Winterizing your Equipment

As construction season is winding down and hunting and snowmen building come to mind, so should the upkeep and winterizing of your equipment.

Here is a checklist to help get your saws and equipment ready for work come spring:

___	Clean your saw thoroughly, removing all dust and debris, and wipe clean. A clean saw, is a happy saw!
___	Check over your blade guard for cracks or wearing. Replace if needed.
___	Check your recoil rope for frays or tears. Replace if needed.
___	Check functionality of rewind. Clean and spray with lightweight lubricant such as ZEP 45.
___	Remove and inspect drive belt. If any cracks or frays are present, replace.
___	Check fuel filter in the gas tank. If dirty or discolored, replace.
___	Check spark arrester. Clean or replace if needed.
___	Take inventory of all nuts and bolts. Double check that they are in place and torqued down to proper specs. Refer to owners manual with questions. Replace if needed.
___	Check that the decompression valve on the saw is operational and that it moves freely. Replace if needed, or worn.
___	Remove spark plug. If black/sooty color, or excess buildup on electrode is noted, check gap, replace.
___	Take inventory of all plastic pieces. If they are broken or missing, replace where needed. What may look to be cosmetic issues may cause problems in the proper running of your equipment.
___	Check primer ball for cracks/functionality. Replace.
___	Once the saw has been checked over and all items have been replaced, dump out the remaining gas into an approved container.
___	Start your saw and run it outdoors. This will remove any gas left in fuel lines, carburetor and fuel tank.
___	As your saw runs out of gas and dies, you are ready to properly store your piece of equipment.
___	Gas left over from the season, properly dispose of and clean out gas cans.
___	Start your spring season with fresh non-oxygenated gas/89 octane or higher. No ethanol if possible. Properly mix with synthetic oil to have a trouble free time starting and running your piece of equipment.

If you are in need of parts for any of your handheld saws/blowers, have some questions, or are in need of service, please contact our mechanics in St. Paul and Milwaukee.

Written by Esch Construction Supply

Esch has earned the trust of contractors by consistently contributing to their industries. We have a history of donating diamond tools, equipment and time to local trade schools. We are active in many trade associations and have provided leadership in industry associated fundraising and membership recruitment drives. Contact us for upcoming events and training.

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