how to store the lawnmower in winter. Where to store the machine and equipment

Why do you have to drain the gasoline from your brushcutter? Lawn mower storage in winter

Before you put the gardening equipment for winter storage, you need to carefully prepare it. canned. The more complex the device, the more attention it requires. We’ve put together the best algorithm for preservation work for you. At the end of the season, “heavy” gardening equipment is sent to storage until the next spring. Often it is simply driven into the shed or closed in the house, wiped lightly with a rag. If you have not prepared the equipment for wintertime, it may not start in the spring, because downtime in conditions of changing temperatures and modes of humidity. a serious test for mechanisms. To a greater extent this applies to gasoline-powered tools, they must be treated with particular care. And although the instruction manuals usually give comprehensive recommendations, let us remind you of the basic rules for storing garden equipment.

Every tool, regardless of type and purpose, should be washed, dried and inspected for wear and tear before being put into storage. There is nothing worse than getting moisture on moving or vulnerable parts and mechanisms. If it freezes in an unheated room, it turns to ice and damages the system components. For fire safety reasons, it is also advisable to drain the gasoline from the gas tank. But for oil other recommendations. the technique can not be left “dry”, so the oil is not removed for the winter, and change.

When storing, always store the machine in the way described in the instruction manual

Sharpen cutting parts (such as lawn mower blades) and lubricate swivel joints to remove dust and dirt. Check the condition of the fasteners and power cord of the power tool, if necessary, replace them without leaving them until spring. Below we will consider each type of equipment and the requirements for its preservation in more detail.

How to store a chainsaw in winter

This is probably one of the very few tools that can be put to work in the cold season as well. It is true that the operating temperature range of a chainsaw is usually low because it contains frost-resistant parts, gasoline and oil. If the machine is guaranteed to work at.10°C, this is a very good indicator and you can use it all year round. And if you’re going away for a long time, you need to make sure you preserve it properly.

“The heart of every chainsaw is the carburetor-type, single-cylinder, two-stroke engine. The chain is another important element. It is the care of these two elements that is the focus of much of the preservation advice:

• Drain the fuel, carburetor and chain oil first. You can run the chainsaw at idle and wait for the gasoline to run out in order to get a full output of fuel. Wipe the gas tank dry afterwards to prevent rusting. This is an option for long-term storage, at least 3 months. But there is a second option for those who log or do other winter work. In this case, it is advised to fill the tank to the brim with quality gasoline and leave it in that state for storage. If you need to cut down a tree in a hurry, you have all the machinery you need right at your fingertips. But remember, gasoline, which after 2-3 frosty winter weeks in the consistency will begin to resemble sour milk, can disable even a first-class engine;
• using a wire dipstick or a homemade nozzle, remove the tip filters from the fuel and oil tanks. Rinse and install them again after drying or replace them with new ones if necessary. Do the same with the air filter;
• Remove saw chain and guide bar and clean them of sawdust, wood dust and dirt;
• Remove the clutch cover, rinse it thoroughly under warm water and let it dry. Lubricate the worm gear and side chain tensioning screw;
• remove spark plug and clean off soot and fuel residue. Pour 5-7 ml of engine oil into the spark plug hole and turn the engine crankshaft 3 to 4 revolutions to distribute the oil over the connecting rod and cylinder-piston group. Leave the piston at its highest point (in the raised position). After that, put the spark plug back in place, but do not put the ignition terminal on;
• Coat the bar and chain with petroleum jelly and wrap it in a piece of paper or cloth soaked in oil;
• Pack the tool and hide the removed parts in a dry, dark and dust-free place.

Once a month or so, turn the crankshaft to regrease the grease in the connecting rods and pistons.

If your saw is electric, all you need for storage is a bar and chain lubricant.

Rules for preparing the grass trimmer for winter storage

Finish all yard work. Trim the grass, trimming limbs and bushes. Finish all garden work before you begin to prepare your tools for storage.

