Pre-Autumn Fleet Storage Checklist: Winterise Your Commercial Garden Machinery

Paul's Pre-Autumn Checklist — Handheld 2-Stroke (Strimmers, Blowers, Hedge Trimmers)

• [ ] Run tank dry or drain completely — do not store with mix in the tank
• [ ] Remove spark plug — drop a few drops of oil in the cylinder, pull cord twice, refit loosely or cover the hole
• [ ] Clean air filter and spark arrestor before storage, not after failure
• [ ] Inspect fuel lines and primer bulb — replace if hard or cracked while the machine is off hire
• [ ] Note machines that cut out under load — carb diaphragms harden over winter; fix now, not on the first spring contract

Related: 2-stroke strimmer after storage · Strimmer won't start · Carb clean vs rebuild

Paul's Pre-Autumn Checklist — Chainsaws (Hire and Arborist Fleets)

• [ ] Drain fuel or run dry — varnish wrecks carbs over six months
• [ ] Chain brake test — store with brake off, bar cover on
• [ ] Clean bar groove and inspect sprocket wear
• [ ] Note saws that stalled under load — fix before next season (stalls under load guide)

Hire yards: see also hire fleet servicing for between-rental checks.

Paul's Pre-Autumn Checklist — Walk-Behind Mowers

• [ ] Drain or stabilise fuel — Paul prefers full drain on commercial fleet machines
• [ ] Change engine oil while warm — acids in used oil corrode internals over winter
• [ ] Scrape deck, check blade — sharpen now or book sharpening to beat the spring queue
• [ ] Grease wheels and height adjusters

Related: Store petrol mower over winter · Spring service checklist

Paul's Pre-Autumn Checklist — Ride-Ons and Garden Tractors

• [ ] Fuel drained or treated; run carb dry on petrol models
• [ ] Engine oil and filter change
• [ ] Hydrostatic fluid — check level and condition on John Deere, Countax, Westwood, Kubota (ride-on guide)
• [ ] Battery on trickle charge in a frost-free shed — not left on the machine in the cold
• [ ] Deck belt inspected — replace glazed belts before spring, not when they snap on the first cut
• [ ] Tyre pressures set for storage; park on boards if the floor is damp stone

Paul's Pre-Autumn Checklist — Compact Tractors and Flail Mowers

• [ ] Diesel: drain water separator, replace fuel filters if due
• [ ] Engine oil and hydraulic fluid check
• [ ] PTO shaft greased and stored with guards in place
• [ ] Flail blades inspected — replace worn flails before winter so the machine is ready for spring paddock work

Related: Farm & smallholding maintenance · Kubota compact tractor repairs

Fleet Depots — Suggested October Visit Plan

| Fleet size | What Paul does in one visit | |------------|----------------------------| | 3–8 handhelds | Drain all tanks, plug/oil cylinders, flag carbs needing rebuild, sharpen blades | | 8–20 mixed machines | Above plus ride-on oil changes, belt inspection, battery care plan | | Hire yard | Full row service — saws, strimmers, ride-ons — plus written record per asset |

Paul works on-site at your yard across Greater Manchester and the High Peak. Cash or bank transfer; invoices available on request.

What Skipping Autumn Costs in Spring

| Skipped step | Typical spring bill | |--------------|---------------------| | Fuel left in strimmer | Carb rebuild £40–£70+ per machine | | Ride-on battery in cold shed | New battery £60–£120 | | Glazed deck belt ignored | Breakdown on first cut + belt + labour | | Hire saw with dragging brake | Safety fault + brake components before rental |

Prevention in October is cheaper than panic in March — especially when a crew or hire weekend is at stake.

Book Paul's Autumn Fleet Pass

07342 239878 or WhatsApp with your depot location, rough machine count and a target week in October or November. Paul will quote a single visit or a simple annual plan (autumn winterise + spring pre-season) — same approach as the landscaper peak season checklist, but for putting kit safely to bed.