You don’t need me to reiterate the importance of a snowblower in winters.
When I got my new electric single-stage snowblower, I was pretty excited about it. But I was in a fix when it was time for me to start it. And that was when my son came to my rescue! So, I decided to help everyone wondering “how to start a snowblower with electric start?”
Continue reading!
How To Start Your Electric Snowblower?
Starting an electric model is much easier than starting a recoil start model.
In the snowblower, you’ll find a three-pronged cord that should be plugged into a nearby outlet. Before plugging, make sure the outlet has a voltage similar to your snowblower. If you aren’t aware of the voltage of the snowblower, make sure to check the instruction manual that comes along.
Now, press the red button five times in short cycles until the engine fires up and starts running. Be careful while pressing the switch, as overtaxing can potentially break it down. Once your snowblower is up and running, disconnect it from the power source.
Keep it running for a few minutes until it gets warm, then switch the choke to “run” or “off,” (according to the model). You can now start clearing the snow.
How To Store The Snowblower?
Once you’ve cleared most of the snow in your driveway or pathways, ensure that the engine is turned off. I’d also suggest leaving the machine outside for sometime to help cool the engine and rechecking that everything is switched off.
Park the snowblower safely in your garage or workshop, which can’t be easily accessed by pets or children. The storage location shouldn’t be dry, nor should it be too cold or hot. Additionally, follow the instructions manual to dismantle any required parts if you’re done using it for the season.
What If The Snowblower Doesn’t Start?
A. Issue With Motor Or Switch
If your electric snowblower isn’t responding on pressing the start switch, it’s possible that the motor or switch might be broken. So, check the power cord connected with the starter and make sure it’s receiving enough power. If it does, then move on to inspecting the motor and switch.
Remove the motor by unscrewing the screws, and check for any damage. If there are any signs of melting or burning wires, the motor is burnt out and needs to be replaced. However, if you find it in good condition, the issue might be the failing switch. Entry-level motors, in particular, may overheat very quickly, and switches might burn out if pressed for too long.
B. Connection Issue Between The Flywheel And Starter Gear
If the switch and motor are both working properly but the engine still won't start, there can be a problem with the connection between the flywheel and starter gear. The starter gear connects the flywheel gear to the motor with a set of “teeth” that forces the flywheel gear to rotate and engage the motor.
Because of the continuous operation of the snowblower, the motor may become loose and wobble when the gear rotates, causing damage to both the flywheel and the starter gear. Check the starter gear located near the starter motor for any signs of wear. If the flywheel or starter gear is broken, it’s crucial to replace them.
And if the teeth appear to be loose, they should be realigned or adjusted to ensure a stronger connection.
C. Dirty Carburetor
If you find the gear in perfect condition, the only issue would be a dirty carburetor. If you do not clean your snowblower after using and storing it for the season, there is a high chance of varnish clogging the carburetor.
You can clean the carburetor with or without opening it by simply using a carb cleaner. It consists of solvents that can effectively dissolve dirt and varnish.
Final Words
Hope you’re now ready to start your electric snowblower.
Because the batteries don't work properly in cold weather, an electric model must be plugged in to start. Also, some electric models available come with a backup recoil starter. So, in case your start switch fails, you can turn on the snowblower using a recoil.
With that, it’s time for me to wrap up. See you next time!