Outdoor Power Equipment (Lawn Mowers, Snow Blowers, Chain Saws and more) Discussions

I have not posted here in a long time, but I have a question for you folks.  Last winter was mild and I did not use my blower at all.  Did not even put gas in (in case there was no need).  Now this winter is almost over and I have not even gassed up the machine.  So unless there is significant snow in the next few weeks, the machine will not have been run in two years.  Should I just put it away again for another year, or would it be advantageous to gas it and run it for a little while til the gas tank is dry?  What are your thoughts?   Thanks. 

A couple of generator cautions:

1. If you use it to power the house during an outage you must do it through a properly installed transfer switch. This disconnects the outside hydro before connecting the generator. Utilities frown on you back feeding into the grid and electrocuting their employees. If you are just feeding individual appliances by plugging directly into the gen set then you don't have to worry. Connecting the gen set into the house wiring via a stove or dryer type plug is a big no no.;
2. Gasoline storage, stabilization and rotation are the biggest complication in my mind. If you use the gen set regularly then there is no problem, if on the other hand its stored long term for emergency  use then storing the gas becomes important. Is anyone familiar with long term storage of quantities of gas?

Loading up the generator:

I suggest not using a toaster if you plan to run the machine for awhile.  This could be a  possible fire hazard. Toasters are designed to run for very short periods only.   Many irons today are designed to shut down automatically if left in an upright position for around five minutes or so (unless you have lots of ironing, take advantage of the moment and get your household ironing done).  Also, a hair dryer would automatically shut down through a built-in circuit breaker to prevent overheating, after running several minutes of continuous operation. 

I would use an electric heater, or possibly two, to draw around 3,000 watts.  Don't plug any appliance in for at least a few minutes to avoid an initial surge output by the generator.  The surge could hurt your appliances.  Be sure the electric heater(s) are away from anything combustable if outdoors.  Large appliances, like a refridgerator, are a good source to draw a load, yet they are thermostatically controlled and will go on and off (mostly off) over a two hour period.