HOW TO Grease Snowblower Augers With Or Without Zerks!

HOW TO Grease Snowblower Augers With Or Without Zerks!
Don’t forget to click the 🔔 to turn on Video Notifications for more money saving videos and tips, featuring all the brands like Stihl, Husky, Husqvarna, Honda, Echo, Kohler, Tecumseh, Dolmar, Makita, Poulan, Ariens, Powermore, Briggs and Stratton, Champion, Murray, John Deere, Craftsman, MTD, AYP, etc.
Help me make videos or buy me a coffee!!
/ donyboy73
Watch my video on how to remove seized shear pins from your snowblower here;
• How To Remove Seized S...
Connect with me on these social media spaces (plus that's where I announce contest winners)
Facebook: / donyboy73-the-small-en...
Twitter: / donyboy73
Instagram: / donyboy73
I have easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials "do it yourself" (DIY) videos to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers and zero turn mowers.
I do my best to teach you how to easily diagnose problems the fastest, quickest and most efficient way with real repairs beyond just replacing a spark plug. These tips are for both the homeowner and shop owner.
Whether it be a handheld, two stroke, two cycle engine like a chainsaw, weed eater, weed whacker, string trimmer, grass trimmer, line trimmer, hedge trimmer, strimmer, brush cutter, leaf blower, or four stroke, four cycle units like a lawnmower, wood splitter, lawn tractor, zero turn mower, snowblower, pressure washer, generator or a ride on mower that needs parts installed or replaced, I’m your go-to guy.
My favorite brands of spark plugs are NGK and Champion and are the ones I recommend.
I’ve been a small engine mechanic for many decades and also run my own repair shop so my videos are loaded with tips and tricks that I have learned and want to share with you. You will also find many tool and product reviews from top brands on my channel as well.
I have the largest Small Engine Repair Video Library on KZbin and the entire internet with over 1200 videos, just GOOGLE "DONYBOY73"!
I want "DON THE SMALL ENGINE DOCTOR" on KZbin to save you time, frustration and most importantly, MONEY with my HOW-TO videos!
Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor” recommends safe practices when working with power tools, hand tools, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor”, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not DONYBOY73 “The Small Engine Doctor".
#donyboy73 #ariens #snowblower

[@donyboy73]

Watch my video on how to remove seized shear pins from your snowblower here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHnIp2p5l9F2p80

[@artistlovepeace]

It's becomeing winter so eye am back watching your channel for the love of my snowblower who needs to work this winter with your help.

[@artistlovepeace]

I have an old rusted out tank track Craftsman that I still use every winter in MN and constantly worry about keeping another year. I can send you pictures if you ask.

[@richardc6932]

I don’t see an opening that allows me to grease the auger gearbox. Why?

[@skyemac8]

Thanks for this, Don. It makes sense to not over tighten the shear pins. I’ve even seen references of spacers to keep the gap.

[@colehara]

So we'll filmed. No annoying background noises. Clear and concise as usual. 👍 🇨🇦

[@donyboy73]

Thanks 👍

[@charlesbeall2589]

I certainly agree about Don's videos being well filmed without the annoying "filler -noise"

[@patjohnson3100]

This is an excellent informative video. Given the snow we've had so far this winter, this video is very relevant. I enjoy your videos because they offer so much information about how to care for increasingly expensive power equipment. . The older I get the more interested I get regarding value and preservation of useful equipment. Your detailed explanation answers all my questions. Thanks

[@riverunner9978]

Thank you for the valuable tips on greasing! Your videos are awesome. 👍👍👍

[@CraigArndt]

Great tip Dony. Lock N Lube really helped me get grease into those grease zerks. My Ariens is '86 ST824 my family bought new in 1985. Great machine, throws lake effect snow like nothing.

[@bobmcl2406]

I did not know about leaving play in the shear pins, but it makes perfect sense. As a certified "old dog" I can now confirm that you were successfully able to teach me a "new trick". 😁

[@donyboy73]

lol

[@johnlaw6735]

If it wasn't for your channel, i would be totally clueless on how to maintain, diagnose and do minor repairs to my small engines..THANK YOU and have a great New Year 👍

[@100vg]

Looks like you've really been busy with Snowblowers. Glad you have a great source of income during the kinds of weathers you're getting. Preventative maintenance is something I'm learning just how important it is for all kinds of small engine devices. That makes you my Go-To man. Thanks, Don.

[@josephrich6014]

Excellent information. Thanks again for sharing with us DIYers.

