The crisp autumn air has arrived, and the leaves are starting to turn vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow. This beautiful time of year also signals the end of the lawn mowing season for many. As you put your riding lawn mower away for the winter, it’s crucial to store it properly to ensure it’s ready to tackle your lawn come springtime. Improper storage can lead to damage, corrosion, and costly repairs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps for storing your riding lawn mower for winter, keeping it in peak condition for years to come.
A Short Overview
Storing your riding lawn mower for winter involves more than simply parking it in the garage. It requires a series of steps to protect the engine, fuel system, battery, and other components from the harsh conditions of winter. This article will cover the following topics:
- Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Winter Storage
- Cleaning and Maintaining Your Mower
- Storing Your Mower Properly
- Winterizing Your Mower
- Troubleshooting and Common Problems
Preparing Your Lawn Mower for Winter Storage
Before you put your riding lawn mower away for the winter, it’s important to prepare it for storage. This will involve performing a few essential tasks to ensure its longevity and prevent any unforeseen issues.
1. Give Your Mower a Final Mow:
Start by giving your lawn a final mow before storing the mower. Cut the grass to a lower height than you typically do, making it easier for the snow to melt away from the lawn in the spring. This will also help prevent the grass from growing too long and potentially damaging your mower when you start using it again.
2. Clean and Inspect the Mower:
Thoroughly clean your riding lawn mower to remove any dirt, debris, and grass clippings. Pay close attention to the underside of the mower deck, the wheels, and the engine. Use a brush, vacuum, or air compressor to remove any accumulated debris. Check the blades for wear and tear, sharpening them or replacing them if necessary.
3. Change the Oil:
Before storing your mower for the winter, change the engine oil. This will prevent the oil from degrading and leaving behind harmful deposits during the off-season. Using fresh oil will ensure smooth operation and optimal performance when you start using the mower again in the spring.
4. Replace Air Filter:
Replace the air filter with a new one. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and lead to engine problems. A clean air filter ensures optimal engine performance and extends the life of your mower.
5. Empty the Fuel Tank:
Emptying the fuel tank is crucial to prevent fuel from going bad and gumming up the engine. Fuel left in the tank over the winter can degrade, forming varnish and deposits that can damage the fuel system.
Cleaning and Maintaining Your Mower
Now that your mower is ready for storage, it’s time to thoroughly clean and maintain it. This will ensure it’s protected from the elements and in good working order for the next season.
1. Wash and Dry the Mower:
Use a hose and mild detergent to wash the entire mower, removing any dirt, grass clippings, or debris. Pay special attention to the engine, wheels, and mower deck. After washing, dry the mower thoroughly with a clean cloth to prevent rust formation.
2. Clean the Engine:
Clean the engine components, especially the carburetor and air filter. Use a soft-bristled brush or compressed air to remove any dirt and debris. This will prevent the engine from becoming clogged and ensure smooth operation in the spring.
3. Remove and Clean the Battery:
Disconnect the battery terminals and remove the battery from the mower. Store the battery in a cool, dry place. You can also use a battery tender to keep the battery charged during the winter months.
4. Lubricate Moving Parts:
Lubricate all moving parts of the mower, such as the steering, deck, and wheels. Use a light oil or grease to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation.
Storing Your Mower Properly
Once your mower is clean and maintained, it’s time to store it properly. Proper storage will protect your mower from the elements and prevent any damage.
1. Choose a Suitable Storage Location:
Select a dry, well-ventilated location to store your mower. A garage or shed is ideal. Avoid storing it in damp areas or outdoors, as this can lead to rust and corrosion.
2. Cover the Mower:
Cover your mower with a breathable tarp or cover to protect it from dust and debris. Ensure the cover fits snugly, and choose a cover specifically designed for lawn mowers.
3. Store it Upright:
Storing your riding lawn mower upright is the best option. This helps prevent fluid leaks and minimizes strain on the engine. If you need to store it horizontally, ensure the mower is positioned with the engine on top to prevent oil from leaking out.
Winterizing Your Mower
While cleaning and storage are crucial, winterizing your mower further ensures its longevity and peak performance for the next season.
1. Fuel Stabilizer:
If you’re unable to completely drain the fuel tank, add a fuel stabilizer to the remaining fuel. This will prevent the fuel from degrading and forming deposits during the winter months. Follow the instructions on the fuel stabilizer product for proper application.
2. Winterize the Engine:
Depending on your mower’s model and fuel type, you might need to perform additional steps to winterize the engine. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.
3. Check the Tire Pressure:
Check the tire pressure and adjust it to the recommended levels. Under-inflated tires can deform over time, potentially causing damage to the wheels.
4. Store the Blades Separately:
If your mower has removable blades, store them separately in a dry, safe place. This will prevent any damage to the blades and ensure they are ready for use in the spring.
