Snowblower Snowblower Auger Chain Lube

[GoodGuy]

On my 6 foot PTO Snowblower, I'm not comfortable with how to keep the auger chain lubed properly because it seems because it's exposed, the snow washes the lubrication off. When I'm done blowing & look at the chain it is very shiny which indicates metal on metal wear. Is this something I need to be concerned with? I notice that some models have the chain enclosed and wonder if that really helps. It would seem that any kind of lube would get washed off no matter the type. Any ideas or thoughts?

 

[Ductape]

I've always used motorcycle chain lube.

 

[studor]

I just spray some Fluid Film on mine when I finish cleaning off the snow. Mine is open like yours -- has not seemed to be an issue

 

[pendog]

I think you would be happy if you were to try a can of Fluid Film. It won't wash off and you can spray the whole unit with it. great stuff!! fluid-film.com

Check out the forum at plowsite.com

 

[pendog]

studor, you must have posted as I was typing mine. great minds think alike

.

 

[Luremaker]

I have used motor oil and winter chain lube. I just add oil after every use. My blower is around 12 years old with original chain.

 

[gerard]

I don't think it's a big deal but I slap some grease on it now and then just because it doesn't hurt. Figure the grease clings a little better.

 

[JerryK]

I oil mine up each spring, when I paint her up and get her ready for the following winter. As long as you keep it from getting rusted up....you could probably pee on it an it would still last 50 years....

 

[JJT]

10+ year old 7' snow blower, original chain: every spring I grease the heck out of it, every 3-4 snow storms I hit it with some chain saw bar oil. It's tacky and stays put. The blower is inside in the winter and stored outside the other 3 seasons.

 

[PILOON]

Not to worry, and besides chain is real cheap anyway.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I oil mine up each spring, when I paint her up and get her ready for the following winter. As long as you keep it from getting rusted up....you could probably pee on it an it would still last 50 years....

Bingo...
In the Spring/Fall I use the JD Chain & Cable lube...I havent found a better chain lube yet....I dont lube mine up at all during the winter...only in the spring when putting it away and in the fall when I take it out.

 

[Gary Fowler]

While lubricating the outside of the rollers might look good, it is the internal pins that hook each link together that need the lubrication. That is what moves and wears out if not lubricated. Some of the motorcycle chains (Honda)come with rubber seals on each link kind of like a sealed bearing and the manufacturer actually tells you not to lube the chain as it just picks up dirt and causes more wear or the sprocket and rollers. Mixing grease with sand makes a very good abrasive which is likely why your chain is so shiny.
Oil the chain with chain lube each time and then wipe all the excess oil off so it doesnt attract dirt.

 

[Dead Horse]

my tractor weeps a bit of oil out of the rockshaft seals in the winter..... I collect it in broad shallow containers just to keep it off the barn floor.........

guess where it goes...........

It is a farm, we throw NOTHING away.

 

[JerryK]

Bingo...
In the Spring/Fall I use the JD Chain & Cable lube...I havent found a better chain lube yet....I dont lube mine up at all during the winter...only in the spring when putting it away and in the fall when I take it out.

Yup, I use LPS2, which is also a good 'dry' lube... The blower chain is like a bike chain, and you don't want anything on it that gathers sand. I also used to think that an enclosed chain was a better setup than an open design, but after having both, I prefer the open. The closed designs would be great if they were completely closed, but most of them let stuff in, and you end up with a sandy/rusty chain....