As winter gets closer, we are frequently asked, “How do I winterize my equipment?” Winterizing your concrete saw or rammer is just the same as winterizing your trimmer or mower. There are a few more steps involved, because these machines are used on a daily basis and generally see more abusive use.

FUEL:

Today’s gasoline is not good for small engines. It usually contains ethanol, which we’ve learned is hell on carburetors and fuel systems. Ethanol attracts water through the air that enters your fuel tank, while the engine is running. Of course, this means that the water is a chemical accelerant for corrosion in your fuel system. Gasoline oxidizes just like iron and steel. Instead of rust, you’re left gum and varnish in your fuel system.

A very simple fix for alleviating fuel system corrosion is to use a gasoline additive, like Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment. We love this stuff. I use it in my Honda ATV, and in my generator. Star Tron not only cure and eliminates ethanol fuel problems, but it also stabilizes fuel for up to 2 years! One ounce can treat up to 16 gallons of fuel, so one bottle can service many machines.

TIP: As you put your equipment away for the winter, drain the old fuel from the machine and add new fuel, with the Star Tron Fuel Treatment mix, for the best results come spring.

SPARK:

How many times did you start and run your equipment last season? Probably more than you can count, right? Imagine how many times your plug threw a spark into the cylinder. I willing to bet that your machine could use a new spark plug. They’re cheap enough, so why not?

While you have the spark plug out, pump a couple of squirts of oil into the cylinder and give the starter a pull to distribute the oil. This is especially important on 2-cycle engines, since they don’t have an internal oil system like 4-cycle engines. This will keep your cylinder nicely lubed throughout the winter.

OIL:

Before stashing away your 4-cycle equipment for the winter, change the oil. Oil itself doesn’t breakdown, but the additives in the oil do. The additives are the DNA that make up the oil. So basically, if you let your oil sit all winter, you’re essentially removing the DNA from the life blood of your machine. You could end up with internal engine damage. Oil is cheap enough and changing the oil is easy enough. Add it to the list.

AIR FILTER:

At the end of the season, it’s not uncommon for a piece of equipment to get shoved into the corner and forgot about until spring. Once spring hits, the equipment gets pulled out and trucked to the jobsite without any regard for the use from the prior season.

Of course, when you store it and forget it, you’re also forgetting about all the dirt, dust, and debris that is in your air filter from last fall. Concrete dust especially, can cause hell on your machine if not properly cleaned.

The best course of action, is to simply replace your air filter. Use a good cleaning solvent to clean your air box, before installing the new air filter. A new air filter ensures the best start-up performance after a long winter nap.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP:

If you have any other questions about winterizing a specific piece of equipment, please feel free to contact us toll free at 866-611-9369.