Properly storing your lawn mower for the winter is crucial to maintaining its performance and extending its lifespan. Whether you own a gas-powered, electric, or robotic lawn mower, taking the time to winterize lawn mower for several months of inactivity can save you from potential issues come spring. We’ll walk you through a comprehensive, step-by-step process to ensure your lawn mower is ready for winter storage, providing peace of mind and smooth operation when it’s time to mow again.
Important Safety Precautions:
Before storing lawn mower for winter or performing any maintenance on your lawn mower, always follow these essential safety precautions: disconnect the spark plug on gasoline lawn mowers; unplug the power cord for electric lawn mowers; and remove the battery from cordless lawn mowers.
Removing or Disconnecting the Battery (if equipped)
Power Off the Mower: Ensure the mower is completely turned off and any safety mechanisms are engaged before handling the battery.
Locate the Battery: Identify where the battery is housed, which is typically under the mower’s seat or within a compartment.
Disconnect the Terminals: Start by disconnecting the negative terminal (black) before the positive terminal (red) to avoid electrical shorts.
Remove the Battery: Carefully lift the battery out of its compartment and clean it with a cloth. Clean the terminals with a metal brush or battery cleaner.
Storage Tips: Store the battery in a cool, dry place away from flammable materials. If possible, place it on a wooden or insulated surface to prevent potential discharge.
Cleaning the Mower Thoroughly
Thoroughly cleaning your lawn mower before winter storage is crucial to prevent rust and damage caused by built-up debris and moisture.
Remove Grass Clippings and Debris: Use a brush or a plastic scraper to remove any grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the deck, blades, and undercarriage. Make sure all parts, including tight corners, are clear of obstructions.
Wash with Water and Mild Soap: For a more thorough clean, use a hose to wash the mower with mild soap and water. Avoid high-pressure water, as it can force water into sensitive engine parts.
Dry Completely: After washing, dry the mower thoroughly using a cloth or allow it to air dry to prevent moisture from causing rust.
Inspect for Stuck Debris: Double-check areas around the wheels and blade assembly for any hidden debris that might cause issues during storage.
Empty the Lawn Mower Fuel Tank
Fuel left in the tank over the winter can lead to significant issues. Gasoline can degrade, leading to gum and varnish deposits that may clog the carburetor and fuel system, resulting in poor performance or failure to start in the spring.
Run the Mower Until the Tank Is Empty: One of the easiest ways to clear the fuel tank is to run the mower until it stops, using up any remaining gasoline.
Drain the Tank Manually (Optional): If running the mower dry isn’t feasible, use a siphon pump to remove the fuel safely into a proper container.
Use a Fuel Stabilizer (Alternative): If you prefer to leave fuel in the tank, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent degradation. Run the mower for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer through the system.
Disconnect and Check the Mower Spark Plugs
It can prevent accidental starts and allow for maintenance that can improve springtime performance.
Ensure the Mower is Off: Make sure the mower is completely powered down and stable.
Locate the Spark Plugs: The spark plugs are usually at the front or side of the engine. Refer to your mower’s manual if needed.
Disconnect the Spark Plug Wire: Carefully pull the wire cap off the spark plug to disconnect it.
Inspect the Spark Plug: Remove the spark plug using a spark plug wrench and inspect it for signs of wear, such as corrosion, dirt, or excessive carbon buildup.
Replace if Necessary: If the spark plug looks damaged or excessively worn, replace it with a new one to ensure reliability starting in the spring.
Changing the Oil
Drain the Old Oil: Place an oil pan under the mower and remove the oil drain plug or tilt the mower to drain the oil from the fill tube. Ensure all used oil is properly collected for recycling.
Refill with Fresh Oil: Pour in the appropriate type and amount of fresh oil as specified in your mower’s manual.
Checking and Replacing the Filter
Over the winter, a clogged or dirty air filter can worsen, affecting the engine’s performance when you start the mower in the spring.
Remove and Inspect the Filter: Take out the filter and inspect it for dirt, debris, or signs of wear. If the filter is paper-based, look for any tears or holes. Foam filters can be cleaned, but if they are too dirty, they should be replaced.
Clean or Replace the Filter: For foam filters, wash them in soapy water, let them dry completely, and then oil them lightly before reinserting. If the filter is damaged or too clogged to clean, replace it with a new one, following the mower’s manual for the correct filter type.
Reassemble the Housing: Once the filter is cleaned or replaced, securely reassemble the air filter housing.
Sharpening and Protecting Blades
Turn off the mower and disconnect the battery (if applicable) for safety. Use a wrench to remove the mower’s blades. Always wear gloves to avoid injury. Using a sharpening tool, such as a metal file or a bench grinder, carefully sharpen the edges of the blades. Ensure both sides of the blade are evenly sharpened. If you're not comfortable doing this yourself, you can take the blades to a professional.
While removing the blades, inspect them for cracks or chips. If the blades are damaged, replace them to ensure smooth and efficient cutting. After sharpening, wipe the blades with an oily cloth (vegetable or motor oil works well) to protect them from rust. Store the blades in a dry place. Once the blades are sharpened and protected, reattach them securely to the mower.
Choosing the Right Storage Location
Ideally, store your mower in a shed, garage, or basement that is cool, dry, and well-ventilated. Avoid storing it in a damp or humid environment, such as a shed that’s prone to condensation, as this can lead to rust and corrosion.
Do not store your mower outside in direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can damage plastic components and degrade fuel or lubricants. Extreme cold can also affect the mower’s battery and fluids.
If storing in a garage or basement with a dirt or concrete floor, consider placing the mower on a wooden platform or elevated surface to avoid contact with moisture.
If your storage space is not fully enclosed, use a mower cover to protect it from dust, dirt, and potential pests. Be sure the cover is breathable to allow moisture to escape.
By taking these steps to store your lawn mower for winter, you can ensure that it stays in good shape and is ready to run when the next mowing season arrives.
