t's the end of summer and for many of us our thoughts turn towards preparations for the winter months to come. But before your lawn mower starts collecting dust until spring there is good reason to put in the extra effort: a few moments of preparation now can save you countless hours of frustration (and dollars) when warmer weather returns. To help you get your lawn mower ready for winter, here is a step-by-step guide to help you out.
Quick Answer
The process of winterizing a lawn mower requires draining the oil and fuel, checking the spark plug, adding fuel stabilizer, and cleaning and inspecting the carburetor. For more detailed instructions on how to winterize your specific model, please refer to your lawn mower's user manual.
Preparing your Lawn Mower for Winter
Preparing your Lawn Mower for Winter is an important part of lawn maintenance and is necessary in order to make sure your mower can survive the colder months. There are many ways to prepare your mower for winter, such as draining the fuel tank and oil, lubricating all moving parts, inspecting the blades, prepping the spark plug, and cleaning out any debris from the mower.
Draining the fuel tank before winter sets in will help prevent issues like corrosion or condensation build-up in the fuel system. Ideally, you should completely empty the fuel tank and run the engine until it sputters out. If you plan to use your mower throughout winter, make sure you use fresh fuel mixed with a fuel stabilizer that can keep your gas from becoming stale and gummed up. Additionally, drainage of oil will maintain original lubrication levels and help keep all moving parts of your mower running smoothly. This can be done by running your engine until all oil is drained out of the crankcase.
When preparing for winter, it’s also important to lubricate all moving components of your mower with a quality engine oil or grease. This will ward off any potential rusting of these parts as well as provide extra protection against wear and tear while they’re not being used. It is also helpful to inspect all blades to ensure they aren’t dull or damaged before storing away. Make sure any dull blades are sharpened or replaced in order to promote efficient cutting when you need it next year.
Prepping the spark plug is another crucial step when preparing for winter storage. You should clean or replace your spark plug annually in order to ensure proper functionality come summertime and avoid difficulty starting up the engine anything during winter storage. Clean off any carbon deposits on the plug with an aerosol cleaner like solvent spray, then re-gap and lubricate if needed.
Lastly, take a few moments to inspect your mower for any build-up of clippings or debris that could prevent proper air flow when starting up again after a long hibernation period. You should remove everything that could slow down the oxygen reaching your carburetor when ready to fire up again after winter ends.
This summarizes all steps necessary for appropriately preparing your lawn mower for winter storage; now we'll move on to digging deeper into cleaning out your mower!
- According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, one in five households own a riding lawnmower.
- In order to properly winterize your lawn mower, you should empty all gas and oil, change the spark plug, lubricate parts and sharp the blades.
- A survey conducted in 2020 found that 93% of lawn owners winterize their lawn equipment to ensure maximum performance during the spring and summer months.
Key Points to Remember
Preparing your lawn mower for winter is an important step in lawn maintenance that can help ensure its life and efficiency for the following year. This includes draining the fuel tank, oil, lubricating all moving parts, inspecting blades and sparkplug, and cleaning out any debris from the mower. Further steps such as refueling with fresh fuel and fuel stabilizer as well as replacing dull blades can also be taken to maximize engine performance upon starting back up after winter.
Clean the Mower
Clean the Mower. This is an important step in preparing your mower for winter, as it will help ensure a successful springtime when you’re ready to start mowing again. Begin by removing any debris or clippings from the outside of the mower, especially near the blades and engine area. For gas-powered mowers, use a brush to remove built up grass from around the spark plug. You can also use a damp cloth or compressed air to remove dirt and residue. Next, clean out the underside of your mower deck to remove any material build-up caused by continual operation over the summer season.
For those who debate whether or not to clean the exterior of their lawn mower using soap and water, the opposing sides are: proponents of using soap argue that it removes grime, dirt, and dust particles; conversely opponents reject that idea claiming that it strips away essential lubricants which can cause operating problems down the road. Ultimately, it's best to leave this decision up to personal preference as every piece of equipment requires different levels of upkeep.
Now that you've cleaned both the external surface and underside of your lawnmower, it's time to move onto the next step in prepping your machine for winter: Replace The Oil.
Replace the Oil
Replacing the oil of a lawn mower engine is essential for ensuring its health throughout the winter months. Before replacing the oil, it is important to start by draining and cleaning the entire system. This will help to ensure that all debris and deposits have been removed.
There are two main types of oil to choose from: synthetic or conventional. Synthetic oil typically provides better lubrication and protection than conventional oil and can also improve fuel efficiency in some cases. However, it tends to be more expensive than conventional oil so it is not always suitable for every budget.
