How to choose and change oil for a snow blower?

A snow blower cannot operate without fuel and lubricants. If equipment owners have no questions about gasoline, then finding the right oil is fraught with a number of difficulties.

Read the article about what types of oils exist, which ones are suitable for snow blowers, how to change it correctly and how often, and more.

Types of oils for snowblowers

Almost all manufacturers of snow removal equipment produce their own line of oils, which they recommend using for their machines.

To refuel snow blower engines, 3 types of oils are used:

1. Mineral. This is the most economical option, which is a direct distillation of oil. Therefore, the final composition contains sulfur, which can provoke oxidation of metal parts of the engine. Mineral oil also contains components that burn in the engine and clog its channels. Therefore, you should choose a product in which the amount of sulfur does not exceed 1%. To designate such oil, the inscription “Mineral” is used.
2. Synthetic. The downside of this oil is its high cost. However, the composition is consumed more economically than its mineral counterpart.

   In addition, this lubricant is resistant to temperature changes, which is important for use in snow removal equipment.

   It does not become thicker in severe frost and does not lose its properties in warm weather. When choosing such an oil, you should look for the inscription “Fully Synthetic” on the packaging.

3. Semi-synthetic. It consists of 70% mineral oil and 30% synthetic oil. Such formulations are in demand because their price is lower than that of a synthetic product, and their quality is superior to mineral oils. The marking on the canister is “Semi-Synthetic”.

Depending on the ambient temperature, oil are divided into:

• summer;
• winter;
• universal.

Since snow removal equipment is used in the cold season, either winter or universal oil is suitable for it. When choosing the latter composition, it is necessary to clarify in what temperature range it does not lose its properties and correlate the data with the weather conditions prevailing in the region.

Which one is better to pour?

The choice of oil for a snow blower is influenced by the type of engine. There are 2 options:

1. Two stroke motor. In two-stroke engines, oil is mixed with gasoline. Most often this process is automated. Therefore, the oil must burn efficiently, but not emit a large amount of soot.
2. Four stroke engine. This is a modern type of engine in which oil is used separately from gasoline. It is important for him that the lubricant retains its original properties for as long as possible.

Another selection criterion is the viscosity parameters:

• if the machine will operate at a temperature not lower than -10 degrees, you can use a composition marked 20W;
• when the air temperature reaches -15 degrees, it is permissible to fill the engine with liquid with a rating of 15W;
• if you have to operate equipment at -20 degrees, use oil with a viscosity of 10W;
• for cold winters with temperature changes down to -25 degrees, 5W oil is applicable - it is the most popular one;
• For regions with frosty winters, 0W oil is suitable - the machine will operate smoothly even at -30 degrees.

What happens if you fill in something else?

The biggest danger of using the wrong lubricant is engine damage. It is this unit that is the most expensive in a snow blower.

Its repair costs at least 6,000 rubles, and a full replacement can be half the price of a snow blower. In addition, the use of unsuitable oil is grounds for denial of warranty service.

Among other consequences of use wrong oil:

1. Difficulties arise when trying to start the engine. Oil that is too thick will not be able to coat all its moving parts.
2. Oil leak.
3. The appearance of a burning smell. If the viscosity is insufficient, then during engine operation its additives will break down and burn.

   Over time, this will cause the motor to fail.

4. Excessive fuel consumption. Thick oil increases piston resistance, which will cause your equipment to consume more gasoline.

To avoid problems with the operation of the snow blower, you need to fill the engine with the composition recommended by the manufacturer.

Replacement

To change the oil in your snow blower engine, you need to do the following:

• park the car on a level surface;
• start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes so that the lubricant warms up;
• turn off the engine;
• prepare a container of a suitable size - it will be needed to drain the waste liquid;
• place a container under the drain hole and open the lid;
• wait until the composition has completely drained;
• close the drain cover;
• unscrew the filler cap;
• pour in a portion of fresh oil, close the lid;
• start the engine so that it is evenly distributed throughout its internal elements;
• use the dipstick to assess the fluid level in the engine - if it is low, add the missing amount of the composition.

If there is too much oil in the engine, it will splash out and flood the spark plug. If there is a lack of lubrication, the engine will begin to overheat, which will lead to the destruction of its internal elements.

In addition to the engine, the oil needs to be changed in the gearbox. A medical syringe is used for filling. Work order:

1. Remove the casing and drive cables.
2. Tighten the bolts located behind the snow discharge chute.
3. Remove the auger belt from the pulley.
4. Dismantle the shaft, auger and impeller, tighten the auger bolts.
5. Remove the gearbox, divide it into two parts and add a portion of oil to it.

Assembly is carried out in reverse order.

How often does it need to be changed?

If the machine is new, then the first oil change is performed after 3-5 hours of continuous operation. The procedure is repeated either once a season before being sent for storage, or every 55 hours of continuous operation in standard mode.If the ambient temperature is low, then the composition is replaced after 35 hours of operation.

The frequency of lubricant replacement depends on the following factors:

• area and topography of the territory;
• density and depth of snow cover;
• removing ice or wet snow;
• air temperature;
• speed of work.

The more factors that force the user to operate snow removal equipment to the limit, the more often the oil needs to be changed.

Can I use a car?

There is an opinion that it is impossible to fill a snow blower with oil intended for a car. Actually this is not true. If the composition meets the viscosity parameters and does not contain additives or excess sulfur, then it can be used in snow removal equipment. It will not harm the engine.

The myth that the engine can be damaged if you fill it with the oil used in the car was started by the manufacturers themselves. His goal is to sell more of his own brand.

The only exception is new equipment, which is under warranty.. It is better to fill it with the oil specified in the user manual. Otherwise, you may lose the opportunity for free service.

Where and for how much to buy?

You can purchase oil for filling the snow blower engine in retail stores and on major online platforms. The cost depends on the brand, type of oil, its viscosity and components included in the composition.

Approximate prices for 1 liter:

1. Mineral - about 800 rubles.
2. Synthetic - from 2,500 rubles.
3. Semi-synthetic - about 1000 rubles.

Buying on an online platform is convenient because in a few minutes you can compare prices and choose the option that suits you.

Conclusion

Oil for a snow blower is the basic element of its operation. Choosing the wrong composition, untimely or incorrect replacement can lead to disturbances in the operation of the engine and even its breakdown.