What To Look For When Buying A Used Snowblower - video

What To Look For When Buying A Used Snowblower
In this video I show some of the mechanical aspects to look at when buying a used snowblower. I always recommend to my customers to purchase a new snowblower if they can afford it in order to save themselves the aggravation of repairs.
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Easy to follow and thorough step by step tutorials do it yourself (DIY) to help you with your broken lawn and garden equipment including snowblowers.
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 wacker, 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, 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.
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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".
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[@brianmcewen4739]

It would be fun to hear different engines running, to demonstrate what to listen for that means a problem to avoid, or at least be aware of, vs an engine running properly.

[@leadfootlawnmower2762]

i start picking up snow blowers around late summer to fall when the leafs start falling. i sometimes test them in piles of dry leafs as i feel it offers a close amount of resistance to a denser packed snow fall while not harming any of the internals. the occasional twig or stone is to be expected but it happens weather it be snow or leafs. it does work iv found snow blowers to were they wont even turn the auger and if its not working then its not going to work in a heavy snow fall. this trick has saved me many of time and seals the hole in my pocket that cant afford over priced junk. and iv gotten many snow blowers for less then $75. great video as always dony keep them coming

[@cgrscott]

Thanks! My first oil change was after the second season of use. From now on I'll change it at the end of every season. You're a big help.

[@41plymouthnut87]

Thank you for taking the time to share your vast knowledge with us.

[@cgrscott]

This is a helpful video. Thanks. Back in 2010, I purchased a new Cub Cadet Snow Blower that was marked down. It has an MTD engine, as most snow blowers do. I keep mine in a semi heated garage all year round.

[@GGG-yy1wj]

you are the man dony!!!! learned alot from your videos over the years. I can now fix my leaf blowers,snow blowers,line trimmers,lawn mowers,chainsaw

[@donyboy73]

thanks

[@misue9074]

I found your video tonight and really learned from it, too. I think it's great that you take the time to share you knowledge with all of us. Thank you.

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome, make sure you're subscribed

[@paullemay3218]

This is really great advice and tips of what to look for. Also good things to look for when selling a machine so that you can give an honest account of your machine to your prospective buyer. Thank you for sharing. 🇨🇦😎

[@clubdetennisdolbeau-mistas5971]

I bought a big MTD used snowblower(33 in.). Sure is heavy. But it's working wonderfully well. I paid $250.00 and invested $100 more to get it in perfect shape. But am I happy with my purchase; this thing is a workhorse. And with your videos, I started working on it and taking good care of it. I used to be nil in mechanics, but with your help I have improved tremendously. Thanks and Merry Christmas to you and your family. Mishell Gagnon, Dolbeau, Qc.

[@tctubeyou]

This was fantastic. I am going to look at a snow blower in an hour and you gave me some good info. Thanks.

[@MrBillmechanic]

Awesome presentation! YOu know what you are talking about and you have saved me a lot of concern in my search for a used snow blower. Great Job.

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome, make sure you are subscribed

[@brendanmcdonald5319]

Thank you very much donyboy73, very much appreciate the quick reply. I feel " armed and ready" to go get a good blower!

[@allennoftz6610]

Very good information, presented well, with good video. Thank you !

[@BearE9090]

Never realize there was so much to look for. Thanks, great video.

[@vondaddy8009]

Really enjoyed the video! Very informative! This will help out alot! thanks

[@billhanes5574]

as always..your videos are full of useful information....thanks!!

[@petepete2730]

thank you for your video, someone is selling the same blower in working contion but like you said some parts are obselite if I need to repair it.

[@CedarworkshopNet]

Your video had exactly as the concerns I was thinking about.Many thanks

[@cleoh08]

What a fantastic video! Very instructive. Thank you.

[@1575murray]

I found this guide useful. I just bought a used Noma snowblower (made by Murray) 5hp 24" from a neighbor. It has a few minor issues like a missing wing knob on the chute and bent shear pins. Other than that it just needs a carburetor cleaning, auger belt, and exterior cleaning but it has no rust and the engine had good compression and started on the first pull when I put fresh gas in the tank which had been drained before I bought it. No Chinese engines for me this one like many others has the common 5hp Tecumseh flat head.

