Pro Tips from the Experts on Storing Your Electric Yard Equipment for the Winter - CNET

Oct 17, 2024

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Your outdoor electric yard equipment is nearly maintenance-free, but there are some important steps before storing it for the season.

Battery-powered yard equipment has become powerful enough to be many people's only yard equipment.

Your yard and outdoor equipment work hard during the warm months to keep your property in tip-top shape. From mowing to tree trimming and everything in between, we rely on that equipment to work when needed. While general maintenance happens regularly when using the tools during the prime outdoor season, it’s how you store them during the off-season that can set you up for success.

Lawn mowers, string trimmers, pole saws and more have all been electrified to the point where they’re much more common. Acccording to a report by AP News, “Stanley Black & Decker, a leading maker of outdoor products, estimates that the volume of electric-powered landscaping equipment that North American manufacturers shipped went from 9 million units in 2015 to over 16 million last year, an over 75% increase in the past five years.”

While maintenance for battery-powered equipment is less involved than that for gasoline counterparts, that doesn’t mean there aren’t steps you need to take to store it properly when peak mowing season comes to an end.

I spoke with experts from some of the top brands of electric outdoor equipment to learn the best tips for properly storing battery-powered outdoor equipment in the winter. While the tips below are a good starting point for getting your electric equipment ready for winter, it’s always important to check your equipment manufacturer's recommendations to ensure proper care is taken.

Battery-powered leaf blowers are perfect for quick clean-ups around the patio

Battery care is paramount in ensuring the power cell can function properly and output the correct voltage and amperage to operate a device. While you may think CNET’s top-performing, battery-powered lawn mower, the Ego Power Plus 21-inch Select Cut XP or a chainsaw such as the Husqvarna Power Axe 350i, can be placed in a shed for the winter and be fine, there are necessary steps you should take to ensure the battery isn’t damaged.

“Before putting your battery away, make sure it’s charged to around half capacity, ideally between 40 to 50%,” said Chris Richert, product manager for handheld battery tools at Husqvarna.

As an example of different equipment requiring different storage solutions, robot lawn mowers have non-removable batteries and usually have special instructions for how to store them during the winter.

Angel Feng, the global PR manager at Mammotion, maker of the excellent Luba 2 mower, said, “It's crucial to fully charge the batteries before storing them, as this helps prevent deep discharge. Store the equipment in a cool, dry place, ideally at temperatures between 32 degrees Fahrenheit and 68 F (0 degrees Celsius and 20 C). It’s also advisable to check the batteries periodically and recharge them every few months to maintain their health.”

Battery-powered yard equipment allows for the freedom of gas versions but without the fumes or noise.

Outdoor yard equipment can get dirty after cutting trees, branches, grass, weeds and more. The heavy-duty work can also cause damage and dings on the tools. So, taking the extra time to thoroughly clean the tool and check that nothing vital is damaged is important. This will ensure that when Spring rolls around, your tools are ready for all of the outdoor projects.

Dan Vessell, residential product manager at Husqvarna, echoed this. “Cleanliness of your equipment before storage helps keep them in optimal condition,” Vessell said.

“Remove any dirt, debris, or grass clippings that may have accumulated during use,” Milwaukee Tool Senior Manager of Product Marketing Katy Springfield said. “This helps prevent corrosion and ensures that your equipment is in top condition when spring arrives.”

Milwaukee has grown from a tool company to an all-around battery-powered equipment brand.

Springfield added that the extra work can prevent corrosion.

“After cleaning, inspect each piece of equipment for any signs of damage, such as worn-out components,” she said.

To clean your battery-operated equipment, Vessell suggests using warm water, mild detergent, and a soft-bristled brush. Also, be sure to dry the equipment before putting it away to prevent rust. Springfield also cautioned against using oil and solvents on your batteries because” these can make the plastic casing brittle and prone to cracking, which poses a risk of injury,” she said.

A dedicated storage shed is great for yard equipment to keep it clean and any debris out of your garage.

With batteries charged to the proper levels and the equipment cleaned up, it’s time to store it. Smaller, removable batteries can be much easier to store as these types take up less space and are more manageable. But this doesn’t mean it’s OK just to leave the batteries anywhere.

I keep all the outdoor equipment I can in a Keter Artisan storage shed. While it's ventilated and dry, and keeps everything secure, it isn’t insulated from the cold. So, if you, like me, live in an area that experiences drastic temperature fluctuations, you’ll need to find another place to store your batteries during the winter.

“Store the battery in a temperature range of 41 F to 77 F to avoid extreme conditions that can impair performance,” Richert said. “A dry, frost-free area is best,”

He adds that you should avoid areas where temperature fluctuates, such as attics and garages. Instead, consider bringing them indoors or to a cool, dry area like a heated garage or well-ventilated shed. Removing the batteries from the tool and charger is also best to avoid damage or overcharging.