For the smooth operation of a snow blower, not only competent and correct operation is important.
Timely replacement of consumables, care and maintenance of the unit also affect its performance.
In gasoline and diesel snow blowers, special attention should be paid to the engine oil and fuel poured into the tank.
This article will tell you what kind of oil should be in a snow blower, what kind of gasoline and many other useful things.
What is oil used for?
To understand what types of oils are suitable for a snow blower and how often to change it, it is necessary to explain something. Motor oil forms a film on the cylinder-piston group and protects the engine from wear. Engine oil also performs the following functions:
- reduces friction between engine parts;
- cools the crankshaft, pistons and other engine parts;
- when the engine is running, reduces noise and vibration;
- protects the engine from wear during a “cold” start;
- increases engine cleanliness and service life.
The snow blower operates at low temperatures and under constant load. A good quality motor oil should perform the tasks described above.
Device
The company's official website https://www.onlypatriot.com/ru/ presents a wide range of snow blowers of various modifications. All models can be divided according to the type of work into:
The main elements of the Patriot snow blower are:
- Wheels.
- Snow throwing device.
- Screw transfer mechanism.
- Lever for switching the cutter.
- Handle for shifting the wheel.
- Lever for changing movement speed.
- A device for regulating the direction of snow mass ejection.
- Auger protection.
- Screw.
- Engine.
- Halogen flashlight.
Gearbox lubricant
Another part of the snow blower that needs lubrication is the gearbox. It is located between the rotating engine mechanism and the auger. Lubricant is applied to the gearbox through a special hole using a syringe or when the mechanism is completely disassembled. In the second case, the gearbox can not only be lubricated, but also the internal parts can be cleaned.
The gearbox is the second most important mechanism after the engine and should not be forgotten. The full operation of such a unit depends on a specially selected lubricant. Lubricants for gearboxes are liquid and thick.
This is easy to determine. If the snow blower is equipped with a gearbox with an oiler, then thick lubricant is used, supplied by a syringe. In some cases, a drain bolt is installed, which indicates the use of liquid oil.
The following materials are widely used to lubricate the gearbox:
- "Ciatim"
- "Litol"
Tips for use
It is important to use equipment regularly and maintain it on time. It is best to remove freshly fallen snow, not in large quantities. If the cover is already deep, but recently formed, then you need to work with the unit slowly. With compacted snow, movements should be even slower, no more than 30 cm at a time. This will reduce the load on the gearbox. Don’t forget about safety precautions: wear non-slip shoes and work in good visibility.
To make your life easier in winter and purchase a quality snow blower, you need to immediately determine what price suits you, how long it will work, whether you need to pay for the brand or buy a Chinese clone. You should not take a very cheap one, made somewhere in the basement, which costs a penny and will fall apart very soon. But it also seems stupid to pay for the name of a well-known company. You need to choose a middle ground.
With a good snow blower, snow removal will turn from hard, physical, monotonous work into a pleasant, easy winter walk in the fresh air. You should never waste money on equipment, as you will have to spend much more on your health later.
Types of oils and their features
Three types of oils are widely used: synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral. They all have their differences.
- Synthetic . Excellent engine protection, does not thicken at subzero temperatures and retains its properties on hot days. Stable operating parameters. The oil received its name due to complete synthesis as a result of chemical reactions. Typically labeled "Fully Synthetic".
- Semi-synthetic . Almost mineral, but with the addition of a large amount of synthetic additives. This allows you to improve the quality of such oil to the level of synthetic. The inscription on the packaging is “Semi-Synthetic”.
- Mineral . These types have the lowest price tag. Mineral oils are obtained by distilling petroleum, so they have weak functions. They thicken in the cold, include components that burn in the engine and clog the oil passages. But due to its low cost, the oil has become widely used. Designated as "Mineral".
Here is a small list of oils that have proven themselves well in Russian conditions:
- M-8m – mineral lubricant, resistant to temperature changes, low wear of components and mechanisms;
- M-16r – used for diesel engines, low rates of metal oxidation;
- M-82k is a mineral oil, suitable for all types of engines. When additives are added, the pour point reaches -30 °C.
Many people are interested in the question of what kind of oil should be poured into a snow blower. It all depends on weather conditions, period of operation and finances. The most common is SAE 5W30 - oil for four-stroke engines.
Along with snow blowers, some manufacturers also produce their own oil for these units. This is done so that in the event of an engine breakdown, repairs are carried out under warranty. Otherwise, you will have to repair it at your own expense.
