Winterizing Your Equipment: What to Check, What to Record, and What You'll Forget by Spring

When the temperature starts dropping and the days get shorter, equipment owners face a familiar routine: putting away the machines they won't need again until spring.

For some people, that means a lawn mower and a pressure washer. For others, it might mean a tractor, several attachments, a collection of small engines, or an entire workshop full of equipment.

Whatever you own, winter storage involves more than finding an empty corner of the garage. Cold temperatures, moisture, deteriorating fuel, discharged batteries and neglected maintenance can all cause problems during extended storage.

And there's another problem that's surprisingly easy to overlook: remembering what you did before putting everything away.

1. Start with a good cleaning

Before putting equipment into storage, remove accumulated dirt, grass clippings, mud, grease and other debris. Organic material and trapped moisture can contribute to corrosion, while buildup can hide damage or leaks.

• Clean grass and debris from mowing decks.
• Remove mud from frames, wheels and attachments.
• Check cooling areas and ventilation openings for buildup.
• Look for leaks, loose fasteners, worn belts, cracked guards and damaged hoses.

Allow equipment to dry thoroughly before covering or storing it.

2. Give fuel systems some attention

Fuel storage is especially important for seasonal gasoline-powered equipment. Gasoline can deteriorate over time, and fuel left in certain carburetors may contribute to deposits and starting problems.

Some manufacturers recommend an appropriate fuel stabilizer and a specific procedure for circulating treated fuel. Others recommend draining particular components. Diesel-powered equipment has different concerns, including water contamination and cold-weather fuel requirements.

There is no single fuel-storage procedure suitable for every machine. Consult the manufacturer's instructions, and never assume advice for one engine applies to another.

3. Check oil, coolant and other fluids

Winter storage is a good opportunity to review fluid condition and levels. Depending on the machine, that may include engine oil, hydraulic fluid, transmission or gear oil, coolant and other lubricants.

Some manufacturers recommend changing engine oil before extended storage. Liquid-cooled machines may require confirmation that the coolant provides adequate freeze protection for expected temperatures.

Use the owner's manual for fluid specifications, maintenance intervals and storage procedures.

4. Don't forget the batteries

A discharged battery is one of the more frustrating discoveries when equipment comes out of storage. Cold weather can reduce available battery performance, and prolonged discharge can damage some batteries.

Depending on the battery type and manufacturer's guidance, storage preparation might include charging, disconnecting, removing or maintaining the battery with a compatible charger.

Battery chemistry matters: lead-acid, lithium-ion and other types have different charging and storage requirements. Inspect terminals and connections for corrosion or damage as well.

5. Lubricate and protect exposed components

Equipment that sits unused for months can be vulnerable to corrosion, especially in damp or unheated buildings. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for grease fittings, pivots, linkages and other moving parts.

Inspect exposed metal, tires, belts, hoses and rubber components for deterioration. Choose a storage location that limits moisture, and use covers suited to the equipment and conditions; an unsuitable cover can trap condensation.

6. Consider the equipment that stays outside

Not everything fits into a heated garage. Tractors, implements, trailers and larger attachments may spend the winter outdoors or in unheated storage.

• Consider exposure to snow, rain and freezing temperatures.
• Check for water trapped in vulnerable components.
• Inspect tires, hydraulic hoses and exposed connections.
• Follow manufacturer guidance for support and storage positions.
• Consider protection against rodents and other animals.

Equipment containing water needs particular attention. Pressure washers, pumps and sprayers can suffer freeze damage if water remains in vulnerable parts. Follow the specified draining or winterizing procedure, using only products approved for that system.

7. Take care of repairs before you forget them

During the last few uses of the season, you might notice a belt starting to slip, a small hydraulic leak, a weak battery or a part that needs replacement.

It's tempting to say, “I'll deal with that in the spring.” Sometimes that's reasonable, but the details may be forgotten by then.

Before putting a machine away, write down outstanding issues, relevant part numbers and anything that must be addressed before the machine can be used safely again.

8. Keep a winter storage record

A simple record can make seasonal maintenance much easier. For each machine, consider noting:

• Date placed into storage
• Operating hours or mileage, where applicable
• Maintenance completed before storage
• Fluids, filters and other parts used
• Fuel and battery preparation
• Unfinished repairs or parts to purchase
• Special steps required when returning to service

You don't need an elaborate system. Even a notebook is better than relying entirely on memory. But as the number of machines grows, keeping track of notebooks, receipts, manuals and part numbers can become a job of its own.

A little preparation now can save frustration later

Winterizing equipment doesn't have to become a major project. The exact procedures depend on the machine, its condition, the storage environment and the manufacturer's recommendations.

But the underlying principles are straightforward: clean it, inspect it, maintain it, protect it and keep a record of anything that matters.

When spring arrives, you'll be glad you don't have to remember which machine needed a belt, which one had a fuel problem, or where you put that replacement filter number.