[@steveriggenbach90]

Great info. I do my maintenance during the summer, that way no rush. Take care

[@artistlovepeace]

Thank you donyboy73 for sharing all the factual snowblower maintenence tips over the years. If I could I give you a million dollars.

[@donyboy73]

Just saw your comment, Thanks!

[@darwindropmazda]

Great video Dony! I’m from the south and we never use snowblowers down here. But most basic maintenance for snow blowers can be used for walk behind brush cutters as well 👍🏾

[@tomfillmore9710]

Thanks Donnie great advice thanks for sharing take care have a great weekend

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

I’m glad you mentioned the play in the shear pins. Too many people torque the daylights out of the jam nuts! I had one customer who blew a gearbox apart because of over tightening the shear pins so I drilled out the end of the bolts and used bow tie cotter pins. The next year he hit a newspaper and the pins did their job. He thanked me after that!

[@edwintaber6465]

if you over tighten and crush the auger onto the shaft it creates the possibility of ruining your gearbox.

[@rverro8478]

I repair them as a hobby and, most people think they're operating a farm tractor. I wonder why they don't last ?

[@countryfamilyalways7280]

That's why I use the lowest torque spec in the manual, I've broken I think two pins in about ten years and never had an issue tightening to about 8 NM or about 6 ft lbs. It even says pins should NOT spin freely.

[@percyfaith11]

Owner's manual specifies the torque for those.

[@Z-Bart]

Good tips. I also like to spray trans fluid all over the inside of the auger drum walls. Helps keep the snow from sticking as much.

[@Jamwcjconn]

Great video, especially the part about the machine with no grease fittings

[@RonRivet]

Thanks for posting! Very well done and very informative video.

[@banality1234]

Great advice and excellent tips! I have been doing this on my Yardman 33" 13hp snowblower for 30 years. Still works like new.

[@nickho7113]

Another great tutorial Dony. Excellent job!

[@ronwatson4902]

Skill and knowledge! Thanks Dony.

[@fredpierce6097]

Outstanding roundup as usual.

[@jamesgaul1022]

Excellent video. I have a Toro Power Max 826 OAE without grease zerks on the auger shaft and have been wondering how to apply a lubricant to it. Thanks for all the information.

[@neildudley5446]

Hey Dony good job on this video I learned a lot, today. Thanks.

[@wilfs1196]

Another great video. Off to the store to pick up some lubricants. My grease gun broke my grease fitting off of the shaft as there are only 2 threads on the fitting , which also damaged the threads on the auger. ACF 50 is widely used in aviation as a lube & corrosion preventative solution. I may have some around the house . Also subscribed.

[@thomask4836]

Hi Don! I received an older Murray 5/24 snow blower from a great friend of mine a couple of years ago and I've been slowly revamping it with the help of your videos. Thank You so much for pointing out that the shear pins should be loose and not tight. I did not know that and need to check that. Last year, my Murray gobbled up a newspaper that was hiding in the snow. The pin didn't shear and it really made a mess of the auger. I had to straighten out a crease and a bend in the auger. I made a part from an old table saw blade to splice the auger if it lets loose. I cut it out with a Dremel disc tool in the event that the auger separates in the future. Old table saw blades are a great source of good steel to make parts out of. I don't throw them away. Thank You Sir! Take Care, Tom K.

[@berthongo8531]

I guess I know what I'll be doing this afternoon. Great information!

[@danielrobert7181]

Indeed, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I find most people to agree on this but then to procrestinate on actually performing the messy intervention until it's too late. Thanks for the reminder !

[@alang.4570]

Great video. Now I'll have to check to see if my Yard Machine snowblower augers have zerks!

[@Believe_the_Bible]

Great video, thank you. Nice camera work, editing and sound.

[@terrywong7879]

Thank You, nice pointers and informative.

[@todddewell6314]

More great advice Donni. Thanks!

[@c3daldadband368]

Excellent tutorial. Thank you.

[@cuffy69]

Ok that was great for shafts with or without grease fittings. How about a video on the gearbox, with or without drain plugs. Many of us can't drain and refill the gearbox as there are no fittings to do so. Any help would be so appreciated.

[@scurfie2343]

Buy a hand pump that comes with the clear tubing. Pump out the fluid and replace with the same amount.

[@shsechas]

That was so well explained!!! Just have to go out and get myself a grease gun. Thanks!!!

[@fitch8363]

Excellent video. Thanks! When I did this to my Zerk-less 2010 Columbia 10528 with a Powermore engine yesterday, I discovered if the gas tank is nearly full, all I have to do is remove the gas cap, put some masking tape over the vent hole, reinstall the gas cap and it won't leak while doing this procedure. Be sure to remove the tape after the project is done. No gas leaked out at all.

