Preparing Your Mower for Winter
I mowed my grass for the last time this year a couple of weeks ago. Actually, it was more like I mulched leaves with my mulching blade. Either way, it was the last time for the year. So, that means it’s time to push the old lawnmower into the shed and forget about it until spring, right? Not quite.
I’m sure many of you have been like me in the past, when I put the mower away and forgot about it. That’s precisely what I did until one spring it wouldn’t start. I took it to a shop down the street that works on mowers. The first thing the mechanic asked me was what winter maintenance I’d done. I just gave him a blank stare. I ended up with a new mower and a winter maintenance checklist for it.
Preparing Your Mower for Winter
Clean and Inspect
Completely clean your mower of all grass, dirt, and grime. Inspect belts, cables, and blades for any damage or wear. This includes the mower deck.
I clean the deck on my gas-powered mower by setting it on its side, spraying it with a hose, and then using a brush and putty knife to finish the cleaning. I’ve never done this, but many newer models have a port on top of the deck where a hose can be attached. After you turn on the hose, you run the mower to clean it. Some deck-cleaning lists suggest you claen the deck in your driveway. I found that it left too much of a mess and stained the concrete. I clean my mower deck in my side yard.
To clean an electric mower, first remove the battery. You can start with a leaf blower and a brush. Next, use a plastic scraper or a cloth to clear the deck. Do not spray with a hose! Avoid spraying or pressure washing the motor, vents, or electrical components. You can clean the outside with a damp cloth.
What about the gas?
You should empty the gas, or if you store it in a shed, you could use a fuel stabilizer, according to Consumer Reports. “Simply leaving fuel in the tank all winter can wreak havoc on your mower’s engine. Water from condensation can combine with ethanol in the gas, causing clogs, corrosion, and other problems throughout the fuel system. Come springtime, you could be in for a professional carburetor cleaning to the tune of $75 to $100.”
I found the easiest way for me to empty the gas was to run it out. I try to empty it on my last mow, but usually have to run it a little longer.
I’ve not used a fuel stabilizer, so I looked online, and they’re easy to find. They claim not only to protect it through the winter but also to clean carburetors and Injectors, improve rough-running engines, and eliminate water.
But Wait There’s More!
- Change the oil
- Disconnect and remove the battery. Store it in a dry, warm place
- Replace the spark plug
- Cover the mower to protect it from dust and pests, and store it in a dry place
If you follow this list, you’ll have a clean, fast-starting mower next spring!
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About the Author
Randy Clark is a speaker, coach, and author. He publishes a weekly blog at Randy Clark Leadership.com. Randy is passionate about social media, leadership development, and flower gardening. He’s a beer geek, and on weekends he can be found fronting the Rock & Roll band Under the Radar. He’s the proud father of two educators; he has four amazing grandchildren and a wife who dedicates her time to helping others. Randy is the author of the Amazon bestseller The New Manager’s Workbook, a crash course in effective management.
If you enjoyed this post you might also like, Bringing In Your Garden this Winter.
Photo by Andres Siimon on Unsplash
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