With the arrival of winter, the need for utilising most of your battery-operated outdoor equipment to cut the lawn, trim trees and hedges, and perform other outdoor tasks diminishes. While your chainsaws, lawnmowers and trimmers might be idle for the season, by following tried and tested cleaning, storage and maintenance guidelines, when the warmer weather returns, you are guaranteed that your trusted tools will start first time, every time.
“Ensuring the longevity of your outdoor power equipment involves regular maintenance and winter service is one of the most important steps,” says Johan Kruger, Husqvarna’s National Sales Manager. “To guarantee optimal performance and maximize the benefits of these tools in spring, there are a few essential measures one should take.”
Kruger’s top tips when storing your battery-operated outdoor equipment during the winter months include:
1. Longevity and Performance
Over time, your hard-working tools accumulate dirt, debris and residue from regular use. Neglecting to clean them can allow these substances to corrode the equipment, leading to rust, clogged filters and decreased efficiency. Ensure your outdoor tools are clean by giving them a thorough wash using warm water and a cloth, followed by a gentle wipe-down with a microfiber towel. This process eliminates any detrimental substances and safeguards against potential damage before storage.
2. Identifying Any Issues
Winter cleaning provides an excellent opportunity to inspect your outdoor equipment too. While cleaning, pay attention to any signs of wear and tear, loose or damaged parts and any potential mechanical issues. If you note any such issues, it is a good idea to take your equipment to your nearest Husqvarna dealer so they can service it for you before you store it for winter. By taking care of this when the equipment is not in use, your trusty tools will be in optimal condition when spring arrives, preventing downtime and avoiding unexpected disruptions.
3. Storing your Battery
When preparing for winter storage, it’s essential to take a few guidelines into account that will significantly influence the lifespan of your batteries. The most important is that the lithium-ion battery must be removed from the battery compartment of all your battery-operated equipment when it’s not in use. Once removed, give the batteries a quick wipe and a fresh charge. Make sure that you place them in an area that’s dry and where they won’t be exposed to extremely cold weather. Husqvarna batteries should be stored at a temperature between 5 and 25°C so your garage or shed should work well. Store your batteries on a plastic or wood shelf, keeping them at least 10cm apart.
4. Maintain a 50% charge
When storing your equipment for longer than 30 days, you need to inspect your batteries every couple of weeks. In order to enhance their longevity, a battery should be maintained at 50% charged. To assess its status, simply press the button located at the back of the battery. If the charge level has fallen below 50%, give it a quick recharge and continue to check regularly. When you are ready to power up your tools in the spring give it a full charge and you’ll be good to go!
“By investing a little time and effort in proper maintenance during the winter season, you will ensure that your battery-operated tools remain in tip-top condition, guaranteeing their readiness to tackle all those outdoor jobs for a beautiful summer garden,” concludes Kruger.
