As the landscaping season winds down and winter approaches, it's essential to properly winterize your equipment to ensure it's ready to go next spring. Taking the time to care for your tools not only extends their life but also helps you avoid costly repairs, ensuring your business stays running smoothly. Here are five ways to winterize your landscaping equipment and protect your investment.
1. Clean and Inspect Your Equipment
Before storing your equipment for the winter, give it a thorough cleaning. Dirt, grass, and debris can cause rust and corrosion if left on tools and machines. Use a pressure washer to clean lawnmowers, trimmers, and other equipment. For smaller tools, wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Next, inspect your equipment for any signs of wear and tear. Check for loose bolts, worn-out parts, or anything that might need repair before spring. Taking care of small issues now can prevent bigger problems later.
Source: "How to Winterize Lawn Mowers and Outdoor Power Equipment"
Green Acres Landscaping Blog
https://www.greenacreslandscaping.com/how-to-winterize-lawn-mowers-and-outdoor-power-equipment/
2. Add Fuel Stabilizers
One of the most important steps in winterizing your landscaping equipment is to treat your fuel. Gasoline left in tanks can go bad over time, leading to clogs in the fuel system or engine damage. To prevent this, add a fuel stabilizer to your equipment’s fuel tank. A product like Sta-Bil helps keep the fuel fresh for up to 12 months, ensuring a clean startup next season.
You can find Sta-Bil products at MowMore.com, a trusted supplier for landscaping professionals. By treating your fuel system with these products, you'll minimize maintenance costs and avoid frustrating equipment failures during peak business months.
Source: "Fuel Stabilizers: Why You Need Them for Your Outdoor Equipment"
LawnSite Blog
https://www.lawnsite.com/articles/fuel-stabilizers-why-you-need-them-for-your-outdoor-equipment.48/
3. Use Snow Jet to Protect Against Snow and Ice
If you’re in an area that deals with heavy snow or ice, your equipment may be exposed to these elements during the winter. MowMore.com’s newest product, Snow Jet, is designed to keep snow and ice from sticking to your snowplows, snow blowers, and other winter equipment. Applying this product as part of your winterization routine ensures your gear stays protected, reducing downtime during snow removal jobs.
By adding Snow Jet to your toolbox, you can make winter work more efficient while preventing equipment wear caused by ice buildup. It’s a small investment that pays off in saved time and longer-lasting equipment.
Source: "Snow and Ice Removal Tips for Landscapers"
Landscape Management Blog
https://www.landscapemanagement.net/snow-and-ice-removal-tips-for-landscapers/
4. Store Equipment in a Dry, Safe Location
Proper storage is essential to winterizing your landscaping equipment. Moisture can cause rust and corrosion, while exposure to freezing temperatures can damage engine components. Store your tools and machines in a dry, climate-controlled space. If you don’t have access to indoor storage, consider using tarps or covers designed for outdoor equipment to provide protection.
Keeping equipment safely stored during the off-season extends its lifespan and ensures it’ll be ready for spring without significant repairs.
Source: "Winter Storage Tips for Landscaping Equipment"
ECHO USA Blog
https://www.echo-usa.com/blog/winter-storage-tips-for-landscaping-equipment
5. Change the Oil and Replace Filters
Changing the oil and replacing air filters is a crucial part of winterizing your equipment. Old oil can become contaminated with dirt and debris, which can lead to engine damage if left over the winter. Drain and replace the oil in all of your power equipment, and don’t forget to swap out the air filters, which can become clogged after a busy season.
Taking the time to perform these simple tasks will keep your equipment running efficiently and help extend the life of your tools. It’s also an easy way to ensure you're ready to hit the ground running in the spring without unexpected breakdowns.
Source: "Winterizing Your Landscaping Equipment – Why It Matters"
Toro Blog
https://www.toro.com/en/blog/winterizing-landscaping-equipment
By following these five steps and using products from MowMore.com, like Sta-Bil fuel stabilizers and Snow Jet, you’ll not only protect your equipment but also save time and money in the long run. Proper winterization extends the life of your tools and ensures your business can get back to work without a hitch when the weather warms up again.
Take action this winter, and your equipment—and your bottom line—will thank you!