Proper Winter Power Equipment Storage
The last of the leaves are finally raked, the tulip bulbs planted, the asparagus mulched. The lawn has gotten its final cut; you’ve even remembered to put away the beach toys and locate the snow shovel. Now it’s time to sit back, put your feet up and tune in to a good football game, right?
Not so fast! When you mowed the lawn that last time, did you just wheel the mower to its usual spot and forget about it? What about the rototiller you used to turn over the soil for those new garden beds? Is it sitting in the shed with dirt all over its tines? It’s time to think about proper storage of your power equipment for the long winter.
Power equipment not only makes many of our yard and garden chores lots easier, it’s a big investment as well. A little time spent on maintenance before storing your equipment will pay big dividends next season and for many years to come. Below are some general guidelines for maintaining everything from your lawn mower to your chipper shredder. But remember to check the owner’s manual for your equipment for more specific maintenance procedures.
Cleaning
Clean off any dirt or garden debris from the engine,machine frame, and underside of mower deck, using a cloth, stiff brush, compressed air or a shop vacuum. Water can be used to clean the frame, but take care not to spray any directly on the engine. Pay special attention to cleaning the engine cooling fins underneath the blower housing.
Engine Service
- Run the engine to use up all the gasoline in the tank or add a fuel stabilizer to the tank to prevent the gasoline from oxidizing and gumming up the carburetor. If you use a stabilizer, top off the tank and run the engine briefly to circulate the stabilizer before storing the machine.
- While the engine is still warm, drain and replace oil; consult owner’s manual for proper grade and amount. Change the oil filter as well if your machine has one.
- Remove spark plug(s); clean and replace if cracked or discolored. Check and adjust gap according to your owner’s manual. To prevent corrosion due to moisture entering the cylinder, before
replacing the spark plug tip the machine on its side and add a teaspoon of SAE 30 weight oil to the cylinder. Replace the plug, then slowly pull the recoil starter rope until you feel strong resistance. - Clean foam air filters in warm soapy water and replace paper filters.
- Remember, if you purchased a Maintenance Kit with your DR machine, you’ll have everything you need to service your engine, change spark plugs, belts, and air filters, and stabilize your fuel for winter storage.
Inspection
Give your machine a thorough going over. Check belts for excessive wear, fraying, or cracks and order new ones if needed. Make sure pulleys are properly aligned. Consult your owner’s manual for specifications. Now is also the time to sharpen dull mower blades. Check and maintain tire pressure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Lubrication
You’ll need to consult your Owner’s Manual for specific information. We’ll just emphasize here how important it is make sure your machine is well lubricated before you put it to bed for the winter. Proper lubrication guards against corrosion-causing moisture that can build up during cold weather even on equipment stored in a dry location.
Battery Care
Electric-starting power equipment can be a real convenience, but not if you’ve got a dead battery come spring. Proper winter storage will ensure a longer life for your battery. Store it in a dry area where the temperature remains between 40-50 degrees; you’ll need to remove the battery if its machine is stored in an unheated area. Charge the battery fully before you store it, then recharge it every 4-6 weeks with a 12-volt battery charger. Clean battery terminals and wire connections with steel wool if necessary and coat with petroleum jelly to prevent corrosion.
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