Winter can be tough on your lawn care equipment and job site machinery. To ensure they stay in good shape and avoid fuel problems caused by ethanol gasoline, follow these three simple steps to winterize your equipment. We don’t just rely on Sta-bil and call it a day. Here’s what we do instead.
Table of Contents
- Step 1: Add a Small Amount of Fuel
- Step 2: Start the Engine and Let it Idle Until Empty
- Step 3: Safely Store Your Equipment for the Winter
- Alternative Method: Use Premium Fuel
Step 1: Add a Small Amount of Fuel
The key here is not to fill up the tank but to have just enough fuel to avoid wastage. Opt for standard mid-grade 89-octane fuel, which is more refined compared to 87 octane.
Step 2: Start the Engine and Let it Idle Until Empty
Follow your usual start-up procedure. Engage the choke, pull the starter wire, or simply push a button if you have an electric start switch. The trick is to let the engine run until it completely runs out of fuel.
This will help purge most of the fuel from the lines, leaving only a small amount in the carburetor. Fortunately, you don’t have to worry about removing it. The fuel stabilizer you added earlier will ensure it remains in good condition until it’s time to restart the equipment. Sta-bil comes to the rescue every year during our winterization process.
Step 3: Safely Store Your Equipment for the Winter
Now that your equipment is prepared for winter, make sure to store it in a safe location where it won’t be damaged. Come springtime, you can easily add fuel, check the spark plugs, and hopefully find everything in working order. If your equipment has an electric starter motor, remember to disconnect it to avoid draining the battery.
Alternative Method: Use Premium Fuel
Another approach to winterizing your equipment is to use high-quality fuel, such as Stihl’s MotoMix or TruFuel premixed gas. These companies refine their fuel more thoroughly than standard gas station gas. As a result, you can store your equipment for up to two years without worrying about any damage.
When using premium fuel, winterizing your equipment is as simple as storing it away for the season. While it doesn’t hurt to run the equipment on this fuel, you won’t need to add stabilizers to it.
Remember, properly winterizing your equipment ensures it stays in good condition and prevents fuel-related issues when you’re ready to use it again.