The days are getting shorter, the air is turning crisp, and the leaves are beginning to change color – it’s officially fall! This means it’s time to bid farewell to your trusty lawn mower for the season. But before you stow it away for the winter, there are some important steps to take to ensure it’s ready to roar back to life in the spring. This guide will walk you through the process of properly storing your lawn mower for the winter, ensuring it remains in tip-top shape.
Storing a lawn mower for the winter involves more than just throwing a cover over it. Proper preparation can prevent rust, corrosion, and even costly repairs. This article will cover everything from cleaning and preparing your mower for storage to choosing the ideal storage location and the essential maintenance tasks to complete before putting it away.
Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Winter Storage
Clean and Inspect Your Mower
Before you store your lawn mower, it’s essential to give it a thorough cleaning. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion from developing over the winter months.
1. Cleaning the Deck:
- Remove all grass clippings: Start by emptying the grass catcher and removing any accumulated clippings from the mower deck.
- Wash the deck: Use a garden hose to wash away any remaining debris. Pay close attention to the underside of the deck, where grass clippings can build up.
- Dry the deck thoroughly: Let the deck air dry completely before storing.
2. Cleaning Other Components:
- Clean the engine: Wipe down the engine with a clean cloth and remove any debris.
- Clean the air filter: Replace or clean the air filter according to your mower’s instructions.
- Clean the spark plug: Clean or replace the spark plug as needed.
- Clean the fuel tank: Drain the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from going bad.
Empty the Fuel Tank
To prevent the fuel from gumming up the engine over the winter, it’s crucial to empty the fuel tank completely.
- Run the engine: Start your lawn mower and let it run until it sputters and dies. This will use up any remaining fuel in the carburetor.
- Drain the fuel: Drain any remaining fuel from the tank into a suitable container. Dispose of the fuel properly according to local regulations.
- Add fuel stabilizer: Fill the tank with fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer to prevent the fuel from going bad over the winter months.
Change the Oil
Changing the oil in your lawn mower before storage is essential for preventing corrosion and extending the life of your engine.
- Warm up the engine: Run your lawn mower for a few minutes to warm up the engine oil.
- Drain the old oil: Carefully drain the old oil into a suitable container.
- Replace the oil filter: Replace the oil filter if your mower has one.
- Add fresh oil: Fill the engine with fresh oil according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Sharpen the Blades
Sharp blades are crucial for a clean cut and prevent damage to your lawn.
- Remove the blades: Carefully remove the mower blades using a wrench or socket.
- Sharpen the blades: Use a file or sharpening stone to sharpen the blades. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, it’s a good idea to have a professional service your blades.
- Balance the blades: Ensure the blades are balanced to prevent vibrations and damage.
- Reinstall the blades: Reinstall the sharpened and balanced blades on your mower.
Store Your Lawn Mower Properly
Choose the Right Storage Location
The location where you store your lawn mower will significantly affect its condition throughout the winter.
- Dry, indoor storage: The ideal storage location is a dry, indoor area like a garage or shed. This will help prevent rust, corrosion, and moisture damage.
- Cover your mower: Cover the mower with a tarp or a heavy-duty lawn mower cover to protect it from dust and debris.
Protect Your Mower from Moisture
Moisture is the biggest enemy of your lawn mower during storage. Take the following precautions to prevent it from impacting your mower:
- Elevate your mower: Place the mower on blocks or a stand to elevate it off the ground and prevent moisture from collecting underneath.
- Use a dehumidifier: If you’re storing your mower in a damp area, consider using a dehumidifier to reduce the humidity levels.
- Store fuel and oil separately: If you’re storing your mower with fuel or oil, store them in sealed containers separately from the mower to prevent potential spills or leaks.
Essential Maintenance Tasks
Check for Loose Parts
Before storing your mower, ensure all screws, bolts, and other components are properly secured. Tighten any loose parts to prevent them from rattling around and potentially damaging your mower.
Clean the Battery
If your mower has a battery, clean the battery terminals with a wire brush and apply a battery terminal protector to prevent corrosion.
Disconnect the Spark Plug Wire
Disconnect the spark plug wire to prevent accidental starts while the mower is in storage.
Check the Tires
Check the tires for signs of wear or damage. If necessary, inflate the tires to the proper pressure.
Ready for Spring!
By following these tips, you can ensure your lawn mower is stored properly and ready to tackle your lawn come spring. Remember, proper storage can help prolong the life of your mower, saving you time and money in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to store my lawnmower for the winter?
Storing your lawnmower for winter is highly recommended. This is especially true if you live in an area that experiences harsh winter conditions with snow and freezing temperatures. Storing your mower helps protect it from damage caused by moisture, rust, and extreme temperatures, ensuring it’s ready to go when spring arrives.
Leaving your mower exposed during the winter months can lead to issues like engine seizing, corrosion, and battery damage. Storing your mower properly helps prevent these problems and extends its lifespan.
2. When should I store my lawnmower?
The best time to store your lawnmower for the winter is after your last mowing session of the season. Usually, this happens sometime in late autumn when the grass growth slows down significantly.
However, if you live in a warmer climate where grass continues to grow during the winter months, you might only need to store your mower for a shorter period. Regardless of your location, it’s important to clean and prepare your mower before storing it away.
3. Where should I store my lawnmower?
The ideal storage location for your lawnmower is a dry, well-ventilated area, such as a garage, shed, or basement. Avoid storing your mower in areas that are prone to moisture, as this can lead to rust and other damage.
If you don’t have a dedicated storage space, consider covering the mower with a tarp or plastic sheet to protect it from the elements. However, ensure there is adequate airflow to prevent moisture buildup.
4. What should I do before storing my lawnmower?
Before storing your lawnmower, there are a few essential steps to ensure it remains in good condition throughout the winter. Start by cleaning the mower thoroughly, removing any grass clippings, dirt, or debris.
Next, sharpen the blades if needed, and check for any loose parts or signs of damage. Finally, change the oil, clean the air filter, and add fuel stabilizer to prevent fuel degradation.
5. Should I drain the gas tank before storing?
It’s highly recommended to drain the gas tank before storing your lawnmower. Gasoline can go bad over time, especially during winter when it sits unused.
Draining the tank helps prevent fuel-related issues like clogging and engine damage. If you can’t completely drain the tank, add a fuel stabilizer to the remaining gas, which will help prevent it from going bad.
6. Do I need to charge the battery?
If your lawnmower has a battery, it’s essential to charge it fully before storing it. A fully charged battery is less likely to suffer from winter damage and will be ready to use when you start mowing again in the spring.
If you’re storing the mower for an extended period, consider disconnecting the battery and storing it indoors to further prevent damage.
7. How can I prevent rust from forming on my lawnmower?
To prevent rust from forming on your lawnmower, ensure it’s completely dry before storing it. If you notice any rust starting to form, use a rust remover and apply a protective coating like WD-40 or a rust inhibitor to the metal parts.
Regular cleaning and proper storage conditions will significantly minimize the risk of rust formation and help maintain your lawnmower’s lifespan.