Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I just spent the last 45 minutes getting my Toro ready for the first snow. After ripping the back of the machine off to lubricate some axle (which was already finely lubricated); checking the gear box to make sure it had enough oil in it (it did); checking the spark plug (it was fine), checking about twenty other things (they were all fine); the only thing was I swear I pulled something in the machine that got caught on my sleave.

So after spending 45 minutes I may have inadvertently screwed something up that was FINE before I messed around with the machine. Good news is it started without a problem, but I did that in the garage and now the gas fumes are so bad I'm letting the place air out.

--SnowRemover

SnowRemover wrote:
Well, yes it is worth it, but I believe that it is much easier if you do all this in the spring when it is warm and sunny, and you have plenty of time. That way, when the snow hits next season, all you need to do is make sure there are no suspicious puddles under the machine, gas it up, air it up, check the oil and start the engine. 5 minutes vs 45 minutes....

Checking this stuff and lubing in the spring keeps the thrower in better shape during the off-season and makes initial start-up in December a piece of cake. Any problems you find can be addressed according to your own schedule and not in frantic haste because your driveway is diappearing under a ton of snow.

My 2 cents.

John Davies

Carbon Monoxide bonds so much better with the hemoglobin in your blood than oxygen that a 9% concentration will kill you.  Scary stuff.

JohnEDavies wrote:
Thanks for the insight. Unfortunately in spring I summerize it (take out the spark plug and add some oil, remove all the gasoline, etc) according to the Toro directions.

But I get your point and next year I will winterize it come early November so I don't have to rush around the night before a possible storm.

Thanks!

--SnowRemover