While replacing the oil, one should take care to dispose of old oil properly at an oil recycling center or hazardous waste disposal facility; improper disposal can cause contamination of soil or water systems in our vicinity. Furthermore, overfilling the crankcase should be avoided as this may cause the engine to run inefficiently or might even damage it permanently. After refilling, the filter should be replaced at regular intervals as this is essential for preventing dust and other abrasive materials from entering the engine.
It is also a good idea to check your manual for any specific preferences or advice given by your manufacturer before beginning this process. Doing so will help to ensure you get optimal results from your new oil.
After replacing the oil, the next step in preparing your lawn mower for winter is securing its fuel system.
Secure the Fuel System
Securing the fuel system is an important step in preparing your lawn mower for winter. If you leave fuel inside the tank and lines, over time it will break down and gum up, causing problems later when you try to restart the engine. The two main options for properly storing your lawn mower's fuel system are to either completely drain the gasoline or use a fuel stabilizer additive.
Draining the gasoline completely from your lawn mower's tank and lines is one way of securing its fuel system. This option eliminates any risk of having the gasoline left in the tank deteriorate deteriorated over time. However, completing this step usually requires that you temporarily disassemble parts of the engine, which can be challenging and dangerous if done incorrectly. In addition, if draining the tank is not done properly, it may cause air pockets within the system, making it difficult to restart the engine when springtime comes around.
Using a fuel stabilizer additive as an alternative method of securing your lawn mower's fuel system also has its merits. Before draining the gasoline from your tank, you would first pour in a small bottle of fuel stabilizer per manufacturer’s instructions. The additive helps to prevent deterioration by breaking down oxygen molecules that enter an open tank and line through regular air exposure. As a result, preserved gasoline will remain viable for several months without medium clogging. Plus, using this method does not involve any complex disassembly, so beginners can complete this task safely and easily with minimal effort.
Now that you have secured your lawn mower's fuel system for winter, it's time to move on to checking its fuel filter. This component removes contaminants from entering combustion chambers, ensuring maximum performance and efficiency during warm weather seasons.
Check the Fuel Filter
Checking the fuel filter is a critical part of proper winter maintenance for your lawn mower. This simple step can prevent rust from forming in the fuel tank, ensure proper fuel delivery, and help protect the engine from dirt and debris buildup. While replacing a fuel filter can be more expensive than some other mundane engine maintenance, it's still important to check it regularly for necessary care.
When replacing the fuel filter, there are two different approaches you can consider: removing the entire old filter or cleaning the filter element instead. Removing the old filter altogether may be time consuming, as it requires removing various parts of the fuel system and ensuring that all of them fit back together correctly as you re-assemble it. If you choose to clean the filter element itself, you'll need to take out and dismantle the existing filter—making sure not to damage any of its components along the way. Either approach may lead to decreased performance if done incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you know exactly what you're doing or seek professional help before beginning this process.
No matter what approach you choose, inspecting your fuel filter is an easy task that can significantly improve your lawn mower's performance in the long run. If done properly, it will help keep contaminants away from your engine and ensure that gasoline passes through cleanly in order to optimize engine health. Now let's move on to taking an important step forward by replacing the gasoline in your lawn mower for winter storage.
Replace the Gasoline
Replacing the gasoline in your lawn mower is an essential step in preparing your machine for winter. Depending on the model, you may either drain the fuel tank and use a fresh supply at the start of every season, or you may be able to simply replace the gasoline with a fuel stabilizer. For those who opt to drain the fuel tank and replace it with a new batch, this should be done before storage for extended periods of time.
The debate over whether to replace the gasoline or not largely centers around existing fuel quality and type. For example, gasoline that is more than 30 days old should definitely be fully drained out of your machine and replaced with fresh fuel. This is because certain additives in gas can separate over time, resulting in clogged carburetors if left unchecked.
On the other hand, some argue that simply adding a fuel stabilizer can have similar results and could save some effort and time. Fuel stabilizers are designed to prevent separation between primary components by bonding them together for longer periods of storage. However, as most engines are designed to run primarily on fresh gasoline rather than stabilized fuel, it is best practice to remove it during preparation for winter storage.
No matter which side of the argument you fall on regarding replacing the gasoline, always use unleaded fuel when filling up your machine after long months of non-use. This helps keep engine performance from being impaired due to condensation build-up within the chamber.
Now that you know how important it is to maintain clean gasoline levels within your lawn mower before storing it away for winter, let's explore how to maintain its electrical system next.
Maintain the Electrical System
It is important to maintain the electrical system to prepare your lawn mower for winter! To do so, start by checking all the electrical connections. Make sure that they are clean, secure and free from rust or corrosion by cleaning off any dust or debris. This can be done with a wire brush and should solve most common problems associated with corroded wiring. Additionally, make sure all the wires and cables are in good condition--inspect for any damage or fraying and fix or replace as necessary.
