What is a Snowblower Auger?

As winter unfolds, snow accumulation on driveways and walkways becomes a challenge for many homeowners. The snowblower auger is a fundamental component in tackling this seasonal challenge by efficiently removing snow from driveways and walkways. Understanding its function, maintenance, and safety precautions can enhance your snow removal efforts, making the process faster, safer, and more effective.

History and Evolution of Snowblower Augers

The development of snowblower augers has been integral to the advancement of snow removal technology. From simple mechanical designs to sophisticated machinery, the evolution of the snowblower auger reflects both innovation in design and changing consumer needs over the years.

Early Innovations

The inception of snowblower technology dates back to the early 20th century, with significant developments including:

• The creation of the first snowblower by Arthur Sicard in 1925, which introduced a basic auger mechanism to move snow.
• Early models primarily used single-stage systems, where the auger both broke up the snow and propelled it out of the chute.

Advancements in Auger Design

As technology and materials science progressed, snowblower augers saw several enhancements:

• The introduction of the two-stage snowblower in the 1950s, which separated the tasks of breaking up snow and ejecting it, allowing for more powerful and efficient designs.
• Innovations in auger materials and shapes to handle different types of snow and reduce clogging.

Modern Snowblower Augers

Today's snowblower augers incorporate advanced materials and engineering to provide maximum efficiency and durability, including:

• The use of durable, lightweight materials such as high-carbon steel and composites for auger construction.
• Design variations tailored to specific environments, such as serrated augers for icy conditions and rubber-edged augers for delicate surfaces.

How It Works

The auger interacts directly with the snow through its spiral blades, which are engineered to perform multiple functions. These blades penetrate hardened snow and facilitate its removal, enhancing the snowblower's effectiveness in various snow-clearing operations.

Breaking and Lifting Snow

The auger is instrumental in managing heavy and compact snow. It functions by:

• Penetrating and dividing dense, packed snow and ice into smaller fragments.
• Elevating the fragmented snow up through the snowblower's system to be further processed.

Feeding the Impeller

In two-stage snowblowers, the auger not only breaks down the snow but also assists in its expulsion. This process involves:

• Channeling the fragmented snow from the auger to the impeller.
• Ensuring a consistent flow of snow to the impeller for efficient ejection through the chute.

Types of Augers

Augers in snowblowers are categorized based on their design and operational capabilities, which dictate the conditions they are best suited for. This differentiation is essential for choosing the right snowblower for specific snow clearing needs. The two primary types of augers used in snowblowers are single-stage and two-stage.

Single-Stage Augers

Single-stage augers are designed to operate in contact with the ground and are typically used in:

• Clearing light to moderate snowfall efficiently on flat, paved surfaces.
• Engaging directly with the surface to scoop and expel snow in one continuous motion.

Two-Stage Augers

Two-stage augers are engineered for more demanding snow removal tasks and feature:

• The capability to handle heavier snowfall and more complex, uneven terrains.
• A design that avoids direct contact with the ground, making them ideal for use over gravel and other non-paved surfaces.

Maintaining Your Snowblower Auger

To maximize the performance and extend the lifespan of your snowblower auger, regular and professional maintenance is a must. These key maintenance tasks should be performed regularly to ensure that your snowblower remains reliable and effective.

Regular Inspection

It's important to inspect the auger routinely, particularly before the onset of the snow season. This process includes:

• Checking the auger for any visible signs of wear, damage, or blockages.
• Ensuring that there are no foreign objects or debris that might obstruct the auger's function.

Lubrication

Proper lubrication of the auger is necessary to facilitate smooth operation. This maintenance task involves:

• Applying suitable lubricants to the auger shaft and bearings.
• Regularly checking and replenishing the lubricant to avoid operational friction and wear.

Replacement of Worn Parts

To prevent mechanical failures during operation, it is important to replace any worn or damaged components promptly. This includes:

• Examining blades and shear pins for signs of deterioration.
• Replacing these parts as needed to maintain optimal performance and safety.

Annual Professional Maintenance

Scheduling an annual check-up with a professional is highly recommended to ensure comprehensive care. This annual maintenance should include:

• A thorough inspection by a qualified technician to identify issues that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.
• Adjustments, repairs, or replacements of key components to ensure the snowblower is in optimal working condition for the season.
• Verification of the machine's overall operational safety and efficiency.

Safety Precautions

Snowblowers simplify the task of snow removal, but they must be handled with caution to maintain safety. These safety guidelines should be followed to prevent accidents and injuries while using a snowblower.

Never Clear a Clogged Auger by Hand

Clearing a clogged auger can be dangerous if not done correctly. To ensure safety, always adhere to the following steps:

• Turn off the snowblower before attempting to clear the auger.
• Use a clearing tool or stick, rather than your hands, to remove snow or debris from the auger.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

The right clothing can help prevent accidents when operating a snowblower. It's important to:

• Choose close-fitting garments that won't get snagged in the snowblower's moving parts.
• Wear durable, water-resistant outerwear to protect against the elements and machinery.

Be Aware of the Surface Below

Understanding and preparing for the type of surface you will be clearing is crucial, especially for:

• Operators of single-stage snowblowers, which are in direct contact with the ground.
• Ensuring that the area is clear of debris and obstacles that could be hazardous or cause damage to the machine.

Troubleshooting Common Auger Issues

Identifying and resolving common auger issues quickly prevents damage and ensures safe operation. These steps can help diagnose and fix frequent issues with the snowblower auger.

Auger Not Turning

An auger that fails to rotate is a common issue, usually caused by mechanical failures such as:

• Checking for a broken shear pin or belt, which are common reasons for auger malfunction.
• Replacing these parts promptly if they are damaged to restore functionality.

Snow Not Being Ejected Properly

Improper ejection of snow can hinder the snowblower's performance. To address this issue:

• Inspect the auger and impeller blades for wear.
• Replace any worn parts to ensure that the snowblower can eject snow effectively and efficiently.

Vibrations or Unusual Noises

Vibrations and strange noises during operation can indicate several problems. It's important to:

• Immediately stop the snowblower to prevent potential safety hazards.
• Carefully inspect the machine for any loose parts or obstructions and secure or clear them as necessary.

The snowblower auger is a key component in making snow removal manageable, even under challenging winter conditions. By understanding its function, performing regular maintenance, and following safety precautions, homeowners can tackle snow clearance with confidence and efficiency. If you encounter any issues with your snowblower or need professional maintenance services, Sears Home Services is here to assist. Our team of experts can help ensure your snowblower is in top condition, ready to keep your pathways clear all winter long. Schedule your repair or maintenance today, and make snow removal a breeze this winter season.