The warm days of summer have passed, and the leaves are starting to fall. Your lawn mower, a trusty workhorse throughout the growing season, is now facing a new challenge: winter storage. Properly storing your lawn mower isn’t just about keeping it clean and dry, it’s about ensuring it’s ready for action when spring arrives. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps for storing your lawn mower, keeping it in top condition for years to come.
Overview: Storing your lawn mower correctly involves a series of steps. These steps include cleaning the mower thoroughly, draining fluids, and adding preventative measures to prevent rust and corrosion. Additionally, understanding the best storage environment is crucial for preserving your mower’s functionality.
Cleaning Your Lawn Mower: A Foundation for Long Life
The first step to ensuring your lawn mower stays in good shape is a thorough cleaning. This process will remove debris, dirt, and grass clippings that can lead to corrosion and hinder performance.
1. Start with a Basic Cleaning:
- Remove Loose Debris: Begin by clearing away any visible debris like grass, leaves, and twigs. Use a brush, a leaf blower, or compressed air to reach those hard-to-get areas.
- Wipe Down the Exterior: Use a damp cloth to wipe down the mower’s exterior, including the engine, deck, and wheels.
- Clean the Deck: Pay particular attention to the cutting deck. Use a wire brush to scrub away any accumulated grass and debris. This will prevent rust and ensure a clean cut next season.
2. Deep Cleaning for Maximum Protection:
- Remove the Spark Plug: Once you’ve completed the initial cleaning, remove the spark plug and clean it with a wire brush. This will prevent dirt and grime from interfering with its performance next season.
- Clean the Air Filter: Replace the air filter or clean it thoroughly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. A clean filter ensures the engine receives proper air intake, essential for optimal performance.
- Clean the Fuel Tank: If you plan to store your mower with fuel in the tank, it’s essential to add a fuel stabilizer. This additive prevents fuel from breaking down and gumming up the engine.
Fuel Considerations: Ensuring a Smooth Start Next Season
Fuel is a crucial element when it comes to storing a lawn mower. Treating it with care will save you headaches when it’s time to fire up the engine next spring.
1. Drain the Fuel Tank (Recommended):
- The best way to prevent fuel from degrading is to drain the tank entirely. This minimizes the risk of gum and varnish buildup inside the engine.
- Empty the fuel into a designated container and dispose of it properly.
2. Fuel Stabilizer:
- If you choose to store the mower with fuel in the tank (especially for longer storage periods), using a fuel stabilizer is essential.
- Follow the instructions on the fuel stabilizer bottle and ensure the engine runs for a few minutes after adding it.
Sharpening the Blades: A Crucial Step for a Smooth Cut
Sharpened blades are essential for a clean cut, but they’re also crucial for the longevity of your mower. Dull blades can strain the engine and lead to uneven cutting.
1. Removing the Blades:
- Before sharpening, carefully remove the blades using the appropriate tools. Refer to your mower’s manual for specific instructions on blade removal.
- Mark the blades to ensure they’re installed correctly during reassembly.
2. Sharpening Techniques:
- Use a File: Use a flat file to sharpen the blades, maintaining a consistent angle and keeping the edges parallel.
- Professional Sharpening: If you’re unsure about sharpening blades yourself, consider taking them to a professional for sharpening.
Preparing for Storage: Final Steps for a Smooth Transition
With your mower clean and blades sharpened, you’re ready to put it into storage. Here are some final steps to ensure a smooth transition.
1. Storing the Mower:
- Secure Storage: Store your mower in a dry, well-ventilated area. A garage or shed is ideal.
- Protect from the Elements: Cover the mower with a tarp or a purpose-made lawn mower cover to prevent dust, moisture, and debris from accumulating.
2. Battery Maintenance:
- Remove the Battery: If your mower has a battery, remove it and store it in a cool, dry place.
- Charging and Storage: If storing the battery connected, charge it fully before storage.
3. Additional Tips:
- Clean and Protect the Engine: Wipe down the engine with a clean cloth to remove any dust or debris. You can also apply a light coating of oil to the metal surfaces to prevent rust.
- Grease Moving Parts: Apply a light coating of grease to any moving parts, such as the wheels and axles, to prevent them from seizing up.
- Inspect and Replace Parts: Before storing your mower, inspect all parts, including belts, cables, and hoses. Replace any worn or damaged parts to ensure smooth operation next spring.
