How to Winterize Your Outdoor Power Equipment

Winterizing Your Equipment

As the working season comes to an end, taking care of your outdoor power equipment before winter storage can help keep it clean, protected and ready for the next season.

Whether you use petrol or battery-powered equipment, a few simple maintenance checks before storage can help prevent avoidable problems and make getting back to work easier when you need your tools again.

Clean and inspect before storage

Start by giving each machine a thorough clean. Remove grass, leaves, dirt, sap and other debris, paying particular attention to cutting attachments, cooling areas, air intakes, handles and controls.

Cleaning also gives you an opportunity to inspect the equipment for wear, damage or loose components before putting it away.

Check the parts specific to each machine. On a chainsaw, inspect the chain and guide bar. On a hedge trimmer, check the blades and relevant fasteners. For trimmers and brushcutters, inspect the cutting head, blade and protective guard as applicable.

This is also a good time to take care of maintenance items such as air filters and spark plugs on petrol equipment, following the maintenance schedule for your model.

Addressing worn or damaged components before storage means your equipment is better prepared when the next working season begins.

Prepare petrol and battery equipment correctly

Petrol and battery-powered machines have different storage requirements.

For petrol equipment, fuel condition is particularly important during longer periods of inactivity. Follow the storage procedure specified in your operator's manual, including the recommendations for fuel and the fuel system.

Avoid leaving old fuel in storage for longer than recommended. If a fuel stabiliser or another storage procedure is appropriate for your machine, follow the instructions given for your specific model and fuel.

For battery-powered equipment, remove and store the battery according to the recommendations for your model. Keep batteries in an appropriate clean, dry location, protected from unsuitable temperatures and storage conditions.

Because requirements can vary between products and battery systems, always follow the instructions provided with your ECHO machine, battery and charger.

Store it properly and prepare for the next season

Once your equipment is clean and prepared, choose a suitable storage location that is dry, protected from the weather and appropriate for the machine.

Before putting equipment away, make sure cutting attachments and protective components are correctly fitted and that the machine is stored securely.

If you continue using equipment through winter, cold and wet conditions may require additional attention. Keep machines clean after use and regularly inspect the components relevant to your equipment. For chainsaws, pay particular attention to the cutting system and chain lubrication.

When it's time to return your equipment to service, inspect it again before use. Check the general condition of the machine, cutting attachments, controls and safety features, together with the relevant fuel or battery system.

Always refer to your ECHO operator's manual for the maintenance and storage requirements of your specific model.

A little preparation at the end of the season can make a real difference. Clean your equipment, inspect the parts that work hardest and store petrol and battery products according to their specific requirements so they're ready when it's time to get back to work.