Ford Snowblower Secrets: The Hidden Truth About These Rare Blue Beasts

You’ve seen a flash of blue in a neighbor’s garage or stumbled upon a faded listing online. It says “Ford,” but it doesn’t look like any snowblower you recognize. This discovery sends you down a rabbit hole, searching for information on what seems to be a phantom machine.

The core problem for enthusiasts and owners is the frustrating lack of information. Who actually built these machines for Ford? Are they reliable workhorses or just collector’s items? And the most pressing question of all: where on earth do you find parts for a machine that seems to have vanished?

This guide cuts through the mystery. We will uncover the true manufacturers behind the Ford name, assess their performance and durability by today’s standards, and provide a clear roadmap to identifying your model and, most importantly, keeping it running. Prepare to become an expert on one of the most interesting and elusive brands in the snowblower world.

The Ford Snowblower Mystery: Who Actually Made Them?

The first secret to understand is that Ford Motor Company did not manufacture these snowblowers themselves. Much like many major brands in the outdoor power equipment space (including some Craftsman and John Deere models), Ford contracted the work out to established manufacturers. These companies would build the machines to Ford’s specifications and apply the iconic blue branding.

For the majority of Ford-branded snowblowers, especially those from the 1960s through the early 1980s, the primary manufacturer was Jacobsen. A respected name in its own right, Jacobsen produced a wide range of outdoor equipment. Later, from about 1983 onwards, manufacturing shifted to another well-regarded company: Gilson. Gilson also produced machines for other brands like Montgomery Ward and Lawn-Boy, building a reputation for sturdy, reliable equipment.

Identifying the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is the single most important step in owning and maintaining a Ford snowblower. It unlocks the ability to find parts diagrams, cross-reference components, and connect with knowledgeable communities online. A simple trick is to inspect the machine for a model or serial number tag; a number containing “JC” points to Jacobsen, while “GN” indicates a Gilson build.

Identifying Your Ford Snowblower: A Collector’s Guide

With decades of production and multiple manufacturers, identifying your specific model can feel like a puzzle. The model numbers often provided clues about the machine’s capabilities. For example, a model like the ST 826 typically indicated an 8 horsepower engine with a 26-inch clearing width.

These machines were built in an era when steel was king. You won’t find much plastic here. They are heavy, robust, and designed with a simplicity that makes them accessible for home mechanics. The engines were almost always sourced from premier American manufacturers like Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh, which is a major advantage for maintenance and repair even today.

To help you identify your machine and understand its original specifications, here is a breakdown of some common Ford snowblower models. Keep in mind that engine horsepower and exact specs could vary slightly over the years of production.

Model Name	Likely OEM	Typical Engine	Clearing Width	Key Features
Ford ST 524	Gilson/Jacobsen	5 HP Tecumseh	24 inches	Compact, gear-driven, all-steel construction.
Ford ST 726	Jacobsen	7 HP Tecumseh	26 inches	A popular mid-size model known for durability.
Ford ST 826	Gilson	8 HP Briggs & Stratton	26 inches	Commonly featured gear drive with multiple speeds.
Ford ST 832	Gilson	8 HP Tecumseh	32 inches	Wider clearing path for larger driveways.
Ford ST 1032	Jacobsen	10 HP Tecumseh	32 inches	Heavy-duty model for significant snowfall.

Ford Snowblowers in 2025: Powerful Beasts or Yard Art?

So, can a 40- or 50-year-old snowblower truly compete in a modern world? The answer is a resounding yes, but with some important caveats. These vintage machines were built with heavy-gauge steel that puts many modern, plastic-heavy blowers to shame. Their simple, mechanical designs are a double-edged sword: they lack modern comforts but are incredibly durable and straightforward to repair.

When it comes to raw power, a well-maintained Ford snowblower can be formidable. An 8 or 10 horsepower Tecumseh “Snow King” engine paired with a steel, high-velocity auger and impeller can process and throw heavy, wet snow with surprising efficiency. Owners often report that their old Ford machines outperform newer, lighter-duty competitors, especially at the end of the driveway where plows pile up dense, icy snow.

However, you will be sacrificing modern features. Don’t expect power steering, heated handgrips, or single-hand chute controls. These are rugged, operator-focused machines that require more physical effort to maneuver. For the enthusiast who values durability and repairability over creature comforts, a vintage Ford snowblower can be an incredibly rewarding and effective tool.

The #1 Challenge: Finding Ford Snowblower Parts

The greatest hurdle for any vintage snowblower owner is sourcing parts. While you can’t walk into a dealer and ask for a part for a “1978 Ford ST 826,” you have a powerful alternative: search by the OEM and the engine model. This is the key that unlocks a vast supply of new old stock (NOS), aftermarket, and cross-referenced parts.