[@unprofessionalmechanic8466]

Excellent presentation, thanks.

[@JPilot2]

Don, thank you for pointing out and also showing the mechanical aspects to look at when buying a used snowblower.

[@georgetucker336]

Thanks for the info. Good advice.

[@workingshlub8861]

sometimes you are better off buying an older blower than a newer one. ..i bought a jacobsen blower off a guy for 100$ and all it needed was new friction disc. this thing is from the 70s and built like a tank..there is no plastic anywhere on it.

[@wilvertperez]

Thanks Dony you been help me a lot with great information.

[@peterkeen9399]

As always, your videos are very helpful. I would be interested in seeing a video on the quality of various kinds of machines....

[@rolandchartier7851]

Thanks for all your good explications ! You are easy to understant .

[@donyboy73]

Glad you think so!

[@charger19691]

Great information Dony, one thing I always check on anything with a small engine is the condition of the engine oil and even the condition of the dipstick, if I pull out a dipstick and wipe it off and I see actual sludge buildup on the stick, I know the engine has been neglected. I don't see this all the time, but I've seen it in the past. Sludge is just a death sentence to a small engine..

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

welcome , have a lot of good back up parts with those with whats salvageable .

[@11Baru]

Thanks! I learned a lot from this great video 👍

[@Russworld1]

Excellent video Donyboy, lots of good info there.

[@57WillysCJ]

Good video. I thought I was the only one when I sell something, everyone wants new for wore out used prices. Those people are a pain. Keep up the good work.

[@chichuaxyiong7803]

Thanks for the explanation.

[@nfssable]

Thanks for posting these videos! They've really helped! Cheers

[@nfssable]

& that rattly sound tells me that it wasn't anything I did that killed my old snowblower, it was just dying all along.

[@caddis02002]

will try that. Thanks!

[@nhlighthouse]

Great Job Dony ...keep them coming!

[@cyjo2009]

Good job! You showed a lot of important points (no pun intended)

[@jiggeedoo]

J'adore tes videos mon chum Franco-Ontarien ,,,je suis justement dans les marcher pour m'acheter a used MTD snow blower that "looks" fantastic but haven't been used in three years Merci very much ;)

[@rafaabarca6163]

Thanks a lot man I really like your videos 👍👍👍

[@666mrjimbo]

GREAT ADVICE DONYBOY

[@PeterAgostiniJdcap26]

Great buying tech overview Doc!.... All comes down to what one is wiling to spend , hopefully a lot less than a new one an one that can be repaired depending on parts availability . It is also inspiring to get involved in repairing things.

[@HappyScrappy47]

The point of not "expecting" new for used price is such a great point! That is what I have seen allot lately, I have sold three blowers since starting to talk to you and people seem to expect miracles. Not all people but allot. Here is an observation, the wealthier the people, the more they expect. Middle class and low income seem to understand better what they are buying and what to get for their money. Just a thought. Great video Old Man.......lol..lol...

[@Raddrobb92]

cool vid. thanks ,out here in so-cal ,.never seen a snow blower.

[@jeuf5646]

Thanks donyboy 73

[@rhondagrewe3591]

Awesome! Thanks

[@donyboy73]

thanks for posting

[@swakelin97910]

Many thanks Dony

[@debrakubly9548]

Donyboy, I love your sight and have been reading it since September. Great videos and I mean great compared to a lot of other youtube stuff. THe last video on the buying of a used snow blower was excellent. I am in Colorado where rust is not much of a problem, but today on craigslist there was a snow blower with a rusted auger shell. Must have been moved here from the midwest..I have watched all your Q & A but not all the other videos, maybe a system so I could start from the beginning.

[@unisol2287]

Excellent advice Donny! expecting many more videos this 2018

[@donalddumas6987]

One of the issues I found with snow blowers is that people use low octane gasoline with ethanol. That is a huge no no in all small engines even for 2 cycle engines. Use premium without ethanol and the engine will run better. In the long run it will also last longer.