Drain the fuel. The liquid is collected in a special container designed for oil storage, and disposed of in the prescribed manner. Do not leave fuel or fuel-oil mixture in the tank for a long time. The gasoline will separate over the winter, and deposits will form in the tubes and on the inner parts of the instrument, which will further prevent the engine from running properly. If you cannot dispose of the fuel, just start the brushcutter and let it idle until the engine stops.

Clean grass trimmer parts. Inspect the tool from all sides. There should not be any oil or fuel leaks on it. If you find traces of fuel and lubricant, contact a service center for repair. If there are no foreign spots, proceed with cleaning:

• Use a brush and warm water to wash the rod.
• Flush and dry the air filter, then lubricate with engine oil before installing it.
• Clean the electrode with a metal brush.
• Check the gearbox for grease and add more if necessary.

Lubricate the moving parts of the brushcutter. Remove the spark plug, fill the hole with oil and turn the crankshaft several times to evenly distribute the lubricant in the cylinder.

Remove the engine. Wrap the machine in a cloth bag to prevent water from getting inside the machine due to temperature changes.

Store the grass trimmer suspended in a dry place. The correct storage temperature should preferably be kept constant. These simple measures for the care of the trimmer will be enough, so that with the onset of the new season the tool can fully demonstrate its technical capabilities.

Getting your brushcutter ready for the season

Preparing the fuel. When filling up the brushcutter for the first time in spring, it is recommended to add a stabilizing additive to the gasoline. If the machine is equipped with a 2-stroke engine, carefully prepare the mixture in the specified proportions. Stock of ready fuel should not exceed one month’s demand, otherwise the liquid will lose its properties.

To prepare the engine. Replace the spark plug after turning off the engine. Clean air filter and adjust carburetor. Maintaining your brushcutter will reduce fuel consumption. If your trimmer has a 4-stroke motor, check the level and condition of the engine oil. When changing the lubricant, change the oil filter at the same time.

If you have a gasoline grass trimmer, let it run without load for 3-5 minutes the first time you start it. During this time, the oil will be evenly distributed in the system, parts will rub against each other, and the engine will run stably.

Check electric corded and cordless brushcutters for lubrication only. The battery should be charged, and the cord should be lengthened if necessary.

Preparing lines. Materials used to make line for trimmer do not tolerate changes in temperature and humidity, so it is recommended to store this element in a tight bag with the addition of water. In preparing the grass trimmer for the season, soak the part in water for several days. This will make the line for the trimmer more elastic, eliminate brittleness.

Preparing the bits. Clean and lubricate your chainsaw blades, check them for cracks and other defects. Sharpening the cutting parts.

How to store your chain saw in winter

This is probably one of the few tools for which there is work even in the cold season. True, the range of operating temperatures of chainsaws is usually small because it contains frost-resistant parts, gasoline and oil. If the manufacturer guarantees operation at.10°C, this is a very good indicator and the saw can be used almost all year round. If you leave the cottage for a long time, then take care of proper preservation.

The “heart” of any chainsaw is a single-cylinder, two-stroke carburetor-type engine. Another important element is the chain. It is care of these two elements that is devoted to the most part of recommendations on preservation:

