Nibbler:
The shear bolts do just that!! They shear off (hopefully) before any damage is done
to the gear case,gears and rake shafts. If you get a news paper,door mat,
childs toy stuck in the bucket. At least you can turn the rakes to get whatever it is out! Make sure, it's out of gear,plug wire off and grounded. Stay safe!!!!
Take out the shear bolts, Use a grease gun on the zerks, that are on the tubes,turn the rakes 1/4 or 1/2 turn and squirt grease again,use plenty of grease!
Make sure both rakes turn easily on the shafts.
Put the shear bolts back in and tighten to manual specs.
Also go over the manual as to all the grease zerk locations and give them a shot of grease. Check over the machine, belts, cables,loose bolts or parts.
Have spares of shear bolts,belts,spark plug and fresh gas on hand
Don't want a break down when blowing 5" or 2' of snow!!
Hope this helps you.
T.J.
When you're working with the rakes its also a good idea to put something ( I use a 2x4) into the impeller via the discharge chute. Its also a good idea to try and remove whatever the jam is using something that isn't an integral part of your body, a small shovel works well. The tension in the system is suddenly released when the blockage is cleared and the rakes will move forward a bit to release the tension., anything soft and sliceable can get in the way and be seriously damaged.
Remeber to take the 2x4 out before starting up, its kind of (cough) embarassing if you don't
