer as sharp or efficient as before, it’s a sign that you should invest in a newer model.
3. The Snow Blower Is Making Unusual Noises
If you hear loud and strange noises coming from your snow blower, such as clunking, grinding, or whining sounds, this could signify that the machine has internal parts that are beginning to wear out. This can indicate that repairs are necessary, but often it is more cost-effective to replace the snow blower in its entirety.
4. The Snow Blower Is Clogged With Snow and Ice
Snow blowers can become clogged with snow, ice, and debris that accumulates from blowing the white stuff. It’s essential to check the internal mechanisms of your snow blower often to see if it has gotten clogged up.
If it is, you should clear all the debris as best as possible, as this can become a nightmare during winter weather. In some cases, it might be better to replace your old snow blower entirely to avoid any more hassle.
5. The Snow Blower Is Not Starting
Your snow blower should easily start on the first try. If it’s having trouble running, or if you have to make multiple attempts at starting it, that could be a sign that the engine is failing and will need to be replaced.
Older models may struggle more if they’ve been idle for a while, but new models should not have these kinds of problems. Here is a Snow Joe sj627e Review if you are in the market for a new snow blower.
6. The Snow Blower Is Not Clearing the Snow Properly
A vital warning sign that you need to replace your snow blower is if it’s not clearing the snow properly. If you’re unable to easily and quickly clear away the snow, it could be time for a new one.
The engine could be struggling on overly thick or icy patches, or the blades might not be spinning correctly—all signs that it may be time for an upgrade in machinery.
7. The Snow Blower Is Leaving a Layer of Snow Behind
If you find that your current snowblower is leaving a layer of icy snow or powder behind instead of clearing it away, this is a sure sign of something wrong.
Worn-out parts on the blower, the lack of power from the motor, or several other issues could cause it. If you’re experiencing problems like these and your snow blower isn’t doing an adequate job clearing away the layers, it may be time for a replacement.
8. The Snow Blower Is Vibrating Excessively
Excessive vibration is a sign that something is wrong with your snow blower. This could be due to several causes, including a worn-out auger, rusted blades, or faulty engine parts.
The best way to determine the cause of the vibration is to take it to a professional snow blower repair shop for inspection and diagnosis. If it’s not something that can be fixed quickly and inexpensively, then it might be time for you to invest in a new snow blower.
9. The Snow Blower Is Leaving Clumps of Snow in Its Path
If the snow blower leaves clumps of snow in its path after you have cleared your driveway, it could be a sign of damaged parts. The auger should be spinning quickly and evenly to push snow along as it’s being thrown out, but if it is not, it will leave clumps of snow behind.
Additionally, if the belt that powers the auger is loose or worn out, then this can also cause it to slow down or even stop, resulting in the same problem with clumping.
10. The Snow Blower Is Not Throwing Snow Far Enough
If you notice the snow blower is not throwing snow further than before, or it can’t seem to clear the entire driveway in one pass, the impeller isn’t working properly.
Impellers spin quickly and force air through a tube, propelling snow out of the machine at high speed. If the impeller is worn or clogged with debris and ice, it will not be able to throw the snow out as far as it should. This means your old machine needs replacing!
11. The Snow Blower Is Hard to Handle and Maneuver
If your snow blower is hard to handle, doesn’t feel comfortable in your hands, or drags when moving it over uneven ground, it’s a sign that you need to replace it.
Look for a snow blower with well-balanced and lightweight parts that make maneuvering easier and faster. This will help reduce fatigue and other adverse symptoms during winter.
12. The Snow Blower’s Belts Are Cracked or Worn
Snow blower belts can last up to a few hundred hours. But once they have been used frequently, those same snow blower belts tend to encounter wear and tear.
This can shorten the life of your old machine and should be replaced as soon as visible damage is evident. To extend the lifespan of your model, check replacement belts periodically, and if you detect any signs of damage, buy a new one immediately.
13. The Snow Blower’s Spark Plug Is Damaged
A damaged spark plug can make it hard for your machine’s engine to start and might even cause the engine to smoke. If you notice that your snow blower’s spark plug is cracked, corroded, or not sparking anymore, it may be time to replace it with a new one. As a rule of thumb, always check your spark plugs at least once a season and replace them if necessary.
14. The Snow Blower’s Parts Are Difficult to Come By
If your snow blower has been sitting in the shed for years and its components are no longer available in ordinary stores, it’s time to get a new machine.
This is especially true if you need replacement parts that are no longer made. Trying to track down certain parts is never worth the hassle; it may cost more time and effort in the long run than just buying a new snow blower.
Conclusion
Regularly inspecting your snow blower and replacing worn parts can help to ensure that it is in top condition and will continue to perform its job efficiently.
Keeping your machine maintained in this manner will save you a lot of money in the long run in terms of repairs. Here are some helpful tips and tricks to deal with snow and ice.