What to choose
This is not to say that the range of motor oils for snow blowers is impressive, which is why it is not always possible to visit a store and immediately find the necessary type of lubricant.
If we talk about specialized stores, then here you can usually find several options for lubricants that are aimed specifically at snow blowers:
- M82K.
- M-8M.
- MT-16r.
The first two compositions are mineral and have an impressive range of applications. And if problems may arise with the search for the M-82M, then finding the M-8M will not be difficult. This is not surprising, since the lubricant is widely used in different countries. It has good anti-corrosion properties, is not afraid of low temperatures, and has a long service life. Oil can be poured into both diesel and gasoline engines of snow blowers, as well as other garden equipment.
But the MT-16r is already purely diesel. It also protects well against corrosion, resists oxidative processes and prevents rapid wear of engine components.
Multi-purpose oils have gained particular popularity among snow blower owners. It is worth presenting a few worthy examples here.
- MTD 5W30. German mineral motor oil designed for 4-stroke engines. Demonstrates good efficiency and helps start a cold engine in the cold without any problems. Protects against wear and corrosion.
- Oregon 30. American semi-synthetic product. Filled only in gasoline engines. Cleans the engine well from the inside. Plus, it is minimally consumed during active use.
- Craftsman 5W30. Domestic development. Suitable for various garden equipment equipped with a diesel or gasoline engine. Helps reduce noise levels, protect the engine from wear, corrosion and oxidation processes.
- Ravenol Schneefraese 4Takt. Has a viscosity German development. From the name it is clear that the oil is intended for 4-stroke engines. It evaporates and is consumed minimally and does not provoke oxidative processes. Can work even if the engine has not been warmed up beforehand.
- Hammer 10W40. Semi-synthetic oil, suitable for various purposes and tasks, including maintenance of walk-behind tractors and snow removal equipment.
Of course, the list doesn't end there. But try to choose only those oils that have proven themselves well.
Don't forget about one more problem of choice. These are fakes. Even if you find a high-quality composition, make sure that the container is not counterfeit and that there is an original product inside.
Engine lubricant requirements
Although the operation of a snow blower engine differs from that of a car, the lubrication requirements are the same in both cases. The main task of lubricants is to reduce friction in components and mechanisms and prevent jamming of working connections.
It is necessary that the lubricant does not lose its properties during operation of the snow blower. The material must be protected from fire and not subject to detonation. Recently, a frequent requirement for lubricants is minimal impact on the environment.
Nobody wants to change the engine oil often. Therefore, when choosing lubricants for a snow blower engine, you should pay attention to the service life of the lubricant used.
Technical characteristics of popular models
PS 550 d
Snow blower Patriot PS 550 d - a model with a manual engine starting system, thanks to a serrated auger, is used for clearing small and medium-sized areas not only of snow, but also ice.
The snow mass is thrown in the selected direction at a distance of up to 10 meters, and the width of one passage is 56 centimeters.
Characteristic | Meaning |
Engine | 4 measures |
Power | 5 horsepower |
Working width | 56 centimeters |
Unit height | 51 |
Screw system | 2 steps |
Screw material | Metal |
Self-propelled gun | Yes |
Forward-backward speed | 5 – 2 |
Engine Manufacturer | PatrioT |
Fuel tank capacity | 3.5 liters |
Way to travel | On wheels |
Blowout | Up to 10 meters |
Rotate the chute | 190 degrees |
Starter type | Manual |
Mains power | No |
headlight | No |
Battery powered | No |
Package | 98*63*79 |
Weight | 73 kilograms |
Price | RUB 24,990 |
You will see more detailed information about Patriot snow blowers in the videos below:
PS 551d
The Patriot snowplow with the PS 551 d modification is a powerful piece of equipment that can cope with the removal of wet compacted snow. Equipped with a four-stroke engine, a reliable bucket, large maneuverable wheels and a wide range of driving intensity.
Characteristic | Meaning |
Engine | Petrol |
Power | 4050 W |
Working width | 55 centimeters |
Unit height | 51 |
Adjustment of throw direction | Yes |
Selecting the snow mass throw range | Yes |
Main mechanism | Metal screw |
Self-propelled gun | Yes |
Forward-backward speed | 5 – 2 |
Way to travel | On wheels |
Blowout | Up to 14 meters |
Starter type | Manual |
D wheels | 34 cm |
Weight | 66 kilograms |
Price | RUB 21,500 |
Can I use car oil?
