WINTER: Seasonal Maintenance Calendar

Routine Seasonal Maintenance Is The Best Way To Maximize The Performance Of Your Outdoor Power Equipment.

BEFORE OPERATING:

Walk-Behind Snow Throwers

  • Fill tank with fresh winter-grade fuel before the snow season starts; test run to ensure dependable operation.
  • Change spark plug every year.
  • Change engine oil before cold weather and use recommended viscosity and grade for easier starting and engine protection.
  • Check safety devices to ensure that they are attached and working.

Chain Saws

  • "Winter-blended" fuels are oxygenated for easier starting in cold weather. Saw rpm could be higher with these gases and if excessive, could cause engine failure. Have your carburetor adjusted by a servicing retailer.
 
FOR REGULAR OPERATION:

All Power Equipment

  • Refer to the maintenance section of your owner's manual for proper instructions.
  • Dress properly for the job, wearing substantial shoes, long pants and close-fitting clothes (no loose jewelry, unrestrained hair or anything that could get caught in a moving part).
  • Clear the working area before you start by picking up anything that could be thrown by the equipment or would block the equipment's operation. Then clear the area of people and pets. Watch out for young children.
  • Never remove or tamper with safety devices and labels -- they're designed to protect you.
  • Handle gas carefully. Fill up before you start, while the engine is cold. Don't spill when you fill and no smoking when gasoline is being used.
  • Regularly check that engine oil is "Full."
  • Regularly check all nuts, bolts, belts and screws for tightness.
  • Check that engine cooling fins are clean with every operation.

Walk-Behind Snow Throwers

  • Check shear bolts and other bolts at frequent intervals for proper tightness.
  • Run machine a few minutes after each use to prevent freeze-up of auger/impeller.
  • Check belts for wear and tightness.
  • Fill fuel tank after each operation to force moist air from the tank and to reduce condensation of water into the fuel.
  • Keep tires properly inflated and add tire chains to increase traction.
  • Never put hand in chute to unclog snow while operating ... Turn off the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire, and always use a stick.

Chain Saws

  • Always use fresh fuel.
  • In cold regions, use winter-grade bar oils which pour and flow more easily.
   
FOR REPAIRS:

All Power Equipment

  • Refer to the repairs section of your owner's manual for proper instructions.
  • If you have any questions or are not comfortable repairing your own equipment, please contact your nearest outdoor power equipment servicing retailer.
  • Before any repair, be sure to turn off the unit and disconnect the spark plug wire.
  • Keep hands and feet away from moving parts. Never work on equipment while it is running.
 
FOR END OF SEASON STORAGE:
Walk-Behind Snow Throwers
  • Run machine a few minutes after last use to prevent freeze-up of auger/impeller.
  • Disengage power to the auger/impeller when not in use.
  • Run or drain gas tank completely dry of all fuel (or add fuel conditioner) outdoors or in a well ventilated area.
  • Disconnect spark plug wire.
  • Always refer to operator's manual for important details for extended storage.
  • Store snow thrower in a dry, ventilated area.
  • Store fuel can in a dry, ventilated area and never near a pilot light, stove, or heat source of any kind.
  • If equipment features folding handles, fold them for more compact storage.