Winterising Your Groundcare Machinery: Essential Maintenance Tips for the Cold Season

As winter blankets the landscape in frost and snow, it's crucial to prepare your groundcare machinery for the challenges that the season brings.

From lawn mowers to snow blowers, proper winter maintenance ensures that your equipment stays reliable and ready for action when spring arrives.

Here are essential tips to keep your groundcare machinery in top shape during the winter months:

Clean Thoroughly

Before storing your equipment for the winter, give it a thorough cleaning. Remove any dirt, grass clippings, or debris that may have accumulated during the mowing season.

Clean surfaces not only promote efficient operation but also prevent corrosion.

Inspect and Replace Filters

Check and replace air, oil, and fuel filters according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Clean filters ensure that your machinery's engine receives the proper airflow and fuel, enhancing performance in cold conditions.

Stabilise Fuel

If your equipment will be idle for an extended period, add a fuel stabiliser to prevent fuel deterioration. Run the engine for a few minutes after adding the stabiliser to ensure its distribution throughout the fuel system.

Check and Change Oil

Fresh oil is essential for engine lubrication. Before winter sets in, check the oil level and quality. If needed, change the oil according to the manufacturer's guidelines.

Inspect Belts and Chains

Examine belts and chains for wear and tension. Replace any components showing signs of damage or deterioration. Properly tensioned belts and chains contribute to smooth operation and prevent unnecessary strain on the engine.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Apply lubricant to moving parts such as hinges, pivot points, and linkages. This prevents rust and ensures that components move freely, especially in freezing temperatures.

Check Tyre Pressure

Maintain proper tyre pressure to ensure traction and stability. Cold temperatures can cause tyre pressure to drop, so regularly check and adjust as needed.`

Protect the Battery

Cold weather can be challenging for batteries. Ensure that the battery is fully charged before winter and consider removing it for storage in a climate-controlled space. If storage without removal is necessary, use a battery maintainer to prevent discharge.

Store Indoors if Possible

Whenever possible, store groundcare machinery indoors to protect it from harsh winter elements. If indoor storage isn't feasible, use weather-resistant covers to shield equipment from snow, ice, and moisture.

Inspect Blades and Cutting Elements

For mowers and other cutting equipment, inspect blades and cutting elements for wear and damage. Sharpen or replace blades as needed to ensure clean and efficient cutting when spring arrives.

Prepare for Snow Removal

If your machinery is equipped for snow removal, check and test snow blowers, ploughs, or other attachments. Ensure they are in good working order and ready to handle winter weather.

Follow Manufacturer Guidelines

Always refer to the manufacturer's maintenance guidelines and recommendations specific to your equipment. These guidelines provide valuable insights into the unique requirements of each machine.

By taking the time to winterise your groundcare machinery, you not only protect your investment but also ensure that your equipment is ready to tackle landscaping tasks when the warmer seasons return.