The first thing to learn when you’re going to use a new snowblower is how to start it. Depending on what type of blower you have the process can be slightly different.
There are electric, gas-powered, and dual-enabled snow blowers. This overview will show you the ins and outs of how to start a snowblower no matter which type you have.
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How To Start Electric Snow Blowers
Electric starters on snow blowers are some of the easiest to use. Once the electric snowblower is plugged in, press the switch and it should start right up.
Some of the models may have a small ignition battery that can hold a charge to start the unit, but these are rare. There is usually too large of a charge needed for the start to make a battery a reliable starting option.
There are more steps involved in learning how to use a snowblower than is gas. You have to open the choke and on some models, you also have to prime the engine first.
Priming is usually done by pressing a bulb or pump-type lever. It sends fuel into the carburetor, not the engine. When you pull the coil on the engine it fires the spark that ignites the spark to start the engine.
Using Electric Starts With Gas Snow Blowers
Many of the gas snow blowers feature an electric start, but what you may not realize is that an electric start is not running off a battery in the way a car ignition will.
Some of the larger models do have the same type of system, but most will require you to plug in the snow blower to use the electric start feature.
Idling And Restarting
Many of the gas-fueled snow blowers offer an electric start option but then are coil started once the engine is warm. This is the best of both worlds. You get a more powerful snow blower that has the ease of push-button start.
Both electric and gas models have idling options, just make sure that the model you are looking at is idle enabled or you will have to restart it each time you pause. If you are just starting to learn how to use a snowblower then you must make sure you know how to start the snowblower after it has stopped in use too.
Which Is Easier?
If you are looking at buying a snowblower then knowing which is easier to start might be a consideration. There are pluses and minuses to each type.
- Electric snow blowers are easier to start but can be less powerful than gas blowers.
- Gas-powered snow blowers can provide more power, but the starting process can be strenuous.
- Electric start-equipped snow blowers may require an extension cord as the electric starter might run off power and not be connected to the battery.
It really comes down to what you are comfortable with starting effort and what type of power you need for clearing snow. For most 2 and 3-stage blowers you will discover they are gas-powered but electric start enabled.
A Few Tips On How To Start A Snow Blower
The easiest way to learn how to start a snow blower is to follow these tips.
- Make sure the snowblower is on level ground.
- Make sure the plug is in full.
- Hit the switch once, don’t hold it down.
When you are first learning how to use a snowblower starting can seem difficult. You will soon learn the touch that your model requires and what works best in your climate. As always, make sure the augers are kept clean of ice so make starting easier too.