When it comes to the spark plug, some people debate on whether it needs to be changed annually or not. On one hand, changing it regularly prevents misfiring, improves efficiency, and increases performance. However, many argue that because modern spark plugs can last up to several years without wearing out-changing them annually is unnecessary. Ultimately, this decision is up to you and depends on some factorsspecific to your lawn mower such as age and usage frequency.
Now that you have completed maintenance of the electrical system, it's time to move on to inspect the battery in order to ensure your lawn mower's winter storage readiness.
Inspect the Battery
Inspecting the battery of your lawn mower before you store it for winter is an essential part of maintenance. It helps to avoid costly repairs and keep your machine running in excellent condition. Depending on the type of battery you have, there are different methods for assessing its condition and making sure it’s ready for winter storage.
The most common type of battery for lawn mowers is a lead-acid battery, which uses sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. A lead-acid battery should be checked periodically by measuring its open circuit voltage (OCV) when disconnected from any external loads or charging sources. If the OCV is below 12 volts, the battery will need to be serviced or replaced. Lead-acid batteries also need to be kept topped off with distilled water and if it was not done in 6 months prior, then do so just before storing away.
Another popular method of powering a lawn mower is with a lithium-ion battery, which offers superior performance and longer life than their lead-acid counterparts. These modern batteries do not require frequent checking but it is still important to inspect them periodically to ensure they are in good working order. The specific methods will depend on the type of lithium-ion battery fitted. For example, some models may require “equalization charging” for extended periods of time to balance cells otherwise deep discharge can occur and cause permanent damage. Use a digital voltmeter to measure the voltage at each terminal once charged and ensure all are within 0.2 volts of each other—this procedure is generally recommended after 6 months or when performing major routine maintenance works.
With either type of battery, proper care and maintenance are essential for ensuring a safe winter storage period. Now that you have inspected your battery, it's time to move on to cleaning the spark plug, a vital step in preparing your lawn mower for winter storage.
Clean the Spark Plug
Cleaning the spark plug is one of the most important steps in preparing your lawn mower for winter. A dirty spark plug can decrease the mower's fuel efficiency and cause it to run intermittently or not at all. Additionally, a spark plug that is covered in deposits can lead to overheating or misfiring, which can cause significant damage to the engine. Fortunately, cleaning the spark plug is an easy process if done correctly.
Start by unplugging the wire from the ignition switch, then remove the spark plug from the mower’s engine with a socket wrench. Check it for damage and wear - if it shows signs of either, you should replace it before continuing. Otherwise, use a wire brush or an abrasive pad to scrub off dirt or carbon deposits from around the base of the plug until it appears clean. Don't attempt to submerge the plug in any kind of solution as this can compromise its effectiveness.
To finish cleaning your spark plug, use a damp cloth and wipe down the ceramic center insulator where it came into contact with the engine block (the ground part). Once it's been thoroughly wiped down, take a drop of motor oil and lubricate around the threads and then insert it back into the engine block. Carefully plug in the cord back into its original position and secure it with a screwdriver.
Cleaning your spark plug is an important step; however, as important as getting your spark plug optimally functioning is protecting your cooling system from excess moisture that accumulates during colder months. Next we will discuss how to protect your cooling system for winter storage.
Protect the Cooling System
Before the winter chill sets in, it is important to pay close attention to your lawn mower's cooling system. Properly maintaining the cooling system will ensure a properly functioning mower and fewer repairs next spring when you’re ready to mow again.
If your lawn mower has an air-cooled engine, make sure that air can move freely through the fins on the engine block. Clean off any dirt or debris that has accumulated on the cooling fins. If you do not see any dirt or debris, then use a stiff brush to scrub away any that may be lodged in there.
On water-cooled engines, it is essential to check your coolant levels as low levels can lead to overheating issues. Generally, there is a minimum and maximum level lines etched onto the side of the coolant reservoir tank for reference. However, if no lines are visible it is recommended to fill the tank up with a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and water for protection against extreme cold.
If your lawn mower uses oil-based coolant, these require topping up with fresh oil but not necessarily draining off old oil completely. Topping up with fresh oil rather than completely replacing the oil helps prolong the life of the engine by keeping foreign particles suspended within the circulating fluid. Make sure that during this process no combustible liquids (petroleum products) get mixed in with any type of coolant used because it could cause a dangerous reaction when engine heat is introduced into the system.
Lastly, all hoses connecting to and from the radiator should be checked and replaced if they appear worn or cracked - especially if your engine has been sitting idle for over one year without regular maintenance processes running through it . Doing so will prevent possible damage from freezing temperatures during winter.
Now that you have protected the cooling system, let's move onto checking the coolant levels in the next section.
