The crisp air bites, leaves paint the landscape in vibrant hues, and the sweet scent of pumpkin spice fills the air. It’s officially fall, and for many homeowners, this means saying goodbye to their trusty riding lawn mowers until spring. But before you shove it in the garage and forget about it until the thaw, there are crucial steps to ensure your mower survives the winter unscathed and is ready to tackle your lawn come springtime.
This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of winterizing your riding lawn mower, from preparing it for storage to the best practices for ensuring its longevity. We’ll delve into cleaning, fueling, and maintenance tasks, leaving you confident that your mower will be in tip-top shape for the next season.
Getting Started: Prepare for Storage
Before you begin, it’s important to understand that storing a riding lawn mower for winter involves more than just parking it in the garage. It requires a methodical approach that includes a thorough cleaning, proper fueling, and preventative maintenance.
Cleaning and Preparing Your Mower:
- Give it a good wash: Use a pressure washer or a garden hose with a nozzle to remove all dirt, grass clippings, and debris from the mower. Pay close attention to the underside of the deck, the blades, and the engine.
- Inspect and clean the air filter: A dirty air filter can affect the engine’s performance. Remove the filter, tap out any debris, and if it’s significantly soiled, replace it with a new one.
- Check and clean the spark plug: A clean spark plug is crucial for efficient engine operation. Remove the plug, inspect it for wear, and clean it using a wire brush. If the spark plug is worn or damaged, replace it.
- Examine the mower blades: Check for damage or excessive wear. If the blades need sharpening, use a file or a sharpening tool to bring them back to their sharp edge.
Fueling for Winter Storage:
- Empty the fuel tank: Old gasoline can gum up the carburetor and damage the engine. The best practice is to drain the fuel tank completely and store the gasoline in a sealed container for later use.
- Run the engine dry: After draining the tank, start the engine and let it run until it stalls. This ensures all remaining fuel is consumed, minimizing the risk of carburetor damage.
- Fill the tank with fuel stabilizer: Before storing the mower, fill the tank with fresh gasoline mixed with fuel stabilizer. This prevents the fuel from degrading and forming varnish, ensuring a smooth start next spring.
Performing Essential Maintenance:
- Change the oil: Old oil can become thick and viscous, hindering engine performance. Change the oil and filter using the appropriate oil type and quantity recommended in your owner’s manual.
- Replace the spark plug: If you haven’t already, replace the spark plug. This ensures a reliable ignition when you start the engine in the spring.
- Grease the moving parts: Use a high-quality grease to lubricate the mower’s moving parts, such as the wheels, axles, and steering mechanism. This helps prevent rust and corrosion.
- Check and tighten all bolts and nuts: Over time, bolts and nuts can loosen, leading to potential issues. Go over the entire mower and tighten all connections to ensure they are secure.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Where you store your riding lawn mower during the winter is just as important as the preparation itself. Choose a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area to protect your mower from the elements.
Garage Storage:
- Avoid moisture: Garages are generally the most practical storage locations. However, they can be prone to moisture. Ensure the floor is dry and consider using a dehumidifier to prevent condensation.
- Secure it properly: Use a cover or tarp to protect the mower from dust and debris.
- Keep it off the ground: Elevating the mower on blocks or a stand will prevent rusting and keep it clean.
Other Storage Options:
- Outdoor storage: If you don’t have a garage, consider a shed or a heavy-duty tarp that can protect the mower from rain and snow.
- Covered parking: If you have access to a covered carport or a shed, these options provide some protection from the elements while being more accessible than a garage.
Pre-Winter Checklist:
- Clean the mower thoroughly
- Drain the fuel tank
- Run the engine dry
- Add fuel stabilizer to fresh gasoline
- Change the engine oil and filter
- Replace the spark plug
- Grease the moving parts
- Check and tighten all bolts and nuts
- Choose a dry and well-ventilated storage location
- Cover the mower with a tarp or cover
- Store the mower off the ground
Tips for a Smooth Spring Start
After months of winter hibernation, your riding lawn mower may need a bit of coaxing to spring back to life.
Spring Start-up:
- Remove the cover: After winter storage, remove the protective cover and give the mower a quick visual inspection.
- Add fresh fuel: Add fresh gasoline to the tank, ensuring it’s properly mixed with fuel stabilizer.
- Check the battery: If your mower has a battery, check its charge and jump-start it if necessary.
- Start the engine: Turn the key and allow the engine to run for a few minutes, giving the oil a chance to circulate and warm up.
First Cut of the Season:
- Inspect the blades: Before mowing, inspect the blades for any damage or dullness.
- Test the mower: Make a test run on a small patch of grass, ensuring all systems are functioning correctly.
- Adjust the cutting height: As the grass begins to grow, adjust the cutting height to suit your needs.
Final Thoughts: Preparing for Success
Preparing your riding lawn mower for winter storage may seem like a daunting task, but it’s essential for its longevity and future performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll ensure that your mower is protected from the elements, preventing corrosion, rust, and engine damage. With a little time and effort, you can confidently store your mower and look forward to a smooth start-up when the spring rolls around, ready to tackle your lawn with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When should I start preparing my riding lawn mower for winter storage?
A1: The best time to start preparing your riding lawn mower for winter storage is in the fall, ideally before the first frost. This allows you to perform all the necessary tasks thoroughly without being rushed by the cold weather. However, you can still prepare your mower for storage even if you’ve missed the ideal window. Just make sure to do it before temperatures consistently drop below freezing.
Q2: What are the basic steps for storing a riding lawn mower?
A2: The basic steps for storing a riding lawn mower involve cleaning and preparing the mower for long-term storage. Start by cleaning the mower thoroughly, removing any dirt, grass clippings, and debris. Next, change the oil, filter, and spark plugs. Then, add fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel from degrading over the winter. Finally, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.
Q3: What type of fuel stabilizer should I use?
A3: When choosing a fuel stabilizer, look for a product specifically designed for small engines. These stabilizers contain additives that help prevent fuel from gumming up and clogging the carburetor. Follow the instructions on the product label carefully, as the amount of stabilizer needed may vary depending on the size of your fuel tank.
Q4: Do I need to drain the gas tank?
A4: It is generally recommended to drain the gas tank of your riding lawn mower before storing it for the winter. However, if you’re using a fuel stabilizer, you can leave some gas in the tank. Just make sure the tank is filled to the brim to minimize condensation. If you choose to drain the tank, be sure to dispose of the gas properly.
Q5: Where is the best place to store my riding lawn mower?
A5: The best place to store a riding lawn mower is in a dry, well-ventilated space. A garage or shed is ideal, as it provides protection from the elements. If you don’t have access to a garage or shed, you can store your mower under a tarp or cover, but ensure it’s elevated off the ground to prevent moisture build-up.
Q6: What should I do with the battery?
A6: It’s crucial to disconnect the battery from your riding lawn mower before storing it for the winter. Batteries can discharge over time, and storing them connected to the mower can damage the battery and the electrical system. Remove the battery from the mower and store it in a cool, dry place. You can also use a battery tender to keep the battery charged.
Q7: How often should I check on my stored riding lawn mower?
A7: It’s a good idea to check on your stored riding lawn mower at least once a month, especially if you’re storing it in a location where temperatures fluctuate. Check for any signs of rodent damage, condensation, or fuel leakage. You can also give the tires a little spin to make sure they’re not flat.