The Snow Joe 96V-Q4-SB24 combines four 24V IONMAX batteries with separate brushless plowing and drive motors for cordless, self-propelled snow clearing. This guide covers the model’s main components, assembly, safe operation, care, and manual-based troubleshooting.
96V-Q4-SB24
4 × 24V batteries
clearing width
self-propelled
Meet the 96V-Q4-SB24
Why It Stands Out
96V MAX* IONMAX System
Four matching 24V, 12.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries power the unit together.
Dual Brushless Motors
A 3200 W plowing motor works with a 400 W self-propelled drive motor.
Dual-Stage Clearing
Two serrated steel auger blades clear a path up to 24 inches wide and 17.5 inches deep.
Directed Snow Placement
The 180° auto-rotate chute directs snow up to 40 feet away, depending on conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Model | 96V-Q4-SB24 |
|---|---|
| Power type | Cordless lithium-ion; four 24V batteries operate together |
| Battery capacity | 12.0 Ah each |
| Motors | 3200 W brushless plowing motor; 400 W brushless drive motor |
| Clearing capacity | 24 in. (61 cm) wide; 17.5 in. (44.5 cm) snow-cut depth |
| Throw distance | Up to 40 ft (12 m) |
| Auger and impeller speed | Auger: 116–143 rpm; impeller: 1200–1522 rpm |
| Chute | 180° auto-rotate directional control |
| Drive and tires | Self-propelled; 15 in. knobby TracAssist tires; 20 psi |
| Lights | Six 3 W LED lights |
| Maximum charging time | Up to 6 hours for a fully discharged battery in the normal temperature range |
| Weight | 147.7 lb (67 kg) |
| Manual | Refer to the 96V-Q4-SB24 operator’s manual supplied with the product. |
Voltage note: The system generates 96V maximum with four 24V lithium-ion batteries. Initial no-load voltage per fully charged battery peaks at 24V; nominal voltage under a typical load is 21.6V.
What’s in the Box
- Cordless snow blower with lower handle
- Upper handle assembly
- Discharge chute assembly
- Four handle knobs and four bolts
- Two chute nuts, cord clip, and two open-end wrenches
- Four 24VBAT-XR12 24V, 12.0 Ah lithium-ion batteries
- Two 24VCHRG-DPC dual-port battery chargers
- Operator’s manual with registration card
Assembly
Before assembly: Remove all four batteries. Assemble the machine on a flat, stable surface with enough room to handle the machine and packaging safely.
- Install the upper handle. Slightly spread the upper handle assembly over the lower handle, align the desired pair of height-adjustment holes, and secure both sides with all four handle knobs and bolts.
- Seat the discharge chute. Place the chute assembly onto the gear plate and press it down until it sits flush and flat against the housing.
- Secure the chute. Align the holes in the chute pole with the housing, then use the included 12 mm wrench end to tighten both chute bolts.
- Route the chute cable. Clip the cord clip to the lower handle frame and place the discharge chute cable inside the clip.
- Check the tires and skid shoes. Before operation, verify both tires are at 20 psi and adjust both skid shoes to the same height for the surface being cleared.
Getting Started and Operation
Safety first: Inspect the clearing area and remove rocks, toys, wire, glass, and other objects. Keep children, pets, and bystanders away. Never direct discharge toward people, vehicles, or windows. Read the complete operator’s manual before starting.
- Charge and match all four batteries. Use four batteries of the same voltage and capacity. Charge them only with compatible 24V chargers.
- Prepare the surface. Set the skid shoes equally: allow about 1/8 in. (3 mm) between the scraper blade and a hard, smooth surface, or about 1-1/4 in. (30 mm) on uneven or gravel surfaces.
- Install the batteries. With both triggers released, slide all four batteries into the compartment until each clicks and locks. Close the cover.
- Aim the chute. Move the chute control lever forward or backward to rotate the chute. Hold the chute lock button while raising or lowering the lever to adjust the deflector.
- Start the auger. Flip up the safety switch, then squeeze the left-hand auger trigger. Set a comfortable auger speed with the auger speed lever.
- Engage the drive. After engaging the auger for snow throwing, squeeze the right-hand drive trigger. Adjust travel speed with the drive speed lever; use a slow speed in deep or packed snow.
- Use reverse safely. Release both triggers and wait for all movement to stop. Press the reverse button, then squeeze the drive trigger within 15 seconds. Do not engage the auger while reversing.
- Stop the machine. Release the auger trigger; both auger and drive motion stop. Wait for every moving part to stop, then remove all four batteries before leaving the operator position or servicing the unit.
Clearing a Clogged Chute
- Release both triggers. Wait at least 10 seconds and confirm that the impeller has stopped.
- Use the clean-out tool. Remove it from the clip on top of the auger housing and use its shovel-shaped end to remove snow and ice. Never use your hands.
- Reattach and test. Return the tool to its clip, restart from behind the handles, and run the auger briefly to clear remaining snow or ice.
