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

Hi all. I am very new to using things such as snow blowers, and so I have definitely never fixed one! (widow for 2 yrs after 35 yrs) Yesterday, while clearing the snow from the patio, it ate my dog's "rope toy". (A heavy rope with large knots at each end.) The rope is jammed in behind the blades (which scare the life out of me) behind a piece of metal, blocking the snow chute. Are these things easy to take apart, do I need to hire someone, or get a new SB? My son will look at it after he finishes work, but in the mean time I'm trapped in the driveway. I've been told to take out the shear pins (not sure what they are) and rotate the blades. Any suggestions? I've already considered moving to an apt.

Get your son to take a good sharp utility knife and make as many cuts as necessary to dislodge the rope.  Cut as close as possible to the vanes.  Once the large pieces of rope are out, when you run the machine,the vanes will eject the small pieces left behind.  Spray a little WD40 on the jambed pieces of rope stuck between the vanes and the impeller housing.  It will reduce friction to let the impeller spin easier.  After clearing the rope, make sure there are no bent vanes  or broke welds on the impeller.  Next tip:  No more rope dog toys outside.