Troubleshooting and Common Problems
While proper storage minimizes issues, some problems might arise during the off-season.
1. Battery Problems:
The most common problem encountered during winter storage is battery failure. If the battery is not properly maintained or stored, it can lose its charge and become unusable.
2. Fuel Line Problems:
Fuel left in the tank can degrade and form deposits in the fuel lines. This can cause the fuel lines to clog, making it difficult to start the mower in the spring.
3. Rust Formation:
If the mower is stored in a damp location, rust can form on the metal parts. This can affect the mower’s performance and appearance.
Conclusion
Storing your riding lawn mower for winter properly is essential for its longevity and performance. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your mower is ready to tackle your lawn in the spring. Remember to clean and maintain your mower, store it in a dry location, and winterize the engine if necessary. If you encounter any problems during the winter months, consult your owner’s manual or seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.
FAQs
1. What are the essential steps for preparing my riding lawnmower for winter storage?
The first step is to thoroughly clean your riding lawnmower. This includes removing any grass clippings, debris, and dirt. Next, you’ll want to change the oil and air filter. This ensures that your mower has clean fluids and that the engine is ready for storage. Lastly, you should add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent the fuel from going bad. This will help ensure your mower starts up easily in the spring.
Once you’ve cleaned and serviced your mower, you can move on to preparing it for storage. This involves draining the fuel tank, changing the oil and air filter, and removing the battery. You should also cover the mower with a tarp or use a mower storage cover to protect it from the elements. You can also consider using a storage cover to protect the mower from the elements. Finally, you should store the mower in a dry, well-ventilated area, ideally off the ground.
2. Is it necessary to drain the fuel tank completely before storing my riding lawnmower?
Yes, it is crucial to drain the fuel tank completely before storing your riding lawnmower. Gasoline can go bad over time and form a sticky residue that can clog the fuel lines and carburetor. This residue can make it difficult to start the mower in the spring. While adding fuel stabilizer to the gas tank can help to prevent the fuel from going bad, it’s still best to drain the tank completely. This will ensure that your mower is ready to go when you need it in the spring.
Draining the fuel tank is a simple process. Just use a siphon pump to remove the gasoline from the tank. Be sure to dispose of the gasoline properly. You can store the gasoline in a sealed container and use it for other purposes.
3. What type of fuel stabilizer should I use for my riding lawnmower?
You should use a high-quality fuel stabilizer specifically designed for small engines. This type of stabilizer will help to prevent the fuel from going bad and will ensure that your mower starts up easily in the spring. You can find fuel stabilizers at most hardware stores and automotive supply stores.
When choosing a fuel stabilizer, be sure to read the instructions carefully. Some stabilizers are designed to be used in gasoline that has already been stored for a while, while others are designed to be used in fresh gasoline. You should also consider the storage time frame. For longer storage periods, you may need a more potent fuel stabilizer.
4. Can I store my riding lawnmower outside?
You can store your riding lawnmower outside, but it’s not ideal. If you must store it outside, you should use a tarp or a mower storage cover to protect it from the elements. You should also make sure that the mower is stored in a dry, well-ventilated area.
Storing your mower outside exposes it to the elements, such as rain, snow, and extreme temperatures. These factors can damage the mower’s engine, electrical components, and other parts. Storing it inside, in a garage or shed, is a more optimal choice to protect your investment.
5. Should I disconnect the battery before storing my riding lawnmower?
Yes, you should disconnect the battery before storing your riding lawnmower. This will help to prevent the battery from draining and becoming damaged. A drained battery can be difficult to jumpstart, and you may need to replace it entirely if it’s damaged.
To disconnect the battery, simply disconnect the negative terminal first, followed by the positive terminal. You can then store the battery in a cool, dry place. It’s a good idea to keep the battery charged while in storage. You can use a trickle charger to maintain the charge.
6. When should I start prepping my riding lawnmower for winter storage?
The best time to start preparing your riding lawnmower for winter storage is in the fall, when the weather starts to cool down. This will give you ample time to clean, service, and store your mower before the cold weather sets in.
It’s best to take care of these tasks before the first frost. If you wait until the last minute, you may find that you’re unable to complete all of the steps before the weather turns bad.
7. Should I use any special tools to prep my riding lawnmower for winter storage?
You don’t need any special tools to prep your riding lawnmower for winter storage. However, it’s helpful to have a few basic tools on hand, such as a wrench set, a screwdriver, a funnel, and a siphon pump.
A wrench set will be useful for removing the spark plugs and draining the oil. A screwdriver will be helpful for removing the battery terminals. A funnel will make it easier to add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. And a siphon pump will help you drain the fuel tank. You can also use a shop vac to help clean out the mower.