Tips and Tricks for Winterising Your Power Equipment

As winter approaches, it’s essential to ensure your outdoor power equipment is properly winterised. Without adequate preparation, equipment can deteriorate, costing time and money when spring returns. ECHO outdoor power equipment deserves optimal care to maintain its top-tier performance season after season.

Why Winterising Your Outdoor Power Equipment is Essential

Through the cold winter months, most outdoor power equipment can be forgotten about, it's important to winterise your equipment to avoid issues that can occur when equipment sits idle for several months. Through winter the fuel in your equipment can degrade, internal components can rust, and seals can dry out, reducing the efficiency and lifespan of the equipment. Winterising helps protect your investment, so you're ready to go when the grass starts growing in spring.

Each type of power tool may require slightly different care, but these general steps apply across most ECHO products:

• Clean Your Equipment Thoroughly

Before storing any power equipment, ensure it’s clean. Dirt, grass, and debris can cause corrosion if left on surfaces during storage. Wipe down surfaces, clean or replace air filters, and remove any caked-on dirt or grass.

• Prepare the Fuel System

Petrol can go stale in as little as 30 days, leading to gummy deposits in the fuel system. Add a fuel stabiliser to prevent fuel from breaking down or run the engine until the tank is empty at the end of the cutting season.

Ensure your fuel is stored off the floor in an appropriate vessel, and not exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations or rain. ECHO recommends using ethanol-free fuel for best results.

• Inspect the Spark Plug

A clean spark plug is vital for proper performance. Remove the spark plug and inspect it for any carbon buildup or damage. If needed, replace it or clean it with a wire brush. Before reinstalling, add a few drops of oil into the cylinder to prevent surface corrosion during storage.

• Sharpen Cutting Equipment and Replace Worn Parts

Dull blades can reduce the efficiency of your equipment and cause wear on the motor. Sharpen any blades (such as those on lawn mowers or trimmers) and replace any parts that are showing signs of wear.

• Store Equipment in a Dry, Cool Place

Moisture and temperature fluctuations can cause damage to your equipment. Store your ECHO tools in a cool, dry place to avoid rust and corrosion. For longer term storage, consider using protective covers or cases for extra protection.

Optimal Storage Recommendations for ECHO Equipment

• Store Upright and Securely

If possible, store equipment upright to prevent oil from seeping into engine parts. Ensure it is stored securely to avoid any potential accidents.

• Battery Care (for Electric Models)

For battery powered tools, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Make sure it’s fully charged before storage and check the charge periodically over the winter months to avoid complete drainage.

• Avoid Outdoor Storage

If indoor storage isn’t an option, avoid leaving your tools exposed to the elements. Store away from direct sunlight and use heavy-duty tarps or a garden shed to protect them from temperature fluctuations, and moisture.