How to Store a Snow Blower

Just one more time pushing that snow blower before you can put it away for next year. Snow is coming to the upper Midwest and Northeastern United States, and it will definitely be enough to justify breaking out the snow blower one last time.

However, that looks to be the last big snowfall of the season. So you'll likely be interested in how you can go about properly storing your snow blower through the summer. You definitely don't want to just push it to the back of the garage and forget about it.

Below is a list of things you should do to ensure an easier start next winter:

1. Drain the Fuel - Use a gas can to store it over the winter with some fuel stabilizer. If you don't want to, at least add fuel stabilizer to the tank.

2. Remove the Spark Plug - Follow the spark plug wire to find where it's attached, then remove it with the appropriate sized socket wrench. Store it in a clean dry place where it wont get lost.

3. Consider pouring a small amount of oil onto the pistons through the spark plug hole to prevent rusting or corroding of engine parts.

4. Cover it with a snow blower cover to make sure it stays clean and protected.

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As Promised, Here it Comes!

Clearing Snow With a Power Brush

Being called Winter Storm Maximus, a wave of snow accompanied by a band of sleet and freezing rain is making its way from the Central Plains to the Northeastern US today.

Minneapolis, Minnesota is already seeing the effects this morning with snowfall of up to 3 inches complicating people's early morning commutes.

Chicago and Milwaukee are expected to experience this snowy driving hazard this afternoon and evening; so be sure to take care driving home today.

Today's snow wont be the end of it though. Friday and Saturday snowstorms bring sleet and freezing rain to cover the Ohio Valley, Mississippi Valley, Great Lakes, most of New York, and parts of New England.

While it wont be a severe crippling blizzard, snowfall accumulations in areas stretching from Nebraska to Michigan are expected to reach around 6 inches by the time both waves have passed.

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How to Tackle the Approaching Snow in Northern States

Cub Cadet Snow Blower

I hate to be the messenger on this one, but it's not over yet! Coming soon to a neighborhood near you... a lot more snow. And it's not going to be light and fluffy either.

East of Lake Ontario, it's predicted there'll be over a foot of snow coming. It's possible they may get as much as 18 inches.

The rest of the area east of the Great Lakes is expected to get several inches, possibly accumulating up to 5 or 6 inches.

This snow will be lake effect snow created by cold air moving over the Great Lakes, and the snow will be damp and heavy to shovel.

If shoveling is getting you down, you could try using an electric snow shovel in areas that are only getting another inch or so.

If you're east of Lake Ontario, it may be a good idea to research the most current snow blower ratings to find out what model of snow blower or snow thrower will fit your needs as well as your budget.

If you've already got a riding lawnmower, you could get a tractor mountable snow blower or plow blade to make the job easier.

Whatever your case, the reviews at Snow Blowers Direct can help you narrow down all of the best available models to find the best snow blower for you.

Stay warm, stay healthy, and keep clearing that snow. Eventually Spring will return, but until then, try letting some modern technology help you through the season.

How Do You Fix a Broken Shear Pin?

Most two-stage snow blowers are equipped with a fail-safe mechanism that will protect your drive shaft and the motor from becoming damaged due to excessive torque.

This occurs when something other than snow, such as a chunk of ice, gets into the blade of the auger. This is where the shear pins come into play.

A snow blower's shear pins are designed to break off to prevent damage to the auger shaft and gear case.

Here are a few helpful tips for replacing a broken shear pin:

1. Pull the wire off of the spark plug to ensure the snow blower cannot start while you're working on dislodging the foreign object from the auger. 
2. Remove any debris that could be jammed in the auger. Never remove the debris by hand - jammed objects can cause the auger to spring forward. Use a pair of pliers if possible to pull the debris loose.
3. If you notice the shear pin is stuck, line up the holes on the axle and the auger, then just lightly tap out the pin.
4. Align the drive shaft holes and slide the manufacture specified shear pin into the hole and tighten the nut onto the threaded end.
5. Reconnect the spark plug and you're ready to go. 

For more information on shear pins including how to select the correct style and where to buy, check out this article titled, "Shear Coincidence."

