The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute

Respect Your Snow Thrower This Winter And It Will Respect You (Use Proper Maintenance)

Alexandria, VA October 1998 - Life is good these days even when it snows. And that is because there is such a wide variety of reliable, time saving and efficient snow throwers available to consumers. So, to get the best possible performance out of this equipment, proper maintenance is a must. The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) has helped suggestions for all conscientious snow thrower users.

A snow thrower user should read thoroughly the maintenance instructions of the owners' manual included with their specific equipment. And the OPEI has these general tips:

Check shear bolts and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness.

Run machine a few minutes after each use to prevent freeze-up of auger/impeller.

Check belts for wear and tightness.

Fill fuel tank after each operation to force moist air from the tank and to reduce condensation of water into the fuel.

Keep tires properly inflated and add tire chains to increase traction.

Never put hands in chute. Always use a stick.

OPEI is a trade association whose membership is primarily composed of U.S. manufacturers of lawn and garden maintenance products, components and attachment supplies, as well as industry related services. OPEI's domestic members manufacture in excess of 95% of the U.S. consumer retail market for gas and electric powered lawn and garden maintenance products.

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