Your Essential Guide to Winterizing Your Lawn Equipment
Get your power equipment ready for winter
Chances are if you’re out of middle school, winter in your eyes is less Magical Wonderland and more Freezing Wasteland. Slipping on ice hurts more when you have farther to fall, and frigid temps aren’t kind to achy joints.
Just like how you bundle up to brave the arctic tundra of your backyard, your power equipment needs some preparation for winter.
We’ll cover how to winterize your lawn equipment (lawnmowers, trimmers, etc.) and how to prepare other power equipment (like your snowblower and chainsaw) for use this winter.
Check out our printable pdf to get your equipment winter-ready. It’s also at the bottom of this page.
We also have a few extra resources when it comes to power equipment preparation for the winter or spring. Check them out here.
But first, why winterize your lawn equipment?
We’ll answer that question with another question. Have you ever revved up your lawnmower or string trimmer for the first time that spring, only for it to struggle to start (or not start at all)?
It’s annoying to encounter problems with your equipment, especially when you’re itching to get out there and start using it again.
The good news is that preparing your equipment in the fall or winter can lead to an easier spring and an extended life for your tools.
Improper maintenance and storage, on the other hand, can lead to a frustrating time in the spring, and repairs can get expensive quickly. While some damage caused by the freezing temperatures can be fixed by a handyman with a general knowledge of mechanics, some of it may require an expert.
So unless your favorite pastime is rebuilding small engines, we recommend following along with the steps laid out below to make your life a little easier.
Winterizing gas engine equipment (leaf blowers, trimmers, chainsaws, etc.)
Empty your gas tank or add a stabilizer
Gas left to sit can stiffen the plastic and rubber parts of the engine and draw moisture, which could cause rusting. It can also turn to a sticky varnish, leaving a gummy substance in the system. Gas that has been sitting for a few months can also make it hard to start the engine, causing it to stall and run rough.
Service your engine
Change your spark plugs, fuel filter, and air filter, and change the fluid and filter on your transmission.
Winterizing your lawnmower
Service your engine and gas tank
Clean the deck
For best results, you should be keeping your mower deck clean throughout the season simply because it cuts best when there isn’t a layer of dried grass in the way of the blades and the grass that’s getting cut. It’s especially important to clean it before winter so the moisture from the grass doesn’t cause rusting.
Get your blades sharpened
It’s also a good idea to give them a coat of oil to keep them from rusting.
Disconnect your battery and spark plug
Store in a dry place
If it’s being stored on a concrete floor, putting a tarp underneath can help keep the deck dry to prevent rust.
Winterizing your pressure washer
See above for engine prep
Drain your pump
Ideally, there shouldn’t be any water left in your pump. If it’s in your pump and ends up freezing, it can cause a lot of damage to the internal parts.
Use pump saver
Running pump saver through your pump is a good idea if there’s any chance of freezing temps where you live and especially if you aren't able to store it somewhere warm.
It’s also a good idea to use pump saver for extended storage to prevent buildup from hard water.
Make sure it is clean and dry before storing
Ensure there is no grass or mud on the washer. Storing it on a tarp can help reduce moisture and prevent rust.
Prepare your chainsaw for winter
If you use your saw throughout the winter, you’ll want to tune it up before you need to use it. Keep in mind that frozen wood is hard on chainsaws.
Sharpen or replace the chain
You might also want to consider having an extra chain on hand, just in case.
Be sure to check your spark plug
Use a winter-blend fuel
If possible, it’s also helpful to store your saw in a temperature-controlled area.
Prepare your snowblower for winter
Tune up your engine
Get extra shear pins
It’s a good idea to have a few extra shear pins on hand. It’s never fun if you have a shear pin snap while you're working, and it'll become even less fun if it means you can't finish the job.
Lubricate the drive and the chassis
Make sure everything is moving smoothly
Make sure your tire chains are in good shape
If you need them, you can see our selection of tire chains here.
Conclusion
As a general rule, it’s a good idea to check your owner’s manual in case there are any specific instructions for your unit. That said, if you follow those steps, your power equipment should be properly winterized to survive the season.
Discover you need some replacement parts for your power equipment? We offer a wide selection of spark plugs, shear pins, tire chains, filters, pump saver, and blades. We’ll be happy to help if you aren’t sure what replacement you need for your unit, so feel free to contact us.
WRITTEN BY: LEAH JOHNSON [EDITED 9/2023]
Bonus resources
Perhaps you’d like some more specifics on preparing your power equipment for winter/storage or getting it ready to go again in the spring. Here are some of our Rugged U articles you might find helpful. Check them out now or bookmark them for later.
Winter preparation
Spring preparation
Having trouble using your ROP Shop pressure washer surface cleaner? These tips can help you out.
Thinking about getting a pressure washer? Here are eight advantages to owning a pressure washer to help convince you.
Installing a new pressure washer pump doesn’t have to be a hassle. Let The ROP Shop walk you through it.
Ready to learn how to pressure wash quickly, effectively, and safely? Check out these eleven tips.