Storing Your Lawn Mower Safely:
Safety is paramount when storing your lawn mower. Here are a few important safety considerations:
- Fuel Storage: Always store fuel in a designated container, away from any heat sources.
- Battery Storage: Store batteries in a dry, cool place. Never store them near flammable materials.
- Children’s Safety: Store your lawn mower in a locked area, out of reach of children.
Spring Preparations: Getting Your Mower Ready for Action
When spring arrives, and the lawn needs attention, it’s time to get your mower out of storage and ready for action. Here’s a quick checklist to ensure a smooth transition:
- Check Fluid Levels: Inspect the oil and fuel levels and top them off as needed.
- Battery Charge: If you stored the battery, charge it fully before installing it.
- Start the Engine: Start the engine and let it warm up for a few minutes.
- Inspect Blades: Check the blade sharpness and make sure they’re securely attached.
- Test the Mower: Run the mower through a short test to ensure everything is functioning properly.
Conclusion: Your Lawn Mower’s Long Life Starts Now
Storing your lawn mower properly isn’t just about keeping it safe; it’s an investment in its longevity. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your mower remains in top condition, ready to tackle those spring chores with ease. Remember, proper care and maintenance translate into a smoother, more efficient mowing experience for years to come.
FAQ
Q1: When is the best time to store my lawn mower for the season?
The best time to store your lawn mower is at the end of the mowing season, typically in the fall. Before storing, make sure to give your mower a good cleaning and perform any necessary maintenance like sharpening the blades and changing the oil. This ensures that your mower is ready for the next season and prevents damage from sitting idle for an extended period.
If you live in a region with mild winters, you can store your mower outside. However, if you experience freezing temperatures, it’s best to store your mower indoors in a dry, well-ventilated area to prevent rust and corrosion.
Q2: How do I clean my lawn mower before storing it?
Cleaning your lawn mower is crucial to prevent rust and corrosion during storage. First, use a brush or compressed air to remove any grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the mower’s deck, wheels, and engine. Next, wipe down all metal surfaces with a clean cloth and a mild detergent solution. Pay special attention to the underside of the deck, which often collects grass clippings. Finally, rinse the mower thoroughly with water and allow it to dry completely before storage.
Q3: What type of fuel should I use for storage?
Using the right fuel is essential for preserving your lawn mower’s engine during storage. Regular gasoline can degrade over time and leave gum and varnish deposits in the carburetor. This can cause starting problems and engine damage. Instead, use a fuel stabilizer specifically designed for small engines. Add the stabilizer to your fuel tank according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
After adding the stabilizer, run your mower for a few minutes to ensure the mixture is evenly distributed throughout the fuel system. This helps prevent fuel degradation and ensures a smooth start when you need to use your mower again.
Q4: Should I drain the fuel tank before storage?
Draining the fuel tank before storage is not necessary if you use fuel stabilizer. However, if you plan to store your mower for a very long time, such as several months, it’s a good idea to drain the tank and run the engine until it stops. This helps prevent any potential fuel degradation and ensures a smooth start when you need to use your mower again.
If you choose to drain the tank, make sure to dispose of the fuel properly, as it is flammable. You can either use a fuel container to store the drained fuel for later use or dispose of it in accordance with local regulations.
Q5: Do I need to change the oil before storage?
Changing the oil before storage is important to protect your lawn mower’s engine. Old oil can break down and leave deposits that can clog the engine and cause damage. Before storing, drain the old oil and refill the engine with fresh oil. You should also replace the oil filter.
This ensures that your mower is ready for the next season and prevents damage from sitting idle for an extended period.
Q6: How should I store my lawn mower?
Once you have cleaned, prepared, and serviced your lawn mower, it’s time to store it. For long-term storage, it’s best to store your mower in a dry, well-ventilated area. This helps prevent rust and corrosion from developing on the metal parts.
If you have limited space, consider hanging the mower from the ceiling or storing it on its side. Avoid storing it on the wheels for extended periods, as this can deform the tires.
Q7: What should I do when I’m ready to use my lawn mower again?
When you’re ready to use your mower again, there are a few things you should do before starting it up. First, check the fuel level and make sure there is enough to run the engine. Next, inspect the spark plug and replace it if it is worn or corroded.
Also, check the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them with a wire brush if necessary. Finally, inspect the blade and sharpen or replace it if needed. With a little bit of pre-season maintenance, you can ensure that your lawn mower is ready to tackle the upcoming mowing season.