Snowblower not throwing snow far. If the snowblower is pushing snow but not very far, refer to our symptom guide to find which part needs to be replaced. Make sure the chute and paddles are free from damage and that the belt and blades are firmly attached.
It’s important as an operator of a snowblower not to start working on your machine before you ensure it is unplugged with the spark plug removed from the combustible engine it’s always best to start this kind of inspection after emptying the fuel tank and that you have consulted your specific model’s repair manual for more detailed guidance.
We hope these instructions were helpful in getting things started but we want readers to remember that these steps can differ slightly depending on which make or model they’re following.
Snowblower not throwing snow far
If your snowblower isn’t throwing snow far enough then the fix will depend on what’s causing it. There could be different issues that led to this problem like the chute might have been clogged with snow, resulting in a poor throw.
You might also have worn or stretched an auger belt which may have resulted in a slower throw speed and decreased distance of the final product.
These troubleshooting tips should help you out as they are all easy to check/fix and cheap too.
Defective Shear Bolt
The shear bolt is a metal bolt that slides through the auger axle sleeve and allows for better traction for turning. We use it as a precautionary measure in case we hit a rock or other obstructions that could cause damage to the vehicle.
If ever the bolt happens to come loose, it also should be checked since it may be broken.
Shear Pin Fault
The shear pin is a metal pin that slides through the auger axle sleeve, locking the sleeve in place with the auger drive axle. A shear pin will break if the auger hits a rock or chunk of ice and can prevent damage to the engine.
Inspect whether or not it is broken or intact when inspecting it. If it breaks you will need to replace it as soon as possible.
Auger Blade Damage
The auger blade or blades collect the snow and throw it out of the chute.
If you notice excessive amounts of wear on one of your auger blades, don’t wait until they are badly damaged. This is an easy fix that can save you money in the long run.
Faulty Impeller
A snow blower’s impeller propels the snow through the chute. If the impeller is clean and not jammed or broken, it will propel the snow into your desired location. If the impeller breaks, you need to replace it.
Check Auger Assembly
First, check the shear pins and repair them if broken or worn out by chucking them in a drill and tapping with a hammer. Next, check the auger assembly.
If it is damaged or bent, replace it with a new one. If the entire auger assembly is worn out and needs to be replaced, do so but be sure to properly dispose of any debris that may accumulate on your property such as any leftover wires or screws.
Snowblower Gear Oil
Weekly snowblower maintenance can increase the distance that you can throw snow. Ensure you lubricate the gear shaft, oil the engine, replace damaged parts, and clean the spark plugs.
Additionally, it’s important to check for rust on a regular basis in order to keep everything running smoothly.
Gear Box Issue
The auger on a two-stage snow blower is powered by a gearbox, which can drive the worm gears that raise and lower the auger chain.
If you notice it pushing snow more than throwing it in icy conditions, your transmission might be damaged. Metallic particles deposited in your oil mean that your gears have begun to grind or that there may have already been damage to them.
If this happens, remove the entire box and inspect it for defects. Depending on the severity of damage to individual parts, either replace them or buy a new transmission belt kit altogether.
Broken Cogged Belt
To inspect the belt, check to see if it appears worn, too loose, or too tight. If the cogged belt is visibly broken or noticeably stretched out, replace it.
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