To prevent equipment downtime, repair costs, and lost early season revenue next spring, certain measures, which differ depending on whether a machine is powered by gasoline, diesel, propane or battery, can be performed on all machines and fuel sources that need to be stored for winter. Photo: Walker Mowers




For gasoline and diesel fuel-powered equipment; engine oil and filters should be changed before storage. Mowers with a hydraulic drive system should have the hydraulic oil and filters changed as well. The engines can then be run until all fuel is used up, and/or a fuel stabilizer added to their tanks. On all engines, electrical connectors should be disconnected and cleaned. Batteries should be removed and stored in an area that won't reach the extreme cold temperatures of winter, which can negatively affect the chemicals inside the batteries. Photo: Kohler Power Group

Wintertime is the season when most contractors put away their commercial mowers and other landscape equipment least in favor of shovels, plows, and spreaders. However, the looming cold season is precisely the time an equipment fleet can be impacted the most. The same goes for the equipment's fuel, whether that's gasoline, diesel, or propane. If engine-powered equipment and its fuel sources are not properly prepped and stored for the cold months, it can cost contractors in the form of equipment downtime, repair costs, and lost early season revenue.

Fortunately, there are a few simple and effective steps contractors can take now, before winter arrives, to ensure their equipment fleet and remaining fuel is ready when spring arrives.

Ready Equipment For Idle Time
After thoroughly cleaning and inspecting the machines, removing debris from the engine and cutting decks, and cleaning the blades, make sure to dry them thoroughly with a blower or compressed air, as rust can form in any nook or cranny where water settles.

Contractors should change the oil and replace the oil filter and air filter. Mowers with a hydraulic drive system need to have the hydraulic oil and filters changed as well.

After machines are clean and all oil and filters are changed, the next steps in the winterization process are dictated by the type of fuel used to power the equipment. For commercial mowers fueled by propane, the only thing contractors need to do is shut off the propane tanks and run the mower until the hoses are completely empty of fuel. The propane still left in the cylinder can be stored for use next season. Propane is a closed-loop fuel system, so common winterization steps required of gasoline and diesel fuels including treating the fuel prior to storage with a fuel stabilizer is not necessary.

Gasoline and diesel fuel are hygroscopic, which means they absorb water over time. Ethanol in the fuels can increase the incidence of water. Fuel stabilizers should be added to the gasoline and diesel containers at the time the fuel is stored, in a clean, cool place, for the long-term.




Since propane is a closed-loop fuel system, common winterization steps required of gasoline and diesel fuels are not necessary. However, shut off the propane tanks and run the mower until the hoses are completely empty of fuel. The propane still left in the cylinder can be stored for use next season but to reduce the chance of spoilage, make the containers as air tight as possible. Photo: PERC




For proper winter storage of propane fuel, all extra cylinders not attached to equipment should be secured in a specialized cage or another protected area away from ignition sources. Photo: PERC

Additional winterization tips for landscape equipment include:
• Remove mower blades and examine them for damage. Sharpen and replace as necessary.
• Lubricate and grease idler arms, pivot points, and cutter housing. Also, tighten screws and bolts and replace any damaged parts. Make sure electrical connectors are disconnected and clean.
• Remove batteries from electric mowers and equipment and store them in an area that won't reach the extreme cold temperatures of winter, which can negatively affect the chemicals inside the batteries.

Finally, keep equipment in a dry, covered area away from the elements. A garage is best, but a tarp can provide protection if a building isn't available.

Steps to Proper Fuel Storage
Any fuel type including propane, gasoline, and diesel needs to be stored in a safe and secure manner during a lengthy downtime. Best practices associated with safe fuel storage will vary depending on the fuel type at hand.

A key benefit of propane is that it doesn't degrade or go bad like traditional fuels, namely gasoline and diesel fuel. Unlike these fuels, propane is not hygroscopic, which means it does not absorb water over time. This can change the fuel properties and quality, while the presence of ethanol can even exacerbate this problem in gasoline fuel.

Extra propane cylinders not attached to equipment should be secured in a storage cage or another protected area away from ignition sources. Contractors with an on-site propane infrastructure should mark the propane tank with a flag, pole, or stake higher than the average snowfall depth for the area. This practice will ensure snow isn't plowed into or shoveled on top of the tank.

Unlike propane, there is an extra step needed while storing gasoline and diesel safely in marked containers specifically intended to hold fuel. Fuel stabilizers should be added to the gasoline and diesel containers at the time the fuel is stored for the long-term. While propane is a closed-fuel, making the containers as air tight as possible will further reduce spoilage.

Gasoline and diesel tanks should be stored in a clean, cool place away from anything that could spark or ignite.

Following these equipment winterization and fuel storage techniques can dramatically increase the life and performance of a landscape company's fleet.

Jeremy Wishart is the deputy director of business development for the Propane Education & Research Council. Located in Washington, D.C., PERC is a check-off program established, operated, and funded by the propane industry. The only energy council of its kind, PERC leads safety and training efforts among propane retailers and consumers and drives technology development to expand adoption of propane as a clean, domestic, and affordable energy source.