How and when you prepare your equipment for seasonal changes can save you time and money later. Readying your equipment for winter needs is important as the weather changes. It’s also important to put your fall equipment away correctly. What you do now when you put away your equipment, sets you up for an easier start in the spring.
Here are seven tips to ensure snow throwers will be ready when the flakes fly and chainsaws, generators and other equipment are ready for winter storms. Also, these tips will help make sure that mower and other spring equipment will be available and ready for use when warmer temperatures return.
1. Review owner’s manuals.
Refamiliarize yourself with how to handle equipment safely. Lost manuals can be found online. Save a copy on your computer if possible, so it can be consulted when needed. Be familiar with your equipment and all its features, including how to turn it off quickly and safely.
2. Service all equipment.
Before storing spring and summer equipment, clean and service it or take it to a small engine repair shop. Change engine oil and safely dispose of the old oil. Service the air filter, and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Check winter equipment and see if any maintenance and repairs are required.
3. Handle fuel properly.
Unused fuel left in gas tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing equipment, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the equipment to distribute it. Turn the engine off, allow the machine to cool and then restart and run until the gas tank is empty. For winter equipment, buy the recommended type of fuel no more than 30 days before use. Use fuel with no more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment. Use a fuel stabilizer if recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Charge batteries.
Remove and fully charge batteries before storing. Don’t store batteries on metal shelves or allow them to touch metal objects. Store them on a plastic or wood shelf in a climate-controlled structure.
5. Shelter equipment from winter weather.
Store spring and summer equipment in a clean and dry place such as a garage, barn or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use.
6. Prepare, prepare, prepare.
Make space in the garage or basement before the weather changes, so there is room to store larger yard items. Remove sticks, debris, dog and kid’s toys and other items from clients' yards that can damage or destroy equipment. Clear the paths used regularly, especially during the winter when snow can “hide” things.
7. Have the right weather appropriate extension cord for your generator.
Keep heavy duty outdoor-rated extension cords on hand. Ensure the cord is the right length to operate the generator a safe distance from the building. Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage, breezeway or under an open window or near any air intake for a building.
