Each petrol or diesel machine needs its own plan before winter. The generator must be ready to run at any moment, the walk-behind tractor must sit out several months without stale fuel or old oil, and the snow blower should be checked before the first snowfall. It takes one afternoon and saves a lot of trouble during the first power cut and the spring start-up.
Generator: ready for power cuts
In winter a generator is not put away; it stands by. That is why the rules differ from those for a tractor.
- Test run. Start the generator regularly, for example once a month, for 15–20 minutes, and put a real load on it, such as a heater or a power tool. This checks both starting and voltage stability.
- Fuel. Petrol goes stale in 30–60 days. If the generator stands with a full tank, add a fuel stabiliser or replace the fuel with fresh fuel from time to time. Keep spare fuel in an approved can.
- Oil. Check the level before every start, with a cold engine and the machine standing level. According to the product pages, sump capacity is 0.6 l in the Weima WM3200B (WM170F engine) and 1.1 l in the Weima WM5500BE (WM188FE-2 engine). The number before the W in a viscosity grade describes cold behaviour: the lower it is, the easier the start in frost. Use the grade your manual recommends and do not mix different oils. For four-stroke engines we stock, for example, Grünwelt SAE 10W-30 engine oil (about 23 zł).
- Battery. Models with an electric starter, such as the WM5500BE with its battery included, start at the push of a button only if the battery is charged. Frost drains it faster: check the terminals, top it up with a charger and, during a long standstill, disconnect the battery and recharge it every few weeks.
- Where it runs. Run a generator outdoors only, away from windows and doors. Never in a garage, cellar or enclosed porch: exhaust contains carbon monoxide. Protect it from snow without blocking the air intake or exhaust.
If you are just setting up backup power, items in stock include the Weima WM2500B (from 1459 zł) and WM3200B (about 1559 zł), prices as of 24.10.2026. All models are under generators.
Walk-behind tractor and engines: winter storage
A tractor, tiller or standalone engine stands idle for months in winter. The goal is to store it without fuel that separates and without used oil.
- Wash and dry the machine. Soil on the tines and under the guards holds moisture and speeds up corrosion.
- Petrol. Drain the tank and carburettor, or run the engine until it stops. Alternatively, fill the tank with stabilised fuel and let the engine run a few minutes so the stabiliser reaches the carburettor.
- Diesel. Summer diesel turns cloudy in frost and can clog the filter. If the machine will work in winter, use winter-grade diesel.
- Change the engine oil before storage. Used oil carries contaminants that settle in the engine over winter. In spring, just check the level.
- Gearbox. Check the gear oil level; type and quantity are in the manual. For the WEIMA WM1000, WM1000N-6 and WM1100C-6 there is a WEIMA oil set: 1 × 600 ml engine oil and 3 × 1000 ml gear oil (about 132 zł).
- Cylinder and spark plug. Many four-stroke engine manuals recommend removing the plug, adding a little oil to the cylinder, turning the engine over a few times with the starter and refitting the plug. Check whether your engine manual says so.
- Air filter, linkages, metal. Clean the filter, grease linkages and joints, and coat exposed metal on tines and ploughs with a thin layer of grease.
- Storage place. A dry, ventilated room, with the machine on boards rather than directly on concrete.
Take the chance to check worn parts: pulleys and other items are under engine spare parts. For full-season care see our guide how to look after a walk-behind tractor and engine. If you own a water pump, drain the pump housing before frost, as frozen water can damage it.
Snow blower: pre-season check
- Oil. Check a new machine for oil before the first start; if it arrived without oil, fill the type and amount given in the manual.
- Fuel. Fresh petrol only. Drain anything left from last winter.
- Test run before snowfall. Run the snow blower dry, check every gear, the auger drive and the chute rotation.
- Working parts. Inspect the auger, scraper blade and skids. If your model uses shear bolts, keep spares at hand.
- Electric starter. On models with one, check the cable and socket before the first snow.
Items in stock include the Weima WWS0724B/E (about 4121 zł), the Weima WXS0722A (about 3150 zł) and the Weima WMP22S600 2-in-1 snow blower and sweeper (about 3249 zł), prices as of 24.10.2026. See the full range under snow blowers.
Winter checklist
| Machine | What to do | When |
|---|---|---|
| Generator | Test run under load | Regularly, e.g. once a month |
| Generator | Fresh fuel or stabiliser | Before winter and after any long standstill |
| Generator | Oil level (WM3200B: 0.6 l, WM5500BE: 1.1 l) | Before every start |
| Generator with electric starter | Charge and check the battery | Before winter, then every few weeks |
| Tractor, engine | Wash, drain or stabilise fuel | When putting away for winter |
| Tractor, engine | Change engine oil, check gearbox | When putting away for winter |
| Tractor, engine | Cylinder protection, filter, grease on metal | When putting away for winter |
| Water pump | Drain water from the housing | Before the first frost |
| Snow blower | Oil, fresh petrol, test run, spare bolts | Before the first snow |
Frequently asked questions
Should I leave fuel in the generator over winter?
A generator kept ready for power cuts can stand with fuel, as long as it is stabilised or replaced regularly. Machines stored all winter, like a tractor, are better kept with no petrol in the tank or carburettor.
Which oil should I use in a generator in frost?
The one your manual specifies. In a viscosity grade the number before W refers to cold starting: lower means easier. Do not mix different oil types.
How much oil does a WEIMA generator take?
According to the product pages, the WM3200B sump holds 0.6 l and the WM5500BE 1.1 l. For other models, check the manual or call us and we will tell you by model.
How often should I run the generator in winter?
Regularly, for example once a month, for 15–20 minutes with a load connected. A short start without load tells you little about readiness.
Can I keep the generator indoors and run it there?
You can store it in a dry room without fuel and away from flames, but run it outdoors only. Exhaust contains carbon monoxide.
Questions about oil, batteries or spare parts for your machine? Call +48 577 058 408. We advise in Polish, Ukrainian and Russian. Find generators for the winter season under generators.