• First, drain the remaining fuel from the tank, carburetor and chain oil. To get the gasoline out completely, you can idle the chainsaw and wait until it runs out of gas. Then wipe the gas tank dry so it doesn’t rust. This is an option for long-term preservation, at least 3 months. But there is a second option for those who cut wood or do other work in the winter. In this case, it is advised to fill the tank to the brim with high-quality gasoline and leave it in this state for storage. If you urgently need to cut down a tree. great, you have a fully prepared technique at your fingertips. But remember, gasoline, which in 2-3 frosty winter weeks will begin to resemble a kisel in consistency, can put out of action even a first-class engine;
• Use a wire dipstick or a homemade nozzle to remove the fuel and oil tank’s tip filters. Wash them and put them back in after drying or replace them with new ones, if necessary. Do the same with the air filter;
• Remove the chain and guide bar, then clean them of sawdust, sawdust and dirt;
• Remove clutch cover, rinse thoroughly under running warm water and let dry. Lubricate the worm gear and side chain tensioning screw;
• remove the spark plug and clean it from soot and fuel residue. Pour 5-7 ml of engine oil into the spark plug hole and turn the crankshaft 3-4 turns to distribute the oil over the crankarms and the cylinder-piston group. Leave the piston at its highest point (raised). After that, put the spark plug back in place, but don’t put on the ignition terminal;
• Coat the bar and chain with protective lubricant and store it wrapped in a piece of paper or cloth soaked in oil;
• Pack the tool and hide the removed parts in a dry, dark and dust-free place.

About once a month, rotate the crankshaft to renew the grease on the connecting rods and in the cylinders with pistons.

If you have an electric lawn mower all you need for storage is to lubricate the guide bar and the chain with a special lubricant.

How to store the lawnmower in winter

This machine is sent to a “well-deserved rest” in the fall, and is extracted closer to the end of spring. Because of this long “down time”, the requirements for mower storage are very demanding.

Gasoline lawnmower

The gasoline lawnmower’s main elements are the engine and the cutting parts. It is to them that you should pay maximum attention:

• The first condition for proper storage is a room with humidity of no more than 70%, as well as the absence of sudden temperature changes that increase humidity;
• If you do a lot of mowing, particles of grass and particles of moisture can get inside the mower. So be sure to wash, clean and dry the blades and other parts within reach. Remove grass clippings from the housing, exhaust pipe, engine radiator, etc.д.;
• Opinions are divided on fuel. Some dacha owners drain the rest of it and wipe the gas tank dry to prevent condensation from forming over the winter. Another half, on the contrary, fills the tank to the brim and leaves it like that for the winter. However, in this case, poor-quality gasoline can give sediment, making it difficult to start the engine in the spring. It is still easier to remove residual fluid from the carburetor than to clean it of plaque and sludge, so we recommend the first option;
• Check the cutting blade to see if it needs sharpening and repair. In any case, remove it and sharpen it for the winter. Consult a specialist if necessary;
• the oil level should be as recommended in the instruction manual (for 4-stroke engines);
• Store the mower so that its wheels do not touch the floor, either suspended or on stands.

Electric lawnmower

Before cleaning the machine for the winter, check the integrity of all contacts and inspect them for oxidation and rust. Otherwise the electric motor does not require any special preservation measures. Recharge the battery for the winter, clean the housing, deck and blades of grass and resharpen them if necessary.

How to store the lawnmower

Store the mower in a room with moderate humidity, dry, at least at room temperature. Do not forget about the fire safety regulations.

The lawnmower’s engine should be cooled down before storing the machine. And all the gasoline is drained out. The engine starts if the fuel is not used up and waits until the engine stops when the fuel is used up. Because its fumes can ignite if there is an open flame nearby.

After that, in order to prepare the lawnmower for long-term storage, you need to wash and dry the unit. To clean the outside, use a small brush. Do not use highly active detergents and household detergents with fragrant oils as these can damage the plastic parts of the lawnmower. Afterwards, wipe everything dry with a clean cloth. All mechanisms and removable parts should be well lubricated with oil, and a special rust and corrosion preventative should be applied to the metal surface.

Store the unit upright so that the spark plug is facing upward. To protect the lawnmower from damage and dust, put it in a cover of thick cloth, or put it in a container so that no one can use it improperly. Keep it out of the reach of children. And the room itself must not only be dry but also well ventilated.

Today, if special companies, which not only help to prepare the garden equipment for its proper storage, but also provide sets of original parts for each individual unit of a particular company-manufacturer. It is also possible to buy additional accessories at these specialized stores. Flexible shaft, line bobbins, oil and all kinds of lubricants, candles. All products meet modern quality standards, which increases the service life of the units.

