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

I just used my brand new Honda 724ta snowblower for the first time. While working, I pulled a large branch into the auger and instead of shearing a bolt I killed engine. I thought shear bolts were meant to keep that from happening. The machine started right back up and ran fine afterwards but I'm concerned that something could have been damaged. Maybe someone here could put me at ease, or explain to me why the engine died instead of the bolt shearing. Also, I removed the bolt on the blower, not the auger, and it was slightly bent as if it had come close to breaking. Any advise would be appreciated. I realize I'm probably just being paranoid, but this damn machine was not cheap!

You should put a plastic liner in the chute.  I made one for my Simplicity out of one of those kid's Krazy Karpets sold in stores for around $8.00.  It's super slick and durable.