Fall is a busy time in New England — the leaves are dropping, the mornings are colder, and your lawn and outdoor equipment are about to head into hibernation. Whether you’re a homeowner with a one-acre property or a professional managing multiple sites, a smart fall equipment maintenance routine helps avoid downtime next spring and saves money on avoidable repairs.
This guide walks you through a practical, tool-by-tool autumn maintenance checklist. You’ll find service tips for tools like zero-turn mowers, leaf blowers, trimmers, and generators — plus advice tailored to the kind of terrain and seasonal change we see here in New Hampshire. If you’ve ever had a dead battery in March or a seized engine after storage, this is for you.
We’ve also included professional-level advice from the team at Seacoast Power Equipment to help you plan your end-of-season tune-up. Let’s get to it.
Why Fall Maintenance Is Essential
Skipping seasonal maintenance doesn’t just shorten the life of your equipment — it also makes spring startups more frustrating. Here’s what proper fall prep prevents:
- Clogged fuel systems
- Corroded mower decks and blades
- Drained or dead batteries
- Frozen carburetors or fuel tanks
- Unwanted surprises in the first warm week of April
Fall maintenance isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing the right things before your gear sits for 4 to 6 months.
Basic Fall Maintenance Kit
Here’s what we recommend you have on hand:
- Fuel stabilizer (ethanol treatment)
- Oil and air filters for each engine
- Spark plugs (check gap or replace as needed)
- Blade sharpening tools or replacement blades
- Pressure washer or hose with sprayer
- Grease gun and general-purpose lubricant
- Protective gloves, funnel, shop towels
Tip: Check your owner’s manual before starting. Or give our parts department a call.
Lawn Mowers (Zero-Turn and Lawn Tractors)
What to Do Before Storing:
- Wash the deck: Scrape off built-up grass, then rinse and dry.
- Sharpen blades: Dull blades create ragged grass and make spring mowing harder.
- Change the oil and oil filter.
- Replace the air filter if it’s dusty or dark.
- Check belts and pulleys for cracks.
- Grease all fittings to prevent rust.
- Treat the fuel with a stabilizer and run the mower for 5–10 minutes.
- Remove or disconnect the battery and store it indoors.
- Cover or store inside to protect from snow and moisture.
See mower repair and service options if you’d rather let a pro handle it.
Leaf Blowers (Handheld and Backpack)
What to Check:
- Clean air filter
- Inspect fuel lines for leaks or cracks
- Empty the fuel tank or add stabilizer and run it dry
- Check and clean spark arrestor
- Lubricate throttle cable and moving parts
For battery-powered models:
- Remove the battery, charge it to 50–70%, and store indoors in a dry place
Fall cleanup is no joke in New Hampshire. If your backpack blower isn’t running right, visit our team or check out professional cleanup gear.
String Trimmers and Edgers
These tools are often overlooked, but they still need a fall check-up:
- Inspect trimmer line and replace if brittle
- Clean the head and guard
- Check the spark plug
- Drain fuel or run it dry
- Wipe down the shaft and store off the floor
For electric models, remove batteries and store indoors. Coil cords carefully.
Chainsaws
If you used your chainsaw to clear branches or prepare firewood this year, don’t forget this end-of-season tune-up:
- Drain the fuel tank
- Clean the bar and chain
- Sharpen the chain or bring it in for professional service
- Oil the bar and chain for storage
- Check chain tension and safety brake
Generators
Portable and standby generators need to be winter-ready in New England. Follow these steps:
- Run the generator monthly through fall to keep the carburetor clean
- Change the oil and filter
- Check fuel level and add stabilizer
- Test battery charge
- Store indoors or under a protective cover
If your generator is older or has starting issues, bring it in. Our Seacoast service team handles everything from spark plug swaps to full diagnostics.
Utility Tractors and Heavy Equipment
If you’re operating compact tractors or heavy-duty landscape tools, now’s the time to check:
- Hydraulic fluid levels
- Tire pressure and tread
- Filters and fuel-water separators
- Glow plugs (for diesel models)
- Battery condition and electrolyte levels
- Storage location and winterization needs
Tractors benefit from full fall inspections. If you manage a fleet or aren’t sure what you’re due for, we can build a seasonal service plan.
Equipment Prep for Fall Storage
Key Equipment Prep Tips:
- Empty tanks or stabilize fuel for gas-powered tools
- Disconnect or remove batteries and store in moderate temps
- Clean equipment thoroughly — dry before storing
- Lubricate moving parts to prevent rust or lockup
- Store indoors or use weather-resistant covers
Putting tools away clean and dry prevents mice, moisture damage, and mold. It also makes spring start-up easier.
Service Tips for Tools: DIY vs. Professional
If you’re handy, you can handle most fall equipment maintenance. But if your tools are out of warranty or giving you trouble, it might be safer to have them inspected.
DIY Fall Maintenance Pros:
- Saves money
- Great if you have the tools and know-how
Professional Tune-Up Pros:
- Catches hard-to-spot issues
- Keeps service records for warranty
- Saves time during a busy fall season
Let our team help. Schedule your end-of-season tune-up now and we’ll take care of the rest.
Fall Maintenance Checklist (Printable Summary)
Print or save this autumn maintenance checklist for reference:
Mowers
- Clean deck and blades
- Oil change
- Fuel stabilizer
- Battery removed or stored
Blowers & Trimmers
- Drain fuel
- Check air filter
- Lubricate cables
- Battery care (if cordless)
Chainsaws
- Clean bar/chain
- Sharpen chain
- Check chain brake
Generators
- Run monthly
- Add fuel stabilizer
- Change oil
- Store safely
Tractors
- Check fluids
- Test battery
- Clean exterior
- Secure winter storage
FAQs
What tools need fall maintenance the most?
Gas-powered mowers, blowers, chainsaws, and generators all benefit from end-of-season maintenance. Battery tools should also be cleaned and stored properly.
How do I store fuel equipment for winter?
Add a stabilizer to the fuel tank or drain it completely, then run the engine dry. Store indoors if possible.
Should I disconnect batteries?
Yes. Remove batteries, charge them to around 60%, and store in a cool, dry place.
Is fall the best time for a tune-up?
Yes. Equipment is fresh from use, issues are easier to spot, and service wait times are shorter than in spring.
Can Seacoast Power Equipment handle fall maintenance for me?
Absolutely. From blade sharpening to full generator diagnostics, our team covers it all. Schedule your service here.
Don’t Wait to Winterize — Get Your Equipment Ready Now
Taking care of your gear in the fall helps ensure it performs in the spring. Whether you mow once a week or operate a small fleet, fall equipment maintenance protects your investment and saves time down the road.
Need help? Contact Seacoast Power Equipment to schedule fall service or pick up the parts you need. We serve homeowners, landscapers, and small businesses across New Hampshire.
If you need help choosing tools or handling repairs, our team is here to help — before winter hits.