How to Start a Snow Blower: Gas, Electric Start, Corded and Cordless

Before you start: a quick safety and setup check

A few minutes of prep prevents most starting trouble and most injuries. Do these checks every time, with the engine off.

Never run a gas snow blower in a garage, shed or any closed space. The exhaust contains carbon monoxide, which you cannot see or smell well. Roll the machine outside, away from doors, windows and vents, before you start it.

• Wear eye protection and hearing protection. Gas engines are loud, and the auger can throw ice and grit.
• Wear boots with good grip and clothes that cannot catch in moving parts.
• Clear the area of doormats, newspapers, hoses and toys that could jam the auger.
• Check the oil level and the fuel level on gas models.
• Look over the machine for loose bolts, a damaged cord or a cracked shear pin.

How to start a gas snow blower with a pull cord

Most gas models follow the same basic order, whether the badge says Troy-Bilt, Cub Cadet or something else. Controls are in slightly different places, so match each step to your manual.

Start outside on a flat spot, with the chute pointed away from people, cars and windows.

• Open the fuel valve if your model has one.
• Insert the safety key or ignition key if your model uses one.
• Set the choke to full or closed for a cold engine. Skip this on a warm engine.
• Press the primer bulb a few times, usually 2 to 5. Press firmly and let it spring back each time.
• Set the throttle to fast, if it has a throttle lever.
• Make sure the auger and drive controls are released, not squeezed.
• Pull the starter rope slowly until you feel resistance, then pull firmly and smoothly.
• Once it runs, ease the choke back to the run position a little at a time.

How to start a snow blower with electric start

Electric start on a gas machine is a small starter motor that runs off household power. You plug a cord into the machine, plug the other end into an outdoor outlet, and press the button. It saves your shoulder on cold mornings.

Our best snow blower page shows how common this is. The PowerSmart gas models in our lineup list push-button electric start. One listing describes a 120-volt electric starting system that works at -20F, and another says to plug in an outdoor extension cord and push the button.

Set the choke and prime the engine the same way you would for a pull start. Then plug in the cord, press the button in short bursts, and unplug the cord as soon as the engine runs. Keep the cord clear of the auger and wheels.

Use an outdoor-rated extension cord with a grounded plug, and plug it into a protected outlet. If the outlet or cord is wet, damaged or frozen, do not use it. Keep the plug connection dry and off the snow.

Starting corded and cordless models

Electric machines have no choke, primer or fuel to manage. That makes starting simpler, though each type has its own habits.

A corded unit like the Westinghouse WSnow20 listed on our comparison page runs on a 120V, 15A outlet with an 1800 W motor. Plug it in, route the cord behind you, and use the start control. Always work away from the cord so the auger never runs over it.

A cordless unit like the EGO Power+ SNT2807 uses batteries instead. Its listing shows two included batteries and 1344 Wh of battery energy. Seat the batteries fully, then use the start controls on the handle. Cold weather can reduce what a battery delivers, so keep batteries indoors until you are ready to work.

If it will not start

Most no-start problems come from old fuel, a wrong switch position or a flooded engine. Work through the simple things first.

Turn everything off, let the engine sit, and check these in order.

• Is there fresh fuel in the tank? Fuel that sat all summer is a common cause.
• Is the fuel valve open and the safety key in place?
• Is the choke set correctly for a cold or warm engine?
• Did you prime too many times? If so, wait a few minutes, set the choke off and try again.
• Is the spark plug clean and the wire attached?
• For electric start, does the outlet have power and is the cord firmly seated at both ends?
• Is the auger frozen to the ground or packed with ice?

Safety while the engine runs

Never put your hand in the chute or intake, even if you think the machine is off. Stop the engine, wait for all parts to stop, and use the clearing tool that came with the machine or a stick.

Do not refuel a hot or running engine. Let it cool, and fuel it outdoors, away from sparks or flames.

Keep children and pets well away. Aim the chute away from people and cars, and lower the throw if wind is blowing it back.

Choosing a machine that is easier to start

If starting is a chore for you, the type of machine matters. Electric start on a gas model removes the pull cord. Corded and cordless units remove the engine routine altogether.

Weigh that against clearing width, intake height and weight, which set how well a machine fits your snowfall and driveway. Our best snow blower comparison puts these numbers side by side, with gaps flagged rather than guessed.

Frequently asked questions

How many times should I press the primer bulb?

Many manuals call for 2 to 5 presses on a cold engine. Check yours, since pressing too many times can flood the engine.

Should I use the choke when the engine is warm?

Usually not. The choke helps a cold engine start. A warm engine often starts with the choke off.

Can I start my snow blower in the garage to warm it up?

No. Gas engines make carbon monoxide, which can build up fast indoors, even with the door partly open. Always start it outside.

Do Troy-Bilt and Cub Cadet models start the same way?

The basic steps are similar for gas models, but control locations differ. Follow the manual for your exact model.

Why does my engine turn over with electric start but not run?

The starter is working, so check fuel, choke position, priming and the spark plug. Stale fuel is a common cause.