Reliable Leaf Blowers | Alberta Small Engine Services
While it sure is tempting to simply stow away your equipment when winter approaches, it’s essential to ensure some things are completed before putting them away safely for the season. You don’t want to take it out in the spring and realize the equipment is damaged. Take care of equipment before hibernating it so that when you take it out for spring, it is reliable and effective. From leaf blowers to chainsaws and other outdoor power equipment, protecting them during harsh climates becomes necessary. Count on Alberta Small Engine for anything from leaf blowers and chainsaws to snow throwers and lawnmowers.
Steps to take before storing equipment for the winter are:
- Drain the Oil
Letting oil sit in equipment can do a lot of damage to the engine. The oil, during winters, becomes sludgy and sticky. This not only leaves deposits in the oil tank if left for a long time but also makes a machine less efficient. Drain the oil before storing your equipment for the winter to cut down corrosion in the oil tank. The equipment will even start faster when you use it in the spring. Find the plug beneath the equipment where you can drain out the oil into a pan. You can then drop off the remains at your town’s hazardous waste facility. - Empty the Fuel
Fuel left in the equipment tank can be destructive to the fuel system. The gas will start to degrade and can go bad within 30 days of sitting idle and clog the fuel system because fuel gumming fuel and ruin the carburetor as well. You can run the equipment to burn off the fuel if there is very little fuel left. If the fuel tank is full, then add some fuel stabilizer, run it for a few minutes to let it run through the system, ensure the oil reaches the top. Otherwise, water condensation will get into the system, keep the gaskets from drying. - Get Rid of Dirt and Rust
Whether you’re cleaning your lawnmower or leaf blower, ensure there is no dirt or rust on the equipment before storing it away. You don’t want moisture stuck to metallic parts of equipment that will eventually turn into rust. You can take the spark plug, brush off the dirt and dust, maybe use a putty knife to get the stubborn dirt particles and rinse with water before drying it off. For rust, you can scrape off as much as possible and apply rust-inhibiting enamel to keep it from corroding. - Change the Filters
From dirty air filters to clogged up oil filters, change them all before you put equipment away. You will not be pleased with the state of the filters when you take them out during the spring. Dirty air filters clog motors, making the equipment run harder and hotter than usual. Dirty fuel filters make it hard for the engine to draw gas. If the filters are torn or damaged, replace them. - Replace Worn Out Parts
Check for parts that are worn out and need replacing. Replace them before you store them away. Give special attention to smaller parts such as screws, nuts and bolts, fuel caps etc. - Spark Plug Check
Spark plugs get your gas-powered tools to start. You can remove and clean them out as they get dirty with repeated use. If they are too dirty to use, replace the spark plug for a new one.
When the holiday season approaches, cleaning out your equipment is probably the last thing on your mind. Whether you are a business owner who is storing your summer job equipment for the winter or a homeowner putting your lawnmower and string trimmer to rest, you will need to pay attention to this checklist to make sure your tools and equipment are in top shape.
Our staff at Alberta Small Engine will always be happy to answer questions about how to winterize your outdoor power equipment. We will also help you with other services and rentals for your convenience. Please go through our new inventory to buy new power tools as well.
Get in touch with us today for more information on our services.