[@KensSmallEngineRepair]

I’m glad you mentioned the play in the shear pins. To many people torque the daylights out of the jam nuts! I had one customer who blew a gearbox apart because of over tightening the shear pins so I drilled ou the end of the bolts and used bow tie cotter pins. The next year he hit a newspaper and the pins did their job. He thanked me after that!

[@beachbums2008]

My shear pins had grooves cut in around the diameter of the pin. Made to shear at that groove. So tighten them up no play so the grooved line up where there made to shear

[@jamesesouthwick1944]

Thank you, great advice.

[@keithpayne8943]

Thanks for the video. Great info.

[@rverro8478]

Not everybody knows the proper maintenance. Thanks for sharing Don.

[@stevenandriulaitis1896]

Thanks Donyboy for the video! On my Tecumseh 8 hp snow blower, the augers were seized solid to the shaft. No amount of penetrating oil would free them up. Had to take it all apart and mount the axle shaft in a bench vise, heat the augers up with oxy-acetylene, and beat on them with a hammer until the rust came loose. Lots of powdered rust came out of there. Cleaned up the shaft really good with a stiff wire brush mounted on an angle grinder, and drilled a couple of extra holes in the augers to accommodate additional zerks. If that had been neglected any longer, the machine would likely be scrap by now. It was $100 so what can we expect? Lol. So that is a third way to get grease in there if your machine has no zerks. If you are ambitious enough, just take the augers off and drill a couple of holes for zerks. Problem solved 😎👍

[@edwardivanturner7998]

Very clearly explained.

[@thomasprendergast6315]

Thanks! Really well done

[@jamesravnikar5622]

You make very informative videos!!

[@DrLaFuria]

Great vid....keep em coming

[@TheRock-re2ro]

Yeah ! I had one shear pin that broke and I couldn't get it out except by drilling it out ,,,, what a job. Thanks for the tip.

[@deanmoore420]

Great tips enjoy the video 👍

[@gordmcdonald2807]

Great vid Don. In the spring before I put it away I take the auger off and do paint touch ups. It will make your machine look better than you neighbours. It also makes it go faster. Lol!

[@PatHiggins-Mayo]

Great video, Dony Great that we don't need a Snowblower here in Ireland 🤗

[@MoparMagic360]

Another great video. U need to make a video on best procedure how to straighten out the augers so they don’t rub on the auger housing. Thnx don

[@donniemunroe7512]

well done ,thanks

[@luilui03able]

very good tutorial, thank u

[@charleseddy9903]

Thank you , I need to do some maintenance on mine

[@catherinemunroe3960]

thanks for this

[@jamesdivito8137]

awesome thank you

[@kolschesky]

I have a Cub Cadet three stage and thought it would be a good idea to remove the front of the three stage for more room. Wrong! I snapped the bolt. Fortunately I was able to drill and remove with an easy out. I really enjoy all of your videos.

[@donvoll2580]

Good day Don Interesting video. I have cub cadet, I guess I better do something. Thanks

[@unionbetty]

Thank you, I’ve always wanted to know how to do this, you’re the best

[@donyboy73]

Happy to help!

[@energizme100]

Great videos, Thank you. Another VERY IMPORTANT place to use anti-seize: axle shafts which are inserted into the wheel. If the wheel cannot be removed, very expensive at shop. I'm sure you cover this in another video. But yearly maint can to completed without removing wheels, but DO NOT neglect this spot.

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Thanks ! ! ⛄❄👍

[@stephenirwin2761]

Great video!

[@WeatherNut27]

Excellent Video. I have an MTD backup but my main is a 24" self propelled EGO and there is absolutely nothing to do with the machine. This is what they say "All of the bearings in this product are lubricated with a sufficient amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit under normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further bearing lubrication is required."

[@joewong6662]

Thank u for posting this. I’m new to snow blowers Now I need to find out how to fix the A/c starter 😂

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Thanks ! ! !👍

[@nbpt1000]

Great ideas. I always thought the MTD's did not need any greasing or anti-sieze because the augers sit on plastic bushings over the auger shaft. In theory they do not touch. I realize the steel can still rust and make the bushings very hard to remove, should you ever have to. The shear pins do well with anti sieze. Yes, not good to preload the shear pins. Have no tension in them. I have always tightened just to slightly touching so the grooves better align with the edge of the steel shaft. I know some types do not have grooves. Good ideas. thanks as always!

