Snowblowers are an indispensable part of winter in areas that get a considerable amount of snow.
But, storing the machines can become a problem if you have limited space in your house or garage. That's why I'm here to tell you everything about how to store snowblower outside.
So, without further ado, let's get started!
How To Store Snowblower Outside
Many people have the notion that they need to make space for a snowblower in their home or garage. While it's ideal, there are ways in which you can store a machine outdoors without it getting damaged by unfavorable weather conditions. This can be especially helpful to those who live in small-sized homes or have a bulky multi-stage snowblower.
Nevertheless, I must let you know that storing a snowblower outdoors will cost you a bit more due to the extra steps of protection. But it's much better than having to break your back every day while clearing the thick layers of snow using a shovel.
Now, let's check out some things you can do to store your snowblower outside without getting tensed about its well-being.
1. Adding Gas Stabilizer
One of the first things to do if you're planning to store your snowblower outside is to add a gas stabilizer to your machine. It will help prevent your fuel from attracting moisture which can cause gumming or corrosion in the carburetor. Adding a gas stabilizer also helps stop carb contamination and prevents ethanol from corroding your machine.
2. Preparing The Engine
Irrespective of where you're storing the snowblower, it's essential to get it checked every year. If a maintenance check isn't done before storing it outside, the problems can worsen over time. You should begin by removing and cleaning the air filter, followed by checking the oil level of the machine.
Next, put the engine of your snowblower at the top dead center (TDC) setting to prevent internal corrosion. This is done by shutting off the valves to limit moisture intake into the tank. You should also turn on the choke completely to prevent moisture build-up.
3. Prepping The Body
Once you decide to store your snowblower, it's time to get it cleaned thoroughly. Make sure that its auger or impeller is free from salt and debris. You can also wipe its body clean of any dirt or grime and apply a coat of DuPont Teflon to protect the machine from moisture. When my snowblower gets extremely dirty, I prefer to hose it down at low pressure.
After that, I let my snowblower dry under the sun for two to three hours so that no moisture is left on its body. Once the body is dry, I sometimes utilize the time to touch up some areas of paint where it might have chipped off.
Even though it isn't absolutely necessary, I like to coat some areas of my snowblower with a thin layer of lubricant. This includes the gears, hex shaft, auger shaft, axle shaft, chains, and pinion shaft. Basically, you can apply a bit of lubricant to those parts, which are usually in motion, while using the snowblower to keep them resistant to moisture.
4. Take Out The Battery
Some snowblowers are fitted with batteries that need to be removed before storing them for the season. Batteries shouldn't be left idle in the machine as they can easily leak due to temperature changes. You need to take out the battery and keep it charged using a smart charger.
5. Using A Breathable Cover
Storing your snowblower outdoors can be similar to parking your car on the street. You should find a waterproof yet breathable cover that can protect your machine from sunlight, frost, rain, and moisture. I don't really like plastic sheets or tarps as they can trap moisture which might damage the body of your snowblower.
If possible, you should also avoid placing the snowblower directly on the ground. Instead, lay a plastic sheet or a wooden plank before placing the machine. Just make sure that the whole area is covered so that there's no chance of moisture damage.
Final Words
That's almost everything you need to know about storing a snowblower outdoors. Make sure to follow all these steps along with any extra precautions that might be mentioned in the manual of your machine.
Other than that, if there's even a bit of space in your backyard or lawn, try to create a shed for the snowblower. You can even purchase an affordable and effective storage unit to keep your machine free from damage.
Until next time, goodbye, and take care!