[@donyboy73]

you're welcome and thanks for subscribing

[@krishillis5275]

thank for the info

[@ursixx]

Merry Christmas donyboy, from a glad subscriber ...

[@Timetravel1111]

Great video! I was looking at a same mtd your showed. I am on the way to look at one from Offerup. Ha ha I wish I had a great welder, could be fun.

[@dagblix6146]

Great list!

[@yoleto]

Great video!

[@edfitz2]

I have a 1979 Toro with H70 Tecumseh. Still blows snow in the snow belt near Erie, Pa. A tough old machine

[@ejet9900]

Hi Dony , I love watching your videos you the best. Someone gave me a snowblower but the harness of the light it’s all ripped off maby you make a video to explain how to plug and where to plug it my snowblower it’s a craftsman 10.0/29 12“. Thanks 🙏

[@donyboy73]

thank you

[@Hot80s]

Excellent tutorial Dony. Most in the know will avoid MTD & Yardworks exactly for the issues your examples have. Thin metal & lots of plastic. I looking at a 8hp ariens or 8hp simplicity both are old models.

[@schomminater]

So far so good with my 22 year old Yard-Man.

[@archierockey]

I like your videos I bought a Massey Ferguson 228 snow thrower it is a 1974 model

[@kev2556]

Man U know a lot about snow blowers and engines ;), thumbs up for Canada

[@donyboy73]

always done it for myself

[@variator05]

Donnie, could you do a video on carb linkage and choke bracket? How to set the linkage on a Husqvarna lawn tractor.

[@lestergillis8171]

I have a HOBART HANDLER 210 MiG welder. I no longer buy replacement skids for my unit. I just weld new steel on the bottom.

[@spresc2180]

Don't forget to ease the belt tension on the impeller shaft pulley, and check its bearing behind the housing by trying to move the impeller, or its pulley side to side. My Craftsmen impeller bearing disintegrated and the impeller was scraping its housing and sending sparks out the chute.

[@donyboy73]

thanks

[@purcelushable]

Excellent !!!

[@aaronlumbroso4834]

You should also make sure there are no small dents where the shoot angle adjuster meets the shoot. If there are you will have a steady stream of snow blowing in your face.And make sure if your snow blower has a light that it works.

[@lestergillis8171]

Those tires you are recommending are "SNOW HAWG" "flavor". My 1999 YARD MAN unit came with a pair, and they do grip fairly good with no chains. 👍

[@vasillazarov2755]

Hello to me until now it has not happened to sell a snowblower and have the workshop for repairs. I'm glad you all year round job and you sell machines? until recently

[@donalddumas6987]

Check for rotting handles usually near the bottom and check the fuel line and valve. The spark plug wire and boot as well as the spark plug itself. The oil, if the seller even changed or kept it up, is another item that can provide hints about the condition of the machine.

[@donyboy73]

start at 1 3/4 turns out for bottom screw and 1 turn out for idle air screw make sure the carb is clean

[@ChargerMiles007]

The Tejunkseh label on the front tends to say it all ! Go with Briggs :) Man, my early 70s snow blower is still solid as a rock, guess I will be using it for another 100,00 snow storms!!! :)

[@Buddycoop1]

Tecumseh for winter because they r&d'd them in the northern snow belt; Briggs for summer work. Keep them oiled and they last forever. I'm talking the made in usa ones. Old friend worked at both and he's in his eighties now. Told me what I'm telling you all.

[@TheWallyjp]

extremely information video

[@donyboy73]

yes exactly and some expect an eternal warranty for something used

[@jamesguralski5156]

Toro has a great shoot control joystick. The best and fast. Big auger, get 14 inch.

[@4jp]

Most of this is routine maintenance. If previous owner(s) did not do basic maintenance like oil changes, lubrication of components, and replacing worn parts, it is probably not a good idea to buy unless the machine is really cheap.

[@bighigh69]

I am looking for 26" mtd snow blower auger housing assembly..rusted out on bottom

[@craig1974]

I have a Simplicity Snowbuster 2 stage machine from the 1970's that i rescued from the trash during an estate home cleanout. I had to replace the float on the Tecumseh carb along with the fuel lines, skid shoes, and scraper. The skid shoes i salvaged from another machine, but the scraper i had to fabricate myself out of a piece of steel because a new one would of costed over 70 dollars at the dealer. I hate phillips head screws on starter motors! I would buy a used starter before buying new.