[@petersack5074]

Thanks, Donny. I have a Murray 24 inch wide one. Good engine, starts right up. (Like a Honda or Toyota.....). NO grease /zerk nipples on drive shaft. So, i will drill out , 2 on each side. Same as the first blower you greased up in this video. Going to use the hammer-in ones. Anyway, take care of your STUFF....folks.

[@jamesb7224]

Always enjoy your videos. Another easy way you could grease these would be to drill very small holes in each section and use u-joint adapter on the grease gun. The hole only needs to be the size of the hole in the zert fitting.

[@stevenandriulaitis1896]

And you probably wouldn't have to take the augers off to do that. Just drill the hole, and stop as soon as it is through. Nice idea! 👍

[@Patrick4959]

Awesome stuff Donny mate cheers from Australia 🐨 🐑 🌏or the land down under to your area in Canada 🍁

[@alanlevine3984]

Thank you.

[@michaelbeckman1794]

Always nice to work on newer machines however, many people purchase 10+ year old machines, myself included. Latest purchase was a craftsman 8.5 x 26 that hadn't been used in 2 years for $50. Cleaned the carb to get it running then found that the impeller had taken a hit and bent two of the impeller blades which were touching the backside of the impeller housing. Seperated the motor from the auger housing and found that either lack of zerk fitting or maintenance knowledge, the auger blades were siezed to the shaft. 24 hours of soaking the shaft with ATF/acteone blend, along with a couple of 18" pipe wrenches, I was able to seperate the blades from the shaft which I have now cleaned up of all corrosion as well as the pipe wrench damage to the end of the shaft. A bit late in the season right now to put it all back together for the upcoming winter so will use my 30+ year old Estate 825 that I picked up and got running, early this year or my curbside free, Murray 5/22 that is also a older model. That said, thanks for your great videos!

[@dennisparisian7040]

Great tips

[@tomjonas7384]

I worked on Star Wars for years and I never did it that way. Thank you so much for corrected me.

[@johnjaco5544]

Got a Honda blower been using it for 30 years,haven't done anything to it,except oil changes,works perfect.

[@charlesbeall2589]

I've had my 724 Track Drive Honda for 23 years and I'm doing this by Monday. Snow coming Tuesday.

[@barrypettit3668]

Good video Don. Do you ever change the oil in your auger shaft gearbox. Keep up the great work.

[@robertsneed3171]

Hi i have been watching you lately and I have a sears Craftsman snow blower with tubeless tires and they have deflated and come off the rim how do I get them back on? I like the videos cause they are very good and informative

[@gangrenebob7281]

Very nice. Do you have to do anything with the guts inside the gearbox if there isn't grease point?

[@dannyball2503]

10:45-11:00 minutes, salt warning. It really does accelerate the process of rust. My high school chemistry teacher had us do a real life experience experiment. We added water and salt to a 16p nail in a glass jar, observed overnight. Damn! The first night we just did water. The second was table salt. The plows leaves something worse then table salt, it really , really accelerates the rust process.

[@kent5400]

Don - another great video. Thank you. What is your take on doing the rubber "impeller mod" to an older machine? What are the downsides? I'd bet that a video on that would be well-received. FWIW, I did the mod on an older 10/28 Craftsman blower and I really noticed a big improvement in performance, especially when clearing the soggy snowplow ridges at the end of the drive. I just didn't keep that machine for long enough to know if the mod had any long-term effects.

[@larrypack1]

Dony, How do you lubricate an auger transmission like on the Yard Machine unit that has the little blue cap on top but no drain plug? I assume some 80/90 gear oil but there is nothing in the manual. Thanks for all your videos!

[@jensenwilliam5434]

Thank s

[@FixItWithMe]

How come the ariens manuals keep mentioning the Stens high temp grease, but a lot of KZbinrs say to use a low temp grease? Thanks! Love all ur videos!!! :)

[@BryanW0765]

Thanks for the video! I have have a newer Toro with NO shear pins(they claim they’re not needed). Do you recommend installing some shear pins? I assume the greasing/lubrication would be the same as what you’ve shown for machines with no zero fittings. Again…thank you!

[@Kyle-bb9zp]

Arens are awesome snow blowers my dad had one for 28 years

[@mikehrdlicka8635]

Speaking about shear pins holes I take a piece of 3/4 heater hose with a slit put over shear pin holes use a large Vice grip with a rounded jawclamp over hose at shear pin holes to block them. Grease better chance of getting grease to gear box.

[@machine7767]

Probably be good to spin the shafts a little as you inject the grease. Have you ever tried fluid film for those without zerks? That stuff doesn't dry out and seeps in places like crazy especially if it's a little warm like inside a garage.

