Chances are you got your money’s worth out of your snowblower this winter. But now, summer is here and the snow has stopped until next year—at least we hope it has. You can finally put that snow-removal equipment back in storage (hooray!). Use our expert’s guide to snowblower storage for tips on prepping and storing your most important winter accessory.
How to Prepare Your Snowblower for Storage
We know you’re probably pretty excited about warm weather, flip-flops, and sunshine. But don’t just throw your snowblower into storage and forget about it (that goes for winter clothes and sporting goods, too). Make sure you’re properly preparing your snowblower for off-season storage.
- Conduct a final maintenance check before storing your snowblower away for the season, replacing parts and equipment if necessary.
- Hand-wash and dry the exterior of the machine and the engine to prevent salt from causing corrosion and damage.
- After lightly sanding, touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces.
- Cover bare metal parts like the auger housing and the impeller with rust preventative. If storing the unit in an unventilated area, use light oil or silicone.
- On models with folding handles, loosen the knobs that secure the upper handle and rotate it back.
Before putting gasoline-powered snowblowers in summer storage, you should:
- Prepare the fuel system for storage to prevent gum deposits from forming in the tank, filter, hose, and carburetor during storage. Since storage care for snowblowers can vary, you should follow the instructions for your specific snowblower and engine. Some may specify running the unit until the fuel tank, fuel lines, and carburetor are empty. Others suggest running the unit using fuel mixed with fuel stabilizer.
- If storing a snowblower with a fuel/stabilizer mix in the fuel tank, make sure it is in an area where fumes will not come into contact with a spark or flame.
As an additional resource for ways to prepare your gasoline-powered snow-blower for storage, Don the Small Engine Doctor has a quick how-to video.
Storing a Snowblower in a Garage or Shed
OK, your snowblower is shiny and clean—now you can put it away and forget about it. Ideally, you have a garage or storage shed that will protect it from the elements, like sun and rain. If that’s the case, all you need to do is ensure you have a properly sized snowblower cover. Put it on, wheel the machine where you want it, and park it. Easy!
Invest in a Snowblower Storage Shed
Consider this: Your yard’s storage shed is great for the summer, but when winter hits, you won’t want to trudge through snow to get to it. One of our favorite snowblower storage ideas is to have a smaller, heavy-duty storage shed near your home, for easier access.
Storing a Snowblower Outside
If you have a home that’s on the smaller side, or one without a garage or shed, you’re probably wondering, “Can I store my snowblower outside?” The answer is yes: You can safely store your snowblower outdoors by elevating it away from the ground, blocking up the snow thrower, and covering the unit with a heavy tarpaulin. However, it’s always best to store your snowblower in a clean, dry area, so consider keeping it in a storage unit if you don’t have a garage or shed.
It’s time to breathe a sigh of relief—you’re done fighting mounds of snow for another year. Now that you know how to store a snowblower in any situation, be sure to share your newfound knowledge with your neighbors. Then fire up the grill and get ready for summer!
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