It’s time to get outdoor power equipment ready for seasonal changes

After the lawn gets its last cut before winter, it will be time to put away spring and summer outdoor power equipment like lawn mowers, leaf blowers and trimmers. It’s also important to ready snow throwers, generators and other small-engine equipment for use in colder weather. Working ahead to prepare equipment for seasonal changes can save homeowners and residents time and money later, according to information provided by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute.

“Readying your equipment for winter needs is important as the weather changes,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of OPEI. “It’s also important to put your fall equipment away correctly. What you do now when you put away your equipment sets you up for an easier start in the spring.”

The institute has provided several tips to ensure chainsaws, snow throwers, generators and other equipment are ready for coming storms. Also, proper storage of lawn mower and other spring equipment means it will be available and ready for use when warmer temperatures return.

First, everyone should review their owner’s manuals to be sure of how to handle equipment safely. Lost manuals can often be found online; save a copy on a home computer if possible, so it can be consulted when needed. Be familiar with each piece of equipment and all its features, including how to turn it off quickly and safely.

Service all equipment. Before storing spring and summer equipment, clean and service it or take it to a small-engine repair shop. Change engine oil and safely dispose of the old oil. Service the air filter, and do other maintenance as directed by the owner’s manual. Check winter equipment and see if any maintenance and repairs are required.

Handle fuel properly. Unused fuel left in gas tanks over the winter can go stale and even damage equipment. Before storing equipment, add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank, then run the equipment to distribute it. Turn the engine off, allow the machine to cool, then restart and run until the gas tank is empty. For winter equipment, buy the recommended type of fuel no more than 30 days before use. Use fuel with no more than 10% ethanol in outdoor power equipment. Use a fuel stabilizer if recommended by the manufacturer. Get more information on safe fueling for outdoor power equipment at LookBeforeYouPump.com.

Remove and fully charge all batteries before storing. Don’t store batteries on metal shelves or allow them to touch metal objects. Store them on a plastic or wooden shelf in a climate-controlled structure.

Shelter equipment from winter weather. Store spring and summer equipment in a clean, dry place such as a garage, barn or shed. Winter equipment should be kept away from the elements, but be easily available for use.

Make space in the garage or basement before the weather changes, so there is room to store larger yard items. Remove sticks, debris, pet toys and kids’ play equipment, and other items from the yard that might damage or destroy equipment. Clear the paths used regularly, especially during the winter when snow can hide things.

Have the proper weather-appropriate extension cord for a home generator. Keep heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords on hand. Ensure the cord is the right length to operate the generator a safe distance from the building. Never operate a generator indoors, in a garage or breezeway, under an open window or near any air intake for a building.