Winter is coming, and that means less work for lawn equipment. During a particularly mild winter there might still be need for lawn mowers and trimmers, but it’s more likely that they will be spending a few months in storage. To make sure mowers, trimmers, and other lawn equipment still runs well after sitting idle for a few months, take the time to drain or stabilize the fuel and clean the equipment before storing.
Remove Fuel
The first thing to do when prepping lawn equipment like trimmers and mowers for winter is drain the fuel so it won’t become stale or gum up the carburetor. Fuels that contain ethanol have a shelf-life of about less than 30 days in an engine. After draining the fuel, start the engine and let it run until it is dry.
If you added a fuel stabilizer when you purchased the fuel, the fuel can be stored in a fuel container for later use. The best containers for storing ethanol E10 fuel for lawn equipment are self-venting with “no spill” self-sealing spouts. Some sources suggest that you can leave the fuel that contains a stabilizer in the lawn equipment all winter.
If you’ll be using the equipment over winter, such as a chainsaw for woodcutting, consider using an ethanol-free packaged fuel designed for use with power equipment, such as Stihl MotoMix or Echo PowerFuel. Since these do not contain ethanol, they won’t separate or go bad in the engine.
Clean Equipment
To help prevent rust over winter, take the time to clean lawn equipment thoroughly before storing it. Remove the spark plug to prevent accidental starts, and wear gloves to protect your hands from cutting blades and sharp corners. Use a stiff brush and a soft cloth to remove dried grass and other debris from ventilation slots and air intakes. A wire brush can be used to removed dried leaves and grass on hedge trimmers.
For mowers, clean the deck using a utility knife or a smooth-edged plastic trowel. Many push mowers can be turned on their side to make this easier. Check your owners manual to make sure this is safe for your particular model. Some riding mower decks can be removed for cleaning, or raised high enough to allow access. Mowers can also be raised using a chain hoist or driven up two auto ramps. Be certain that the mower is completely secure before working under the deck.
Routine Maintenance
While you’re cleaning is a good time to perform routine maintenance. Mower blades and the blades on brush-cutters can be replaced or sharpened at this time. For string-line trimmers, clean the string head and replace cutting line. Air filters and spark plugs can be cleaned or replaced as well. Use a quality spray lubricant on exposed pivot points.
Finally, store lawn equipment in a dry location where no corrosive agents – such as cleaners, fertilizers, and pool chemicals – can spill on them. Avoid storing under a plastic sheet or tarp, which can trap moisture. Then in the spring, your equipment will be ready to be refueled and start working.
