Winter power equipment storage tips

So none of us like the thought, but whether we like it or not winter is on us, and chances are you're about done with most of you power equipment for the year. Here are some tips we recommend for making sure your equipment is still functioning when you break it out next Spring.

• Riding lawn mowers - We don't like to see equipment stored with old oil in it. There is a lot of nasty stuff in there like metal particles that can create corrosion when resting against dissimilar metals over time. Start the machine up, let it get warm, drain the old oil out and put new in. Put a battery tender on it. We all mean to start our mower and let it warm up and recharge once a month but never do. If you have a slow leak tire put a block of wood under the axle, sitting with the rim against the tire all winter isn't good for it. Clean all the debris from on top of and under the mower deck, that grass and dirt retain moisture and is corrosive over time, we've seen a lot of badly rusted decks because of this. Either run the fuel out of it, or get good non-ethanol fuel mixed with a fuel stabilizer and fill it completely (remember to run it for a few minutes after to get the good fuel all the way through the system).
• Walk behind lawn mowers - Change oil, clean under deck, run fuel out of it, or fill completely with non-ethanol fuel mixed with fuel stabilizer (remember to run it for a few minutes after filling to get the good fuel all the way through the system).
• Pressure washers - Get all of the water out! You don't want any moisture in there to freeze, it does really bad things. Another option is to get (we recommend potable) antifreeze into it, or we sell a kit that puts it into the pump via an aerosol can. Change the oil. Either run the fuel out of it, or get good non-ethanol fuel mixed with a fuel stabilizer and fill it completely (remember to run it for a few minutes after to get the good fuel all the way through the system).
• Paint Sprayers - What is in the pump now? If you rinsed out the paint with water and left it, now is the time to put mineral spirits into the whole system including the gun and hose. Manufacturers are no longer warrantying damage due to freezing. One of the first components typically damaged is the pressure sensor also called a transducer. On electric powered computerized paint sprayers (most commercial grade electric paint sprayers are now controlled by a small onboard computer) this part is very expensive, and they will require we send them the part to analyze before approving a warranty claim. If your sprayer is gas powered, apply the same info. from "walk behind mowers" above to the motor.

Have a piece of equipment not listed that you'd like to know more about? Send me an email or post it to one of our Facebook pages and I'll see what we can come up with for you! 

-Tim-

SPRING SERVICE!

I know the weather has been wet and cold lately; but now is the time to dust the cobwebs off of your yard equipment.

Here is a simple check list for you to go over with your equipment before you start it up:

1. Check the motor oil - Is it low or dirty? When was the last time you had the oil changed?

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Outdoor power equipment engine manufactures recommend  you change the oil every 100hrs or at least once a season. At 100 hours, comparing to your car driving at 60mph, you've put on 6000 miles. These engines work a lot harder than your car or truck and require more attention.

2. Check the gasoline - How long has the gas been in there? Did you store it with a fuel stabilizer?

These days, gasoline is only good for about 30days. If the gasoline in your equipment is older than that you should drain the tank and add fresh gasoline before you attempt to start the equipment.

3. Inspect the filters - When was the last time it was changed or cleaned?

A lot of this stuff is working in the dirtiest conditions. Other than running your engine with out motor oil; a dirty air filter can do the most harm to an engine. Once your air filter plugs up, your engine can no longer get the fresh air that is needed to run correctly. This will cause the engine to run overly rich and build up carbon deposits, foul spark plugs, and cause poor performance. On top of all that, the dirt and debris starts to get past the filter and enters the engine. Once this debris is in the engine, its acts like an abrasive and wears out internal engine parts

4. Check out the overall condition of the machine - look for: lubrication points, belts/roller chains, pulley, blades, etc.

Its a lot better to catch some of this stuff sooner than later. If you can catch something wrong before it actually fails, the repairs will be minimal and you won't be left waiting for more expensive repairs to be done in the middle of the season, when you need it the most.

If you don't feel comfortable doing this inspection or service work yourself; please feel free to bring it in. Or, if you cant get the equipment to us, we are more than willing you come out and pick up your machine.

We are certified technicians that have the tools and the skills needed to repair your equipment. We are proud of our work and will look over you machine from  top to bottom, assuring you a season free of equipment failure due to improper maintenance.

Beat the spring time rush and take the time to go over your equipment today.

- Steffan