If it is not possible to purchase motor oil specifically for a snow blower, you can use automobile oil. Before doing this, be sure to make sure that the engine types match - both the snow removal unit and the car. It is forbidden to fill in summer oil in winter and vice versa.
When pouring automobile oil into a snow blower, there are important points to consider. Take a short break every 30 minutes of work. Be sure to monitor the fluid level and not overheat the engine.
Buy cheaper
Vendor code:
Thank you for the order!
Error!
In the near future, our manager will contact you.
Error in description? Select it and click
Reviews about our work
We strive to be as convenient as possible for you, to provide a decent level of service, and high competence of specialists.
Any of your comments, suggestions and wishes will not go unnoticed.
With your help, Garden Mechanisms will become better. Read customer reviews and evaluate the quality of the store on Yandex.Market.
How to fill correctly
Modern snow blowers have 2 oil fill options. This is a side fill hole and a top location. In the first case, it is advisable to fill the oil using a funnel. In the second case, pouring is more convenient and it’s easy to check the level.
The oil fill location has been determined; now you need to remove or unscrew the dipstick and clean around it so that no debris gets inside the crankcase. The snow removal unit must be placed on a level surface.
Now you can add oil, checking its level so as not to overfill. The dipstick should have maximum and minimum level marks. The oil volume in the snow blower engine is different for all models. It can range from 0.6 to 1.1 liters.
After filling, close the neck and start the snow blower for 20-40 seconds. After this period, turn off the engine, check the level again and, if necessary, add to the required level.
Maintenance
It is not difficult to carry out maintenance of a snow blower; you just need to be careful and follow all the necessary rules:
- Use protective equipment and do not forget to check that it is functioning properly.
- Before starting maintenance work, always stop the engine and remove all controls from the operating position and disconnect the ignition cord.
- Carry out an external inspection of the unit, make sure that all bolts and nuts are securely fastened.
- Ensure that all engine stroke settings are maintained.
- When replacing faulty mechanisms, use only spare parts recommended by the manufacturer.
- Ensure that all machine controls are functioning properly.
- After finishing work, the engine needs some time to cool down.
- To prevent premature wear of the snow blower mechanisms, promptly carry out maintenance work recommended by the manufacturer.
Fuel
- Fill the tank with fuel only with the engine off and outdoors.
- Follow safety precautions when refueling: place the machine away from flammable objects, do not smoke.
- Before the first refueling, remove the special cap, and after filling the tank, install the cap;
- To prevent gasoline from spilling, always use a funnel;
- Do not fill the tank to the brim, leave about 1.5 cm for the expansion of fuel particles;
- For refueling, use AI-92 gasoline.
How to change oil
- Place the snow blower on a hard surface.
- We take out the dipstick and unscrew the drain bolt.
- We wait until all the used oil is poured into a pre-prepared container.
- Screw the drain bolt into place.
- Pour new oil through the filler hole.
- Using a dipstick, we check whether the required level is met.
- Install the dipstick into the drain hole.
How to lubricate bearings
At least once a year it is necessary to carry out work to lubricate the rubbing mechanisms: the shaft and bearings of the auger. To lubricate the auger shaft, remove the shear bolts from the shaft. Shaft lubrication points are located at both ends of the shaft.
How to remove the auger
The augers are attached to the shaft by pins and cotter pins. It happens that the pin breaks when it hits a hard surface, then it needs to be replaced. Before installing the pin, be sure to lubricate the auger shaft. Use only certified shear pins approved by the snow blower manufacturer.
The Patriot Garden company has already won the trust of millions of amateur gardeners around the world. By purchasing Patriot snow blowers, you are purchasing a reliable assistant that will serve you for many years.
First start of the snow blower
After purchasing a new snow blower, you should break in the engine. In winter, the process takes 5-10 hours. The parts rub against each other, the mechanism begins to work harmoniously.
After trial hours of operation, the oil is changed. Experts recommend using mineral lubricants during break-in. For the first launch, synthetics will not be suitable, as it will not allow the parts to fully break in.
Some new snow blowers come without oil in the engine crankcase. When purchasing a used snow blower, you need to ask the owner what kind of oil was poured into the unit.
Choice
What kind of oil should I put in my snow blower so that it works properly? Not many people know that the choice of oil should be based on the engine and its performance. Diesel engines of naturally aspirated snow removal equipment usually use M8g2k and M8DM winter oils.
The latter is good for turbocharged diesel engines.
