Storing Your Power Equipment

Storing Power Equipment to Keep Them in Top Working Condition Next Season!

 

Power Equipment can sit idle for months at a time. This is a good time to give them a quick once over before storing power equipment for the winter. We may still be out mowing the lawn, chainsaws are at the ready, weed whackers standing tall, but snow is on the horizon! Here are a few tips on storing power equipment to keep your equipment in tip-top shape.
Every manufacturer has its recommendations on storage. So when in doubt, refer to the owners manual for specifics.
 

Steps to Take Before Storage or First Time Use

 

Before you begin, safety is key to a longer life, for you and your equipment. Disconnect any spark plug wires and make sure the key is in the off position and removed before you begin digging around inside your equipment.

Visually inspect all parts. Exposed metal can rust, augers, blades, shoes, and scrapers can be dull or worn down. Wash out mower deck to minimize the buildup of turf on the undercarriage. Some of these components affect the performance, others protect the equipment housing from damage; they should be replaced if excessive wear appears. 

Lubricate wheels and auger bearings to prevent rust.

Fuel filters cannot be cleaned and it is impossible to tell if they are clogged, they should be replaced, at a minimum, every year. 

If you have a four stroke engine be sure to keep an eye on oil levels and change out as necessary. Oil should have an amber color when it is new and fresh. As it ages and gets worn, it darkens in color. This is one of the most important maintenance practices to to extend the longevity of your equipment. Replace every 50 hours of use or each year.

Manufacturers can sometimes differ in their recommendations about what to do with leftover gas in the tank. We find the best practice is to run the gas tank dry. Engines are never the problem, gas is! Gasoline remains fresh for a couple of weeks, but storage often lasts for months. Adding a fuel stabilizer or enzyme gas treatment prior to running will help in removal of minor varnishing, dirt, and displace water in the gas. Always try to use non-oxygenated gasoline when running your power equipment. Not all gas stations have it, but it is worth the effort in trying to find out who does!

And finally, if you are ever in doubt, bring your equipment in and have our mechanics take a peek. They are here to support your purchase and extend it’s life. Storing power equipment correctly will ensure that when the time comes, your equipment will come to life without a hitch.