Significant seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity define one of the major challenges for owners of any diesel or carbureted household equipment, including chainsaws. It consists in providing normal conditions for storing tools and equipment equipped with internal combustion engines, or using them for their intended purpose in the cold season. The procedure for putting into operation and decommissioning is regulated by the manufacturer and is almost always described in detail in the operating instructions. However it is better to know about some peculiarities of chain saw storage and operation in winter beforehand. This will ensure high efficiency and help extend the life of the tool.

What’s good to know for every chainsaw owner

Modern chain saws are equipped with a carburetor-type, single-cylinder, two-stroke engine.

4-stroke and diesel units are not used in the design of chainsaws due to their heavy weight. it would be very difficult physically to operate such a tool manually.

The principle of the chainsaw monocylinder 2-stroke engine:

• During the compression stroke the fuel mixture prepared in the carburetor enters the crankcase;
• In the lowermost position the exhaust outlets of the cylinder open. exhaust gases and part of the fuel-air mix leave the cylinder;
• the mixture from the crankcase under the action of the piston pressure is fed into the cylinder, where it is burned;
• The resulting excess pressure moves the piston to its original position, which drives the main shaft of the engine.

2-stroke engines are not very economical. Therefore, in order to reduce fuel consumption and improve motor efficiency many manufacturers use additional ventilation: the intake valve opens to supply fuel to the cylinder already after the exhaust is released.

The difficulty in operating a chainsaw in winter lies in the reaction to low temperatures of the materials of which its units and components are made, and working fluids. fuel mixture and lubricant, as well as the formation of condensation on the units and mechanisms of the tool during temperature drops. If your model is not designed to operate in extreme cold, t.е. Without structural insulation and air heating system, it can be operated only indoors. But only if the engine is properly maintained and prepared and the material is in the proper condition. it must be at a normal temperature and humidity for sawing.

Preparation of machines with four-stroke engines

In this case you should pay special attention to the gas tank.Ways to prepare these machines for winter:

• Fill the gas tank with fuel and add a special additive. This is done to ensure that the fuel does not stratify during storage. With this method you can be sure that there will be no condensation inside the gas tank during cold storage.
• Empty the tank. If this method is not chosen, it is necessary to treat the internal surfaces of the gas tank, intake manifold and cylinders with agents preventing oxidation. Oil should be drained from the manifold before winterization to avoid sludge build-up and loss of properties.

• Safeguarding of hoses and cables

Over the winter, lines and hoses can oxidize or lose their elasticity. To avoid condensation we recommend the use of aerosol sprays which contain wax and silicone. Their convenience is that after the winterization there is no need to remove the coating from the surfaces before putting the equipment into operation.

To preserve the wheels and tires during prolonged storage it is recommended to remove them from the equipment or install the equipment on special stands. Additionally, you should not forget about the temperature storage conditions specified by the rubber manufacturer.

The most exposed to temperature jumps and changes in humidity are rubber seals, gaskets and rings. The main danger is moisture, which in the form of condensation penetrates the moving parts of machinery, freezes in them, and, expanding, causes mechanical damage.

Low temperatures are safe for most models of gasoline equipment. The main thing is to take care to protect the storage place from moisture.

How to Store a Grass Trimmer in Winter

Trimmers should not only be properly handled, but also properly stored. Often gasoline or electric mowers are simply thrown into the shed, where they lie until spring. Such carelessness can cost a lot of money.

Gasoline grass trimmer

Gasoline-powered trimmers are powerful and compact devices designed to cut the grass. Correct storage is one of the prerequisites for their long and trouble-free operation.

