Hi…
“1. Upon unpacking the snowblower there was oil all over the thing. Is this normal for a new machine? It was a mess with oil everywhere. I checked the level and it seemed ok, but I had to wonder if they didn't obey the "this side up" when delivering.”
Hmmm… maybe it’s not engine oil…? ..but that oily stuff that prevents metal from rusting? I wouldn’t expect this on a snowblower though…
“2. One of my skid-plate shoes was bolted on so unbelieveably tight that they would NOT loosen. I had a perfect fit on the bolt, used all my might in a 250 lb body to get these stupid bolts loose, it would not budge. Now they bolts are stripped (literally the bolt schredded rather than turning)! I had to hammer the thing down to get it closer to the ground and I will never get that stupid bolt loose.”
Time for new bolts/nuts… maybe put some “Anti-sieze” compund on the threads for EZ removal…
“3. Started snowblowing for the first time, only about 60% of it goes where I want it to. Maybe it is windy today but this was just a terrible experience. It blows it right back up in the air and into your face, and all over the area just plowed!”
Gotta’ try to work with the wind… or direct the snow so it’s not creating a plume high up…
“4. After blowing, I still have 1-2" on my driveway, if I'm going to have to shovel anyway, I might as well return the dang thing!”
Maybe give it another try first…
“5. This thing takes a ton of effort to manuvuer. Making 180 degree turns is like moving a tank. On a 26' wide driveway this is a major pain! Isn't there a way to release the self-propelled lock mechanism temporarily without having to unhook the wheel?”
I dunno’ about this blower… but I doubt it… try it with 1-wheel drive if it has that option…
“6. The chute coming out is made out of cheap plastic and I had to adjust it several times. Many times there was snow coming out between where the tilt mechanism at the top meets the chute. Isn't there a way to seal it?”
Doubt it… part of the design…
“7. Is there some recommended clothes to get for snowblowing? I can't believe how coated in snow I got.”
I use different clothing depending on conditions… if it’s cold and windy when using a blower… I wear a 1-piece coverall I got at Kmart… a face mask… gloves with glove liners… neck protection(scarf)… hat… so only my eyes are exposed… usually do not use goggles... my sons somestimes use a full-face snowmobile or motocross helmet…
Sometime ya' just get blasted and look like a snowman...
“8. Is there a recommended strategy that works best for taking on a 26' wide driveway?”
Start down the center blowing off to the side… then keep widening each pass… blow snow with the wind when possible…
“I think a lot of these are related to just snowblowing in general and not specifically the model I got. Any advice? After this experience I'm thinking about just returning it and having someone plow my driveway for $100 a year instead.”
There are better/worse brands/models… kinda’ get what you pay for…
Around here plowing costs at least $30 each snow event… and when THEY wanna’ show up…
Hope the next time it goes better for you !
Dave…
Whether you think you can or you can't... you're right.Henry Ford
BCS Tractor & snowblower