Run Stihl Blower In Freezing Temps?

[BleedingBlue]

I own a Stihl BG-56C blower and I am trying to determine if it is safe to run in freezing temperatures. I would like to use it to blow my driveway/patio when we get small amounts of snow.

I have read some models have a cold temp switch/setting, but I dont see anything like that. I have also read the air filter getting frozen could be a problem.

I cant imagine the blower engines being significantly different than the chainsaw ones, which obviously are meant to run in very cold temperatures.

Can anyone provide any insight?

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[tarmy]

I run mine down to zero...blowing snow and pine needles off deck and drive.

Never heard of any issue. Same with chainsaws.

There are two levels of Sthil...pro line...and homeowner. All my saws and my blower are all commercial series. They cost a fair amount more...but have (usually) higher horsepower engines...and no restrictions I have heard of...

 

[BleedingBlue]

I run mine down to zero...blowing snow and pine needles off deck and drive.



Never heard of any issue. Same with chainsaws.



There are two levels of Sthil...pro line...and homeowner. All my saws and my blower are all commercial series. They cost a fair amount more...but have (usually) higher horsepower engines...and no restrictions I have heard of...

Thanks for the quick reply.

Mine is definitely in the “homeowner” line, so I don’t know if that makes a difference.


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[SILVERPLATE]

i think it will be fine.

 

[kwschumm]

I've always done this with my Stihl blowers and chainsaws and have had no problems. Sometimes they start a little hard when it's that cold though.

 

[AA/FC]

I run my Stihl BR-600 magnum backpack blower in all temperatures. I blow light snow all the time at any temp. Never a problem. It is a commercial piece of equipment, however.

 

[nafterclifen]

According to the manual, your model doesn't have a winter mode like shown in this video.

 

[rlitman]

...I have read some models have a cold temp switch/setting, but I dont see anything like that. I have also read the air filter getting frozen could be a problem...

That switch in on the backpack models. I don't think they have one on the handheld blowers.

The issue would be with continuous use causing icing inside the carb (not the air filter). I wouldn't worry about it for your purposes.

I have several Stihl blowers, and a power sweeper of theirs (with the rubber paddles). The should all work on snow in theory, and though I've tried both methods, I've had no luck with either.

The blower will move powdery snow (it isn't worth a damn on the heavy slushy snow we get 90% of the time), but around here, when it's cold enough for the snow to be powder, its always been breezy enough that the first snow I blow usually ends up coating me, turning me into the Stay Puft marshmallow man. The sweeper doesn't help enough with the powder, and while it will move slush, it only moves it a few inches, and really doesn't save a whole lot of effort. Neither is at all helpful on crusty snow.

 

[BleedingBlue]

Just used it to blow some snow for about 10 minutes at ~30 degrees with no issues. Thanks!


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[kbs2244]

Go for it.
I use my electric blowers in below zero temps all the time.

I prefer sunny days, but that is for my comfort, not the tools.

 

[James-W]

My buddy uses his to blow light snow off the front porch and the driveway. Never had a problem once it was running, getting it started is sometimes a problem though.

 

[chaosracing]

I just used a Stihl BR600 backpack blower and 2 BG86 handhelds to blow snow today. We never had any issues.
One suggestion, remove the spark arrestor though. He did and never have an issue. If not, they block up and then they do not run right.

 

[Randy in Maine]

I assume this is a joke.

 

[midwestcj]

There shouldn't an issue with running the motor in the cold temps.

One thing you can do. Bring it in the house the night before a snow so it warms up. It'll start easier and run better from the start if it's warm to begin with.


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[PassnThru]

I assume this is a joke.

Hey - it's tough getting the right antifreeze mixture in a two stroke!

It will warm up quickly - engines do that.

 

[oldmxracer]

Just run it !

 

[BleedingBlue]

I assume this is a joke.

Nope, not a joke.

But thank you Randy for taking time to post an insightful thought in the thread!


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[Shawn S]

I have 2 handhelds and 2 backpacks that we use for snow removal every winter. Never a problem.
I love a good crisp February snow 1" or less. The blowers make quick work of it!

 

[PWC Repair]

2 strokes are hard to start in freezing temps. And let it warm up good first. After a good warmup, no problem.

 

[like2wheel]

I have a Ryobi that I use in the winter to blow the snow from the hoop of firewood I keep on the porch.