• Find a good place to store it. This should be a dry room with normal humidity, isolated from sources of bright light and open flames. Do not let the trimmer freeze, it is better to cover it with moisture absorbers (such as an old blanket);
• Drain all fuel mixture (gasoline and oil) and let the unit idle until it stalls;
• Remove grass residue between the blades and fixed parts of the trimmer and from the blades. Do not be lazy and thoroughly inspect the housing for organics;
• Unscrew and inspect the spark plug. The normal color of the electrodes is reddish; if they are covered with carbon deposits, they should be cleaned or replaced;
• Remove the metal cutting blade and clean any dirt from it. Check the integrity of the blade. if cracked or chipped, replace it. Store the blade dry and clean of dirt separately;
• If your trimmer has a trimmer cord (line for trimmer), remove it and put it in fresh water for the winter. That way it will retain its original flexibility, hold up under tension and last longer;
• Store the brushcutter hanging from the hook. If the handlebar gets in the way, turn it the other way or unscrew it.

If the trimmer is to be stored for the winter, check the insulation and contacts for continuity. Do not expose your brushcutter to sudden temperature fluctuations or leave it out in the cold. Condensation can cause the contacts and other components to fail.

How to preserve your chain saw for the winter

A chainsaw is a tool that, unlike many, can also be used in winter. It should not be used at extremely low temperatures, but for quality chainsaws the threshold is minus ten degrees.

If you do not intend to use the machine in winter, you should store it properly, because it is not resistant to cold.

If you plan to use your STIHL chain saw in winter, it should be stored with a fuel tank full of gas (gasoline must be of high quality). The main thing is to remember, after a couple of weeks of persistent frost the gasoline in the tank will thicken and using the saw in such a state can put it out of order. If this is the case, keep the machine in a warm place.

If you leave the chainsaw for a long winter, the steps of preparation should be as follows:

• The fuel tank must be emptied. This can be done by draining it, or by running the saw to its full capacity. Next, to prevent rust, the tank should be wiped dry.
• Filters from the fuel and oil tank must be removed, cleaned and dried or replaced with new ones, if necessary. Perform the same operation with the air filter.
• The chain should be cleaned of any sawing residue. After the chain should be lubricated and the elements wrapped in a cloth that has been previously soaked in oil. Keep parts separate.
• Store the saw in a dark, dusty and humid environment.

The engine and chain are the main parts to look out for when preparing for winter storage.

Using chain saws in cold weather: key points

There is always a job for a chainsaw in the household, so putting it on “winter vacation” is not always practical. In such cases, the tool is not fully preserved, i.e.е. without complete disassembly.

The cold makes it difficult to start gasoline engines: Fuel evaporates badly, and if you open the choke immediately after the first starts the chainsaw will either not start or will choke immediately. As a result, you have to warm it up and start it on the breather, and that leads to the risk of flooding the spark plug with gasoline. All of this is time-consuming and leads to clogging and shortened service life of individual components.

If you intend to use your chainsaw during the winter season, store it and in particular the fuel mix in a well-ventilated, dry and warm, at the very least unheated room that is protected from the elements.

Before you start, check that the fuel has sufficient temperature to ignite and the oil in the tool’s lubrication system has normal viscosity. Some chainsaw models are equipped with a system that supplies hot air to the carburettor from the cylinder cooling ribs to reduce the risk of the air filter freezing and prevent condensation from forming on the carburettor.

Start the saw in the cold with the throttle closed, checking the lubrication and tensioning of the chain beforehand. Do not take the tool indoors immediately after finishing work. This is guaranteed to cause condensation and you will have to remove, disassemble, and clean it.

Dilute the oil with a little gasoline to prevent the oil from thickening in cold conditions. This ensures that the chain is tensioned and lubricated evenly.

Cleaning the grass trimmer

Thoroughly clean all clippings, dirt and dust from the grass trimmer. Do not use metal brushes or other implements that may damage the product’s protective paintwork. Grass and weed residue can be cleaned off gently with a plastic spatula and a synthetic hair brush (e.g. shoe brush). You can wipe the surfaces with a damp cloth and then dry them thoroughly.

Before putting the gasoline grass trimmer into long-term storage, maintenance is recommended.

