The Ultimate Snow Blower Maintenance Guide
You’ve invested in a snow blower and want to protect that investment for many winters to come. Regular maintenance is the key.
What do you need to know about snow blower maintenance? We’ve answered the biggest questions to help you get the most out of your new Cub Cadet®.
Last updated on: October 27, 2025
Looking to buy a new snow blower? Read the Ultimate Snow Blower Buying Guide.
Table of Contents
- What maintenance does my snow blower need?
- How often should I do maintenance on my snow blower?
- How do I store my snow blower in the off-season?
- Why won’t my snow blower start?
- What kind of gas do you put in a snow blower?
- What type of oil should I use in a snow blower?
- How often should you change the oil in your snow blower?
- What snow blower replacement parts do I need?
- Where should I go for snow blower maintenance service?
- What are some important snow blower operation tips & practices?
1. What maintenance does my snow blower need?
Your Cub Cadet® snow blower requires regular maintenance to help maintain optimal performance throughout the winter season.
Maintain your snow blower and help ensure it runs smoothly throughout the season and beyond by completing the seven key maintenance tasks below.
1. Check and replace engine oil
You should change the engine oil of your Cub Cadet® snow blower after the first five hours of use and every 50 hours of use thereafter.2. Inspect spark plugs
You should inspect the spark plugs of your snow blower regularly and replace them if they show wear or corrosion.3. Check belts
You should check the belts of your snow blower for cracks or fraying and replace them when necessary.4. Lubricate moving parts
You should lubricate the moving parts of your snow blower to help prevent rust and maintain smooth operation.5. Clean and inspect after each use
Remove snow and debris to help prevent clogging and damage, especially in the chute and auger housing. Safely inspect your snow blower thoroughly after each use to help confirm it is in good working condition.6. Fuel maintenance
Stale fuel can cause Cub Cadet® snow blowers to have starting problems. At the end of the season, drain the fuel tank or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent gas from deteriorating.7. Off-season storage
Store your snow blower in a dry, sheltered area and cover it to protect it from the elements. (Keep scrolling for a thorough breakdown of how to store your Cub Cadet® snow blower in the off-season.)Keeping up with these regular maintenance tasks for your Cub Cadet® snow blower can help extend the life expectancy so that it’s ready when the snow begins to fall.
Remember to always consult your snow blower operator’s manual before performing maintenance and take every necessary safety precaution.
2. How often should I do maintenance on my snow blower?
A thorough inspection of your Cub Cadet® snow blower after every use is the best way to help it stay in tip-top shape.
However, maintenance tasks should be performed after certain periods of use.
After 5 hours of snow blower use:
• Replace engine oil after the first 5 hours of use
• Check the engine oil
• Clean the exhaust area
After 25 hours of snow blower use:
• Check the spark plug
• Lubricate the gear shaft
• Inspect impeller and shear pins (tighten regularly)
After every season of use:
• Replace engine oil (after every 50 hours of use)
• Replace the spark plug (after every 100 hours of use)
• Replace fraying or torn belts
• Drain the fuel tank, fill with fresh fuel and add fuel stabilizer
Snow Blower Maintenance Schedule
A snow blower maintenance schedule includes regular oil changes, spark plug checks, and more to help keep the machine running smoothly.
| After first 5 hours of use | After each use (or every 5 hours) | After every season (or 25 hours) | After every season (or 50 hours) | After every season (or 100 hours) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Change the engine oil | X | X | |||
| Check the engine oil | X | ||||
| Clean the exhaust area | X | ||||
| Check the spark plug | X | ||||
| Lubricate the gear shaft | X | ||||
| Service the spark plug | X |
3. How do I store my snow blower in the off-season?
Following the recommended Cub Cadet® snow blower storage steps can help protect your machine for reliable operation next winter.
The off-season storage instructions for single-stage snow blowers vary slightly from two- and three-stage snow blowers, so we have broken the instructions into two sections.
Remember to complete each step outlined below — skipping a snow blower storage maintenance procedure can result in expensive repairs in the future.
How to store your Cub Cadet® single-stage snow blower
Step 1:
Read your operator’s manual. Reference the "Off-Season Storage," "Maintenance & Adjustments," and "Service" sections of your operator’s manual before performing steps for off-season storage.
Step 2:
Always make sure your snow blower is on a level surface and disconnect the spark plug wire to avoid accidental movement or starting.
Step 3:
Position the snow blower for maintenance. You should tilt your Cub Cadet® snow blower back to access the auger and other components for maintenance.
