Winterizing Your Lawn Mower: A Comprehensive Guide
As winter approaches, many of us shift our focus from lawn care to staying warm indoors. However, if you want your lawn mower to start up smoothly next spring, it's essential to perform some maintenance before you store it away. Winterizing your lawn mower not only extends its life but also ensures it's ready for action when the grass starts growing again. In this blog post, we'll walk you through the steps to winterize your lawn mower effectively.
Gather Your Tools and Materials
Before you start the winterization process, gather the necessary tools and materials:
Safety goggles and gloves
A tool set
An oil pan or container for used oil
Fuel stabilizer
Fresh engine oil and filter
A new air filter
A grease gun and appropriate grease per owner’s manual
A clean rag or paper towels
A fuel container
Battery maintainer / trickle charger
Safety First
Always prioritize safety when working on your lawn mower. Start by disconnecting the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starts. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands from any splashes or fumes.
Change the Oil & Grease The Fittings
Fresh oil is essential to keep your lawn mower's engine in top condition. To change the oil:
Place an oil pan or container under the mower's oil drain plug.
Unscrew the oil drain plug and allow the old oil to drain completely.
Replace the drain plug and add the recommended amount of fresh oil for your mower model. Check your owner's manual for the right type and quantity.
Finish up by greasing the grease fittings on your mower. This can be done using a grease gun and the grease recommended in the owner’s manual. If your mower has an hour meter, your owner’s manual will have a table of service intervals and also a diagram of all of the grease fittings.
Replace the Air Filter
A clean air filter ensures efficient engine performance. Remove the air filter cover and take out the old filter. Replace it with a new one or clean the existing filter if it's a washable type. A fresh air filter will help prevent dirt and debris from entering the engine during storage.
Clean the Mower Deck
Grass clippings and debris can accumulate on the mower deck, causing rust and corrosion during the off-season. Use a scraper or a wire brush to remove any residue. Finish by spraying the deck with a silicone or oil-based lubricant to provide a protective barrier.
Sharpen the Blades
Sharp mower blades cut grass cleanly and prevent tearing, which can lead to diseases in the grass. Remove the blade using a wrench or socket set, then sharpen it or replace it if it's worn out. Properly balanced and sharp blades ensure a healthy lawn next season.
Add Fuel Stabilizer
To prevent fuel from deteriorating and clogging the carburetor, add a fuel stabilizer to the remaining fuel in the tank. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct amount. Run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilizer circulates through the system.
Store the Mower
Now that your lawn mower is winterized, it's time to store it properly:
Find a dry, sheltered area like a garage or shed to protect your mower from the elements.
Cover your mower with a weather-resistant cover to keep it clean and dry.
If you don't have a cover, a tarp secured with bungee cords can work well.
Keep the mower elevated off the ground to prevent flat spots on the tires.
During the Winter
During the winter, start your mower at least once a month and let it run until the engine gets warm. This will help keep fresh fuel in the system and keep engine oil circulating. Also, it will help maintain the battery. Another option for keeping the battery healthy is to use a maintainer that monitors and charges the battery as needed.
Winterizing your lawn mower is a simple but essential task that will prolong the life of your equipment and ensure it's ready to tackle your lawn when spring arrives. With a little time and effort, you can keep your mower in peak condition, ensuring a beautiful lawn throughout the mowing season. So, take the time now to prepare your mower for winter, and it will thank you with reliable performance in the spring.