Snowblowers for household use are used by many owners of country houses and cottages to clear the area from the fallen snow masses. Hardly anyone wants to do this manually, and therefore there is a demand for such devices.
Moreover, there are quite a lot of models of snow blowers, both domestic and foreign manufacturers, on the market of special equipment.
However, in the process of working with a snow blower, a number of specific problems can arise with it. We are talking about probable breakdowns, from which not a single owner of these units is insured. One of the most vital parts for a snow blower is the gearbox, which is located close to the engine.
Device and application
The torque from the engine of the snow blower is transmitted to the working system by means of a V-belt transmission and a power take-off shaft, to which the auger mechanism is connected through a gearbox, as well as a rotor. The gearbox itself is divided into two types:
- Serviced. This type of gearbox must be periodically disassembled to change the lubricant. Such gearboxes have a longer service life, because the lubricant contains bronze components, which partially restore the gear wheel of the gearbox.
- Unattended. These gearboxes do not require any maintenance, but they are not repairable either. In the event of a breakdown, the gearbox is removed, and a new part is purchased in its place.
As for the gear located inside the gearbox, it is made of soft metals. Basically, the material of manufacture is bronze.
This is quite understandable, because in the event of jamming of the auger mechanism, it is necessary to prevent damage to the engine, which is the main working unit of the snowblower. The augers themselves are attached to the shaft with shear bolts that provide initial protection.
In the event of an emergency, these bolts are sheared to avoid damage to the engine. If this does not help, then the gearbox will take the brunt of the blow, protecting the snow blower motor.
Depending on the classification of snow blowers, more precisely, the scope of their application, the type of gearbox housing also depends. In professional models of snow blowers, which are used to remove snow masses from large areas, the gearbox housing will consist of cast iron.
In turn, household-level models have a gearbox made of silicon and aluminum alloy. The body itself consists of two halves, which are bolted together.
In addition, gearboxes may differ in their overall dimensions, as well as in the dimensions of the gear included in their device. This directly depends on the size of the snow blower bucket - the larger it is, the larger the size of the gearbox itself.
When buying, you need to pay attention to this, because snowblowers of different capacities must have different gearboxes. If representatives of the same model range of units have different power, but one type of gearbox, then they are unlikely to be completely reliable.
Fault causes and repairs
Many experts advise you to choose snowblowers that use a serviceable gearbox. Of course, it requires some handling, but it will also last much longer than a maintenance-free gearbox.
However, this issue has a second side - such gearboxes tend to break down at the most inopportune moment. Let us consider, using the example of Patriot, Champion and Profi snow blowers, what can be the breakdowns of gearboxes, as well as methods for their elimination.
Possible problems:
- Harsh knocks are heard in the Champion snowblower gearbox - the most likely cause of this problem is damage to the worm coils or bearings. The way out of the situation would be to adjust or replace bearings, as well as purchase a new worm gear pair.
- If you observe that the Patriot snow blower gearbox heats up excessively, then several factors may be the reasons for this phenomenon. In particular, it may be due to insufficient lubrication, or wear of the bearings.
- In the first case, you just need to add the required amount of grease, and in the second, adjust the bearings, or replace them with new ones.
- If the gearbox of the Profi snow blower vibrates very strongly, the probable cause may be a misalignment of the shafts and the machine motor. Thus, repairing the gearbox of the Profi snow blower with your own hands is done by eliminating this misalignment.
- If grease is leaking from the Celina snow blower gearbox, then the likely cause may be a clogged drain hole in the vent. To correct this situation, you need to rinse the vent plug in kerosene, and then wipe it dry.
- Another common cause is wear on the gear that is part of the gearbox design. This is understandable, because it is made mainly of bronze, therefore, during prolonged use, its edges can simply be erased.
- The only way out of this situation is to completely replace the gear with a new one.
In most cases, the gearboxes of snowblowers can be repaired without requiring replacement. Of course, it may be necessary to purchase separate gearbox components - oil seal, gears, etc. However, this is not as big an expense as buying the entire gearbox.
By the way, the cost of components may vary. For example, a gear wheel of a 24-tooth snow blower auger reducer will cost about 3 thousand rubles. By the way, gears of different types of reducer can have a different number of faces in their presence - basically, these are 20 teeth and 24 teeth, depending on the model of the snow blower.
