Can a Snow Blower Be Stored Outside?
Having a snowblower close by gives me peace of mind when snow drifts cover the driveway. “Nearby” often means “in the garage” for many individuals. Some people might decide to keep their snowblower outside.
Is keeping a snowblower outside a smart idea? Why may you be tempted to leave it there?
Completing a snow removal project with a Cub Scout
Why Would You Think to Store a Snowblower Outside?
Lack of storage room is the most typical excuse for not keeping a snowblower indoors. Everyday, garages and sheds are crammed with a variety of equipment, toys, cartons, and even vehicles!
Some people’s issue is the lack of a garage or shed on their property. Many urban and suburban communities experience this predicament frequently.
You might have a place indoors where you might store your snowblower. However, you don’t want the snow and muck that the snowblower brings in after use. Puddles form on the garage floor as snowdrifts melt off the tires and auger housing.
During the winter, snowfall can be regular in some locations. Instead of hauling the snowblower inside after each usage, it would seem easier to keep it outside.
But is keeping a snowblower outside a wise idea? Your snowblower is an important piece of gear. You want to keep it as securely stored as you can.
What Are the Dangers of Using a Snow Blower Outside?
A snowblower exposed to the elements is subject to high humidity levels. A lot of moisture can seep in underneath, even if you use a tarp or snowblower cover.
If the snowblower is positioned on bare ground, the moisture issue is particularly serious. The likelihood that the impeller, auger housing, and other steel parts will start to rust increases with high moisture levels. It is vital to take every precaution to prevent rust because most snowblower manufacturers do not offer warranties for rust-related issues.
Even the sun may harm things. The plastic and rubber components of a snowblower as well as the paint and decals may eventually disintegrate due to the sun’s UV rays.
Extreme temperature levels are another risk. Snowblowers typically do quite well in cold climates. The snow that gathered on a snowblower while blowing snow will never have an opportunity to melt off, however, if it is left outside in the cold after use. This is especially problematic if the temperature rises briefly before falling once more. The snow starts to melt, but it quickly freezes over and hardens into encrustations on the machine. If the ice accumulation is severe enough, the snowblower’s performance the following time you need to use it will suffer.
Security is another concern when keeping a snowblower outside. Your snowblower shouldn’t be kept in a place where it could be readily stolen.
Given these potential issues, it is clear that outdoor storage is not the best choice. What if it’s your only choice, though? Here are a few things you can do, even if your snowblower is kept outside, to provide it the most protection possible.
If you have to leave your snowblower outside, what can you do to protect it?
If at all possible, keep the snowblower outside on a deck, a porch, or the house’s most secure side. The idea is to keep it as far away from the rain, snow, wind, and sun as you can.
Place the snowblower on a patch of concrete or asphalt. Pavement of any kind offers more resistance to moisture than bare earth does. Find a means to keep the snowblower off the ground if using it on an unpaved surface is your only option. To build an elevated platform, place some boards over some concrete blocks or spread out an old pallet. This will enable airflow underneath the device and lessen the amount of excessive humidity it is exposed to.
When not in use, keep the snowblower covered. Use a cover made of a sturdy, mildew- and waterproof cloth. It should also offer defense against UV ray injury. While the snowblower should be completely enclosed by the cover, the ground should not be visible. You should make room for air to flow underneath.
Make sure not to use a plastic cover that is impermeable. Plastic will retain moisture and mildew underneath, which will quickly lead to the formation of rust.
For your snowblower, think about building or buying a modest storage shed. You can choose a little building that is only big enough for your snowblower. Alternately, you might build it big enough to house additional tools and outdoor equipment. Check local laws, but in many towns you don’t even need a construction permit to erect a tiny storage shed.
Finally, here’s a suggestion if keeping snow and slush out of the garage is your primary motivation for leaving your snowblower outside. To park the snowblower closer to a floor drain, try reorganizing your garage or shed. Water will drain from the machine rather than spill all over the floor as the snow melts off of it.
Maintain Your Snow Blower, and You Will Maintain It!
During the winter, you rely on your snowblower to keep your driveway clear. Keep your snowblower as secure and dry as you can to repay the courtesy. Additionally, keep in mind to adhere to the recommended maintenance schedules listed in your owner’s manual.
Snowblowers from popular brands like Honda, Cub Cadet, and Troy-Bilt are among those we sell. Additionally, we offer snowblower attachments for BCS walk-behind tractors and compact Yanmar tractors. We provide snowblower parts and accessories to every corner of the US and Canada.