Tis the Season for Storage
In the next few months, most of us will be tucking-in our equipment for the long dark of winter. Even those of us with snow equipment may not get a chance to use it in the coming colder months. This process involves a bit more than a warm blanket and singing The Wheels On the Tractor Go Round & Round. So, how do we ensure that when they’re calling for that big snow or when spring rolls around again that we’re ready to turn the key and get to work?
Full disclaimer - there is certainly more you can do for fully winterizing your equipment. Following your owner’s manual instructions for proper storage is always recommended. However, not everyone reads page after page of the owner’s manual for everything. In a nutshell I have found that, at minimum, following these three storage recommendations will help to set you up for successful seasonal storage.
1. Fuel Stabilizers & Diesel Treatments are a must! The majority of issues I see in the spring come from poor fuel storage over the winter months, especially in the smaller equipment. With today's fuel containing ethanol, it has never been more important to pay attention to what you put into your equipment. Ethanol fuel, when not properly stored, will absorb moisture. When enough is absorbed, the water will literally separate from the fuel. Wait water in an engine - that can’t be good, right? Exactly right. Rust, varnish, a gummed-up carburetor and a handful of questionable words are what’s next in line after that. With gas engines always remember to use an ethanol rating of 10% or less, absolutely none of the 15% or more fuel you see nowadays at the pump. Non-ethanol gas will as always remain the best option. Remember non-treated fuel, especially fuel containing ethanol, is only recommend to be stored for less than 30 days. When running ethanol gas, I recommend to always use a stabilizer year-round. The choice can be yours of what to use, but brands like Star-Tron or Stabil are some of the most recognizable. Just add the manufacturer recommended dosage for the amount of fuel and you’re good to go. One last thing, be sure before you put your equipment away for the winter to top off the tank again with that stabilized fuel. This limits the amount of air in your tank hence the amount of moisture available to be absorbed.
For diesel engines, you will want to look into an additive such as Total Power. There can be a handful of different treatments recommended to fit your specific local weather and storage scenario. Here in South Central Pennsylvania a basic year-round treatment strategy will include an anti-gel formula (keeping your fuel from freezing), lubricants for your fuel system, a stabilizer, and a cetane improver (improving starts and performance). If you’re unsure of what you need stop by your local dealer and we’ll make sure you’re well taken care of.
2. Keep the charge! No one likes to go out on a beautiful spring morning, ready for some work, turn the key and then...nothing. It’s inevitable that your battery will need replaced on your equipment eventually. However, there are ways to ensure you are getting the most life out of it. Consider the location of where you store your equipment. If stored in a non-insulated shed or outside then take the time at the end of the season to remove the battery from the machine and place in an area like a garage or home basement that usually stays above freezing year-round. A battery tender can do wonders for the life of your battery. They plug into a standard wall outlet and the other end attaches to your battery terminals - that’s it. They provide your battery with a small trickle charge during storage to ensure when you need it there will be a fully charged battery waiting for you.
3. Keep it Clean! One of the best ways to minimize failures is to keep your machine clean. Removal of debris from your equipment - such as dirt, grass, and fluids - will help prevent premature wear. Consider a mower deck - over winter if the spindle areas, on top of the deck, are left packed with grass then it can lead to deck rust and also damage the deck belt. In the engine compartments, electrical components are not fans of moisture, grass and debris release moisture as they dry. Local field mice may find a new cozy winter home in equipment debris and some snacks at the expense of your wiring. Simply cleaning your machine before storage goes a long way.
Remember - there is more to ensure you are 100% properly storing your equipment, all found in your owner’s manual, but at least with these three tips you are eliminating a handful of common issues and helping make sure you’re ready when the time comes to head back out to the yard.