Before putting away your firewood machines, make sure you clean them from top to bottom. Sawdust, bark, and dirt hold moisture, which can lead to rust or mold. Use a brush or compressed air to clear out debris around saw bars, log splitters, and conveyors. If you leave any buildup behind, it’ll only get worse when your machines sit idle for months.
Drain Fuel and Fluids
For gas-powered equipment, either run the engine dry or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent stale gas. Stale fuel can cause starting problems and clog your system when you bring the machine back into action. Check hydraulic fluids, too. If they’re due for a change or look milky, swap them out. Fresh fluids keep rust and corrosion at bay during storage.
Protect with Proper Cover
A weatherproof tarp or a fitted cover goes a long way toward shielding your equipment from the elements. Just make sure it’s breathable so moisture doesn’t get trapped underneath. If you’re storing gear outdoors, place it in a spot with good drainage. Avoid letting puddles form around tires or under frames—it speeds up corrosion and degrades rubber parts.
Lubricate Moving Parts
A thin layer of grease or oil on pivots, rails, and bearings wards off rust. This is especially important if your machine will face cold or damp conditions. Lubrication also helps ensure the machine is ready to roll the moment you uncover it next season. No one likes discovering squeaky joints or seized components in the first week of spring.
Keep It Elevated
If possible, store firewood machines on blocks or pallets. This keeps them off the ground and away from mud or standing water. Tires and frames last longer when they’re not sitting in damp conditions for months. It also makes it easier to spot and prevent rodent or insect activity underneath the machine.
Final Check
Once everything’s clean, covered, and off the ground, do a quick walk-around. Check hoses for cracks, belts for fraying, and metal parts for chips or scratches in the paint. Touch up any exposed metal with paint or a rust-preventive coating. Taking care of these small details now saves you from big headaches later.