Your first step is to identify the engine’s make (Briggs & Stratton or Tecumseh) and find its model, type, and code numbers stamped directly on the engine shroud. These numbers are your gateway to finding critical engine components like carburetors, ignition coils, and gaskets. Many of these engine parts are still widely available from specialty online retailers.

For machine-specific parts like belts, friction disks, and bearings, use the OEM name (Jacobsen or Gilson) in your search. You’ll often find that a belt for a Gilson model 55093 is the exact same belt needed for your Ford-branded equivalent. Online forums and dedicated communities for these vintage brands are invaluable resources, with members who have already done the hard work of cross-referencing part numbers.

Restoration and Maintenance: Keeping the Blue Beast Alive

Proper maintenance is what separates a reliable winter workhorse from a frustrating piece of scrap metal. Fortunately, the simplicity of Ford snowblowers makes routine service straightforward. Regular oil changes, spark plug replacements, and proper fuel management are the foundation of a healthy machine.

One of the most common points of failure on any snowblower is the carburetor, especially when old fuel is left sitting in it. If your machine runs poorly or only operates with the choke partially engaged, a thorough carburetor cleaning is almost always the solution. Similarly, the rubber friction wheel that drives the wheels is a critical wear item. If your machine struggles to move, inspect the friction disk for glazing or wear and replace it if necessary.

Setting the machine’s height correctly is also crucial for performance and preventing damage. You can protect both your auger and your driveway by properly adjusting the skid shoes. For a deeper dive into this important adjustment, consider exploring a guide on quick adjust snowblower skids, as the principles apply to these vintage machines as well.

The Hidden Engine Problem That Fools Even Experts

When a vintage snowblower won’t start or runs with no power, most people immediately blame the carburetor or a lack of spark. However, on older Tecumseh and Briggs & Stratton engines, a frequently overlooked culprit can cause these exact symptoms: a sheared flywheel key. This small, soft metal key aligns the flywheel with the crankshaft, ensuring the ignition timing is perfect.

If the auger strikes a hard object like a rock or a thick piece of ice, the abrupt stop can shear this key. The flywheel slips slightly on the crankshaft, throwing the ignition timing off. The engine may still have spark and fuel, but it will be timed to fire at the wrong moment, resulting in no-starts, backfiring, or a severe lack of power. Many owners have spent countless hours rebuilding carburetors only to discover the problem was a simple, inexpensive key.

Checking it involves removing the engine shroud and the flywheel nut. A visual inspection will reveal if the key is broken or damaged. For older engines that are consistently hard to start in the cold, reducing the initial stress on internal components is wise. Utilizing a simple tool like a snowblower block heater can make cold-weather starting much easier, placing less strain on parts like the flywheel key and starter.

Is a Vintage Ford Snowblower Worth Buying Today?

For the right person, a Ford snowblower is an excellent investment. It’s a machine for the hobbyist, the home mechanic, and anyone who appreciates the overbuilt quality of vintage American manufacturing. If you enjoy tinkering and the satisfaction of bringing an old machine back to life, you will find owning a Ford snowblower to be a rewarding experience.

They offer incredible power and durability for a fraction of the cost of a new, comparable heavy-duty machine. However, they are not for someone who wants a maintenance-free, plug-and-play experience. You must be willing to get your hands dirty and do the detective work required to find the right parts.

What is a Ford snowblower worth?

The value of a Ford snowblower depends almost entirely on its condition. A non-running machine might be worth little more than scrap value, often changing hands for free or under $50. A running, well-maintained example can fetch between $150 to $400, depending on the model, engine size, and local demand. Fully restored models can command even higher prices from collectors.

Who made the engines for Ford snowblowers?

The engines were not made by Ford, Jacobsen, or Gilson. They were sourced from dedicated engine manufacturers, most commonly Tecumseh and Briggs & Stratton. This is a significant advantage, as parts and repair knowledge for these engines remain widely accessible.

Can you still get parts for a Ford snowblower?

Yes, but not under the “Ford” name. The key is to identify the original manufacturer of the snowblower (Jacobsen or Gilson) and the manufacturer of the engine (Tecumseh or Briggs & Stratton). By searching for parts for these brands and models, you can find a surprising number of wear items, engine components, and even some cosmetic parts to keep your blue beast clearing snow for years to come.

Final Words

While Ford snowblowers may seem like a rare and enigmatic find, they offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolution of outdoor power equipment. By unraveling the history of their manufacturing partnerships and exploring the models that carry the Ford name, we’ve peeled back the layers of mystery surrounding these machines.

Though they may not be as readily accessible as their modern counterparts, with the right knowledge and a bit of perseverance, owners can keep their Ford snowblowers running for years to come. Whether you’re a collector or simply seeking a reliable snow-clearing solution, understanding the legacy of Ford snowblowers opens up a world of possibilities—where vintage meets utility, and the hunt for parts becomes an exciting adventure.