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Weighs In With warmer weather on its way (maybe having already arrived in parts of the country), the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute provides some helpful advice on best practices for "de-winterizing" snow blowers and other seasonal power equipment. Snow Machines Storing Drain the fuel. A general rule of thumb is to not leave fuel sitting in the tank for more than 30 days. Untreated gasoline (without a fuel stabilizer) left in the system will deteriorate, which may cause starting or running problems and, in some cases, harm to the fuel system. Drain the old fuel into a gas can and take it to an authorized recycling center, automotive center or organization that can dispose of it properly. "Most fuel contains some level of ethanol, which contains corrosive alcohol. One of the biggest mistakes made by contractors and consumers alike is leaving that fuel in the tank for extended periods of time, which could damage equipment." Kris Kiser, president and CEO, OPEI Change the oil. Refll the engine with oil recommended by the product manufacturer. Remove the spark plug. Store it in a clean dry place where you can easily fnd it next season. You can pour a very small amount of oil onto the pistons through the hole where your spark plug was removed. This will help prevent rusting or corroding of engine parts. Inspect your equipment. Check for loose belts and missing or damaged parts. If you fnd anything concerning, replace the parts or take your equipment to a qualifed service representative. Make sure none of the safety guards have been damaged, removed or disabled. A new rule issued by the FTC requiring ethanol blended fuels to be labeled at the gas pump as: "Use Only in Flex- Fuel Vehicles/May Harm Other Engines," brought a complaint from OPEI that the warning label isn't strong enough to prevent people from mistakenly putting fuels containing greater than 10 percent ethanol in their outdoor power equipment, which can damage or destroy the engines. Cover equipment. Equipment covers keep dust, dirt and debris off the machine and protect your investment. "You rely on your snow thrower and other equipment during the winter months, so it's important to ensure it will be operational next season and precious time isn't wasted on repairs and maintenance instead of snow removal." Kris Kiser, president and CEO, OPEI Clean your equipment. Give your equipment a good spring-cleaning so it's ready for next season. Maintenance kits are available to help with these tasks. Be sure to get the right kit for your model and always follow manufacturer's recommendations. OPEI's 2016 Board of Directors Board Members Chairman - Lee Sowell, president, Outdoor Products, Techtronic Industries, N.A., Inc. Vice Chairman - Tim Merrett, vice president, A & T Global Platform – Turf & Utility, Deere & Company Secretary/Treasurer - Daniel T. Ariens, CEO, Ariens Company Immediate Past Chairman - Paul Mullet, chairman, president & CEO, Excel Industries Edward B. Cohen , vice president, Government & Industry Relations, American Honda Motor Co. Inc. Thomas G. Cromwell, group president, Power Group, Kohler Company Tim Dorsey, president, Echo Incorporated Tom Duncan, president & CEO, Positec Marc J. Dufour, president & CEO, Club Car, LLC Bjoern Fischer, president, Stihl Incorporated Peter Hampton, president, Active Exhaust Corp. Jean Hlay, president & COO, MTD Products Inc. Michael J. Hoffman, chairman & CEO, The Toro Company Jeff Hohler, president, Consumer Brands Division, Husqvarna Professional Products Todd Teske, chairman, president & CEO, Briggs & Stratton Corporation David Withers, president, Jacobsen, A Textron Company 8 LC DBM