If you live in an area with harsh winters, a snow blower is a must-have tool to keep your driveway and sidewalks clear of snow and ice. But what do you do with your snow blower when the winter season is over? Proper storage of your snow blower in your garage can help ensure it remains in good condition and is ready for use when the snow starts falling again.
Storing your snow blower in your garage is not as simple as just pushing it to the corner and forgetting about it until next winter. If you want to avoid costly repairs and ensure your snow blower starts up easily when you need it, there are a few steps you should take to properly store it. From preparing the fuel tank to protecting the blades, this article will provide you with tips and tricks to get your snow blower ready for storage in your garage.
Whether you have a single-stage or a two-stage snow blower, proper storage is essential to keep it in good condition. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about how to store your snow blower in your garage. Follow these simple steps to ensure your snow blower is ready to go next winter and avoid the frustration of a machine that won’t start or runs poorly.
Preparation
Before storing your snow blower in your garage for the off-season, it’s important to prepare it properly to ensure it’s ready to use again when winter comes around. Here are some steps you can take to prepare your snow blower for storage:
Step 1: Clean the Snow Blower
Before storing your snow blower, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. This will help prevent rust and corrosion from developing on the machine. Use a soft rag and a soap-water solution to wipe down the exterior of the machine. Dry it with another dry rag. Keep it out in the sun for the rest of the day so that it dries completely.
Step 2: Drain the Fuel Tank
One of the most important steps in preparing your snow blower for storage is draining the fuel tank. This will prevent the fuel from gumming up and damaging the engine while in storage. To do this, simply run the snow blower until it runs out of fuel.
Step 3: Add Fuel Stabilizer
After draining the fuel tank, add a fuel stabilizer to the remaining fuel in the tank. This will help prevent the fuel from breaking down and becoming unusable over time. Follow the instructions on the stabilizer for the correct amount to use.
Step 4: Lubricate Moving Parts
To prevent rust and corrosion from developing on the moving parts of your snow blower, lubricate them with a thin layer of grease, engine storage spray, or rust-preventative spray. The areas you need to lubricate are the chain, gears, axle shaft, auger shaft, hex shaft, and pinion shaft.
Step 5: Cover and Store the Snow Blower
Finally, cover your snow blower with a breathable cover to protect it from dust and debris while in storage. Store it in a dry, cool place, such as a garage or shed. Avoid storing it near any heat sources or direct sunlight.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your snow blower is properly prepared for storage during the off-season, and ready to use again when winter arrives.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To ensure your snow blower works efficiently and lasts for years to come, it’s important to keep it clean and perform regular maintenance. This section will cover the best practices for cleaning and maintaining your snow blower.
Cleaning the Snow Blower
Before storing your snow blower, it’s important to clean it thoroughly to prevent rust, moisture, and salt stains from damaging the exterior and metal parts. Here are the steps to follow:
- Remove any snow or debris from the auger and chute.
- Use a garden hose to wash away any remaining dirt and grime.
- Dry the machine thoroughly before storing it in your garage or shed.
- Use rust preventative to protect metal components from rust.
- Apply grease to impellers, nuts, bolts, and screws to prevent them from seizing up.
Maintenance
Performing regular maintenance on your snow blower will ensure it runs smoothly and efficiently. Here are some maintenance tips to follow:
- Check the spark plug and replace it if necessary.
- Change the oil at least once a year or after every 50 hours of use.
- Use a fuel stabilizer to prevent gas from breaking down and causing damage to the carburetor.
- Inspect moving parts, belts, and bolts for wear and tear, and replace them if necessary.
- Check the air filter and clean or replace it if necessary.
- Lubricate the friction discs, chains, and gears.
- Inspect the hex shaft for wear and replace it if necessary.
By following these cleaning and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your snow blower is in top condition and ready to tackle the next winter season.
Storage
When it comes to storing your snow blower in your garage, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Proper storage can help ensure that your snow blower is ready to go when the next winter season arrives. In this section, we will discuss the fuel and tank, storing the snow blower, and location and environment.
Fuel and Tank
Before storing your snow blower, it’s important to take care of the fuel and tank. A fuel stabilizer is a must-have when it comes to storing your snow blower for an extended period of time. Gas can go bad and cause problems with the fuel lines, gas tank, and carburetor. Ethanol in gas can also cause gunk to build up, which can lead to clogging and other issues. A stabilizer helps prevent these problems by keeping the gas from oxidizing.
To prepare your snow blower for storage, add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank of gas. This will help ensure that the stabilizer gets into all the fuel lines and the carburetor. Run the snow blower for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the system. This will help prevent any problems with the fuel system when you take the snow blower out of storage.
Storing the Snow Blower
When it comes to storing the snow blower, there are a few things you can do to help protect it. First, make sure it’s off the ground. This will help prevent any moisture from getting to the snow blower and causing corrosion. You can use a snow blower storage mat or a piece of plywood to keep it off the ground.
Next, consider using a snow blower cover. This will help protect the snow blower from the elements and prevent salt stains from forming on the exterior. If you don’t have a snow blower cover, you can wrap it well with a tarp or other waterproof material.
Finally, consider using an engine storage spray. This will help protect the engine from moisture and corrosion. Follow the instructions on the can to ensure that you apply it properly.
Location and Environment
The location and environment where you store your snow blower are also important. If you have a garage or shed, that’s the best place to store it. If you don’t have a garage or shed, consider renting a storage unit. Look for a local storage unit that offers climate control to help protect your snow blower from extreme temperatures.
When storing your snow blower, make sure it’s in a location that’s protected from the elements. If you’re storing it outdoors, put blocks under it to keep it off the ground, and cover it with a heavy tarp. Make sure the location is also protected from open flames.
In conclusion, proper storage is essential for keeping your snow blower in good condition. By following these tips for fuel and tank, storing the snow blower, and location and environment, you can help ensure that your snow blower is ready to go when the next winter season arrives.
Quality Check
Before storing your snow blower in your garage, it is important to perform a quality check to ensure that it is in good condition and ready for use when winter arrives. Here are a few things to consider during your quality check:
Gas Engine
If your snow blower has a gas engine, it is important to drain the fuel tank and run the engine until it is out of fuel. This will prevent any leftover fuel from going bad and causing damage to the engine. You should also change the oil and replace the air filter if necessary.
Repairs
If your snow blower needs any repairs, it is best to take care of them before storing it for the season. This will ensure that it is ready to go when you need it next winter. Check for any broken parts, loose bolts, or other issues that need to be addressed.
User Manual
Be sure to consult your snow blower’s owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to prepare it for storage. The manual may have additional steps or recommendations that are specific to your model.
Investment
Remember that your snow blower is an investment, and taking care of it properly will help it last longer and perform better. By performing a quality check before storing it for the season, you can ensure that it is in good condition and ready to use when you need it.
Pilot Light
If your snow blower has a pilot light, be sure to turn it off before storing it. This will prevent any gas from leaking and causing a fire hazard.
Performing a quality check before storing your snow blower in your garage is an important step in ensuring that it is ready to use when winter arrives. By following these tips and consulting your owner’s manual, you can help extend the life of your snow blower and get the most out of your investment.