[@skipproctor8979]

Glad I watched this video. I did not know to keep my shear pin bolts slightly loose. Makes complete sense. Headed out to the garage to loosen them. Thanks! Also picked up a bottle of anti-seize that I am now using on wheel assembly. Great tips Don. Appreciate it!

[@countryfamilyalways7280]

You do not want them loose as they should NOT spin freely and it says that in the manual. Tighten to about 8 Newton meters or about 6 foot pounds and call it a day.

[@stevieray1828]

I wouldn't use the anti-seize as a lubricant/ grease. Guys used to use it on equipment at my work and after a few years it hardened and caused more problems. Stick with grease and oil

[@skipproctor8979]

@@countryfamilyalways7280 Thanks!

[@dotarsojat7725]

@@stevieray1828 That’s interesting. I know Lubriplate hardens, but wasn’t aware that anti-seize does also.

[@miked.4407]

OK, I'll admit I've not been the best at preventative maintenance (actually quite bad!). If I've had an Ariens for ~15 years and never greased, are there steps to be taken prior to applying grease? Thanks - learned a ton from your channel!

[@dcharnas2592]

Don, I have a toro snowblower which does NOT appear have shear pins? What would be best practice in accomplishing preventative maintenance in this instance?

[@gregorykusiak5424]

I need to check for oil change videos - engine and gearbox…I’m not sure if that’s ever been done on the machine I inherited either, along with auger lubrication…

[@namcao5674]

Hi Donny my snowblower MTD how I check oil auger Thanks

[@manmeetcheema1841]

Hi, I have Toro Powermax 824 OE. Could you please show me how to change Auger Oil, Auger blades replacement, impeller replacement and greasing the Auger blades. Thanks

[@RonRivet]

I subscribed to your channel. How do you lubricate the gearbox? I have a 44 yr old 8hp ariens and an over 30 yr old 10 hp ariens. Good machines!

[@kjell-richardlvdal373]

Great grease Job, bet the gearbox is happy

[@Hanson3]

I have a great idea for the next video, I have a grease fitting that has come off the auger?

[@mcchacho1]

Hi Dony, enjoy your videos. Question: I have a MTF Yardman snowblower and have been trying to find info on gearbox maintenance. There is not a drain plug and there is a little plug on the top of the gearbox. Should I be adding some 00 grease every now and then? I see no other way to do maintenance other than dismantling. Appreciate any wisdom.

[@jasper60103]

Great video. I did some touch up painting on mine last summer but I didn’t know about lubing the shear pins and shaft. BTW, do you bother with touch up painting? Seems like these machines rust out pretty quickly. Thanks for sharing.

[@willf5768]

Another useful tip Don I always before winter strikes is spray the auger the bucket chute and outside of the machine excluding the muffler with camp dry or some other water repellent this keeps the snow from sticking to the Machine and as well works as a rust inhibitor. I also use this on my hand tools like snow shovels hand plows and scoops it keeps the snow from sticking to them I find anyway is a great help.

[@thomask4836]

Hey Will ! Thank You So Much! My sister gave me a can of that years ago and its been sitting on a shelf in my workshop. I hate to throw anything away. I had no idea of what do with it until I read your comment! Thank You Sir!

[@willf5768]

@@thomask4836 I discovered camp dry years ago fishing at Pulaski for steelhead I didn't have a plastic poncho and couldn't find one anywhere sold out it was raining cats and dogs and I needed something besides a trash bag to wear to keep dry while fishing. Well I saw this camp dry stuff I sprayed my wide brimmed aussie hat and my jacket and the 4ain rolled right off them slicker than snot on a doorknob. So then I got the idea if it worked on my clothes and I do use it on my hunting clothes and winter out door clothes as well and as you know the snowblower and hand tools. And even my shoes and boots 😊👍

[@anthonymacneil2279]

Great video as always, will be doing some greasing. I have a question where did you get 1/4 sheer pin punch? Have a Cub 3X and the inner auger wheel sheer pin is the devil to get out when it breaks because of space.

[@kent5400]

You can get a "pin punch" at almost any tool seller (Amazon, Canadian Tire, Princess Auto, et al). Cheap ones which will work well enough for a very long time will do. My el cheapo set has been used and abused for almost 40 years and is still going strong.

[@gianflores4881]

Dony, can you please provide your opinion on two stage gas snowblower. Which brand is better Toro or Ariens?

[@timp5132]

So on my Kubota tractor blower, it comes with lock washers. Does that not mean to tighten the nut, not to leave play ?