Air filter

To service the air filter, follow the following procedure:

• Close the carburettor choke by moving the lever to the proper position.
• Remove the screw that secures the air filter cover.
• Remove the plastic cover.
• Pull out the filter element from the housing.
• Clean the filter element. wash in warm water with detergent and dry thoroughly.
• Clean the inside of the housing and filter cover of dust and dirt.
• Refit the filter element.
• Make sure that the filter is installed correctly.
• Close the housing with the cover and tighten the screw.

If the element is heavily soiled, does not clear, is damaged or does not fit correctly, replace it with a new one. Also check the air cleaner body and cover for cracks, chips, and other damage. Replace if necessary.

Spark Plug

Remove the spark plug by first removing the high-voltage wire. If spark plug electrodes look visually damaged (melted or burnt), it is a sign of engine trouble. Contact service to determine cause. Do not continue driving until the fault has been fixed.

Inspect the electrodes for carbon deposits, and clean them with a pointed wooden stick if necessary. Do not use metal tools. Wash in clean gasoline and thoroughly dry.

Use a feeler gauge to check the gap between the spark plug electrodes. The correct value is 0.6 to 0.7 mm.

Worn parts

Carefully inspect the grass trimmer parts for wear or mechanical damage. Replace the spark plugs if necessary or call for service.

Tightening screws and nuts

Check all screws and nuts securing components on the trimmer and tighten if necessary.

Protecting the cylinder head from corrosion

To protect the cylinder piston group from corrosion, lubricate as follows

• Remove the spark plug.
• Pour 2-3 ml of clean two-stroke oil into the cylinder.
• Cover the spark plug hole with a clean cloth.
• Gently pull the starter grip 2-3 times, allowing the grease to spread evenly over the cylinder walls.
• Remove the cloth from the spark plug hole.
• Observe the piston through it, set it to the top dead center and leave it in that position.
• Screw in the spark plug without putting the cap back on.

After that, you can put the grass trimmer into long-term storage, following the recommendations below.

Briefly about preparing your grass trimmer and chainsaw for the summer season

Spring! It’s time to get your grass trimmer ready for work and get your chainsaw ready for use after winter storage. After you take your tool out of the place where you stored your grass trimmer and chain saw storage, you need to make sure that the gasoline tool is ready for the start of the season. These few tips will tell you about trimmer care and chainsaw care to help get your chainsaw or lawnmower ready to start after winter storage:

• Check the condition of the spark plug, replace if necessary.
• Check the air and fuel filters, clean or replace if necessary.
• Check your grass trimmer/ chainsaw and if there are malfunctions, repair them.
• Tighten the fasteners (make sure all fasteners are tight). Do routine trimmer maintenance and chainsaw care.
• It is best to sharpen chainsaw chain, brushcutter blade or replace grass trimmer line immediately (now).
• Add lubricant to the grass trimmer/ chainsaw gearbox, lubricate cables and friction points on moving parts.
• Mix fuel by using fresh gasoline (stored for no more than 2 months) and fresh 2-stroke oil.
• If grass trimmer preparation and chainsaw preparation are done, start up and be sure to let the trimmer/ chainsaw warm up for a few minutes before starting work.

Note: For complete maintenance and repairs after winter storage of the grass trimmer or after winter storage of the chainsaw, see. Your power tool manual.

Warnings:

The weather is getting warmer and the mowing/sawing season is almost upon us. Remember that customers, children, spectators, helpers, animals, etc.д. for safety reasons, must be at least 15 m away. From a working grass trimmer or chainsaw! (care of the trimmer and care of the chainsaw must be done in full).

Read the warnings from the manufacturer of your grass trimmer, which says that children (and adults) can be injured by debris, glass, debris, etc. flying out from under the blade.д., You can also use the chain saw to turn around unexpectedly because of the kickback due to a collision with a stationary obstacle.

The Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children should be at least 16 years old to operate a trimmer or chainsaw. Make safety a top priority!