How To Winterize Your Lawn Mower

Assuming you're looking for ways to properly prepare your lawn mower for the winter season, you might be wondering how to winterize your lawn mower and what steps you need to take to ensure it's ready for the next season. In this article, we'll guide you through several steps to winterize your lawn mower, starting with preparing the fuel system. Don't worry, we'll keep it simple and easy to follow so your lawn mower will be ready to go when the grass starts growing again.

Preparing the Fuel System

The first step in winterizing your lawn mower is to prepare the fuel system. Fuel left to sit in the tank over the winter can cause gum and varnish buildup, which can clog the carburetor and cause starting problems next year. Here's what you need to do:

1. First, turn off the fuel valve or remove the fuel tank to prevent fuel from leaking out while you work.
2. Start the engine and let it run until the fuel in the carburetor is used up and the engine stalls. This helps prevent buildup in the carburetor.
3. If the fuel tank has a drain plug, remove it and drain all the fuel into an approved container for disposal. If not, use a hand pump or siphon to remove the fuel from the tank and into a container.
4. Once the tank is empty, turn the engine off and let it cool down.
5. After the engine has cooled down, add fuel stabilizer to the tank according to the manufacturer's instructions. This helps prevent the fuel from breaking down and causing starting problems next year.
6. Finally, run the engine for a few minutes to ensure the stabilized fuel is circulated throughout the fuel system. This helps prevent fuel buildup and starting problems next year.

Following these steps will help protect your lawn mower's fuel system and ensure it starts up easily when it's time to mow the lawn again.

Changing the Oil and Filter

Changing the oil and filter of your lawn mower is a crucial step in preparing it for winter storage. This process helps remove any contaminants in the oil that may cause damage to your engine components. Follow these steps to change the oil and filter of your lawn mower:

1. Start your lawn mower and let it run for a few minutes to warm up the oil. Warm oil tends to flow faster and carry away more contaminants.
2. Turn the engine off and let it cool down for a few minutes.
3. Locate the oil drain plug under your lawn mower. The oil drain plug looks like a bolt at the bottom of the engine. Place an oil pan under the bolt to collect the oil.
4. Remove the oil drain plug and let the oil drain completely into the pan. Tilt the lawn mower slightly to drain out as much oil as possible.
5. While the oil is draining, locate the oil filter on your mower. The oil filter can be found near the oil pan or somewhere on the engine block.
6. Remove the old oil filter with an oil filter wrench. Be sure to have a pan underneath to collect any oil that may spill.
7. Coat the gasket on the new oil filter with fresh oil, and then screw it in place by hand. Tighten the filter according to the manufacturer's instructions with an oil filter wrench.
8. Replace the oil drain plug and wipe away any excess oil.
9. Pour new oil into the engine through the oil fill tube. Be sure to check your owner's manual for the correct type and amount of oil you should use.
10. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to circulate the new oil. After a few minutes, turn the engine off and check the oil level. Add more oil if needed.

Now that you have changed the oil and filter in your lawn mower, your engine will run efficiently and more smoothly. This will help protect your engine from any damage and extend the life of your lawn mower. It's recommended to change the oil at least once a year or as frequently specified by the manufacturer's instructions.

Cleaning and Lubricating the Mower Deck

After you have removed the fuel and oil from the lawn mower, the next step is to clean and lubricate the mower deck. The mower deck is the part of the lawn mower where the blades are located. Over time, grass clippings, dirt, and other debris can accumulate on the mower deck, which can cause rust and other damage to the blade and deck. By cleaning and lubricating the mower deck, you can help protect it from corrosion and other damage, which will help to extend the life of your lawn mower.

1. Clean the mower deck: To clean the mower deck, start by turning the mower on its side. Make sure that the gas tank and carburetor are facing upwards, to prevent fuel from getting into the carburetor. Next, use a putty knife or scraper to remove any debris or grass clippings from the underside of the deck. You may also want to use a wire brush or a power washer to remove any stubborn debris. Once the deck is clean, use a towel or rag to dry it off completely.
2. Lubricate the mower deck: After the deck is clean and dry, it's time to lubricate it. Lubricating the mower deck will help protect it from corrosion and rust, which can cause the deck to deteriorate over time. To lubricate the deck, start by spraying a silicone-based lubricant on the underside of the deck. This will help to prevent grass clippings and other debris from sticking to the deck. You may also want to apply some lubricant to the spindle bearings, which are located at the end of the blade. This will help to ensure that the blade spins freely, which will improve the overall performance of your lawn mower.
3. Reinstall the blades: Once the mower deck is clean and lubricated, it's time to reinstall the blades. Make sure that the blades are properly installed and tightened, to prevent them from coming loose and causing damage to the deck or engine. You may also want to sharpen the blades before reinstalling them, to ensure that they are cutting the grass properly.
4. Store the lawn mower: After you have cleaned and lubricated the mower deck, it's important to store the lawn mower properly. This will help to protect it from the elements and ensure that it's ready to use when the grass starts growing again in the spring. Store the lawn mower in a dry, protected area, such as a garage or shed. Cover the mower with a tarp or other protective covering, to prevent dust and debris from accumulating on the deck and engine.