Step 4:
Check the shave plate. The shave plate can wear out over time. The shave plate on your snow blower has two wearing edges; simply reverse it to maximize the life of the plate. If it’s already been reversed, replace it with genuine, original equipment replacement parts from Cub Cadet®.
Step 5:
Check the auger. The auger’s rubber paddles become worn with use. They should be replaced if any excessive wear is present.
Step 6:
Inspect the belt. Remove the belt cover on the side of the snow blower. Check the belt for signs of wear, cracks, fraying, etc., and replace if necessary.
Step 7:
Order replacement parts. If any of the above-mentioned items need replacing at the end of the season, it’s a good time to order and install them before you put your snow blower into storage.
Step 8:
Change the oil. Drain and refill the engine oil before storing your snow blower. Refer to your engine’s operator’s manual for the correct viscosity and oil capacity. Always dispose of the used oil in an environmentally responsible manner.
Step 9:
Check the spark plug. You should remove and inspect the spark plug for corrosion and replace it if necessary before storing your snow blower.
Step 10:
Clean the snow blower. Clean debris from around the engine and muffler. You should apply a light coating of oil to areas susceptible to rust to protect your snow blower during storage. Wipe away any dried salt that may have accumulated to help prevent your unit from rusting over the winter.
Step 11:
Prepare the fuel tank. You should fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent fuel degradation over the off-season. An empty fuel system exposes any bare metal parts within it to air and moisture, which can lead to rust and allows gaskets and O-rings to dry out, crack and shrink, potentially causing eventual leaks.
How to store your Cub Cadet® two- or three-stage snow blower
Step 1:
Read your operator’s manual. Reference the "Off-Season Storage," "Maintenance & Adjustments," and "Service" sections of your operator’s manual before performing steps for off-season storage.
Step 2:
Always make sure your snow blower is on a level surface and disconnect the spark plug wire to avoid accidental movement or starting.
Step 3:
Check the shave plate. The shave plate can wear out over time. The shave plate on your snow blower has two wearing edges; simply reverse it to maximize the life of the plate. If it’s already been reversed, replace it with genuine, original equipment replacement parts from Cub Cadet®.
Step 4:
Prepare the fuel tank. Drain any fuel left in the tank using a siphon pump. With the help of another person, carefully pivot the snow blower up and forward so it rests on the auger housing. This will help you to access the parts of the snow blower that require maintenance.
Step 5:
Lubricate the gear shaft. Remove the lower frame cover from the underside of the unit. Apply a light coating of oil to the hex shaft. Be careful not to get any oil on the aluminum drive plate or the rubber friction disc. Check the rubber friction disc for wear or cracking.
Step 6:
Return the snow blower to its wheels and skid shoes. Before checking the snow blower belt, put the lower frame cover back in place. With the help of an additional person, carefully pivot the snow blower back and down so it rests on the wheels and skid shoes.
Step 7:
Inspect the belt. Remove the belt cover on the front of the engine and inspect the belts for wear, cracks and fraying. If the belts are worn, they should be replaced immediately. Worn belts can break when you least expect them, so make sure you replace your snow blower belts as soon as you see signs of wear. Put the plastic belt cover back in place or order a new one if needed.
Step 8:
Change the oil. Drain and refill the engine oil before storing your snow blower. Refer to your engine’s operator’s manual for the correct viscosity and oil capacity. Always dispose of the used oil in an environmentally responsible manner.
Step 9:
Check the spark plug. You should remove and inspect the spark plug for corrosion and replace it if necessary before storing your snow blower.
Step 10:
Clean the snow blower. Clean debris from around the engine and muffler. You should apply a light coating of oil to areas susceptible to rust to help protect your snow blower during storage. Wipe away any dried salt that may have accumulated to help prevent your unit from rusting over the winter.
Step 11:
You should fill the fuel tank with fresh gasoline and add a fuel stabilizer to help prevent fuel degradation over the off-season. An empty fuel system exposes any bare metal parts within it to air and moisture, which can lead to rust and allows gaskets and O-rings to dry out, crack and shrink, potentially causing eventual leaks.
4. Why won’t my snow blower start?
Several mechanical and fuel-related issues cause your Cub Cadet® snow blower not to start. Identifying the main issue is a process of elimination.
