Taking the proper steps before storing your snowblower for the off season can ensure that your machine will be there and run at its highest efficiency when you need to clear your driveway and other areas around your home after next season's first big snowfall.
Here are 8 things to do before you store your snowblower for the summer:
* Clear out any debris that may have accumulated in and around the moving parts of the snowblower – Be sure that the snowblower is not running.
* Clean off caked on salt – Salt deposits can cause rust and corrosion, so be sure to wipe off any accumulations with a damp cloth.
* Dry the snowblower – Moisture can cause rust, mildew a corrode engine parts such as the carburetor. Wiping the machine dry is especially important if you plan on covering the snowblower during storage as the cover can trap moisture.
* Do a visual inspection of the areas that have experienced wear and tear during the most recent season – If the shave plate and skid shoes are worn, replacing them earlier rather than later can prevent expensive repairs as the next snow season gets started.
* Take a look at the engine – One priority here is to inspect the belts for any appearance of wear. These rubber belts tend to lose some of their resiliency when snowblowers go into storage so be proactive and replace any belts that look questionable.
* Fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer – A fuel stabilizer will preserve the integrity of the gas for nine to twelve months and prevent it from gumming up the carburetor and the fuel lines. Fuel in the tank will also create an environment that keeps rubberized engine parts from drying out and shrinking in size, which reduces their ability to provide tight seals in the engine.
* Store the snowblower in an area that doesn't receive direct sunlight – Extreme summer temperatures are a fact of life in many areas but exposure to direct sunlight can exaggerate damage to any kind of equipment, including your snowblower.
* Secure your snowblower – These machines are a popular item with thieves because they are so easy to sell. Make sure that your machine is stored in a locked shed or garage. If neither of these options is available, lock up your snowblower with a heavy duty bike lock.
These measures will help to make sure that your snowblower stays exactly where you stored it and that it's ready for next season. Many of these tips can also ensure that your snowblower operates at its highest level of efficiency for years to come.
Here are 8 things to do before you store your snowblower for the summer:
* Clear out any debris that may have accumulated in and around the moving parts of the snowblower – Be sure that the snowblower is not running.
* Clean off caked on salt – Salt deposits can cause rust and corrosion, so be sure to wipe off any accumulations with a damp cloth.
* Dry the snowblower – Moisture can cause rust, mildew a corrode engine parts such as the carburetor. Wiping the machine dry is especially important if you plan on covering the snowblower during storage as the cover can trap moisture.
* Do a visual inspection of the areas that have experienced wear and tear during the most recent season – If the shave plate and skid shoes are worn, replacing them earlier rather than later can prevent expensive repairs as the next snow season gets started.
* Take a look at the engine – One priority here is to inspect the belts for any appearance of wear. These rubber belts tend to lose some of their resiliency when snowblowers go into storage so be proactive and replace any belts that look questionable.
* Fill the tank and add a fuel stabilizer – A fuel stabilizer will preserve the integrity of the gas for nine to twelve months and prevent it from gumming up the carburetor and the fuel lines. Fuel in the tank will also create an environment that keeps rubberized engine parts from drying out and shrinking in size, which reduces their ability to provide tight seals in the engine.
* Store the snowblower in an area that doesn't receive direct sunlight – Extreme summer temperatures are a fact of life in many areas but exposure to direct sunlight can exaggerate damage to any kind of equipment, including your snowblower.
* Secure your snowblower – These machines are a popular item with thieves because they are so easy to sell. Make sure that your machine is stored in a locked shed or garage. If neither of these options is available, lock up your snowblower with a heavy duty bike lock.
These measures will help to make sure that your snowblower stays exactly where you stored it and that it's ready for next season. Many of these tips can also ensure that your snowblower operates at its highest level of efficiency for years to come.