How to Winterize Your Outdoor Power Equipment for the Harsh Berkshire Winter

Published November 21, 2025

The end of the mowing season marks the beginning of the most critical maintenance task: winterization. For homeowners, landscapers, and farmers in the Berkshire County area, the harsh weather demands thorough preparation. The freeze-thaw cycles and high humidity here cause two major threats: Bad Fuel (which corrodes carburetors) and Moisture (which causes rust).

Protect your investment—whether it’s a Kioti tractor, an Ariens zero-turn, or your STIHL trimmer—with this complete storage checklist from H.D. Reynolds Equipment.

1. The Universal Gas Engine Steps (Critical)

These steps apply to virtually every gasoline-powered piece of equipment you own.

• Fuel Stabilization: Add a high-quality fuel stabilizer (like STIHL MotoMix or similar) to the fuel tank, then run the engine for 5 to 10 minutes to ensure the treated fuel reaches the carburetor.
• Drain or Run Dry: For equipment stored over 3-4 months, it is safest to completely drain the fuel tank and carburetor bowl. If draining is not possible, ensure the tank is full of stabilized fuel to minimize moisture accumulation.
• Engine Fogging (Recommended): Remove the spark plug and spray a small amount of engine fogging oil into the cylinder. Gently pull the recoil cord a couple of times to distribute the oil, then replace the plug. This oil prevents internal components from rusting due to moisture.

2. Equipment-Specific Maintenance Checklist

Lawn Mowers (Ariens Zero-Turn, Walk-Behind)

• Deck Cleaning: Scrape the underside of the deck thoroughly. Built-up grass holds moisture and causes severe rust and corrosion over the winter.
• Oil Change: Change the engine oil and filter now. Used oil contains contaminants that can damage internal seals while sitting idle.
• Battery Removal: Remove the main battery. Store it in a cool, dry place indoors (off a concrete floor) and connect it to a trickle charger once a month to maintain its charge.

Tractors (Kioti, Compact Utility)

• Coolant/Anti-Freeze Check: This is crucial. Use an antifreeze tester to ensure your coolant provides adequate protection against the freezing temperatures common in Cheshire, MA. If the concentration is weak, the engine block could crack.
• Hydraulic Check: Check the hydraulic/transmission fluid sight glass. Low or cloudy (milky) fluid means water contamination—this requires immediate professional service.
• Lubrication: Thoroughly clean and grease all accessible grease fittings (Zerk fittings) on the loader, axles, and 3-point hitch. This forces old, moisture-laden grease out and ensures components don't seize.

Battery-Powered Tools (STIHL, etc.)

• Clean and Disinfect: Clean the tools and ensure they are dry. Remove the blade from hedge trimmers and wipe it down with a light coating of oil to prevent rust.
• Battery Storage: Store lithium-ion batteries indoors, away from extreme heat or cold. Ideally, they should be stored at a 50% to 75% charge—never 100% or 0%—to preserve their overall lifespan.