Cleaning and lubricating the mower deck is an important part of winterizing your lawn mower. By following these simple steps, you can help protect your lawn mower from damage and ensure that it's ready to use again next season.

Protecting the Battery

The battery is an essential part of a lawn mower that needs protection during winters. The freezing temperature can damage the battery, causing it to fail or drain out faster. Hence, taking care of your lawn mower battery before storing it for winters is an excellent way to ensure its longevity and smooth performance in the upcoming season. Here are some tips to protect your battery during winters:

1. Remove the Battery - If your lawn mower's battery is removable, take it out before storing the mower for the winter. Store the battery in a warm and dry place with at least a 40% charge. Do not place it on cold concrete surfaces or next to windows as it can affect its performance.

2. Clean the Battery - If you cannot remove the battery, make sure to clean it thoroughly before storing the lawn mower. Cover the battery terminals and exposed wires with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. It will protect the terminals from corrosion and moisture.

3. Charge the Battery - Before removing the battery, charge it completely. If the battery is not removable, make sure to start the engine for a few minutes to recharge it.

4. Check the Battery Regularly - Check your lawn mower battery regularly throughout the winter. If the battery voltage falls below 12.4 V, recharge the battery immediately to avoid permanent damage.

5. Replace the Battery - If your lawn mower battery is more than three years old, it's time for a replacement. Winters can cause more damage to old batteries, and you don't want to start the upcoming season with an already dead battery.

Taking care of your lawn mower battery during winters may seem like a hassle, but it will save you from the headache of replacing the battery or getting your lawn mower repaired in the next season. Follow the above tips, and you'll have a perfectly operating lawn mower in the upcoming season.

Storing the Mower Properly

Once you have completed winterizing your lawn mower, it is essential to store it correctly till the spring season arrives. Here are some useful tips for storing your mower during the winter months:

1. Clean the Mower Thoroughly - Before storing your lawn mower to prevent rusting and corrosion, clean it thoroughly with a brush and warm water. Ensure that you remove all the dirt, grass, and debris from the blades, deck, and undercarriage.

2. Empty the Tank - Prevent the gasoline from getting degraded during winter. Add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank and run the mower for a couple of minutes to ensure the additive reaches the carburetor before draining out all the fuel.

3. Change Oil and Air Filter - Change the oil and air filter before storing for the winter to ensure that you get a head start in the spring season.

4. Remove the Battery - Disconnect the battery and remove it from the lawn mower during storage. Charge it fully, check the acid level, and store it in a cool and dry place where it won't freeze.

5. Store the Mower Indoors - Store your lawn mower indoors so that it remains dry and out of the reach of children and pets. If you don't have much space, cover the machine with a plastic sheet or tarpaulin to protect it from dust and moisture.

6. Keep the Mower Elevated - Keep the lawn mower off the ground by placing it on a couple of wooden blocks or a sawhorse to prevent flattening of the tires during storage.

Storing your lawn mower properly during the winter months is essential to prevent damage to your machine. Following these steps will ensure that your lawn mower is in top condition when spring arrives.

Performing Maintenance in the Spring

After a long winter of sitting dormant, your lawn mower will need some attention. Here are some tips on performing maintenance in the spring:

1. Replace the oil: The first step in getting your lawn mower ready for the spring is to replace the oil. Refer to your owner’s manual to determine the correct type and amount of oil needed.

2. Change the air filter: A dirty air filter can reduce your lawn mower’s performance. Remove the filter and clean or replace it if necessary.

3. Inspect the spark plug: A worn or dirty spark plug can cause your lawn mower to run poorly or not start at all. Remove the spark plug and inspect it for wear or build-up. Replace as needed.

4. Check the blades: A dull or damaged blade can damage your lawn and reduce your mower’s efficiency. Inspect the blades and sharpen or replace them if necessary.

5. Clean the deck: Over time, grass clippings and debris can build up in the mower deck. Use a scraper or brush to remove any buildup and prevent corrosion.

6. Inspect the drive belt: If your lawn mower has a drive belt, inspect it for wear or damage. Replace as needed.

7. Check the fuel system: If you didn’t drain the fuel from your lawn mower before storing it for the winter, you may need to siphon off the old gas or add a fuel stabilizer to prevent it from going bad.

8. Start it up: Once you’ve completed all of the necessary maintenance, start up your lawn mower and make sure it’s running correctly. Address any issues before you start mowing your lawn.

Performing regular maintenance on your lawn mower will not only extend its lifespan but also ensure that it runs efficiently and effectively. By following these tips, your lawn mower will be ready to tackle the spring and summer growing season.