How to make my snowblower throw snow farther is a question often asked. Read my tips and tricks on what you can do to improve its throwing distance.
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Before coming up with wild snow blower modifications or rushing out to buy a larger model, hold that thought. At Snow Blower Guides, I’m here to help, so why not try these tips for improving your snow throwing distance.
How To Make A Snowblower Throw Snow Farther
How far your snowblower throws snow will depend on the model how powerful it is. As an example, a three-stage snow blower (usually used for commercial tasks and clearing snowbanks) will throw much farther than the smaller electric snow shovel models.
Electric snow throwers, referred to as single stage snowblowers, have the least throwing power. This is because they only have the auger to both gather up and throw the snow.
Whereas, two-stage snowblowers throw farther because they have the auger plus an impeller. The auger will pick up and push the snow to the spinning impeller which then shoots it out through the discharge chute.
Three-stage snow blowers are the beast of all snowblowers. In addition to the auger and impeller, they have an accelerator which makes gathering up and discharging it so much easier and faster.
Tips For How To Make Your Snowblower Throw Further
When snow blowers are not throwing snow far enough it could simply be because it is not the right model for the type of snowfall. A wet snowfall will need a more powerful machine to throw snow farther. Whereas snow blowing light, dry and powdery snow can be done quite easily with smaller snow blowers.
On the other hand, there are some tips and tricks you can do to improve the throw distance.
Fit An Impeller Kit
If you are convinced that your model needs an upgrade, then a snowblower impeller modification is your best bet. Check out this video for an example of fitting and using one.
Short of getting extra engine power or an entirely new machine, a modification kit will deliver a MUCH better throwing distance.
You can order a DIY snowblower impeller mod online, but I want you to be 100% sure that you know what you are doing. If you’re at 99.9%, have experts install it for you as this can be quite a complex project.
Two impeller modification options are available:
Widening of the impeller diameter or adding an impeller to a single-stage blower. Larger impellers minimize the distance between the auger and the chute which means more power and less white stuff getting stuck.
They are mostly universal kits since manufacturers aren’t too keen on their customers modifying their products, but do make sure that it is the right size and number of impeller blades.
I should mention that impeller modifications can only been done on two-stage snow blowers, as single-stage snow blowers don’t use an impeller. You can find out the main differences between single stage vs two stage snow blowers here.
Regularly Lubricate The Snow Chute
One of the easiest ways to improve the throwing distance of the discharge chute is by keeping it clean, smooth, and dry. The solution is a simple one, regularly spray a lubricant inside the chute to keep snow from sticking.
Many household items make for an excellent chute lubricant including cooking spray, cooking oil, and WD40. Alternatively, and maybe more effectively, use a liquid graphite spray once a week.
Keep The Chute In Good Condition
Keeping the chute free from rust and scratches is another way to maintain a good throwing distance. Apply a rust protectant, once or twice a season.
I would also advise that when buying a new snow blower you opt for a 180° rotating discharge chute because less snow tends to become lodged.
Maintenance, Performance & Storage
So, how can I make my snowblower throw farther? Proper maintenance and safe storage are the basics for better working machines.
A snow blower not throwing very far can also be the condition of the scraper bars, auger, or impeller – check and service or replace where necessary. You also need to check the augers belt to ensure it has not become slack, as this will affect the throwing performance.
In gas-powered snowblowers specifically, keep its performance at its best with regular checks. With all small engine gas-powered tools, you need to check the oil, spark plug, and air filter.
Always inspect, clean regularly, and ideally replace every season, especially if you live in a high snowfall area.
Storing a snow blower inside where it won’t freeze or rust and doing the recommended end-of-season service will increase the longevity.
If you have an electric cordless snow blower, it is best to remove the battery and keep it warm and dry.
Wrapping Things Up
Personally, snowblower modifications are not my first recommendation, unless you have excellent mechanical skills. Before attempting to DIY an impeller kit or modify the auger parts, give the snowblower a complete service to see if it performs better.
If nothing else works, it might just be time to replace your machine.
Frequently Asked Questions (People also ask)
To wrap things up, here are a few questions people often ask me about snowblower throwing distances.
How far should my snowblower throw snow?
How far a snowblower should throw will vary, but a two-stage snowblower that is in good working condition should be able to throw snow between 15-20 feet.
What snowblower throws snow the farthest?
The snowblower that throws snow the farthest is a three-stage snowblower. It has the most power and the greatest throwing distance and can throw up to 50-60 feet. Great for a large driveway or sidewalk.
How do you clean a snowblower after use?
After clearing snow, let the snowblower run for a few more minutes to prevent the auger and impeller from freezing. Then, wipe it down from the inside and out to remove any leftover snow and moisture.
