In many parts of the country, snowblowers were used more frequently and were tasked with removing deeper snow accumulations than any winter in recent memory. With the snow season coming to a close, now is the time to inspect and repair the components of your snowblower that did some of the heaviest lifting. These components include:
- The skid shoes – The purpose of the skid shoes is to keep the auger blade and the snowblower housing from coming in direct contact with the ground. The skid shoes, which are located on both sides at the front of the housing, can be set at a variety of heights and carry much of the weight of the machine as it runs over the surface being cleared. Whether these surfaces are made of asphalt, cement or frozen ground, after enough time they will wear down the flat surfaces on the bottom of the skid shoes until they look more like rudders. At this point the snowblower will have greater difficulty moving forward and the risk of snapping the skid shoes will increase dramatically. If your skid shoes are getting close to this point, replace them now to avoid far more expensive repairs to the housing and/or the auger.
- The impeller – Two-stage snowblowers separate the snow removal work with the auger collecting snow and the impeller throwing it. This configuration decreases the wear on the two-stage impeller versus single-stage models, but the paddles on this component can still suffer from the wear and tear of throwing rocks, ice and other debris. Cracks, chips and small dents can weaken the structure of the impeller, resulting in less efficient snow removal. Check the impeller for any structural weaknesses and make any necessary repairs in the off-season.
- The scraper – Much like the steel skid shoes, surface friction will wear down the scraper over a few seasons. Generally speaking, the scraper will wear down and recede fastest at the center, resulting in a curved shape. If your scraper is showing this kind of wear, it’s time for a replacement.
One of the advantages of making these repairs to your snowblower during the off-season is that you have some time to get everything done. On the other hand, waiting until the season starts can add a sense of urgency, especially if using a shovel is the next best option.
