The crisp air is nipping at your nose, leaves are crunching underfoot, and the vibrant green of your lawn is fading into shades of brown. It’s that time of year again – time to put your lawn mower away for the winter. But just throwing it in the shed isn’t enough. Proper storage ensures your mower is ready to roar back to life come springtime, saving you headaches and potential costly repairs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps of winterizing your lawn mower, ensuring it’s safely tucked away until the first warm days of spring.
A short overview of the article:
Storing your lawn mower for winter requires more than just a quick wipe-down. To protect your investment and guarantee a smooth start next spring, this article will guide you through a thorough cleaning process, essential maintenance tasks, and safe storage techniques. From gas tank preparation to blade sharpening, you’ll learn the ins and outs of winterizing your mower effectively.
Getting Your Lawn Mower Ready for Winter Storage
Before your lawn mower goes into hibernation, it’s crucial to give it a thorough cleaning and perform some essential maintenance. This will prevent rust, corrosion, and ensure a smooth start-up in the spring.
1. Give Your Mower a Deep Clean
The first step to winterizing your lawn mower is a thorough cleaning. A clean mower is less likely to rust and will be easier to work on in the spring.
a. Start with the Exterior:
- Remove debris: Use a brush or compressed air to remove any grass clippings, leaves, or dirt from the exterior of the mower.
- Clean the engine: Wipe down the engine with a damp cloth. Pay special attention to the air filter housing and any other areas prone to dirt build-up.
- Don’t forget the underside: Flip the mower over and clean the underside of the deck. Use a scraper or wire brush to remove any caked-on grass.
b. Deep Clean the Deck:
- Remove the blade: Use a wrench to loosen the blade bolt and carefully remove the blade. Store the blade separately to prevent damage.
- Clean the deck: Use a wire brush or scraper to remove any grass, dirt, or debris from the underside of the deck.
- Wash the deck: If the deck is particularly dirty, you can wash it with a hose and mild detergent. Make sure to dry it thoroughly before reinstalling the blade.
2. Empty and Clean the Fuel Tank
Leftover fuel can gum up the carburetor and cause problems when you try to start your mower in the spring.
a. Drain the Gas Tank:
- Run the engine: Start the mower and let it run until the fuel tank is empty. This helps remove any stale gas from the carburetor.
- Drain remaining fuel: If you’re unable to run the engine, you can carefully drain the gas tank using a siphon or a pump.
- Store gas separately: If you have leftover gasoline, store it in a gas can with a stabilizer.
b. Clean the Carburetor:
- Consult your manual: For proper instructions on cleaning the carburetor, refer to your mower’s manual. Many manuals provide specific steps and diagrams for each model.
- Use a carburetor cleaner: If you’re comfortable, you can use a carburetor cleaner spray to remove any deposits and prevent clogging.
3. Prepare the Engine for Storage
a. Change the Oil:
- Refer to your manual: Check your owner’s manual for the specific oil type and capacity required for your mower.
- Warm up the engine: Run the mower for a few minutes to warm up the oil.
- Drain the old oil: Allow the engine to cool slightly, then drain the old oil into a suitable container.
- Refill with fresh oil: Once the oil is drained, replace the drain plug and refill the engine with fresh oil.
b. Check and Clean the Air Filter:
- Remove the filter: Locate the air filter housing and remove the filter.
- Clean or replace: If it’s a foam filter, wash it with soap and water and allow it to air dry completely. If it’s a paper filter, replace it with a new one.
c. Inspect the Spark Plug:
- Remove and inspect: Locate the spark plug and use a spark plug wrench to remove it.
- Check the condition: Inspect the spark plug for any signs of wear, damage, or carbon buildup.
- Clean or replace: If necessary, clean the spark plug using a wire brush or replace it with a new one.
How to Store Your Lawn Mower Safely
You’ve cleaned and prepped your mower, now it’s time to find a safe and secure place for storage.
1. Choose the Right Storage Location
- Dry and well-ventilated: The storage area should be dry and well-ventilated to prevent rust and moisture buildup.
- Off the ground: Ideally, your mower should be stored off the ground. A shelf, pallet, or some other elevated surface will prevent rust and corrosion.
2. Secure and Cover Your Mower
- Secure the blade: To prevent accidental injury, cover the blade with a protective cover or secure it with a locking mechanism.
- Protect against dust: Cover your mower with a dust-proof cover to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating.
Extra Tips for Winterizing Your Lawn Mower
- Sharpen the blade: Before storing your mower, it’s a good idea to sharpen the blade. A sharp blade makes mowing easier and produces a clean cut.
- Check the fuel lines and hoses: Inspect fuel lines and hoses for cracks, leaks, or wear and tear. Replace any damaged or worn components.
- Lubricate moving parts: Lubricate any moving parts, such as the wheels and the cutting deck, with a light oil to prevent rust.
Conclusion: Ready for Spring?
By following these steps, you can ensure your lawn mower is properly stored and ready to tackle the grass in the spring. A little effort now will save you time, frustration, and potential costly repairs in the future. Your lawn mower will be grateful for the TLC, and you’ll be ready to enjoy a beautiful, lush lawn come springtime!
FAQ
1. When is the best time to store my lawnmower for winter?
The best time to store your lawnmower for winter is after your last cut of the season. This is typically around October or November, depending on your location and the weather. It’s important to ensure the grass is cut short before storing, preventing any issues with grass clippings decaying and damaging your mower. Waiting until the first frost may be too late, as temperatures can dip too low for a thorough cleaning and storage preparation.
2. Do I need to clean my lawnmower before storing it?
Yes, cleaning your lawnmower before storing it is essential. This includes removing any grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the deck, blades, and engine. It’s also important to check for any signs of damage or wear and tear and address those issues before storage. A clean mower will be less likely to rust or develop other problems over the winter, ensuring a smooth start come spring.
3. How do I drain the fuel tank and carburetor?
Draining the fuel tank and carburetor is vital to prevent fuel from degrading and gumming up the engine over the winter. Most mowers have a fuel shutoff valve; turn it off, then start the mower and let it run until it stops. For the carburetor, follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which often involve using a fuel stabilizer or running a fuel-line cleaner through the engine. This process removes any remaining fuel and protects the internal components.
4. Should I change the oil before storing?
Changing the oil before storing your lawnmower is recommended. This ensures clean oil doesn’t break down over the winter, keeping your engine healthy and performing well. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific oil type and capacity. If you plan to store the mower for a shorter period, consider using a high-quality synthetic oil, which offers better protection against the elements.
5. What about the battery?
If your lawnmower uses a battery, it’s crucial to disconnect it and store it separately in a cool, dry place. You can choose to fully charge the battery before storing it, or consider removing it from the mower and storing it in a cool, dry place. Regular checks during winter are recommended to ensure the battery remains charged.
6. How should I store my lawnmower?
Store your lawnmower in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area. Ideally, it should be covered with a tarp or a lawnmower cover to protect it from dust and moisture. An enclosed garage or shed offers optimal protection against the elements. Avoid storing it in damp or humid environments, as this can lead to rust and corrosion.
7. What should I do when I’m ready to use my lawnmower in the spring?
Before using your lawnmower in the spring, you need to inspect it thoroughly, check the battery, and ensure all fluids are topped off. If you haven’t already, it’s best to change the oil and spark plug. Start the mower and let it run for a few minutes to warm up, then give it a thorough cleaning to remove any debris that may have accumulated during storage. By following these steps, your lawnmower should be ready to tackle the new season.