19
30SD, 36SD, 45SD
Rev. Nov2014
Avoiding Impeller Freeze-Up
Impeller freeze-up occurs when snow and ice remain in the impeller housing after the job is finished.
The remaining snow and ice melts partially and only temporarily due to residual heat in the snow blower.
The remaining mixture re-freezes and essentially “welds” the impeller to the impeller housing and
prevents rotation of the impeller.
Snow blowers are especially susceptible to freeze-up immediately after use when the machine is stored
outside or in an un-heated garage where the temperature is below freezing.
Residual snow in the discharge chute and impeller
housing melts in the heat of the engine and friction
from other rotating components. The melting residual
drips and flows to the bottom of the impeller housing
which is the furthest point from a heat source. During
very cold conditions, the residual cannot escape
through the drain hole before it freezes in the impeller
housing and seizes the impeller. The remaining snow
and ice pools in the bottom after the drain hole, and
continues to build up ice around the components. The
drain hole is located at the lowest point on the back of
the impeller housing.
Run the auger/impeller for a few minutes after snow blower
use to clear any residual snow.
After shutting off the snow blower, dust off any remaining
snow.
Manually spin the impeller so that none of the blades point
straight down.
Place a heat-source (an incandescent light bulb works well)
in the housing (see photo right).
Tarp the snow blower to retain the heat and to keep additional
snow off the machine. Use caution when covering a hot snow
blower. The muffler can melt covers or catch fire. Never
cover a snow blower immediately after shutdown.
If the impeller is frozen up when the impeller / collector handle is engaged, the belts will bog down the
engine and the belts will begin to burn on the engine pulley since they cannot move, or a shear pin could fail.
To avoid this, we recommend manually spinning the impeller before starting the snow blower to ensure it
moves freely. If already frozen, a hairdryer will usually clear the ice quickly.
To avoid impeller freeze-up when storing in cold conditions, we recommend:
