The crisp air, falling leaves, and the smell of pumpkin spice lattes signal the end of lawn mowing season. But before you stow your riding mower away for the winter, it’s essential to give it some TLC to ensure it’s ready to roar back to life next spring.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of winterizing your riding lawn mower. We’ll cover everything from draining fluids and cleaning components to storing the mower properly. By following these simple steps, you can help extend the life of your investment and ensure a smooth start next mowing season.
Winterizing Your Riding Lawn Mower: A Quick Overview
Winterizing a riding lawn mower involves preparing it for prolonged inactivity. This includes tasks like:
- Cleaning and Maintenance: Thoroughly cleaning the mower, checking for damage, and sharpening the blades.
- Fluid Management: Draining and replacing fluids like fuel, oil, and coolant to prevent damage.
- Storage: Storing the mower in a dry, protected environment to prevent corrosion and rust.
Cleaning and Preparing Your Mower for Storage
The first step in winterizing your riding lawn mower is to give it a thorough cleaning. This will help prevent corrosion and rust from forming during storage. Here’s how:
1. Cleaning the Exterior
- Start by wiping down the entire exterior of the mower using a soft cloth and a mild detergent. Pay special attention to areas that tend to accumulate dirt and debris, such as under the deck and around the wheels.
- Remove any grass clippings, leaves, or other debris that might be stuck to the mower.
- Use a pressure washer to remove stubborn dirt and grime from the mower’s exterior. Be careful not to use too much pressure, as this can damage the mower’s components.
2. Cleaning the Engine
- Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Use a shop vacuum to remove any debris from the engine compartment.
- Clean the air filter by tapping it gently to remove loose dirt or by washing it with soapy water and allowing it to dry completely.
- Inspect the engine for any leaks or damage.
3. Cleaning the Cutting Deck
- Remove the cutting deck from the mower.
- Clean the underside of the deck with a wire brush to remove any built-up grass and debris.
- Inspect the blades for damage and sharpen them if necessary.
Managing Fluids
The next step in winterizing your riding lawn mower is to drain and replace fluids. This will prevent them from freezing or becoming contaminated during storage.
1. Draining the Fuel Tank
- Empty the fuel tank by running the engine until it stops. This will remove any old fuel that could gum up the engine during storage.
- Add a fuel stabilizer to the remaining fuel to prevent it from deteriorating. Follow the instructions on the fuel stabilizer product label.
- Store the mower with the fuel tank empty to prevent fuel from degrading in the tank.
2. Changing the Engine Oil
- Run the engine for a few minutes to warm up the oil.
- Drain the old oil into a suitable container.
- Replace the drain plug and add the correct type and quantity of new oil.
- Check the oil level after adding new oil and top it off if necessary.
3. Checking the Coolant
- Check the coolant level and add more if necessary.
- If the coolant is old or dirty, flush the system and replace it with fresh coolant.
- Use a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water to ensure the coolant won’t freeze in cold temperatures.
Storing Your Riding Lawn Mower Properly
Once you’ve completed the cleaning and fluid management steps, it’s time to store your riding lawn mower properly. Here’s how:
1. Choosing a Storage Location
- Select a dry, well-ventilated area for storing your mower. Avoid storing it in damp, humid environments or outdoors.
- Protect the mower from direct sunlight to prevent the paint from fading or the plastic from becoming brittle.
- If you are storing the mower outside, cover it with a tarp or a heavy-duty storage cover.
2. Preparing the Mower for Storage
- Clean the battery terminals and apply a light coating of grease to prevent corrosion.
- If you have a battery charger, place the battery on the charger to maintain its charge.
- Remove the spark plug wire from the spark plug to prevent accidental starting.
- Raise the mower’s deck slightly to prevent the tires from flattening.
3. Storing the Mower
- Place the mower on a level surface to prevent damage to the tires or chassis.
- Secure the mower in place to prevent it from moving or falling.
Essential Tips for Winterizing Your Riding Lawn Mower
- Read the owner’s manual for your specific mower model. The manual will provide detailed instructions for winterizing your mower.
- Use the right tools and materials. Invest in a set of quality tools and equipment, such as a wrench set, a screwdriver, a shop vacuum, and a fuel stabilizer.
- Be careful when working around the engine. Always remove the spark plug wire before working on the engine to prevent accidental starting.
- Store the mower in a well-ventilated area to prevent condensation from forming.
- Inspect the mower regularly during storage to ensure there are no signs of damage or rust.
Conclusion
Winterizing your riding lawn mower is a simple yet essential task that will help you enjoy years of trouble-free mowing. By following these steps, you can keep your mower in tip-top shape and ready to tackle your lawn when the weather warms up again. Remember, the key to a smooth transition from winter storage is to perform a thorough cleaning, maintain the fluids, and choose a secure storage location. With a little time and effort, you can ensure your riding lawn mower is ready to conquer the grass come springtime!
FAQ
1. Why should I winterize my riding lawn mower?
Winterizing your riding lawn mower is essential for protecting it from the harsh conditions of winter and ensuring that it’s ready to go when spring arrives. Neglecting winterization can lead to various problems, including rust, corrosion, frozen fuel lines, and damage to the engine. By taking the time to prepare your mower for the winter, you can extend its lifespan and save yourself potential headaches and repair costs in the future.
2. When should I winterize my riding lawn mower?
The ideal time to winterize your riding lawn mower is before the first frost. This will give you enough time to complete the necessary steps without rushing. Once the temperatures drop below freezing, it becomes more difficult to perform some of the winterization tasks, such as draining the fuel system. If you live in a region with mild winters, you may be able to delay winterization until later in the fall. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and winterize your mower sooner rather than later.
3. What are the basic steps involved in winterizing a riding lawn mower?
The basic steps involved in winterizing your riding lawn mower include cleaning the mower, changing the oil, draining the fuel, adding fuel stabilizer, and storing the mower in a dry, protected place. You may also want to perform additional tasks, such as cleaning the air filter, inspecting the spark plugs, and greasing moving parts, depending on the specific model and your usage.
4. How do I drain the fuel system?
Draining the fuel system is crucial to prevent the formation of gum and varnish, which can clog fuel lines and injectors. To drain the fuel system, start by running the mower until it runs out of fuel. Then, remove the fuel cap and drain any remaining fuel into a suitable container. You can also use a siphon to extract the fuel from the tank. After draining the fuel, you should add a fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel deterioration during storage.
5. How do I store my riding lawn mower properly?
Proper storage is essential for protecting your riding lawn mower from the elements. Ideally, you should store it in a dry, well-ventilated shed or garage. If you have to store it outdoors, cover it with a tarp or other protective covering to shield it from rain, snow, and debris. Make sure the mower is raised off the ground to prevent moisture buildup and corrosion.
6. Do I need to winterize my riding lawn mower every year?
Yes, it’s recommended to winterize your riding lawn mower every year, even if you only use it occasionally. This ensures that the engine and fuel system are protected from the elements and prevents damage that can occur during prolonged storage.
7. What are some common winterization mistakes to avoid?
A common mistake is neglecting to add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank. This can lead to fuel deterioration, which can clog fuel lines and injectors. Another mistake is storing the mower in a damp or humid environment. This can contribute to rust and corrosion. Lastly, failing to drain the fuel system entirely can result in fuel gumming up and damaging the engine.