For more information on repairing the gearbox, see the video:
How to do it yourself
Self-manufacturing of the gearbox involves the use of various components from other equipment. The fact is that the gearbox itself is a rather complex part, so making it yourself is rather problematic.
In general, a gearbox for a do-it-yourself snow blower will consist of several important components:
Gearbox housing in two halves
It is impossible to make it yourself, so you need to purchase them separately. Fortunately, the cost of one half of the case is about 700 rubles, which is quite cheap.
Gear
For their manufacture, special metal-cutting equipment will be required, but the purchase of a ready-made spare part will also be the optimal solution (see). For example, the gear wheel of the Patriot snow blower gear, the price of which is about 3 thousand rubles, will be the best solution.
Oil seals
They are used as a seal to prevent grease from seeping out. They cost about 100 rubles apiece, so their purchase will not hit your budget.
Snow blower gearboxes must be filled with grease, do not pour oil into the snow blower gearbox! Lubrication for gearboxes of snow blowers with a steel-bronze worm gear is specific and contains bronze particles for partial restoration of the gear during operation. Be sure to pay attention to the warnings in the operating and maintenance manual of the snow blower for the presence of grease in the auger gearbox! Keep in mind that when translated into Russian, the instructions may contain the word oil instead of grease and that some well-respected brands warn about its absence.
Some snow blower companies warn that the gearbox is 80% full and after 5-10 hours of operation it needs to be relubricated or topped up.
In addition, the instructions recommend replenishing the grease before each season. Having a snow blower bought in a company store, there will be no questions about how to lubricate the snow blower gearbox, as it is written in the instructions. But there are cases of looking for a replacement for branded grease, so it will not be superfluous to make some tips on this matter:
- Before replacing, clean the gearbox and its grease fitting from dirt.
- Unscrew the union and use a syringe to pump in about 100 grams of grease.
- Reinstall the union.
Usually, for these purposes, thick transmission lubricants are used (Litol, Tsiatim, Multifak-264, special oils for Stihl, Arsenal-417, Ronex ED gearboxes).
Remember that the presence of lubricant in the gearbox is a prerequisite for reliable operation.
With the massive distribution of inexpensive models of snow removal equipment, more and more questions began to arise about their correct operation and timely maintenance. This is not strange, because snow removal machines are mainly equipped with internal combustion engines, which creates special conditions for maintaining the operating condition of the motors and main mechanisms. Since snow machines are operated at low or freezing temperatures, they require the use of appropriate lubricants. It is worth noting that changing the oil in a snow blower is a very important operational moment, which must be taken seriously and performed on time.
Engine types and associated oil
Currently, there are two leading engine types that are commonly found in snow blowers:
- Two-stroke. This type of engine runs a mixture of gasoline / diesel and a special oil.
- Four-stroke. This type of engine is more modern, powerful and economical, and also uses only gasoline / diesel fuel for operation. The oil is poured into a special tank and acts as a lubricant.
It is very important to use the correct oil for your snow blower engine. The corresponding markings are always written on the product packaging.
Oil types and applications
At the moment, the market is full of various types of engine oil, which differ from each other in the presence of special additives, operating temperature, viscosity, etc. So what kind of oil should you fill in a snow blower? The answer to this question lies in the instructions that come with the snow blower. Each type of engine, diesel, gasoline, two-stroke or four-stroke, requires special grades of oil, which are used in accordance with the operational characteristics, temperature background and the engines' own technical capabilities. For example, for diesel engines that do not have a supercharging system, it is often recommended to use special winter oils of the M8DM or M8g2k marking. At the same time, for high quality four-stroke engines, a 5w30 synthetic oil is the best choice.
Gear oil
Like any other mechanism that has moving parts, the gearbox also requires lubricants in it. There are many opinions on the question of what kind of oil to pour into the gearbox. Owners often use gear oils and special semi-liquid lubricants. These actions may serve as a denial of warranty service. Therefore, the best oil for a snow blower gearbox is the one specified by the manufacturer - a special gear oil. It does not harm the bronze gear, and does not change its qualities from low or high temperatures.
Optimal oil selection
How to choose the right oil? Since each walk-behind tractor has its own type of engine and its own technical features, manufacturers indicate the most optimal choice of oil for the engine and gearbox. The use of these brands of lubricants from popular companies can maximize the service life of all mechanisms and important units. It is worth noting that the wrong oil for a snow blower can cause a decrease in the service life and even damage to the engine and gearbox, therefore, the choice of lubricants should be treated with particular seriousness and attention.