I have to richen up the mixture screw on the carb to get it to run right in the cold.
Not good to run an engine lean. Especially a 2 stroke.

 

[ken w.]

I have the same model and I'll blow a small layer of snow around my garage door so it wont blow in. It's hard to start when that cold. I spray the air filter with a shot of carb cleaner and it starts quicker , but you need to let it warm up.

 

[petee_c]

I have the Stihl Kombi system. Homeowner series. I run it in the winter with the blower attachment or sweeper attachment for my outdoor rink... No issues...

 

[Aqua-Andy]

I have to richen up the mixture screw on the carb to get it to run right in the cold.
Not good to run an engine lean. Especially a 2 stroke.

This. Two strokes do not like to run lean and it will need more fuel at 0 degrees than at 70 degrees. Pull off the limiter caps and learn how to adjust the carb and the engine will be much happier. you can purchase tool kits for around $20 that have all the special drivers for the mixture screws.

 

[jvitez]

I've used my Stihl handheld in the winter for years. When it's really cold (-25-30°C) I have to leave the choke on just a little, still runs and blows fine.

 

[RH2]

If anyone watched the bulls game, the ground crew was using sthil blowers on the yard lines.

 

[BD1]

I use my Echo battery one and works fine.

 

[BleedingBlue]

If anyone watched the bulls game, the ground crew was using sthil blowers on the yard lines.

I noticed that too...good timing!




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[rburke65]

Wow....I've owned my blower for YEARS and i never thought of blowing sniw!.....Dah.

 

[bowhuntr311]

Lots of the guys in my area that do snow removal use back pack blowers for decks/walk ways.

I use mine every chance I get for snow removal. I just put it in my heated garage to dry out when Im done. I doubt very much snow gets sucked through and accumulates inside of the blower but I give it chance to dry out.

 

[midwestcj]

This. Two strokes do not like to run lean and it will need more fuel at 0 degrees than at 70 degrees. Pull off the limiter caps and learn how to adjust the carb and the engine will be much happier. you can purchase tool kits for around $20 that have all the special drivers for the mixture screws.

I've used my Stihl handheld in the winter for years. When it's really cold (-25-30°C) I have to leave the choke on just a little, still runs and blows fine.

If you're concerned about running too lean, then do what JVitez does and keep the choke on a bit.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Wow....I've owned my blower for YEARS and i never thought of blowing sniw!.....Dah.

I thought it was a good idea too , just stand upwind or it gets cold and wet, quick.

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

I use my Stihl all the time for light snow. I just let it warm up a bit and then do my driveway and the neighbours on both sides of my home. Mind you I am using the Stihl mixed fuel which is something I might not do in the future. But using this fuel I never have any issues with starting or operating either the blower or chains saw. Just a little expensive.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Mine has never seemed to mind the light use of clearing the sidewalks around the house. Beats using a shovel or broom.

 

[SARG]

The "winter" setting for the backpack units is just a metal "door" that you put over the carb intake by removing a screw and shifting the plate over so it closes a portion of the carb intake & refasten.
Essentially just choking the engine a tad.

 

[Jhoff310]

I have never had a problem running a 2 stroke when its cold. I ran by backpack blower yesterday in 25 degrees with no problem. I run my chainsaws to below zero. I dont change my gas...I use optimal-2 in all of my 2cycles. I can of 2 cycle for everything

 

[jd_1138]

I have a Ryobi that I use in the winter to blow the snow from the hoop of firewood I keep on the porch.

I have to richen up the mixture screw on the carb to get it to run right in the cold.
Not good to run an engine lean. Especially a 2 stroke.

Do engines run leaner in the winter due to air pressure differences? I'd assume the cold weather would be good for engines except if they do run leaner.

 

[MoonRise]

Do engines run leaner in the winter due to air pressure differences? I'd assume the cold weather would be good for engines except if they do run leaner.

Not air pressure difference.

Air density difference due to the lower air temperature.

Cold air = more dense air = more air compared to fuel setting on carb

Which means a lean condition on the air-fuel mix.

 

[rentalman]

I have sold Echo bp blowers to the railroad for years to blow snow from the switches(easier then pulling a tow compressor around).We don't do anything special to the carbs.
The blower comes with a baffle disc to redirect air going to the blower fan. This is to prevent cold air being drawn across the operators back.