The Ultimate Snow Blower Maintenance Guide

You’ve invested in a snow blower and want to protect that investment for many winters to come. Regular maintenance is the key.

What do you need to know about snow blower maintenance? We’ve answered the biggest questions to help you get the most out of your new Cub Cadet®.

Looking to buy a new snow blower? Read the Ultimate Snow Blower Buying Guide.

What maintenance does my snow blower need?
How often should I do maintenance on my snow blower?
How do I store my snow blower in the off-season?
Why won’t my snow blower start?
What kind of gas do you put in a snow blower?
How often should you change the oil in your snow blower?
What snow blower replacement parts do I need?
Where should I go for snow blower maintenance service?
What are some important snow blower operation tips & practices?

1. What maintenance does my snow blower need?

Your snow blower requires regular maintenance before, during and after the snow season to help perform at its best winter after winter.

Maintain your snow blower and help ensure it runs smoothly throughout the season and beyond by completing the seven key maintenance tasks below.

1. Check and replace engine oil: Change the oil after your snow blower’s first five hours of use. Then, change the oil every 50 hours of operation or once a season.

2. Inspect spark plugs: Regularly check the spark plug for wear or damage and replace it if necessary to help ensure efficient starting.

3. Check belts and shear pins: Worn belts and broken shear pins can prevent your snow blower from functioning properly. Check them regularly and replace them if there are signs of wear.

4. Lubricate moving parts: Safely apply lubricant to the moving components of your snow blower to help prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.

5. Clean and inspect after each use: Remove snow and debris to help prevent clogging and damage, especially in the chute and auger housing. Safely inspect your snow blower thoroughly after each use to help ensure everything is in good working condition.

6. Fuel maintenance: Stale fuel is a common cause of snow blower starting issues. At the end of the season, drain the fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent gas from deteriorating.

7. Off-season storage: Store your snow blower in a dry, sheltered area and cover it to protect it from the elements. (Keep scrolling for a thorough breakdown of how to store your Cub Cadet® snow blower in the off-season.)

Keeping up with these regular maintenance tasks for your Cub Cadet® snow blower can help extend the life expectancy and help ensure it’s ready when the snow begins to fall.

Remember to always consult your snow blower operator’s manual before performing maintenance and take every necessary safety precaution.

2. How often should I do maintenance on my snow blower?

A thorough inspection of your Cub Cadet® snow blower after every use is the best way to help ensure it stays in tip-top shape.

However, maintenance tasks should be performed after certain periods of use.

After 5 hours of snow blower use:

• Replace engine oil after the first 5 hours of use
• Check the engine oil every 5 hours of use
• Clean the exhaust area every 5 hours of use

After 25 hours of snow blower use:

• Check the spark plug
• Lubricate the gear shaft
• Inspect impeller and shear pins (tighten regularly)

After every season of use:

• Replace engine oil (after every 50 hours of use)
• Replace the spark plug (after every 100 hours of use)
• Replace fraying or torn belts
• Drain the fuel tank, fill with fresh fuel and add fuel stabilizer

3. How do I store my snow blower in the off-season?

Following these steps for proper Cub Cadet® snow blower storage will help ensure you have a well-functioning machine next winter.

The off-season storage instructions for single-stage snow blowers vary slightly from two- and three-stage snow blowers, so we have broken the instructions into two sections.

Remember to complete each step outlined below — skipping a snow blower storage maintenance procedure can result in expensive repairs in the future.

How to store your Cub Cadet® single-stage snow blower

Step 1:
Read your operator’s manual. Reference the "Off-Season Storage," "Maintenance & Adjustments," and "Service" sections of your operator’s manual before performing steps for off-season storage.

Step 2:
Always make sure your snow blower is on a level surface and disconnect the spark plug wire to avoid accidental movement or starting.

Step 3:
Position the snow blower for maintenance. Carefully tilt the snow blower back so it rests on the handle. This will help you to access various components.

Step 4:
Check the shave plate. The shave plate can wear out over time. The shave plate on your snow blower has two wearing edges; simply reverse it to maximize the life of the plate. If it’s already been reversed, replace it with genuine, original equipment parts from Cub Cadet®.

Step 5:
Check the auger. The auger’s rubber paddles become worn with use. They should be replaced if any excessive wear is present.