Maintenance, Care and Storage
- Remove all batteries and wait for moving parts to stop before inspecting, cleaning, adjusting, or servicing the snow blower.
- After each use, clean snow and ice from the housing, chute, auger, and impeller. Do not use water on the batteries or chargers.
- Check tire pressure, skid-shoe height, scraper-blade wear, shear bolts, and all fasteners regularly.
- Replace broken shear bolts only with manufacturer-recommended shear bolts. Do not substitute standard bolts.
- Do not allow the scraper blade to wear so far that the auger or impeller housing contacts the ground.
- Do not attempt internal auger-gearcase service; that work requires specialized tools and must be performed by an authorized service center.
- Store the snow blower indoors in a locked, dry location after allowing it to cool. Keep it away from children and corrosive materials.
- Store batteries and chargers at room temperature away from moisture. For off-season storage, unplug the chargers, remove the batteries, and recharge the batteries every six months to about 50% capacity, shown by two charge-level LEDs.
Troubleshooting
Before troubleshooting: Release both triggers, wait for all moving parts to stop, and remove all four batteries. Use the chute clean-out tool—not your hands—to clear the auger housing or discharge chute.
Snow Blower Will Not Start
Possible causes: Safety switch/start sequence not completed, auger trigger not fully engaged, batteries not seated, low charge, or batteries outside their operating temperature range.
Solutions: Reseat every battery until it clicks; check the charge LEDs; allow hot or cold batteries to return to 32°F–113°F (0°C–45°C); then flip up the safety switch and firmly squeeze the left-hand auger trigger.
Auger Does Not Rotate or Rotates Slowly
Possible causes: Broken shear bolts, an obstruction, low battery charge, or wet, heavy, or deep snow.
Solutions: Inspect and replace broken shear bolts with approved replacements. Clear obstructions with the clean-out tool after waiting for all movement to stop. Install fully charged batteries and use slower drive and auger settings or multiple passes.
Machine Does Not Move Forward or Moves Slowly
Possible causes: Drive trigger not engaged, drive speed set too low, or excessive resistance from deep snow or gravel.
Solutions: Squeeze the right-hand drive trigger, increase the drive-speed setting, and slow the clearing pace. Do not force the machine.
Discharge Chute Is Clogged or Throw Distance Is Short
Possible causes: Packed wet snow, excessive feed rate, low charge, low auger speed, or incorrect chute position.
Solutions: Clear the chute with the clean-out tool, reduce forward speed, recharge the batteries, increase auger speed as conditions require, and reposition the chute and deflector.
Batteries Will Not Charge or Charge Slowly
Possible causes: Battery temperature is outside the charging range, the battery is not fully seated, or the pack is deeply discharged.
Solutions: Allow the battery to reach the normal range, slide it into the charger until it locks, and allow up to six hours for a fully discharged pack. If no charger lights appear after reseating the battery, contact support.
Reverse Does Not Activate
Possible causes: The auger trigger is engaged or the drive trigger was not squeezed within 15 seconds of pressing reverse.
Solutions: Release both triggers, press the reverse button, and squeeze the drive trigger within 15 seconds. Keep the auger trigger released while backing up.
Excessive Vibration or Noise
Possible causes: An obstruction, damaged auger blades, or loose fasteners.
Solutions: Stop immediately, remove all batteries, and inspect the auger and impeller area. Remove any obstruction and tighten loose fasteners. Contact support if blades are worn, cracked, or damaged.
Need More Help?
Stop using the snow blower if the problem continues, if a safety control does not work correctly, or if you find damaged electrical components, batteries, auger blades, or internal drive parts. Have the model number 96V-Q4-SB24 and the serial number from the unit’s housing ready.
- Use ShopJoe customer support.
- Review the 96V-Q4-SB24 product page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the snow blower run with fewer than four batteries?
No. The unit must use four batteries together. All four must have the same voltage and capacity; the supplied configuration uses four 24V, 12.0 Ah batteries.
How long does a full charge take?
A fully discharged battery pack can take up to six hours to charge when its internal temperature is within the normal charging range. Hot or cold packs may take longer because charging pauses until the temperature returns to range.
Can I change the drive speed while moving?
Yes. Use the drive-speed lever to increase or reduce travel speed while the snow blower is moving.
Can the machine throw snow while reversing?
No. For safety, the machine cannot throw snow in reverse. Engaging the auger trigger while backing up exits reverse mode and stops the machine.
How should I set the skid shoes?
Adjust both shoes to the same height. The manual recommends about 1/8 in. (3 mm) of scraper clearance on hard, smooth surfaces and about 1-1/4 in. (30 mm) on uneven or gravel surfaces.
How should I store the batteries in the off-season?
Remove them from the tool and unplug the chargers. Store the batteries at room temperature in a dry location and recharge them every six months to about 50% capacity, indicated by two charge-level LEDs.