[@SmokingCardboard]

Where is the video the fix the dive bar alignment/bushings? I have snow thrower that has a chain drive that continues to get thrown off during use and was interested in the video. Thanks

[@donyboy73]

you can use stabil and turn the fuel tank valve off, run it dry

[@donyboy73]

yea for sure that is the case

[@aaronlumbroso4834]

If you are looking at a Toro Powershift with a full 6 gear transmission(4 forward 2 reverse + Powershift), make sure the gears don't slip after driving a few minutes. If they do it is for parts, because the gears in that transmission are discontinued .

[@donyboy73]

i change based on use, approx 20 hours or so or every season

[@julianreid8179]

fortunately down in southern cal. we do not hav these problems. but still a interesting video. again what are the good quality snow blowers??

[@garyrodrigues621]

I have almost the same blower as that one at the beginning of this video. Do they still make parts for it and where can I buy them from in Toronto, Ontario? Great informative video!

[@charlieg.6242]

Great videos Donyboy73, thank you. I hope you still monitor this channel. Question for ya, if you had to buy a new blower today maximum width 28" for around 1,500.00, what brand would you buy?

[@Clydesdale2045]

Great video, really good job. I wish you'd shown us the sound of the "good engine" so we have a comparison to the bad as I really didn't hear the knocking but if I could hear the good vs. bad the knocking would likely reveal itself. Thanks

[@kevinisam]

Good should just be a smooth sound. Not a knock, Not revving up and down.. .(unless you do it manually) On the 2000s tecumsehs when there full throttle theyre a nice loud purr, The new briggs aint as easy to tell

[@velvetsmack2645]

Man I wish they still made Tecumseh engines. Had one on my blower years ago and it ran like a tank.

[@nicosia1161]

Hi I saw some of your videos and they are extremely educational for non mechanical incline people. Have you ever come across converting an engine to work on continuos compressed air??

[@Dicofol1]

What is your opinion of the Yardworks 30" snow blowers currently sold at Cdn Tre, are they well built, will they last ? I like the powerful engine they have... Great tips, thank you for all your helpful videos.

[@donyboy73]

yes

[@kellywatkins6409]

I'm thinking that might be the pull starter spring is broken and draging.

[@donz6901]

Great video with good tips. MTD reminded me of the one I bought in 2003 that I replaced with a new Ariens two stage snow blower in 2011 and it's built much better and still looks new December 29th 2017. Have a Happy 2018 New Year Don. Don Zelmer from Milwaukee

[@donyboy73]

thanks

[@marzioscaglioni7785]

Tradurre italiano noi! Grazie

[@unisol2287]

translated to italian is thanks!

[@michaelmactavish1728]

@@donyboy73 im glad im buying brand new $3,200 husqvarna ST427 17hp 27'' with key start and no priming bulb on the new ST400 series new husqavarna blowers

[@1BigKrum]

Your videos are very informative. I bought a used simplicity snow blower. Can you do a video on how to change the belts on a simplicity P1338E 13 Horse 38 inch.

[@APRR890]

Hi Don, I purchased a used Ariens 11528 Everything checks out on it except the throttle keeps sliding down the guy just used a string to keep it up while running. Also I smelled a little burning and saw what I believe to be the fuel line patched with some tape the tape sits agains something very hot. It sounds good, throws good, moves well. Just looking for a more permeant solution for the throttle and wondering how difficult replacing a fuel line is. Thanks

[@dblixt1]

Merry Christmas Donny! We have snow up the gazoo from that storm. Did you get a boat load of snow also? All I can say is that I am glad I have a snow thrower this year!

[@GarthGoldberg]

You also have to consider storage space. It's harder to store a 33" blower than a 21".

[@KN-ko8ez]

Definitely! Harder to store and harder to move, too. Learned that the hard way when I went to pick up my small 21” Troy Bilt and couldn’t fit it in my car.

[@warnematt]

Mississauga, Ontario