Protect your investment and ensure a trouble-free spring by following these expert winterizing tips for wood chippers and other yard tools.
Why Winterizing Wood Chippers Matters
Avoid engine trouble, rusted blades, and startup headaches on your wood chipper with simple seasonal care.
What Happens If You Skip Winterization?
Leaving your chipper untouched through winter is asking for problems:
- Fuel breaks down and gums up the carburetor.
- Moisture creeps into parts and causes rust.
- Blades dull and seize up with sap and debris.
- After long periods, starting the machine may become a real chore—or it won’t start at all.
- Fixes can cost more than winterizing would’ve.
How Cold Weather Impacts Chippers and Yard Tools
Freezing temps and wet conditions can trash an otherwise healthy machine.
- Moisture expands, corrodes, and locks moving parts.
- Rodents love nesting in idle chippers—especially in quiet locations like garages or sheds.
- Rapid temperature swings damage fuel systems and seals.
- Unused batteries lose charge and life if stored in the cold.
Step-by-Step: How to Winterize Your Chipper
Don’t wait for spring. Winterize now with these key steps.
Clean the Chipper Thoroughly
- Remove all stuck wood chips, leaves, and sap.
- Focus on blades, chute, and inside the engine housing.
- A clean machine is less likely to corrode or clog.
Sharpen or Replace Blades
- Dull blades slow performance and stress the engine.
- Use a metal file or grinder to sharpen.
- If cracked or worn, replace blades before storing.
Lubricate Moving Parts and Bearings
- Add grease to fittings and bearings—check the manual.
- Use oil on blade pivots and any exposed steel.
- Prevent rust buildup while the machine is idle.
Fuel System Care (Gas Models)
- Add stabilizer to a full tank of fuel.
- Run the chipper for 5–10 minutes to coat the lines and carburetor.
- Or drain the tank and carb completely if it’ll sit for months.
- A clogged fuel line in spring is a common and costly fix.
Battery Storage (Cordless Units)
- Charge to 40–80%—don’t store dead or fully charged.
- Remove the battery and keep it indoors, ideally 50–80°F.
- Never leave it in unheated locations.
Final Storage Position
- Raise the chipper off the ground with blocks or pallets.
- Use a breathable cover to keep out dust without trapping moisture.
- Keep it away from walls or clutter—rodents hate open space.
- Your machine will be in top condition when it’s time to start it back up.
Bonus: Winterizing Other Common Yard Tools
Save time by prepping all your landscaping gear at once.
Log Splitters
- Check hydraulic fluid level and top off if needed.
- Inspect seals for leaks or cracking—replace if worn.
- For gas-powered models: add stabilizer and run for 5–10 minutes, or fully drain the fuel system.
- Battery units? Store batteries indoors, just like your chipper.
Lawn Mowers
- Change the oil to flush out old contaminants.
- Disconnect the spark plug to avoid accidental starts.
- Sharpen blades and clean the deck before storing.
- Check the air filter—clean or replace if dirty.
Stump Grinders
- Sharpen the teeth or replace if they’re chipped.
- Check drive belts for tension and wear—adjust or replace as needed.
- Drain or stabilize fuel, then run the engine briefly.
- Wipe down the housing and check for moisture buildup near moving parts.
Maintenance Must-Haves and Safety Gear
A few smart purchases now can save you hundreds in the spring.
Recommended Tools and Products
Fuel stabilizer (Sta-Bil or equivalent)
- Grease gun and high-temp grease
- Blade file or bench grinder
- Metal-safe degreaser for deep cleaning
- Breathable cover to avoid trapped moisture
- Storage blocks or pallets to keep tools off the ground
Safety Tips While Winterizing
- Always wear gloves, safety glasses, and disconnect power sources.
- Unplug batteries before cleaning or lubing.
- Keep a first aid kit handy in case of slips or sharp edges.
- Follow your tool’s manufacturer’s guidelines to avoid damaging the machine or voiding the warranty.
Summary: A Little Winter Prep Goes a Long Way
Winterizing takes less than an hour—but it protects your machine, fuel system, and engine for months. A little work now means an easy start in the spring.
Final Checklist for Chipper Winterization
✅ Cleaned all debris, dried the chute and blades
✅ Blades sharpened or replaced as needed
✅ Fuel system treated with fuel stabilizer or fully drained
✅ Bearings and hinges greased per manual
✅ Machine stored on blocks, off the ground, under a breathable cover
Quick Tip: Set a Spring Reminder
When spring rolls around:
- Recheck oil and hydraulic levels
- Inspect belts, spark plug, and air filter
- Test battery charge before reinstalling
- Do a full walkaround to spot cracks, leaks, or rodent damage
That’s it—your chipper will be in top condition, ready to go on day one.