Step 6:
Inspect the belt. Remove the belt cover on the side of the snow blower. Check the belt for signs of wear, cracks, fraying, etc., and replace if necessary.

Step 7:
Order replacement parts. If any of the above-mentioned items need replacing at the end of the season, it’s a good time to order and install them before you put your snow blower into storage.

Step 8:
Change the oil. Drain and refill the engine oil before storing your snow blower. Refer to your engine’s operator’s manual for the correct viscosity and oil capacity. Always dispose of the used oil in an environmentally responsible manner.

Step 9:
Check the spark plug. Remove and inspect it for signs of corrosion or residue build-up. Clean it with a wire brush if necessary. If you are unsure if the spark plug is good or not, it is recommended that you replace it. Reinstall the spark plug and reconnect the spark plug ignition wire.

Step 10:
Clean the snow blower. Clean debris from around the engine and muffler. Apply a light film of oil on any areas that are susceptible to rust. Wipe away any dried salt that may have accumulated to help prevent your unit from rusting over the winter.

Step 11:
Prepare the fuel tank. Finally, fill your engine's fuel tank with fresh gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer. This is better than storing it empty because an empty fuel system exposes any bare metal parts within it to air and moisture — which can lead to rust and also allows gaskets and O-rings to dry out, crack and shrink, potentially causing eventual leaks.

How to store your Cub Cadet® two- or three-stage snow blower

Step 2:
Always make sure your snow blower is on a level surface and disconnect the spark plug wire to avoid accidental movement or starting.

Step 3:
Check the shave plate. The shave plate can wear out over time. The shave plate on your snow blower has two wearing edges; simply reverse it to maximize the life of the plate. If it’s already been reversed, replace it with genuine, original equipment parts from Cub Cadet®.

Step 4:
Prepare the fuel tank. Drain any fuel left in the tank using the siphon pump. With the help of another person, carefully pivot the snow blower up and forward so it rests on the auger housing. This will help you to access the parts of the snow blower that require maintenance.

Step 5:
Lubricate the gear shaft. Remove the lower frame cover from the underside of the unit. Apply a light coating of oil to the hex shaft. Be careful not to get any oil on the aluminum drive plate or the rubber friction disc. Check the rubber friction disc for wear or cracking.

Step 6:
Return the snow blower to its wheels and skid shoes. Before checking the snow blower belt, put the lower frame cover back in place. With the help of an additional person, carefully pivot the snow blower back and down so it rests on the wheels and skid shoes.

Step 7:
Inspect the belt. Remove the belt cover on the front of the engine and inspect the belts for wear, cracks and fraying. If the belts are worn, they should be replaced immediately. Worn belts can break when you least expect it so make sure you replace your snow blower belt as soon as you see signs of wear. Put the plastic belt cover back in place or order a new one if needed.

4. Why won’t my snow blower start?

Numerous factors could be contributing to why your snow blower won’t start. Identifying the main issue is a process of elimination.

If your snow blower won’t start, begin by checking the following:

• Fuel: Stale gas is one of the most common causes of starting issues. Drain the fuel from your snow blower’s gas tank and replace it with fresh fuel.

• Spark plug: It may be dirty or worn out, which can interfere with ignition. Clean or replace the snow blower’s spark plug if needed.

• Fuel line: If fuel can’t reach the engine, your snow blower won’t start. Look for cracks or clogs in the fuel line that could block fuel flow.

• Clogged carburetor: If your snow blower hasn’t been used for a while, the carburetor may need to be cleaned or unclogged.

• Starter issues: For an electric start, check that the switch works properly and that you’ve plugged the unit in. For a pull-start snow blower, ensure the recoil starter works correctly.

If these tips don’t help solve your snow blower’s starting problem, we recommend you contact a professional. Your local authorized Cub Cadet® dealer is a snow blower expert and can help you get your machine back up and running.

5. What kind of gas do I put in a snow blower?

Generally, it is recommended to use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher for your snow blower.

However, always check your operator’s manual for specific recommendations as certain snow blower models may have different fuel requirements.

Here are some tips to consider for your snow blower fuel:

• Avoid gasoline with more than 10% ethanol, as higher ethanol levels can result in starting issues, performance problems or even engine damage.

