Winterizing & Storing Lawn & Garden Equipment

Tips For Winterizing & Storing Lawn & Garden Equipment

Equipment needs to be winterized in the fall before the first frost. It is very important to do this to ensure it will be ready to use when the next season starts.

Winterizing Equipment

There are a few things you should consider doing to prepare your equipment for the winter.

Add a fuel conditioner like STA-BIL and top off the fuel tank. Then start the equipment and run it for a few minutes to help circulate the STA-BIL throughout the fuel system.
Check the oil and filter on your equipment and change them if necessary. We recommend changing the oil and filter every fall before storing your equipment.
Remove the battery from your equipment and store it in a cool, dry place.
Inspect all belts and hoses. Replace them if necessary.
Clean your equipment thoroughly to remove all dust and dirt.
Inspect your equipment for loose nuts and bolts.
Tighten all loose parts.
Check all lights and warning devices to make sure they are working.
Check all hydraulic fluid levels. Add fluid if necessary.
Check tire pressure. Tire pressure must be maintained at the level recommended by the tire manufacturer.
On a mower, remove the cutting blades and sharpen them.
After sharpening the blades make sure to balance them. Then reinstall and tighten the attachment bolts to manufacturer’s torque specifications.
If you have a chainsaw or other power tools, sharpen the blades and inspect them for wear. Make sure they are tight and won’t loosen up during use. Replace them if necessary. Inspect the bar and chain to be sure it is tight and won’t bind up. Replace it if necessary.
Check all other power tools to make sure they are in good condition and ready for use.

Storing Equipment For Winter

When you are done winterizing your equipment, you should store it in a place that is protected from the elements. Make sure there is no place for the moisture in the air to condense on the equipment. Moisture will rust out many metal parts. If your storage area is susceptible to moisture you can use a product like “Damp-Rid” to help combat this.

Rodents can create havoc on electrical wiring and get into places where they can cause damage requiring expensive repairs. There are some commercial rodent repellent products on the market. You can also use some common household products like moth balls, dryer sheets, cayenne pepper, or cinnamon.