Snowblowers for household use are used by many owners of country houses and cottages to clear the area from the fallen snow masses. Hardly anyone wants to do this manually, and therefore there is a demand for such devices.
Moreover, there are quite a lot of models of snow blowers, both domestic and foreign manufacturers, on the market of special equipment.
However, in the process of working with a snow blower, a number of specific problems can arise with it. We are talking about probable breakdowns, from which not a single owner of these units is insured. One of the most vital parts for a snow blower is the gearbox, which is located close to the engine.
Device and application
The torque from the engine of the snow blower is transmitted to the working system by means of a V-belt transmission and a power take-off shaft, to which the auger mechanism is connected through a gearbox, as well as a rotor. The gearbox itself is divided into two types:
- Serviced. This type of gearbox must be periodically disassembled to change the lubricant. Such gearboxes have a longer service life, because the lubricant contains bronze components, which partially restore the gear wheel of the gearbox.
- Unattended. These gearboxes do not require any maintenance, but they are not repairable either. In the event of a breakdown, the gearbox is removed, and a new part is purchased in its place.
As for the gear located inside the gearbox, it is made of soft metals. Basically, the material of manufacture is bronze.
This is quite understandable, because in the event of jamming of the auger mechanism, it is necessary to prevent damage to the engine, which is the main working unit of the snowblower. The augers themselves are attached to the shaft with shear bolts that provide initial protection.
In the event of an emergency, these bolts are sheared to avoid damage to the engine. If this does not help, then the gearbox will take the brunt of the blow, protecting the snow blower motor.
Depending on the classification of snow blowers, more precisely, the scope of their application, the type of gearbox housing also depends. In professional models of snow blowers, which are used to remove snow masses from large areas, the gearbox housing will consist of cast iron.
In turn, household-level models have a gearbox made of silicon and aluminum alloy. The body itself consists of two halves, which are bolted together.
In addition, gearboxes may differ in their overall dimensions, as well as in the dimensions of the gear included in their device. This directly depends on the size of the snow blower bucket - the larger it is, the larger the size of the gearbox itself.
When buying, you need to pay attention to this, because snowblowers of different capacities must have different gearboxes. If representatives of the same model range of units have different power, but one type of gearbox, then they are unlikely to be completely reliable.
Fault causes and repairs
Many experts advise you to choose snowblowers that use a serviceable gearbox. Of course, it requires some handling, but it will also last much longer than a maintenance-free gearbox.
However, this issue has a second side - such gearboxes tend to break down at the most inopportune moment. Let us consider, using the example of the Patriot, Celina, Champion and Profi snow blowers, what gearbox breakdowns can be, as well as methods for their elimination.
Possible problems:
- Harsh knocks are heard in the Champion snowblower gearbox - the most likely cause of this problem is damage to the worm coils or bearings. The way out of the situation would be to adjust or replace bearings, as well as purchase a new worm gear pair.
- If you observe that the Patriot snow blower gearbox heats up excessively, then several factors may be the reasons for this phenomenon. In particular, it may be due to insufficient lubrication, or wear of the bearings.
- In the first case, you just need to add the required amount of grease, and in the second, adjust the bearings, or replace them with new ones.
- If the gearbox of the Profi snow blower vibrates very strongly, the probable cause may be a misalignment of the shafts and the machine motor. Thus, repairing the gearbox of the Profi snow blower with your own hands is done by eliminating this misalignment.
- If grease is leaking from the Celina snow blower gearbox, then the likely cause may be a clogged drain hole in the vent. To correct this situation, you need to rinse the vent plug in kerosene, and then wipe it dry.
- Another common cause is wear on the gear that is part of the gearbox design. This is understandable, because it is made mainly of bronze, therefore, during prolonged use, its edges can simply be erased.
- The only way out of this situation is to completely replace the gear with a new one.
In most cases, the gearboxes of snowblowers can be repaired without requiring replacement. Of course, it may be necessary to purchase separate gearbox components - oil seal, gears, etc. However, this is not as big an expense as buying the entire gearbox.
By the way, the cost of components may vary. For example, a gear wheel of a 24-tooth snow blower auger reducer will cost about 3 thousand rubles. By the way, gears of different types of reducer can have a different number of faces in their presence - basically, these are 20 teeth and 24 teeth, depending on the model of the snow blower.
For more information on repairing the gearbox, see the video:
How to do it yourself
Self-manufacturing of the gearbox involves the use of various components from other equipment. The fact is that the gearbox itself is a rather complex part, so making it yourself is rather problematic.
In general, a gearbox for a do-it-yourself snow blower will consist of several important components:
Gearbox housing in two halves
It is impossible to make it yourself, so you need to purchase them separately. Fortunately, the cost of one half of the case is about 700 rubles, which is quite cheap.
Gear
For their manufacture, special metal-cutting equipment will be required, but the purchase of a ready-made spare part will also be the optimal solution (see). For example, the gear wheel of the Patriot snow blower gear, the price of which is about 3 thousand rubles, will be the best solution.
Oil seals
They are used as a seal to prevent grease from seeping out. They cost about 100 rubles apiece, so their purchase will not hit your budget.
Snow removal in a small home area is much faster with the use of special snow removal equipment. Its presence greatly facilitates the life of the owners in the winter. All snow blowers can be divided into three types - electric, diesel and gasoline. Gasoline and oil for a gasoline powered snow blower are very important ingredients. Below we will tell you how to choose oil and gasoline, as well as how to lubricate the gearbox and engine.
Internal combustion engines are divided into two types:
- two-stroke;
- four-stroke.
One stroke is the movement of the piston up or down. One revolution of the shaft requires two strokes. Engines, in which one shaft revolution occurs during a working cycle, are called two-stroke. Two-speed models are four-stroke. The differences between these engines lie not only in design, but also in some other indicators. In particular, there is a difference in the lubrication method.
In a two-stroke engine lubrication is carried out using a mixture that is obtained by combining oil and gasoline in a ratio of 1:25 or 1:50. The mixture circulates in the system and lubricates all the necessary components. After its ignition, the oil is eliminated in the form of combustion products. There are two ways to get the mixture. In the first case, this is done directly by the operator, that is, a ready-made version is filled in. In the second, the technique does everything by itself. In this case, the engine is equipped with a special oil tank, from which, with the help of a pump, oil in a strictly specified amount enters the branch pipe, where mixing is carried out.
In four-stroke engines no mixture is needed. Oil and fuel enter the system separately. In this case, the engine has a special lubrication system that includes a pump, filters, a valve and a line for supplying oil.
Due to the fact that oil burns out in two-stroke engines, but not in 4-stroke engines, the requirements for oils for both systems are different. In the first case, it should give as little products as possible during combustion, in the second, maintain its characteristics for a long time.
Engine Lubricant Requirements
Buying engine oil for a snow blower requires some knowledge. First of all, one should take into account the conditions in which the snow blower operates - cold. Given the fact that snow removal equipment must operate at low temperatures, the oil must meet certain requirements.
- Energy saving - its consumption during heating directly depends on this property.
- Increased lubrication... For high-quality wear protection, the lubricant must be of a certain viscosity, which will ensure rapid penetration into the grooves between the parts of the mechanism.
- Life time... Often no one is interested in changing the oil in the engine, therefore, this criterion should also be paid attention to when choosing.
- Versatility. There are oils that are suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines.
An important consideration when choosing a lubricant is its compatibility with the engine. Typically, this information is on the packaging. At the same time, different oils are used for diesel and gasoline models.
Types of oils and their features
Oils are divided into three types:
- synthetic;
- semi-synthetic;
- mineral.
Mineral oils Is a product of the distillation of oil. Due to the fact that they contain sulfur, these oils increase the oxidizing properties of the metal. Therefore, the final sulfur composition should not exceed 1 percent. To improve the useful qualities, various additives are added. The cost of such oils is the lowest.
Synthetic oils obtained by the synthesis of various substances, initially have protective properties, are characterized by lower consumption and resistance to extreme loads and temperatures. Due to the costly production, the output is a high price tag. However, the quality of these oils is much higher.
