What winterizes lawn equipment best?
Written by
Tina Carter
Reviewed by
Prof. Charles Hartman, Ph.D.Preparing lawn equipment for winter will save you money in repairs come spring. All gas-powered tools require a fuel stabilizer applied, so the carburetor doesn't eventually clog.Last April, I revived 15 mowers from just one town, because the owners did not take the preparational step of putting stabilizers in the gas tanks. I also suggest irrigating systems get drained before the first frost, to avoid busted pipes coming in the spring. One of my clients from Minnesota found that out the hard way- after paying for an $800 repair job.
Fuel System Care
- Add stabilizer to fresh gas (1 oz per 2 gallons)
- Run engine 5 minutes to circulate treated fuel
- Drain or use ethanol-free gas in last tank
- Replace fuel filters on commercial equipment
Blade & Engine Care
- Sharpen mower blades at 45-degree angle
- Change oil (SAE 30 for temps below 32°F)
- Grease wheel bearings and pivot points
- Remove battery from electric tools
Keep tools in areas that keep them safe from rodents, and those places should be dry. Store trimmers in a vertical position so the fuel doesn't leak, and then wrap any exposed metal in an oiled cloth. Steel decks will rust faster when exposed to any salt air, and one of our clients in coastal Maine prevented corrosion by using this method, even amid 90% winter humidity.
There is still a difference in caring for electric tools. Lithium batteries should be removed (storing them at 40% charge is ideal), and grass should be cleaned from motor ventilation holes. A homeowner from Wisconsin had their mower fail and when they called asking for help they explained that the clippings had retained moisture and corroded the circuits. Silica packs can be added to your storage boxes to absorb some of the residual moisture.
Read the full article: 10 Expert Fall Lawn Care Strategies for a Lush Yard
