Essential Tips for Servicing Garden Machinery During Winter Months

montysmachinery
Jan 4
4 min read

Winter can be tough on garden machinery. Cold temperatures, moisture, and long periods of inactivity can cause damage if equipment is not properly maintained. Taking the time to service your garden tools before and during winter helps protect your investment and ensures your machines are ready to work when spring arrives. This blog offers practical advice to keep your garden machinery in top shape throughout the colder months.

Clean Your Equipment Thoroughly

Dirt, grass clippings, and debris left on garden machinery can trap moisture and cause rust or corrosion. Before storing any equipment for winter, clean it carefully:

Use a stiff brush or compressed air to remove loose dirt and grass.
Wipe down metal parts with a damp cloth, then dry completely.
For stubborn grime or sap, use a mild detergent solution.
Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage paint or plastic components.

Cleaning prevents build up that can degrade moving parts and allows you to spot any damage or wear that needs attention.

Drain or Stabilise Fuel

Fuel left in engines over winter can degrade and cause starting problems or damage. How you handle fuel depends on the type of machinery:

For petrol-powered tools like lawn mowers or chainsaws, either drain the fuel tank completely, add a fuel stabiliser or replace your fuel for Aspen fuel.
Run the engine for a few minutes after adding stabiliser or Aspen, to circulate it through the system.
Avoid storing standard fuel for more than 30 days.
For diesel equipment, check the manufacturer’s recommendations as diesel can gel in cold temperatures.

Proper fuel management prevents gum deposits and keeps engines running smoothly after storage.

Change Oil and Replace Filters

Old oil contains contaminants that can harm engine parts during storage. Changing the oil before winter is a simple way to protect your machinery:

Warm up the engine to thin the oil, then drain it completely.
Replace the oil filter if your machine has one.
Refill with fresh oil recommended by the manufacturer.
Check and replace air filters to ensure clean airflow next season.

Fresh oil and filters reduce wear and extends engine life.

Inspect and Sharpen Blades

Blades on mowers, brush cutters and other cutting tools dull with use and can rust if left unused. Before storing:

Remove blades, if possible, and clean them thoroughly.
Sharpen blades using a file or sharpening stone to maintain cutting efficiency.
Apply a light coat of oil to metal surfaces to prevent rust.
Check for cracks or damage and replace blades if necessary.
Make sure blade retaining bolts are retorqued to manufactures specifications.

Sharp blades reduce strain on engines and improve the quality of cut when you resume gardening.

Lubricate Moving Parts

Lubrication keeps gears, bearings, and joints moving smoothly and prevents rust. Winter storage can dry out lubricants, so:

Apply grease or oil to all moving parts as specified in your equipment’s manual.
Pay special attention to wheels, cables, and pivot points.
Use a silicone spray or light machine oil for metal parts exposed to moisture.
Avoid over-lubricating, which can attract dirt.

Regular lubrication reduces wear and keeps machines ready for action.

Store Machinery Properly

Where and how you store garden machinery affects its condition over winter:

Keep equipment in a dry, sheltered place like a garage or shed.
Elevate machines off the ground to avoid moisture damage.
Cover with breathable tarps or protective covers to prevent dust and condensation.
Remove batteries and store them indoors in a cool, dry place if possible.
Keep tools away from corrosive chemicals or fertilizers.

Proper storage minimises exposure to elements that cause rust, corrosion, and electrical issues.

Check and Maintain Batteries

Batteries lose charge and degrade faster in cold weather. To extend battery life:

Remove batteries from equipment, if you won’t use it for several weeks.
Store batteries in a cool, dry place above freezing temperatures.
Charge batteries fully before storage and recharge them every few weeks.
Clean battery terminals and apply a thin layer of lithium grease to prevent corrosion.

Maintaining batteries ensures your machine starts reliably when you need it.

Inspect Belts and Cables

Belts and cables can crack or stretch during winter if left unchecked. Before storing:

Examine belts for signs of wear, cracks, or fraying.
Check cables for stiffness, rust, or damage.
Replace any worn or damaged parts.
Lubricate cables with a light oil to keep them flexible.

Healthy belts and cables improve performance and safety.

Prepare Electric Tools for Winter

Electric garden tools require special care:

Clean tools and remove any debris from vents.
Check power cords for cuts or damage.
Store indoors in a dry place to avoid moisture damage.
For cordless tools, remove batteries and store indoors.

Proper care prevents electrical faults and extends tool life.

Plan a Mid-Winter Check

Winter storage doesn’t mean forgetting about your machinery. Schedule a quick inspection halfway through the season:

Check for signs of rust or damage.
Run engines briefly to keep parts lubricated.
Recharge batteries if needed.
Reapply lubricants to moving parts.

This mid-winter check helps catch issues early and keeps equipment in good condition.

How do I get in touch

If you would like anymore information or would like to book your machine for a winter check or service, please give us a call on 07817664347 or 01209 255671.