America's Winter Wonderlands

Valdez, Alaska - February 2012

The NOAA's National Climatic Data Center collected 30 years of annual snowfall data, and the results will guide you to the snowiest winter wonderlands in the U.S.

In these places, you definitely don't want to get stuck shoveling. If you live in one of the following six areas, it's time to seriously consider a quality 30+ inch snow blower!

Starting off with the number six spot...

#6 - Boonville, NY

• Average annual snowfall = 193.7 inches
• Most snow in a day = 35 inches
• Record snow depth = 80 inches

#5 - Lead, SD

• Average annual snowfall = 201.4 inches
• Most snow in a day = 52 inches
• Record snow depth = 73 inches

#4 - Truckee, CA

• Average annual snowfall = 202.6 inches
• Most snow in a month = 44.3 inches

#3 - Hancock, MI

• Average annual snowfall = 211.7 inches
• Most snow in a day = 26.5 inches
• Record snow depth = 73 inches

#2 - Crested Butte, CO

• Average annual snowfall = 215.8 inches
• Most snow in a day = 31 inches
• Record snow depth = 120 inches

#1 - Valdez, AK

• Average annual snowfall = 326.3 inches
• Most snow in a day = 47.5 inches

Valdez, Alaska - Winter of 2012

For two-stage snow blowers and three-stage snow blowers, let the snow blower expert at Snow Blowers Direct help you find what's right for your needs.

More Snow on the Way

Just as you're approaching the end of your snow clearing efforts for the week, we are now being told that there is more on its way. While the southwestern United States is experiencing warmer than average temperatures, the northeaster United States is experiencing the complete opposite with record-setting snowfall in some areas.

If you're still using a shovel rather than a snow blower, you can plan to get quite the workout this winter. Just northeast of the Great Lakes, some areas may get as much as 8 inches or more of snow on Tuesday, December 17th. The Chicago area and other parts of the Midwest are currently getting a couple of inches of snow, but it wont grow too significant until it passes over the Great Lakes.

New York will be getting 2-6 inches of snow Tuesday morning, putting a damper on morning commutes. This snow will also be hitting the Boston area, and coastal Maine may get even more snow.

Fortunately, the temperatures are expected to rise above freezing later in the week, so the accumulation shouldn't last too long. Remember as you're shoveling and even snow blowing, don't overdo it. Shoveling is a strenuous activity that is a great form of exercise, but can also be dangerous for those who are not in good health.

If you're not in your prime, it may be wise to invest in a snow blower or a plow. For large driveways or neighborhood sidewalk clearing, you may also consider going with a power brush. If you do choose to shovel, be careful to take your time and drink plenty of water. It's not recommended that you shovel first thing in the morning, as this is the time when heart attacks are most likely to occur during shoveling. If you experience dizziness or shortness of breathe, stop and rest.

Surely this wont be the last snowfall of the season, so you might as well prepare for more.

Winter Storm Cleon: Bringing Loads More Snow to the West

If you're living in the West Northwestern United States, you've already seen the effects of winter storm Cleon. Since it blanketed several states with many inches of snow, we've seen areas struggling with transportation as well as very low temperatures. States bound to be most strongly effected by Cleon are preparing for the worst. As snow blowers are selling out of stores, you may need to look online. Snow Blowers Direct has many models in stock for these kinds of situations, and most of them are available with free shipping.

TEXAS

Texas has already been hit with snow, but now comes the worry of more snow as well as ice and freezing rain. Dallas is facing the likelihood of gridlock and shutdown tomorrow (Friday, December 6).

Texas Governor Rick Perry activated the Texas National Guard to bring emergency supplies to Wichita Falls and Sherman, and the Texas Dept. of Public Safety says that travel is not recommended in the affected areas.

OKLAHOMA

The entire state of Oklahoma is being placed under various storm warnings and advisories throughout the course of winter storm Cleon. 

The entire south central and southeastern parts of the state are under an ice storm warning through 6 p.m. Friday due to an expected 3/4" of ice. Other areas of Oklahoma are expected to get up to 6 inches of snow.

