How to Store Your Snow Blower

The temperatures are warming up and the birds are chirping… ahhhh, Spring has finally arrived in Fort Wayne. Now that the winter has come to an end, it’s time to put away your snow blower for the Summer and get out your lawn mower. But, before you pack it in for the season, you should properly prepare your snow blower for storage so that it will easily start next year.

1. Start with a good cleaning. Clean all of the dirt and grime off of the body as well as in and around the gears and blades. If there are any paint scratches, use some touch up paint as this will help prevent rust from setting in.
2. Next, either add a fuel stabilizer, or empty the fuel tank completely. If fuel is left in the tank, there is a risk of it getting thick and gumming up the inner workings of the engine. To completely void the engine of fuel, you can let it run until it runs out of fuel. Or, siphon the fuel out and bring it to Crescent Avenue Gardens to discard.
3. Grease all of the moving parts. As the machine will sit over the next few seasons, heat and humidity will start to set in. By having it greased properly, you will prevent moisture from getting in and allowing rust to take hold. The parts that especially need to be greased are the wheel bearings, the axle for the blade, and any other areas that are subject to friction. It would also be a good idea to apply a thin layer of oil to the cables that control the throttle and blade controls. These cables are metal and could start to rust over time. Oil will protect these areas.
4. Check the blades for wear and tear. If the blade are worn down or have chips in them, replace them now when the weather is starting to warm up. You will be glad you took care of this now instead of waiting until next year when the snow starts to fall and the cold temperatures return.
5. Clean the spark plugs. This will help the engine start up better when you are ready to use it again next year.
6. Store the snow blower up off the ground. One idea would be to allow the machine to rest on some blocks supported by the axle. This will keep the tires off of the ground and may prevent the start of dry rot. Also, by being off of the ground, moisture is less likely to get up in the engine and other working parts.
7. Finally, cover the snow blower. This will keep the dust and other debris from getting in the engine and abrasive dust from scratching the paint that protects the metal surfaces of the machine.

For a full service winterization of your snow blower, bring it in to Crescent Avenue Gardens – your Fort Wayne power equipment sales and service team. A Master Certified Technician will give your snow blower the professional service and treatment it needs to keep you up and running next Winter.

By following these tips, your snow blower will not only start-up better when you need it, but will last longer and for years to come.