Snowblower Spring Storage

When it is finally time to put your snowblower away for the summer taking a little care can save you costly repairs when the snow falls again next spring.  Teske's power equipment department will give your snowblower a tune up now so that it is ready to use next fall.  If you opt out of a spring tune up, be sure to follow these steps before storing your snowblower for the summer.  For complete instructions specific to your snowblower refer to your operator's manual.

• Fuel System Preparation.  Add Toro fuel treatment/conditioner to the fuel tank.  Fuel treatment only works with fresh gas.  Run the engine for five minutes to distribute conditioned fuel through the fuel system.  Stop the engine, allow it to cool, then drain the fuel tank or run it dry.  Restart the engine and allow it to run until it stops.  Continue to attempt to restart the engine until it will no longer start.

• Cylinder/Piston Care.  4-cycle engines.  Remove the spark plug and add about one tablespoon of oil through the spark plug hole.  Slowly retate the engine several times using the starter rope or key starter to distribute oil.  Reinstall the spark plug, but do not connect the spark plug wire.

• Cylinder/Piston Care.  2-cycle engines.  Slowly pull the recoil starter until resistance is felt due to compression pressure, then stop.  Release the starter tension slowly to prevent the engine from reversing due to compression pressure.  This position closes both the intake and exhaust ports to prevent outside air entry, which can result in corrosion of the cylinder bore.

• Repair or replace damaged/worn parts.

• Tighten screws, bolts, nuts and fasteners as needed.

• Clean the machine thoroughly.  Remove salt, sand and residue.

• Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces.

• Lubricate the unit per the operator's manual.
• Check adjustment of skid shoes.  Replace if worn out.
• 4-cycle engine.  Now is the best time to change the engine oil if you have a 4-cycle model (fuel and oil are spearate) to remove contaminants that have built up over the winter before they cause internal corrosion.
• Single Stage.  Inspect paddles and scrapers for wear.  Replace if necessary.
• 2-Stage.  Inspect belts and replace if frayed or cracked.
• Final Storage Tips.  Ensure the engine has cooled.  Remove the ignition key.  Cover the unit and store it in a clean, dry location out of the reach of children. 

Note:  Never store the machine in a house (living area) or basement where ignition sources may be present such as a hot water heater, space heater, or clothes dryer.  Gasoline and fumes are highly flammable and explosive.  Fumes can also be dangerous if inhaled.

The Toro Company tells us taking these simple steps for storing your snowthrower will help it run better next winter and help to extend its life.