Avoiding Impeller Freeze-Up - Snow Beast 45SB Owner's Manual

Snow BEAST

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
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:

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.
Rev Nov2014
19
30SB, 36SB, 45SB