How Fast Should Snowblower Auger Turn

Anyone who resides in Washington or Alaska would agree that a snowblower is one of the most important power tools in their toolshed. 

And rightly so, since they come in handy for clearing snow from driveways, pathways, walkways, and other areas in a breeze. Though all augers are invented to remove snow, they differ from each other in terms of speed. 

So, if you’ve been wondering, “how fast should snowblower auger turn?” then keep reading till the end.  

How Fast Should Snowblower Auger Turn?

Ideally, a snowblower auger rotates at a speed of 1,700 RPM (revolution per minute) with the screw turning at 170 RPM. That is to say, a snowblower auger rotates at about two revolutions per second. 

However, the rotating speed depends upon the horsepower of the motor it runs on. 

How To Improve Snowblower Performance?

Irrespective of whether you go for single-stage, two-stage, three-stage, electric, or gas-powered units, snow blowers work perfectly when new. However, after a season or two, their performance declines with regular usage. 

So, here I’ve mentioned some ways that will improve the performance of your snowblower and make them more efficient than ever. 

1. Adjusting The Scraper Blade

Both single-stage and two-stage snow blowers feature a scraper blade that scrapes snow from the surface. But did you know that when they come in contact with concrete or other hard surfaces, they start wearing out? 

While single-stage snow blowers feature self-adjustment bars, the scraper blades of two-stage units require manual adjustment. 

To adjust them, slightly tip the device to the back, look for the housing of the scraper blade hardware, and loosen it. Next, pull it down as much as you can and tighten it, and you’re done. 

2. Tighten The Clutch Cable

For tightening a loose auger clutch cable, unfasten the screw on the cable adjustment barrel and turn it down to remove slack. When that’s done, place the nut back and secure it tightly. 

3. Adjust The Snowblower Wheel Drive

Are the drive wheels of your snowblower not functioning as efficiently as they were when you bought the device? If yes, then you’ll have to fine-tune its wheel drive clutch cable by shortening cable slack. To do this, you’ll have to look for the bolt on the drive barrel’s adjustment barrel and then unfasten it. 

Next, rotate the barrel downwards, tighten the screw, and that’s it. But, if making adjustments to the cable makes no difference in its performance, then the snowblower’s friction disc may be faulty. In such instances, you’ll have to replace it, only then will the snowblower perform better. 

What To Do If The Snowblower Isn’t Turning Fast?

Most often, the impeller channels the snow to the chute to hurl it far away. But snowblower owners often complain the impeller starts malfunctioning and turns more slowly than it should. When that happens, it’s mainly because the auger drive belt isn’t gripping the drive pulley properly. 

That’s why I suggest altering the tension of the belt by referring to the instruction manual. Or, you can refer to tutorials on the internet and adjust the tension without any issues. 

Things To Remember When Using A Snowblower

Certainly, snow blowers are easy to use, but did you know that approximately 6,000 people suffer injuries every winter while using them? That’s why it’s advisable to use them cautiously to clear snow from pathways and walkways. 

Here I’ve mentioned a few things that you must take care of while using a snowblower. 

1. Pouring gasoline fuel into a running unit is a big no-no! 
2. Always read the instruction manual before using a new device to understand its controls so that you use it correctly. 
3. Never store a snowblower near furnaces, water heaters, or other hot areas. 
4. Wear boots that offer a good grip on slippery surfaces and dress comfortably to prevent accidents. 

Summing It Up

Now that you know the rotating speed of the snowblower auger, are you ready to clear snow from the driveways? 

But before you start using the device, make sure you read the instruction manual properly. This way, you’ll familiarize yourself with the controls and use the unit to remove snow without any issues. 

With that, it’s time to wrap my guide on the topic. Hopefully, you enjoyed reading it and learned a thing or two about snowblowers. Before I call curtains for the day, here’s a last piece of advice - never wear loose clothes while using a snowblower because they can get stuck and cause accidents. 

That’s it for today. Bye, folks!