If your snow blower won’t start, begin by checking the following:
• Fuel:
Stale fuel can prevent your Cub Cadet® snow blower from starting. Drain the fuel from your snow blower’s gas tank and replace it with fresh fuel.• Spark plug:
A dirty or worn spark plug can prevent your snow blower from proper ignition. Clean or replace the snow blower’s spark plug if needed.• Fuel line:
If fuel can’t reach the engine, your snow blower won’t start. A cracked or clogged fuel line stops fuel from reaching the engine.• Clogged carburetor:
A clogged carburetor can prevent your snow blower engine from receiving fuel.• Starter issues:
A malfunctioning starter prevents your snow blower from turning on. For an electric start, check that the switch works properly and that you’ve plugged the unit in. For a pull-start snow blower, ensure the recoil starter works correctly.If these tips don’t help solve your snow blower’s starting problem, we recommend you contact a professional. Your local authorized Cub Cadet® dealer is a snow blower expert and can help you get your machine back up and running.
5. What kind of gas do I put in a snow blower?
Generally, it is recommended to use unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher for your snow blower.
However, always check your operator’s manual for specific recommendations as certain snow blower models may have different fuel requirements.
Here are some tips to consider for your snow blower fuel:
• Using gasoline with more than 10% ethanol can cause starting issues, reduce performance, and damage your snow blower engine.
• Consider adding a fuel stabilizer if your snow blower could sit unused for a few weeks during snow season as gas can begin to break down after approximately 30 days.
• Use fresh fuel when gassing up your snow blower at the beginning of the season to help avoid starting issues and performance problems that stale fuel can cause.
6. What type of oil should I use in a snow blower?
The best type of oil for most snow blowers is 5W-30 4-cycle engine oil, designed for cold-weather performance.
• Most Cub Cadet® snow blowers use high-quality 4-cycle 5W-30 oil.
• Always confirm the oil type and capacity in your operator’s manual for the best performance.
7. How often should I change the oil in my snow blower?
Regular oil changes are key to maintaining your snow blower’s engine health and helping to provide reliable performance.
Always refer to your operator's manual for specific guidelines on oil type and change intervals to help keep your snow blower running smoothly.
Generally, you should change the oil in your snow blower after the first five hours of use. This is the typical break-in period for the machine when certain maintenance tasks are recommended.
After that, check the oil after every five hours of use and change the oil every 50 hours of operation or once per season, whichever comes first.
More frequent oil changes may be necessary when using your machine frequently in harsh conditions. That’s why frequent checks of your snow blower’s oil levels are good practice.
8. What snow blower replacement parts do I need?
You may need replacement parts for your Cub Cadet® snow blower during or after a snowstorm (after all, that’s when you’re most likely to use your snow blower).
But in wintry conditions, it isn’t always convenient to buy parts. Plus, the part or parts you need may not be readily available.
Be prepared for this type of emergency by having the seven following spare parts on hand:
1. Drive Belt
Change your snow blower’s drive belt if you see any noticeable damage and to avoid it from breaking while the machine is in use.2. Spark Plug
Replace your spark plug if there is visible damage or corrosion.3. Oil & Fresh Fuel
Rule #1 for owning a snow blower: never run out of gas or oil.4. Skid Shoes
Protecting your snow blower and driveway from damage is hard work that wears down skid shoes.5. Ignition Key
If you lose or break the ignition key, your snow blower won’t start. Get a spare to avoid that headache.6. Shear Pins (or Shear Bolts)
These pins are designed to break if debris gets stuck in your snow blower augers so it’s important to have extras.7. Shave Plate
Damage to the shave plate is nearly inevitable so having a backup on hand means you won’t be without one for long.Where can you find these replacement parts? Contact your local authorized Cub Cadet® dealer to get genuine parts designed for an exact fit and optimal performance.
9. Where should I go for snow blower maintenance and service?
For the best Cub Cadet® snow blower maintenance service, visit your local authorized dealer and schedule your appointment today.
Cub Cadet® has a nationwide network of service dealers in Canada. These dealers provide expert support, genuine parts and warranty services. Our independent dealers are your one-stop shop for Cub Cadet® snow blowers.
These experts are trained specifically on Cub Cadet® equipment and have access to genuine parts so your machine gets the care it needs for optimal performance.
Your local Cub Cadet® dealer can handle everything from routine oil changes and spark plug replacements to more complex repairs.
Regular maintenance by a professional helps extend the life of your snow blower, helps prevent costly breakdowns and gives you the ultimate peace of mind.
10. What are some important snow blower operation tips and practices?
You know how to operate a snow blower, but do you know the ideal way to blow snow? Follow these tips for efficient operation: