Preparing Gas Powered Lawn Equipment for Winter
Mowers, Edgers, and Weed Trimmers Need Special Care
There are two ways to store gas powered equipment. The best way depends on where you live. If winters are long and are subject to near zero temperatures the best way to store your gas powered lawn equipment is to store them without gas. In the South where winters are mild, lawn equipment can be stored with a full gas tank as long as a conditioner is added.
Empty the Gas Tank
To empty the gas tank on your lawn equipment; run the lawn mower, edger or weed trimmer until it runs out of gas. Start it again and let it run dry. Repeat this until the unit will not start.
Use a Gas Conditioner
When storing lawn equipment for the winter with gas in the tank, a gas conditioner must be used to keep the fuel fresh. Gas conditioners prevent the build-up of water and the decomposition of the fuel.
To add gas conditioner to the lawn mower or other equipment, add the conditioner to a half tank of gas and add more gas to fill the tank completely. This is an efficient way to mix the conditioner into the gas. Run the edger, mower or weed trimmer for a minute or two. This will ensure that gas conditioner is distributed throughout the system.
Basic Winter Care
Before storing the lawn equipment for the winter, clean it thoroughly. Remove all the grass and dirt from the unit. Pay special attention to the undersides of mowers. Sharpen mower and edger blades and rub the blades with a rag soaked with motor oil. This will keep the blades sharp and rust free.
Repair or replace worn handles and pull cords. Remove any rust from the body and use touch up paint with a rust inhibitor to protect it.
Taking some time to properly clean and prepare your gas powered lawn equipment will keep it running like new for years. Gas powered equipment is expensive and you should try to keep the equipment running in top condition for as long as you can.
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Published by Lynda Altman
Lynda Altman is a freelance writer, blogger and researcher. Her experience includes published print articles in Family Chronicle Magazine, writing and researching for private clients, and writing online cont... View profile
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- Empty the gas tank or use a gas conditioner to ensure your equipment will start in the Spring.
- Clean and sharpen the blades before storing the lawn mowers away for the season.
- Make repairs to handles and cords, then store the equipment.
1 Comments
Post a CommentAwesome! Thanks for sharing =0)