Section 4: Operating Instructions
SBD3596 & SBD35108 Snow Blowers 370-347M
4/9/21
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General Operator Instructions
It is important that you familiarize yourself with the
Operator’s Manual, complete the Operator’s Checklist,
properly attach the Snow Blower to your tractor, and
make leveling adjustments before running an operational
safety check. If you detect a malfunction in either the
Snow Blower or tractor during the operational safety
check, immediately shut tractor off, remove switch key,
and make all necessary repairs/adjustments before
continuing.
Make sure the tractor park brake is engaged, power take-
off is disengaged, and Snow Blower is resting on the
ground before starting tractor for the operational safety
check. Start tractor and set engine throttle speed at a low
idle. Raise Snow Blower with tractor’s hydraulic lift control
lever to transport position making sure that the driveline
does not bind and does not contact the Snow Blower
frame. Lower Snow Blower to the ground and at a low
engine speed engage power take-off. If everything is
running smoothly at a low idle, slowly increase tractor
engine rpm until it reaches the Snow Blower’s full power
take-off operating speed of 540 rpm or 1000 rpm. If
everything is still running smoothly, return engine to low
idle, and disengage power take-off.
You should now be ready to transport to your site at a
safe ground speed. On roadways transport in such a
manner that faster moving vehicles can easily see you
and pass you safely. Reduce your speed when traveling
over rough and hilly terrain. Avoid quick or sharp steering
corrections. Take extra care to ensure that the Snow
Blower doesn’t come into contact with obstacles such as
trees, buildings, or fences. Use accessory lights and
appropriate reflective devices to provide adequate
warning to pedestrians and other vehicle operators when
traveling on public roads and in the dark of night. Comply
with all local, state, and federal laws.
It is important that you know the area where snow is to be
removed and what lies beneath the snow. If possible,
survey the area ahead of the snow. Remove all possible
obstructions and mark any obstructions that cannot be
removed with flags that project above the snow. If you are
unfamiliar with the area, ask someone who can identify
hidden obstructions so that you can mark them with a
flag. Flag manholes, water meters, gas meters, culvert
edges, fire hydrants, stumps, and other obstructions that
are not easily seen. It really pays to inspect a new area
and to develop a safe plan before moving snow.
Determine how close to the ground the Snow Blower can
be operated. Set skid shoes to hold the Snow Blower off
the ground at a predetermined height. Surfaces with
gravel or crushed rock will require a higher setting than
hard flat surfaces such as asphalt and concrete. Never
set Snow Blower so low as to pick-up gravel and rock.
Determine wind direction and devise a removal plan that
will allow wind to carry blown snow away from the
operator and not toward the operator. Snow discharged
out the Snow Blower and blown back at you will obstruct
your view and can totally block your vision of work.
Determine direction to blow snow and rotate chute to
blow snow in that direction. To minimize work, do not
blow snow over an area that has already been cleared of
snow and never rotate chute to blow snow toward the
tractor. Hard objects can be thrown at the tractor and
operator.
Determine deflector angle and set deflector to this angle.
This angle will vary depending on how far snow is to be
blown, how light and fluffy the snow is, or how wet and
heavy it is.
Some adjustments to the chute rotation and deflector
angle may be necessary after traveling a few feet. If
operator needs to get off the tractor to make any
adjustments, they must stop the tractor, disengage power
take-off, place gear selector in park or in neutral with park
brake set, shut engine off, remove switch key, and wait for
power take-off to stop running before dismounting tractor.
It is now time to move the Snow Blower up to your starting
point. Once at your starting point, stop moving and lower
Snow Blower down onto its skid shoes. Make sure all
pressure is off the 3-point lift arms.
The heavier and deeper the snow, the slower you will
need to travel. Make certain you maintain your Snow
Blower’s rated power take-off speed while traveling at a
speed between 1 and 5 mph that will allow you to be in
control at all times. Make a tractor gear and range
selection that will enable you to maintain these power
take-off and travel speed combinations.
Set throttle at an idle speed, and engage power take-off.
Listen for unusual clicking or knocking sounds as the
auger and impeller start rotating. If everything sounds
fine increase throttle to the correct power take-off speed
for your unit (540 rpm or 1000 rpm). If an unusual sound
is heard, shut tractor down immediately, investigate
cause, and make necessary repairs before continuing.
Start moving slowly with engine running at your unit’s
rated power take-off speed. If travel speed is too fast, shift
gears to a slower speed. Only shift to a higher speed if
you are certain it will be a safe traveling speed. The
heavier and deeper the snow the slower you will need to
travel. Make certain you maintain a travel speed that will
allow you to be in control at all times with your unit
operating at its rated power take-off speed. Make a
tractor gear and range selection that will enable you to
maintain these speed combinations.
Turn your head to look where you are traveling while
backing up. Do not use rear view mirrors to view direction
of travel while backing up. It is very important that you get
a full field of view to prevent an accident.
