Snowblower Storage: Everything You Need to Know
As the days get longer and the weather gets warmer, it’s clear that winter is coming to an end. It’s time to put away your snow equipment and look for optimal snowblower storage solutions before you can fully enjoy the warm weather.
You can’t just stow away your snowblower after months of use in the garage or your backyard. Keeping your machine clean and properly stored will maintain its efficiency and ensure it’s ready to use when needed.
When it comes to snowblower storage, there are certain steps you need to follow to keep its optimal performance despite being kept in storage until the next winter comes.
Storing Snowblowers: Step-by-Step
Preparing your snowblower for storage at the end of the season doesn’t have to be difficult. Now and then, it’s important to maintain your machine after extensively using it during the winter.
By taking a few simple steps, you can make sure that your snowblower is in good condition when you need it next winter. In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about proper snowblower storage.
1. Clean off your Snowblower
Depending on the model and make of your snowblower, maintenance will differ. However, there are common procedures you can follow, such as cleaning your machine.
Wipe away the dirt and snow with a warm wet cloth or you can use a low-pressure hose to wash down the machine. Hose down the areas where dirt and salt tend to accumulate.
Also, if your snowblower uses an air filter, remove or change it as needed. Keeping your snowblower clean before storage will prevent corrosion or rust buildup while in storage.
If you’re handy with tools, you can also try cleaning your snowblower’s carburetor before storage.
2. Inspect your Snowblower for damaged parts
When inspecting your snowblower for damaged parts, make sure to remove the spark plug to avoid accidentally turning on the machine. If you have an electric snowblower, unplug the cord.
For maintenance measures, tighten the screws and bolts of the machine to keep them secured. Inspect the gear belts for wear and tear and change them as needed.
If there are cracks or minimal damages in your snowblower, it’s better to have them fixed or replaced before storage. Doing so will make sure your snowblower is in working order and ready for next winter and save you the trouble of racing with other shoppers next winter who are looking to fix their machine.
3. Change the oil
Before storage, remember to change the oil in your snowblower. Like every machine, regularly changing the oil of your snowblower will keep its gears smoothly running.
To safely change the oil, start by running the engine to warm the oil. Then, turn off the engine and ready an oil pan below the drain plug. Unplug the drain and start draining the oil onto the pan. After draining, put back the plug and fill your snowblower with the proper snowblower oil.
Lastly, to make sure there is no oil leakage, you can start your snowblower and run the engine for a few minutes.
4. Drain the gas
Some people prefer to fully drain the gas in their snowblower, while others would rather use a fuel stabilizer.
However, for safety purposes, Shield Storage doesn’t allow fuel or machines filled with gas to be stored in our units. Thus, we highly recommend to our customers that they drain the gas from their snowblower before storage.
Storing your snowblower filled with gas will only result in sludge and moisture buildup, which will damage your carburetor. For a step-by-step guide on draining gas, read here.
5. Use a rust preventative
The best way to prevent rusting is to apply a layer of protective coating on exposed metal parts. In unventilated areas, a light oil or silicone can be used for protection against environmental elements and moisture build-up.
Move your equipment to a snowblower storage location
One of the many effortless ways you can do to extend the life of your snowblower is to keep it in an open safe space. There are a few options on where you can store your snowblower. Others use their garage or shed, while some simply put their machine in their backyard.
While either of the two works, we recommend finding a designated space. In this case, your best option would be a storage facility.
You don’t want to clutter your garage and risk your snowblower getting in the way of your parking. The same goes for storing it on your lawn. Not only will it be an eyesore, but you also risk damaging your equipment.
Cover your snowblower in storage
When it comes to snowblower storage, it can be tempting to leave your equipment as it is. But it’s important to cover your snowblower. Doing so will protect your machine from dirt and dust.
You can use a canvas or tarpaulin to cover the machine. But if you have the budget, you can buy a heavy-duty snowblower cover if your snowblower didn’t come with the accessory. Whichever you use for storage, the important thing is that it covers the entire snowblower, especially if you’re storing it outdoors.
Can snowblowers be stored outside?
Yes, they can. However, it may not be the best option. When storing your snowblower, you need to protect it and be wary of what kind of weather to expect. Your topmost concern is to find an open space for storage, an area that is less likely to be cluttered.
On top of that, there are extra precautions you must take to prevent rodents or animals from chewing the wires. Thus, you will need to elevate the equipment away from the ground and wrap it in a cover. Remember, it’s important to keep the cover secured to the machine to protect it against rain or sun damage.
Should you store a snowblower with or without gas?
It depends on how long you intend to store your snowblower. For short-term storage, it’s advisable to add a fuel stabilizer to your tank before storage. Where you’re keeping your snowblower is also important. Make sure the area is away from fumes and will not come into contact with a spark or flame.
If you’re storing your snowblower for a long time, we recommend draining your tank. Over time, the gas in your tank will oxidize. As a result, sludge will build up and damage your snowblower’s fuel lines and carburetor.
If you’re looking to store your snowblower with Shield Storage, you may ask for assistance from the store manager of your chosen facility or contact us here: https://www.shieldstorage.com/contact-us/
Can you store a snowblower inside?
Yes, you can. In fact, the best option to store your snowblower is indoors. If you have more than enough space to spare, you can consider keeping your machine in your garage or shed. If none, it’s always better to opt for a storage facility than to leave your equipment outdoors.
Conclusion: Storing Snowblowers the Right Way
Following these simple steps ensures your snowblower is kept and maintained until the next time you take it out of storage for use.
Maintenance is essential in upkeeping a machine. From scraping off the snow to changing the oil to avoid damaging your machine, these careful measures will prolong the life and prime condition of your snowblower.
Now that you know how to store your snowblower the right way and your questions about snowblower storage answered, it’s time to find a storage unit.
No matter how much storage space you need, we have it! Also, we offer units that are climate-controlled and secured. Find the nearest Shield Storage facility today and get ready for Summer!