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How to position drift cutters on a snowblower

less than a minute readNov 12Lyle Weischwill

When the snow piles up higher than your snowblower’s auger housing, drift cutters can make a big difference. These dull metal blades attach to the top sides of the auger housing and slice through packed drifts, directing heavy snow down into the auger for easier clearing.

When not in use, drift cutters can be folded flat against the sides of the auger housing to prevent bending or damage during storage or maintenance.

How to set up drift cutters for use on your snowblower

When it’s time to tackle deep snow, position the drift cutters so they can do their job effectively. Follow the steps in the video below to set them up properly.

To position the drift cutters for use:

  1. Remove the screws and wing nuts from each drift cutter.

  2. Rotate the drift cutters upward so they extend above and slightly outward from the auger housing.

  3. Reattach the screws and wing nuts, then tighten them securely.

Your drift cutters are now ready to help break up tall snowbanks and packed snowdrifts.

How and when to store drift cutters

When you’re done for the season (or working with light snow) you can easily stow the drift cutters along the sides of the auger housing. This keeps them out of the way and prevents damage.

Store the drift cutters along the sides of the auger housing when:

  • You’re clearing light snow without drifts.

  • You’re storing the snowblower between uses.

  • You’re performing maintenance that requires tilting the snowblower onto its front housing.

To store the drift cutters:

  1. Remove the screws and wing nuts.

  2. Rotate the drift cutters flat along the sides of the auger housing.

  3. Reinstall the screws and wing nuts to secure them in place.

Properly stowing the drift cutters keeps them in good shape and ready for the next big storm.

Frequently asked questions about drift cutters

Do drift cutters really work?

Yes. Drift cutters knock down tall, packed snow and guide it directly into the auger housing, saving you the trouble of breaking up drifts with a shovel. They help your snowblower clear large piles in fewer passes, especially useful when snowplows leave big mounds at the end of your driveway.

How do I add drift cutters if my snowblower doesn’t have them?

If your model didn’t come with drift cutters, you can often add them using a compatible drift cutter kit. Check your snowblower’s owner’s manual to find the correct kit for your model. Once you have the right parts, install them using the same steps shown in the video above.

Do I really need drift cutters?

If your area gets frequent or heavy snowfalls, drift cutters are worth having. They save time, reduce strain, and help your snowblower perform better in deep drifts.

If you rarely see more than a few inches at a time, you can get by without them, but it’s nice to have them ready when the big storms hit.