As the leaves start to fall and it gets cool, it’s time to put your trusty lawn mower to bed. Preparing your mower ahead of time will save you headaches come spring. Let’s go through the steps to get your mower ready for its winter snooze.
Clean It Like You Mean It
First things first – give your mower a good bath. Grass clippings and debris can hold moisture, which can cause rust and corrosion. Grab a putty knife and scrape off that stuck on grass from the deck. A leaf blower can help blow away loose debris. For the final touch, wipe it down with a damp cloth. Your mower will thank you come spring.
Fuel Matters – Should You Drain the Tank?
You have two choices here. You can run the mower out of gas or add a fuel stabilizer to a full tank. If you go the empty route, run it dry, and then try to start it a few times to use up any remaining fuel. If you go the stabilizer route? Fill the tank, add the stabilizer, and run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the mixture. This will prevent gummy deposits from forming in the carburetor.
Oil
Like your car, your mower needs fresh oil. If you didn’t change the oil at the end of summer, now’s the time. Warm up the engine for a few minutes, then drain the old oil. Fill it up with new oil as per your manual’s recommendations. If you changed it recently, just check the level and top it off if needed.
Spark Plug
A new spark plug is cheap insurance for easy starting in spring. Remove the old one, check the gap on the new plug (your manual will tell you the size), and install it. Don’t overtighten – just snug.
Battery
For mowers with electric start, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. A trickle charger will help maintain the charge over winter. If your garage isn’t heated, bring the battery inside to protect it from freezing temperatures.
Sharpen Those Blades
Sharp blades mean a healthier lawn. Remove the blades (be careful, they’re sharp!) and either sharpen them yourself with a file or take them to a pro. While they’re off, clean underneath the mowing deck.
Storage
Find a dry, protected spot for your mower. A garage or shed is ideal. If it has to stay outside, invest in a good quality, waterproof cover. Raise it on a wooden platform to keep it off the damp ground.
Standard Checks
Before you say goodnight to your mower for the season, check for any loose bolts or worn belts. Replace anything that looks suspect. It’s much easier to do this now than on the first warm day of spring when you’re itching to mow.
Winter preparation may sound like an added chore, but it is a little sacrifice worth taking. A well-maintained mower lasts longer, will start easier, and will cut better. But more importantly, you’ll be prepared to tackle that first spring growth while the neighbors will just be starting to wrestle with the stubborn, uncooperative machine.
Need help getting your mower winter-ready? Don’t sweat it. At Mobile Mower Techs, we’re just a call away. Our professionals can winterize your mower right in your driveway to save you time and hassle. To schedule your winter prep today, contact us directly and take comfort in knowing your lawn’s best friend is safely tucked in until spring.