Prepping outdoor power equipment for winter

Proper power tool cleaning and fuel storage in preparation for winter will help prolong the life of your equipment and improve performance. These tips will help you and your equipment be ready to tackle the yard come springtime.

Clean Your Equipment

Removing leftover debris can help prevent rust and water damage. Scrape off any grass clippings, leaves and caked-on dirt. Try using an air compressor or brushing gently with an old toothbrush first. If those don’t work, remove the spark plug and wash away the remaining debris. And be sure to dry your equipment afterward.

Assess and Replace

Spark plugs should be checked after 25 hours of use and generally be replaced once a year. Depending on your climate, air filters may need to be replaced or cleaned after 10 hours of use, but always check your owner’s manual to make sure. Check your fuel lines for signs of cracking, your blades for signs of dullness, and the cooling system for signs of buildup or clogging. It’s always best to identify these problems prior to firing up your engine in the spring.

Fuel for Storing Larger Equipment

With larger equipment (like mowers and tillers) fill the fuel tank to the top to help prevent moisture and rust buildup during storage. If using ethanol-blended fuel – even E10 – be sure to pair it with a fuel stabilizer. Then, briefly run the engine to distribute the stabilizer throughout the fuel system. *Never use E15 fuel in Remington equipment. Ethanol-blended fuel degrades rapidly and its high ethanol concentration can dissolve rubbers and plastics throughout the fuel system. It can also attract moisture and corrode metal parts – particularly when your equipment sits unused. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual for specific fuel recommendations when using and storing your equipment.

Fuel for Storing Smaller Equipment

For smaller engines (in trimmers, blowers or chainsaws) drain the old fuel into a gas can, start the motor and let it idle until the engine dies. This ensures that any remaining fuel is used up. Refer to your owner’s manual for fuel and storage recommendations specific to your equipment. If your manual recommends storing your two-cycle machine with a full tank, be sure to use the appropriate gas-to-oil ratio. This helps reduce wear and makes the engine easier to start after storage. The optimal ratio for your machine should be listed on the engine housing or in the owner’s manual. But regardless of engine size, be sure to fill the tank with fresh fuel in the spring. Never use an old batch.

Remove the Battery

Maintain the life of your battery by disconnecting the negative battery cable and removing the battery before storage. Then, clean the terminals with battery terminal cleaner and consider coating them with terminal protector as well. Store the battery away from flammable materials, heat sources and wet areas.

Proper Storage

Store your equipment in a cool, dry place – like a shed or your garage. If storing outside, cover your machine with a water-resistant tarp to prevent moisture damage and rust. Depending on the equipment, hanging the unit on the wall may also be an option. Remember to always refer to your owner’s manual for storage recommendations specific to your machine.