SNOW THROWER FAQ's

Leanne Schmid

Here we answer some common questions regarding Cub Cadet snow throwers...

1. 

PROBLEM
What is the proper fuel and oil mixture for a 2-cycle engine on a single-stage snow thrower?
SOLUTION

Our two-cycle snow throwers use a 50:1 ratio of gasoline to 2-cycle oil.
A 50:1 ratio is a mix consisting of 2.5 ounces of 2-cycle oil with 1 gallon of gasoline.

NOTE:  Always mix 2-cycle fuel oil and fuel in an approved gasoline safe container prior to filling the engine. Make sure to use a separate gas can for this 2-cycle fuel mixture and label it accordingly. Keep in mind that the fuel capacity of these engines normally is less than a gallon, therefore you will have to use this mixture for multiple fuel fills. Adding a fuel stabilizer will help to increase the shelf life of fuel.

2.

PROBLEM
How is the single-stage snow thrower shave plate adjusted?
SOLUTION

The shave plate adjustment on our single stage snow throwers can be made by first checking the shave plate to find how much adjustment is needed.  To do this, place snow thrower on a level surface.

Drawing auger, shave plate and wheels
Drawing that shows, the auger, shave plate and wheels.

Components on Unit
Components on an actual unit.

These components should all be touching the ground at the same time. If either the auger or wheels are not touching the ground, this means that the shave plate is adjusted too low and needs to be raised.  If the wheels and auger are both touching the ground and the shave plate is not, this means that the shave plate is too high, and needs to be lowered to meet the auger and wheel levels. The shave plate has four nuts and bolts that fasten it on. To make this adjustment, loosen these four fasteners and slide the shave plate up or down as needed.

3.

PROBLEM

How are the skid shoes on a multiple-stage snow thrower adjusted?

SOLUTION

Adjusting the "skid shoes" (a.k.a. "slide shoes" ) on a multiple-stage snow thrower allows you to select how close to the ground the unit will clear snow.

Smooth Surface Adjustment:
Note:  Something will be needed to support the auger housing during this adjustment (thin wood plank, cardboard, etc..) that is approximately 1/8" H x 20" W x 6"D. Make sure the width is slightly less than that of your snow thrower auger width. To properly support your unit for this adjustment, do not use anything that is unstable or unable to support the snow thrower.

  1. Place the supporting device below the center of the shave plate. This support should then elevate the sides of the auger housing slightly.
  2. Next loosen the hardware securing the skid shoes on both sides of the auger housing, slide both shoes until they are positioned even with the ground, then tighten the tighten the hardware and remove the support material.
  3. The shave plate should now be positioned just slightly above the ground with the shoes properly supporting the entire auger housing.

Irregular and Gravel Surface Adjustment:  
If you are clearing a surface that has an unusually irregular surface you should follow the instructions above, with the exception that you should use something thicker than 1/8 of an inch for support during the adjustment. The actual height needed will depend on the severity of the surface irregularities. 

4.

PROBLEM

How can the ground traction on a snow thrower be improved?

SOLUTION

To improve the traction on a snow thrower we have optional tire chains available for most tires. The tire size and/or the name ‘Snow Hog’ or 'X-Trac' should be molded into the side of the tire. Use the following chart to identify which chains fit the tires.

TIRE SIZE

SNOW HOG or X-TRAC

PART # FOR CHAIN SET

13 X 4.1

Yes

OEM-390-062

15 X 6

No

OEM-390-145

16 X 6.5

No

OEM-390-146

16 X 6.5

Yes

OEM-390-655

16 X 4.8

Yes

OEM-390-991

NOTE: All tire size measurements are in inches. NOTE: All chain sets above consist of 2 chains.

Tire chains installed on a snow thrower.
Tire chains installed on a snow thrower.