Semi-synthetic - an intermediate link, which is obtained by mixing mineral oils and synthetic oils in a ratio of 70 to 30. They have better characteristics and properties than mineral oils, but are inferior to synthetics. Accordingly, the price tag is average here.
| engine's type | Oil type | Specifications | Price |
| D-242 | M-8G2k | Mineral oil is widely used in Russian cars, has a large number of useful additives, which increases the time until the next oil change. Suitable for diesel engines. The pour point is from -30 degrees. | 570 rubles for 5 liters |
| YAMZ-236M2-4, YaMZ-238M2, YaMZ-238M2-1 |
M-8G2k, M-8DM | A universal mineral oil, suitable for equipment assembled in Russia and abroad, has excellent anti-corrosion properties, has a high resistance to extreme temperatures, which makes the replacement period very long. Viscosity change temperature from - 30 degrees. Suitable for gasoline and diesel. | 1500 rubles for 18 liters |
| 1D12BMC1 | MT-16p, M-14G2k | MT-16p is a mineral oil for diesel engines. Protects against corrosion, oxidation and wear. Certified on the territory of the Russian Federation. M-14G2k - properties are completely similar. |
1800 rubles for 30 liters (MT-16p) 1650 rubles for 20 liters (M-14G2k) |
In addition, there are universal lubricants for all types of engines.
Changing the engine oil
When servicing a snow blower, it is important to know not only how to choose the right lubricant, but also how to change it. Changing the oil in a snow blower has very strict rules. If the equipment is new, then before starting work, you should check the presence of oil. If it is, then it is necessary to pour oil into the snowblower for the first time strictly 5 hours after starting work... The second time this should be done after 25 hours, and then done as needed (that is, when it ends).
Replacement is carried out in the following order.
- The equipment is installed horizontally on a flat floor.
- The snowplow must be run for 5-10 minutes to warm up the oil that is already present. This makes it easier to drain.
- In a stopped engine, the drain cover is unscrewed.
- It is necessary to drain all the liquid into a specially prepared container.
- The drain is again plugged with a stopper, and the lid and dipstick are removed from the neck.
- Pour in fresh oil.
- The cover and dipstick are replaced.
- After completing all the actions, you need to start the device for a few minutes, and then check the level in the off state.
Gearbox grease
In order for the snow blower to always work without problems, it is necessary to change the oil in the gearbox. The gearbox is an intermediate link between the rotating mechanism of the engine and the auger.
Important! The replacement procedure is carried out every 50 hours of device operation. It is also a necessary procedure at the end and beginning of the season.
Gearboxes are divided into two types: serviced and unattended... The first option implies the ability to disassemble for cleaning and replacement of grease. The second option does not require any maintenance, but it serves much less, and in case of a breakdown it simply changes to a new one.
Snow blower gear lubricant can be applied in two ways.
- Oil is poured through a special hole using a syringe.
- The gearbox is completely disassembled. In this case, it is possible to carry out not only lubrication, but also cleaning of the internal parts.
In order to disassemble the reducer, you need to do a number of simple actions:
- you need to unhook the belt protection cover and the auger drive cable;
- special bolts are unscrewed behind the bell for throwing snow;
- the auger drive belt is removed from the pulley;
- the bolts that secure the drive shaft are unscrewed;
- after that, the auger and the impeller are pulled out;
- the auger is attached to the shaft with shear bolts, they must be unscrewed;
- the gearbox is disassembled into two parts - for this it is necessary to unscrew all six bolts and, gently tapping with a hammer on the body, separate.
Disassembled gearbox needs clean with a clean rag and gasoline - it helps to remove dirt. After that, the surface must be lubricated with nail polish remover to degrease. After that, the entire mechanism is reassembled and refilled.
Gearbox oil should not oxidize, degrade due to temperature or precipitation, it should be consumed slowly and have a long evaporation period. In addition, it must contain special additives that will ensure a long service life of the gearbox and its components.
You can buy a lubricant that can be used for your worm gear at any auto parts store. By and large, there are no specific brands here, but the most popular among equipment owners is Ravenol... These are affordable and quality lubricants. The cost per liter starts from 800 rubles.
Gasoline and fuel consumption
In order to understand which snow blower to choose, it is important to know its fuel consumption. Note that there are no specific meanings here. Consumption varies based on engine power, area and relief of the cultivated area, height and density of snow, and the presence of ice. Ideally, a 5.5 hp engine. consumes about 1 liter per hour of operation, models from 7 hp spend about 2.5 liters. On average, this value is equal to 1.5-2 liters. The standard gasoline tank capacity is 1.8 to 3 liters. Thus, the device can operate for 1.5 - 2 hours at one filling.
The best option for refueling a snow blower is gasoline octane 92, in some cases 95 is used. Pour gasoline into the snow blower from a clean container. It is important for a two-stroke engine to make the right mixture.
Advice! Shake well before filling in gasoline. In addition, the container must not be filled above the special mark.
