Incoming Snowstorm? Snowblower & Generator Tips for Right Now
When a snowstorm is on the way, a little preparation can save you a lot of frustration (and cold fingers). Whether you're firing up a snowblower or making sure a generator is storm-ready, taking care of your machines before the snow starts makes all the difference.
Proper Care for your Machines Starting Today
First and foremost: always follow the machine manufacturer's instructions. Always refer to your owner's manual for proper operation, maintenance, and safety guidance. If you're unsure or uncomfortable handling maintenance yourself, reach out for help. Avoiding injury - or accidental damage to your machine - will go a long way to reduce your stress during a snowstorm or power outage (or both!).
Snowblower Tips to Keep You Moving
Here are some frosty but practical tips to help keep your snowblower running when you need it most:
- Store Smart: Park your snowblower somewhere accessible and protected from extreme cold if possible. If you can situate the snowblower in an orientation that will have you pointed in the direction you're going to start snowblowing, even better! Your future self will thank you.
- Check the oil: If your machine has a 4-cycle engine (the gas and oil are added to separate places) always verify the oil level before running. Running low or dry can lead to serious engine damage.
- Keep spear shear bolts on hand: Use only the correct manufacturer's recommended shear bolts, NEVER substitute standard hardware.
- Hands off - always: Never ever put your hands inside the snowblower parts, even if it's turned off. Always use the provided clearing tool to remove clogs. If there is tension on the systems and it lets loose while you're in there, you can have another hands off problem altogether. (Yes, really.)
- Plan ahead for electric start: Once you're done, remove packed snow from the auger and chute using the clearing tool, then allow the machine to dry in a garage or sheltered area if possible. Preventing moisture from freezing in the machine now will help avoid problems the next time you go to run it.
Generator Tips to Keep You Powered Up
If you rely on a portable generator during winter power outages, a little preparation is critical for both performance and safety.
- Choose the right location: Pick a near-storm storage-spot that's easy to access after a snowstorm and one near your transfer switch (if applicable)
- Never ever operate indoors: Do not use generators inside homes, garages, sheds, or other enclosed spaces. Carbon monoxide is odorless, invisible, and deadly.
- Check the oil: Verify oil levels before starting, if applicable to your model.
- Test run before the storm: Start the generator ahead of time to confirm it runs smoothly.
- Confirm power output: A running generator isn't always a generating-generator. Plug in a lightbulb, a fan, or something similar to confirm it is producing power
Waited too long? Here's what to do next
If winter snuck up on you, there are still options. January, February, and March are often our region's snowiest months of the year. When storms hit, our shop fills up fast.
Planning now can help you stay ahead of the next storm.
Stock up on essentials: Make sure you have spare parts (shear pins?), oils, fuel stabilizer, and needed accessories
In the market? We have machines in stock and ready to go or available to order for the next storm. Seasonal stock may be short if there's been an active snow pattern, for example, though special orders are available if that is the case.
Financing available: There's quick and easy financing options available, we can help you apply for financing.
Delivery is first come, first served: While we may not be able to deliver to you before this storm, we're happy to help you plan ahead. For safety reasons, deliveries are paused during unsafe weather conditions.
Upcoming holidays? Keep business hours in mind: Plan your purchase ahead of the holidays to not get stuck during a holiday break