ARKANSAS

Starting at 6 p.m. today, Arkansas will be under a NWS ice storm warning in effect for the Interstate 40 corridor and other areas. The warning will remain in effect through 6 p.m. Friday. The warning includes Little Rock, Arkansas, and it stretches from the western border to the eastern border, covering most of the state.

Currently, much of the state is experiencing rain. By later this afternoon, the rain will change over to freezing rain. It's important to take extreme care while driving home from work, and if possible, park your vehicles in a garage to prevent your doors and windows from being frozen shut in the morning.

KENTUCKY

If you were saving your grocery shopping for the weekend, you might be in trouble. The anticipation of extreme ice and snow has already led many area residents to stock up on supplies, leaving many grocery store shelves empty.

Stock up immediately and get home before it hits. You don't want to be one of the only people taking your chances driving from store to store trying to find something for dinner.

MISSOURI

Dramatic change is the story here. Missouri had just been experiencing beautiful spring-like weather when a sudden onset of bitter cold, snow, sleet, and freezing rain pummeled the area. The southwestern part of Missouri are expected to get up to 8 inches of snow by tomorrow evening with highs reaching only into the 30s. 

Just yesterday, many of these areas were experiencing highs in the 60s, so the dramatic 30 degree change came literally overnight.

ILLINOIS

After just being hit by tornadoes, some small town areas of southern Illinois are praying they aren't hit by the winter storm as cleanup efforts are still unfinished. 

In some areas, cleanup efforts are having to be put on halt while water lines are covered to prevent freezing and city workers prepare to treat the roads.

COLORADO

While some parts of the state are experiencing ice and snow, the northwestern part of the state is seeing a dramatic drop in temperature to nearly 30 degrees below zero. 

No major highway closures have been reported yet, but these bitter cold temperatures pose seriously dangerous conditions for those wishing to travel.

NEW MEXICO

With some school closures and delays, the Department of Transportation has stated that Interstate 25 between Colmor and Raton, as well as between Rowe and Watrous, will have very difficult travel conditions because of moderate snowfall.

MINNESOTA

The winter storm warning associated with Winter Storm Cleon has ended for Minnesota, but not before causing plenty of havoc. Many parts of the state were covered in 2-3 feet of snow. Hundreds of accidents occurred as a result of the storm, and half a dozen fatal car wrecks took place since Monday. The Great Lakes harbor town of Duluth, Minnesota was covered in over a foot and a half of snow.

City road crews for Duluth worked 16-hour shifts clearing snow the last three days. This is an area where single-stage snow blowers may not be enough. Three-stage snow blowers are great for situations like this where you may find a mountain of plowed snow at the end of your drive. 

UTAH

Southern and eastern Utah got hit pretty hard by Winter Storm Cleon as it dropped around 30 inches of snow on parts of the state. The storm led several dozen drivers to slide off the road and get into accidents. 27 crashes were reported by Tuesday afternoon.

MONTANA

Near Great Falls, Montana, as Winter Storm Cleon swept into the area, a four-vehicle pile-up resulted in the death of a 21-year-old woman. While the storm may have passed, the driving conditions may not be favorable, and extreme cold temperatures pose a serious risk for anyone who's not prepared. Temperatures have dropped to more than 20 degrees below zero, and officials are warning residents to take precautions and stay indoors whenever possible. The temperature drop poses the risk of frostbite.

WYOMING

The storm has moved on from the area, but not without leaving residents with less-than-desirable conditions. Major highways are still open, but poor driving conditions led to several vehicle accidents yesterday. Bone-chilling cold effects the entire state. Laramie is expected to get wind chill temperatures as low as 50 degrees below zero. Several areas throughout the mountains in the western and the central parts of the state saw snow in excess of 1 to 2 feet. People in these areas deserve to treat themselves to a mid-grade two-stage snow blower. A couple feet of snow is quite the chore to shovel, and even quite the chore for an electric or single-stage snow thrower.

Stay warm and stay dry, and take every precaution with the extreme cold temperatures this next week. 

If you're in need of a snow blower, check out Snow Blowers Direct. For those effected by power outages, Electric Generators Direct has many models in stock and ready to be shipped. And as always, experts are standing by, ready to help you with any questions or concerns you may have.