You can modify a zero-turn mower to do the same job as a snowblower. If you have a large driveway, this can be a smart way to clear a lot of space and cut down long-term storage space.
However, for those with smaller mowers, a high-quality snowblower is an intelligent investment. How long do snowblowers last? I’ll share everything I know and give you pointers to help prolong your blower’s life.
Cheaper single stage snowblowers have an average lifespan of around 10 years however a high quality two or three stage snowblower, when properly maintained, cleaned, and stored, can last 15 to 25 years. Ensuring that you drain the gas, change sparkplugs, and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations in your owner’s manual, a high quality snowblower can last for decades.
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How Long Does A Snow Blower Last
A high-quality snowblower should last at least 15 to 25 years. However, the working life of your machine depends on how you treat and maintain your tool.
While the maintenance needs depend on the style, band, and how much you use it, you should expect to do a basic parts inspection and maintenance every twenty hours you own the blower.
A well-cared-for snowblower can easily last two to three decades.
How Long Do Electric Snow Blowers Last
The quality and longevity of your electric snowblower depend on the brand and how well you treat your machine. For example, using the wrong fuel can destroy your carburetor.
Likewise, buying a cheap blower will cost you money in the long run.
A snowblower is considered “Economy” if it’s between $600 and $800 dollars. While you can occasionally find a decent quality economy snowblower, they generally aren’t as good as pricier models that run for years.
Be extremely cautious about purchasing any snowblower that costs less than $600 dollars. These machines are typically made from cheap, knockoff parts and don’t last.
- [LED LIGHT]: 3 W LED light for safe nighttime clearing
- [VERSATILE]: Ideal for quick snow pickups on mid-sized driveways and walkways
- [POWERFUL]: 15-amp motor moves up to 800 lbs. Of snow per minute
- [MAINTENANCE-FREE]: No gas, oil or tune-ups make it effortless to start and maintain
Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How Long Do Ariens Snow Blowers Last
Ariens snowblowers are among the least expensive quality machines you can get. Expect this brand to last about 10 years or more.
According to Ariens.com, you can help extend the working life of your snowblower and make it easier to use with a little bit of essential once-a-season maintenance.
Remove the wheels from the axles and put a layer of anti-seize compound or grease on the axle. Then replace the wheels. Additionally, you should change the oil once per season for the best results.
How Long Does A Craftsman Snowblower Last
Craftsman hand tools are famous for their lifetime warranty. Sadly, the same does not apply to Craftsman power tools like snow blowers, but they still have some of the best warranties in the business.
This company prides itself on being among the best, and you can expect a Craftsman blower to last 15 to 25 years.
It may surprise you to learn that Craftsman snowblowers are made in China like all Craftsman tools. The MTD company that builds parts and engines for several outdoor tool brands is not an American company.
Nevertheless, you’re more likely to encounter user-error problems, like using old gas, than find a bad manufactured part. MTD has rigorous quality standards.
How Long Do Honda Snow Blowers Last
Honda snowblowers will last 10 to 20 years or more. Despite the name, Honda bowers are assembled here in the USA.
For example, all Honda HS720 and HSS snow blowers are put together in a facility in North Carolina. While the parts are sourced globally, they are of high quality.
Honda snowblowers can sometimes run a little bit rough. When this happens, check the sparkplug first, as this is the most likely culprit.
It would be best if you changed a Honda snowblower sparkplug once every season or after twenty hours of use.
How Long Does A Toro Snowblower Last
Toro Snowblowers are top of the line and can last up to 40 years. By comparison, a bottom-of-the-barrel cheap snowblower may only last 3 to 5 years.
Even if that inexpensive machine is half the price, you end up paying more to replace it than you would to purchase a quality blower and maintain it well.
The downside to Toro snowblowers, at least this year, is an alarming recall on one model. The 2021 Toro Power Max 826 OHAE Snowthrowers with model number 37802 pose an amputation risk.
According to WVLT, “The Bloomington, Minn.-based company has received five reports of incidents where its Toro Max Snowthrower’s auger failed to disengage when the control lever is released…”
How Long Do Snow Blowers Usually Last
An adequately maintained snowblower will stand the test of time, but the individual parts inside it all have finite shelf lives.
It is essential to perform regular maintenance and inspections on your blower. Use proper storage techniques in the off-season, and replace, repair, rebuild or clean the components to extend the working life of your machine.
A snowblower with one bad part isn’t trash. There’s almost no reason to toss a perfectly good machine simply because it isn’t running the way you expect.
So long as the outside of your snowblower is in good condition, all the bits inside are fixable or replaceable for a lot less than buying new.
How Long Does A Spark Plug Last In A Snow Blower
Spark plugs in your snowblower usually last all season. You will need to replace them after about a hundred hours of use, which can vary significantly depending on how you use your blower.
Additionally, you should check the sparkplug for signs of damage after every 20 hours of use to ensure it’s still intact.
The ceramic in your sparkplug can only hold up to a certain amount of vibration before it begins to degrade.
Similarly, the metal electrodes in the tip eventually become caked in carbon or develop other use-based issues. In some cases, you can clean the plugs and reset the gap to use them again.
How Long Does A Battery Snow Blower Last
Snowblower batteries often run for forty to forty-five minutes on a single charge. Although it takes time to recharge, you can use them again right away. However, that’s only the immediate use.
In the long run, lithium-ion snowblower batteries usually last around two to three years. Each battery can hold a certain number of charges listed on the packaging when you buy it.
According to Newark, most lithium-ion batteries can handle between three and five hundred recharges.
How Long Do Snowblower Belts Last
You can expect the factory-issued rubber belt inside your new snowblower to last five to seven years. However, it is essential to store engine belts properly to get the most mileage out of them.
Not only will these parts stretch over time, but they also dry out. If you live in an arid climate, you need to pull the belt after the last snow and store it in a moist location to prevent the material from breaking down faster.
How Long Does Gas Last In A Snow Blower
Gas inside a snowblower can start to cause oxidation in just two weeks. After a month, the fuel will begin to separate and form a gummy substance at the bottom with a caustic, acidic layer on top.
At this stage, it can damage your carburetor. To make the gas in your snowblower last longer, always add a fuel stabilizer.
Helpful Tips To Know How Long Snowblowers Last
When purchasing a snowblower, get one that will last for years rather than planning to replace it often. Consider how deep it snows in your area and the type of terrain. Then select a high-quality blower that is right for your environment.
Here are more helpful tips to know how long snowblowers last.
- Always fill out your warranty card. Doing this will afford you a replacement if something goes wrong. Moreover, always buy an extended warranty. Like a quality snowblower, a better warranty is always worth the money it costs.
- Replacing an inexpensive snowblower two to three times per decade costs more than buying a better quality blower. More importantly, a good snowblower can pay for itself in eight to ten snowfalls because you don’t need to pay someone else to come out and do the work for you.
- If you want to check which machines are most likely to fail, the Consumer Product Safety Commission posts notices for all recalled products.
Final Thoughts
The size and style of your snowblower affect how much maintenance you need. Additionally, it will depend on how much you use the machine.
Still, a good snowblower can last decades. Take the time to replace parts and check your blower over before using it for the season and once every ten to twenty hours of use.
Don’t forget to drain the old oil and store your machine somewhere out of the elements when it’s not in use regularly to prevent damage. It only takes a little common sense to prolong your blower’s working life.