The snowblower can be regarded as a pretty complex piece of machinery that you use for removing snow from the ground.
In that context, its engine is relatively intricate in design and function, and can easily be compared with that of an automobile. However, unlike a car, a snowblower generally does not have an air filter in its engine.
Thus, that automatically raises the question - why do snowblowers typically not have air filters? That is the question I have addressed in this article.
So, let’s get to it!
What Is An Air Filter?
In simple terms, an air filter removes dust particles, debris, and impurities from the air that enter the engine; hence, the name. The engines used in motorized machinery are relatively complex and contain numerous components and moving parts. And most of these engines take in air from the outside to maintain a proper fuel-to-air ratio.
So, if dust particles or debris were to enter the engine along with the air, they would obstruct the engine components. And that would ultimately hamper the normal functioning of the engine or even damage it in extreme cases.
That is why an air filter helps in supplying clean air to the engine, which maintains the sterile environment inside it. Furthermore, the pores in these filters are pretty fine, so they can filter out all particles regardless of their sizes.
Why Do Snowblowers Typically Not Have Air Filters?
There are different types of snowblowers available on the market today, such as single-stage, dual-stage, and triple-stage variants, each with increasing complexity and functionality. As a result, the engines of these snowblowers simultaneously increase in complexity as well.
Such engines are observed mainly for gasoline-powered snowblowers, since battery-powered or electric snowblowers function differently. Since these engines do not use gasoline for power generation, there is no need for air intake, thereby eliminating the need for air filters altogether.
Now, gas-powered snowblower engines still need to intake air for fuel combustion. But even then, you will not find air filters on these engines. This is because snowblowers, unlike automobiles, are not subjected to dusty environments when in use.
During the winter, when snowblowers are typically used, the air is relatively dry and clean due to the presence of snow. This is because most of the dust and debris on the ground remains buried under the layers of snow. And since most snowblowers do not come into contact with the ground anyway, you do not need to worry about dust entering the engine.
Taking Care Of Your Snowblower
Just because a snowblower does not require an air filter does not mean it is entirely impervious to dust and damage. If your snowblower has a low height, then it can scrape the ground, which can cause dust and debris to accumulate inside.
You also need to be wary of the snow since it can get stuck inside different parts of the snowblower, thereby clogging it. And during the off-season, when you put your snowblower away for storage, it can gather dust and dirt that can enter the engine.
That is why you need to take care of your snowblower, which you can do in the following ways.
1. Cover Up Your Snowblower During The Off-Season
You should always wrap your snowblower with a suitable cover. That will prevent the entry of dust inside the engine during the off-season when it is stored away.
2. Adjust The Skid Shoes Of The Snowblower
Adjust the height of the snowblower skid shoes so that the auger does not scrape the ground. Make sure to maintain at least a gap of ¼ inches from the ground. That will not only prevent dust and debris from entering your snowblower but also prevent the auger from getting damaged.
3. Prevent Snow From Sticking To The Snowblower
You can use a non-stick spray on your snowblower. That will create a protective coating on its surface, thereby preventing snow from sticking to it.
Final Words
Now you know why a snowblower does not come with an air filter, despite having an engine almost as complex as that in an automobile.
However, the engine is still vulnerable to dust and snow, which can enter the engine components and affect its performance. But with careful usage and a little bit of maintenance, that can be avoided. That is why I have included some methods by which you can keep dust and debris at bay.
With that, my work here is done. And it is time for me to wrap up this brief article.
Stay tuned for more similar guides in the future. Until then, I bid you farewell!