Motor 1D12VMS 1
Many cars are equipped with 1D12BMC1 engines, in which the use of low-viscosity oils is contraindicated. In order to lubricate engines of this type, it is necessary to use M-14G2k, in rare cases MT-16p. Cold start with M-14G2k and MT-16p can only be used if the window outside is no more than five degrees.
If the snowplow has been left in the cold for a long time or stored outside, then it must be warmed up before starting. During summer storage of the snow blower, care must be taken to protect the motor from corrosion.
For this purpose, often take used oil - its preservation characteristics are much higher than those placed in the barrel.
When choosing oil for a diesel engine, one of the main values is its brand:
- Engine brand: D-242; oil for it: M-8G2k. Not at all the same as M-8G2 and M-10G2. It differs from them in its effective additive compositions, which make it possible to increase the time required to change the oil. M-8G2k are successfully used in cars of domestic brands.
- Engine make: YaMZ-236M2-4; oil for it: M-8G2k, M-8DM. M-8G2k differs from the M-8G2 and M-10G2 types in more effective additive compositions, and the period indicated for oil changes can be extended. M-8G2k and M-10G2k are used in KamAZ, ZIL, Ikarus.
- M-8DM. Contains a mixture of distillate and residual components that are produced from sour crude oil and new composite additives that improve properties that combat corrosion and wear of parts. M-8DM is used during winter or summer operation of highly accelerated turbocharged diesel engines
Oil M-8DM
Can be used in naturally aspirated diesel engines that rarely require oil changes.
It is poured into both domestic and foreign equipment:
- Motor brand: 1D12BMC1; oil for it: MT-16p, M-14G2k.
- MT-16p oil - used to lubricate naturally aspirated engine diesel engines. Certified in Russia. The oil has the following properties: detergent, antioxidant, anti-corrosion and anti-wear.
- M-14G2k. The composition with G2k oil is identical. Scope of application of M-14G2k:
Used for four-stroke transport diesel engines.
Can be used instead of M-10 G2k oil during summer operation of diesel engines, in regions where summers are long and very hot:
- Motor brand: Y-2D6-TK-C5; oil for it: MT-16p, M-14G2k.
- Engine make: YaMZ-238BE; engine oil: M-8DM.
- Motor type: YaMZ-238M2; oil for it: M-8G2k, M-8DM.
- Motor type: YaMZ-238M2-1; oil for it: M-8G2k, M-8DM.
- Engine type: KamAZ-740.55-360; oil for it: M-8DM.
- Motor type: YaMZ-7511; oil for it: M-8DM.
You can also choose Revenol engine oil, which is used for 4-stroke engines of snowplows. The best-selling oils are: Ravenol Schnefrase 4T SAE OW-30 Wallsink and Ravenol m 4T SAE 5W-30 Synf. The latter is a type of synthetic engine oil of the highest quality.
Ravenol M 4T
For more details, watch the video:
The oil has a light green color and can be used for small-sized 4-stroke equipment that is operated during the winter months. The oil prevents wear and tear during high performance and protects the entire machine from rust.
During its use, the equipment consumes less hot water. This happens due to the reduction in the emission of harmful substances into the environment.
Ravenol m 4T SAE 5W-30 Sinf ensures uninterrupted start in February frosts at temperatures down to – 30°C, Ravenol Schnefrase 4T SAE OW-30 Wollsink – down to -50°C.
The use of these motor oils reliably protects the engine during operation in extreme conditions, protecting the device under heavy load at maximum engine performance.
Ravenol oils for snow removal equipment meet the specifics of work and the requirements of global manufacturers of snow removal equipment, such as MTD, Honda, TORO, Yaard-Man, Briggs & Stratton, Murray, Ariens, Kenyan.
Husqvarna snow blower oil is ideal for snow blower machines of the same name.
One of the main characteristics of mala is its viscosity.
The degree of viscosity must correspond to the air temperature. If the temperature is from zero to eighteen degrees, use SAE 5W-30 type oil, if the temperature is below eighteen degrees, use SAE 0W-30.
How often to change
The recommended oil change occurs after 25-30 hours of operation of the snow blower. In general, there are no specific periods of time, because all manufacturers have their own regulations in their instructions. For example, for the Husqvarna 1130 STE snow blower, the first replacement occurs after 120 minutes of engine operation. Then every 50 hours and at the end of the winter season.
For snow blowers Huter SGC 4000 and Huter SGC 4800, Сhampion, the first oil change is also done after 120 minutes, subsequent ones - after 30-40 hours of operation. The level is checked every 5 hours or before snow removal begins.