• Consider adding a fuel stabilizer if your snow blower could sit unused for a few weeks during snow season as gas can begin to break down after approximately 30 days.

• Use fresh fuel when gassing up your snow blower at the beginning of the season to avoid starting issues and performance problems that stale fuel can cause.

6. How often should I change the oil in my snow blower?

Regular oil changes are key to maintaining your snow blower’s engine health and helping to ensure reliable performance every snow season.

Always refer to your operator's manual for specific guidelines on oil type and change intervals to help keep your snow blower running smoothly.

Generally, you should change the oil in your snow blower after the first five hours of use. This is the typical break-in period for the machine when certain maintenance tasks are recommended.

After that, check the oil after every five hours of use and change the oil every 50 hours of operation or once per season, whichever comes first.

More frequent oil changes may be necessary when using your machine frequently in harsh conditions. That’s why frequent checks of your snow blower’s oil levels are good practice.

7. What snow blower replacement parts do I need?

There’s always a chance you’ll need a replacement part during or right after a snowstorm (after all, that’s when you’re most likely to use your Cub Cadet® snow blower).

But in wintry conditions, it isn’t always convenient to buy parts. Plus, the part or parts you need may not be readily available.

Be prepared for this type of emergency by having the seven following spare parts on hand:

1. Drive Belt — Change your snow blower’s drive belt if you see any noticeable damage and to avoid it from breaking while the machine is in use.

2. Spark Plug — Replace your spark plug if there is visible damage or corrosion.

3. Oil & Fresh Fuel — Rule #1 for owning a snow blower: never run out of gas or oil.

4. Skid Shoes — Protecting your snow blower and driveway from damage is hard work that wears down skid shoes.

5. Ignition Key — If you lose or break the ignition key, your snow blower won’t start. Get a spare to avoid that headache.

6. Shear Pins (or Shear Bolts) — These pins are designed to break if debris gets stuck in your snow blower augers so it’s important to have extras.

7. Shave Plate — Damage to the shave plate is nearly inevitable so having a backup on hand means you won’t be without one for long.

Where can you find these replacement parts? Contact your local authorized Cub Cadet® dealer to get genuine parts designed for an exact fit and optimal performance.

8. Where should I go for snow blower maintenance service?

For the best Cub Cadet® snow blower maintenance service, visit your local authorized dealer and schedule your appointment today.

Cub Cadet® boasts a nationwide network of neighbourhood service dealers across Canada who offer special deals for snow blowers, expert support and advice, and parts and warranty service. Our independent dealers are your one-stop shop for Cub Cadet® snow blowers.

These experts are trained specifically on Cub Cadet® equipment and have access to genuine parts so your machine gets the care it needs for optimal performance.

Your local Cub Cadet® dealer can handle everything from routine oil changes and spark plug replacements to more complex repairs.

Regular maintenance by a professional helps extend the life of your snow blower, helps prevent costly breakdowns and gives you the ultimate peace of mind.

9. What are some important snow blower operation tips and practices?

You know how to operate a snow blower, but do you know the ideal way to blow snow? Follow these tips for efficient operation:

Don’t wait for the snow to stop
Waiting for the snow to stop will mean more effort is required of your machine. Less snow means an easier time throwing it far and throwing it far means you won’t have to pass over the same piles a second or third time.

Slow and steady avoids clogs
After a heavy snowfall, avoid the temptation to plow quickly through large piles, which can clog the chute or break your drive belt. Take smaller passes that are half the width of your machine or less.

Prepare your property before it snows
Remove anything that could obstruct snow clearing or damage your machine – everything from rocks to extension cords to hoses. Use stakes to mark your driveway, walkways and gardens to identify what needs to be cleared without causing any damage to anything below.

Throw your snow with the wind
Help avoid snow drifting over a path you’ve already cleared by throwing your snow in the same direction as the wind.

Use the Zamboni®* machine method
An efficient way to clear your driveway includes reducing how often you have to adjust your chute. Clearing your driveway in a standard back-and-forth motion means adjusting your chute whenever you change directions. Try the Zamboni® machine method. A Zamboni® machine starts in the middle and works its way out in a circular motion. This circular motion will keep your chute pointing toward the lawn — no adjustment necessary.

*Zamboni is a registered trademark of Frank J. Zamboni & Co., Inc.