Gasoline and fuel consumption
Several factors affect the gas mileage of a snow blower. These are engine power, the condition of the surface being removed, and the density of the snow cover. On average, a 6 hp engine consumes 0.8 liters of gasoline per hour.
An 8.5 hp snow blower consumes 2.2 liters per hour. Now you can find out how long the snow blower can work continuously. With a tank volume of 1.9 liters, gasoline will last for 1-1.5 hours. More powerful snow blowers have 3 liter tanks. and more.
Engines for gasoline snow blowers are divided into two-stroke and four-stroke. Two-stroke engines are installed on low-power snowplows, up to 5 hp. For some, the disadvantage is that gasoline mixed with oil is poured into such an engine.
Four-stroke engines are larger, heavier and more powerful - up to 13 hp. A snow blower with this engine runs on pure gasoline, without additives. In both cases, the gasoline used must have an octane number of 92. The fuel is stored in clean containers and should be shaken before refueling.
Causes
The engine of a patriot or huter model snow blower may not start at all, or may simply have defects during operation (knocking, sudden stop).
If the snow blower does not want to start at all, then there are several possible reasons for this:
- Ignition form is missing.
- No suitable fuel.
- The fuel valve is closed.
- The special air damper is open.
- The exposed fuel hose is dirty.
- The air valve is clogged.
In the last two cases, repairing a gasoline snow blower from a champion or patriot saw will come down to cleaning the fuel hose and air filter, respectively.
Let's look at troubleshooting the main problems:
- In order to fully understand the flow or non-flow of fuel into a gasoline engine, it is necessary to remove the spark plug from it (after first disconnecting the hose). The photo shows which side this can be done from. If there is no gasoline on the spark plug, this indicates that gasoline is not entering the fuel tank and the mesh - the carburetor filter - is clogged. If there is gasoline on the removed spark plug, then there is enough gasoline in the tank. It happens that the snow blower does not start due to an excess of gasoline in the tanks.
- If there is carbon deposits on the removed spark plug, it must be thoroughly cleaned. Fine sandpaper is quite suitable for this.
- If everything else is in order, then the reason for the lack of operation may be the size of the gap between the electrodes. This indicator is different for each gasoline snow blower. The most popular models, such as patriot and huter, have a gap of 0.8 mm.
- It could also be the presence of a spark. Its strength determines whether the fuel will ignite. In order to check whether the spark is passing through with sufficient force, you need to take the spark plug, lean its upper part against the cylinder cover, lean the wire against the spark plug and start the engine. In the photo you can see the method of such connection. Whether a spark appears during this manipulation or not can be felt empirically. If doubts remain, then you need to check it with a new spark plug. The spark must be powerful for the engine to start.
- If there is no spark, then the electronic ignition coil is most likely to blame. There is another option: the connection between the coil and the magnetic circuit is broken. It will then be easier to replace the entire coil.
When equipping huter or mtd models with an electric starter, you need to check in turn:
- Starter. Replace if necessary.
- Fuse.
- Accumulator battery. Charge.
All this applies specifically to the repair of gasoline snow blowers of the Patriot, Huter, etc. brands.
What should I do if my snow blower does not reach the required power?
If events develop when the snow blower periodically stalls, throws out snow poorly, various interruptions occur, the cause may be:
Motoblock air filter. This problem is not very common among snow blowers, since there is practically no dust that can clog the air filter in snowy weather. If you store snow removal equipment in a dusty room for a long time, then it would be a good idea to periodically check the air filter in it. Paper air filters are removed and cleaned by lightly tapping, the mesh filter is blown out with a vacuum cleaner, foam rubber filters will have to be washed with running water and a cleaning agent.
- Fuel quality. Here the miser pays twice. If low-quality fuel was initially taken, then because of this the entire unit may not start, work intermittently and wear out faster. For this reason, you just need to replace the brand of gasoline with a more expensive one.
- Ignition system malfunction.
- Muffler. It may be clogged with combustion products. This doesn’t happen very often, but it does occur during long-term use. In case of this breakdown, it is necessary to disassemble it and wash it with water and detergent (dry cleaning is not permissible). Then dry it and put it back.
- Incorrect adjustment of the walk-behind tractor carburetor.
- Reduced compression. This can be checked with a compression meter. Usually it is 8 atm. If the instrument readings are less than 5 atm, then it is necessary to replace the entire cylinder-piston group of the engine.