Check the Coolant
Checking your mower’s coolant is an important and often overlooked step in preparation for cold temperatures. Over time, coolant can become degraded and might need replaced prior to winter. Most gas-powered mowers require either a 50/50 mix of water and antifreeze, or sometimes a combination of oil and antifreeze. In order to check the condition of your coolant, start by consulting your mower’s owner manual for the recommended type and volume of coolant and proper procedure for checking it. Make sure your engine is off before removing the coolant cap from the radiator. Once removed, inspect the fluid inside for any contamination or discoloration, which would indicate it needs to be flushed and replaced with new fluid. Doing so prevents freezing and other complications that could arise due to an old or ineffective coolant mixture nestled in your mower during winter months.
Being conscientious about preserving the machine is essential to having a safe and easy transition into spring months where you'll once again start using your mower. Consequently, the next section will offer useful tips on preserving the machine while storing it away during winter months.
Preserving the Machine
The last step in preparing your lawn mower for winter is to preserve the machine. This will help you protect it from the elements and make it last longer when it's not in use. There are two main ways to protect your lawn mower: storing it indoors or covering it with a tarp.
Storing the lawn mower indoors is the best way to protect it from cold temperatures, snow, and other environmental conditions. You'll also reduce the risk of theft or damages caused by rodents or pests. However, if you don't have an accessible storage area, this may not be an option.
Covering the lawn mower with a tarp is another option for protecting it from the elements. Make sure to choose one that's thick enough to shield against rain, snow and sun damage, but still allows air circulation around the motor. Tarping can also help protect your lawn mower from moisture buildup, which can lead to rust and corrosion damage. While counterintuitive given its association with dampness, a tarp might even provide more protection than storing inside a cool garage since humidity can build up there in colder weather – especially if there isn't good ventilation.
No matter which method you choose, make sure you disconnect the spark plug before any coverings go on and keep your mower away from objects that might damage your blades such as hard wood chips and foliage clippings while it's stored away. Taking these extra steps will ensure that your lawn mower stays in top condition through spring and summer so that you can enjoy another great mowing season come next year.
Now that you've taken care of preserving your machine, let's move onto lubricating the parts of your mower for winter storage.
Lubricate the Parts
Before putting your lawn mower away for the winter, it is important to properly lubricate all external parts. Without this step, the engine and other exposed parts are at risk of condensation forming, creating rust and corrosion which could lead to costly repairs in the spring.
First, with the engine off and cooled down, use a clean rag to wipe away any built-up dirt or grime around all of the exposed metal points. Next, use a lightweight oil such as 3-in-1 SAE30 motor oil to lubricate each part on and around the engine such as chain sprockets, blades and levers. Additionally, spray WD40 on all metal exteriors and any potentially rusted parts. Many owners debate if this should be done and while some argue that it is unnecessary since they won't be used until warm weather returns again; others recommend it's worthwhile as adding this extra layer of protection will ensure proper working conditions when the time comes. Ultimately, the decision should be left up to the owner based on their comfort level and usage habits.
Now that you have finished lubricating the parts of your lawn mower, it is time to move onto draining and storing away its air hose - an important step to ensure safe storage throughout the cold season.
Drain and Store Air Hose
It is important to drain and store your air hose if you plan on using your lawn mower again in the springtime. If left out in the winter, the ice and cold temperatures can damage the hose.
Start by disconnecting the air compressor from the hose. Next, you'll need to let any excess air pressure in the hose escape by turning off the psi on your air compressor. Once you've done this, gently squeeze down on either end of the air hose while slightly bending it, as this will help squeeze out all of the remaining air in the hose. After this has been completed, wrap up your air hose with mesh material or some other kind of protective covering so that it doesn't become damaged during storage. You’ll also want to find a spot to store the air hose that won’t be too exposed to extreme temperatures and moisture.
The debate about if you should drain and store an air hose in winter months depends largely upon how often you use your lawn mower and if you expect to use it again soon after winter passes. If you don't foresee yourself using your lawn mower for a few months, then it's definitely worth draining and saving your air hose before freezing temperatures arrive. On the other hand, if you are likely to move forward with regular lawn maintenance throughout winter, then there's no need to go through this whole process for what could only be a few weeks or days worth of time saved when trying to prepare a new hose in springtime. Ultimately, this is a decision that each individual must make based on their own needs and level of convenience they require when gearing up for a typical day of lawn work.
Answers to Common Questions with Explanations
Is there any benefit to winterizing a lawn mower with an air compressor?
Yes, there is a benefit to winterizing a lawn mower with an air compressor. An air compressor helps to remove any dust, dirt, and debris that may have accumulated inside the lawn mower over the course of the season. This debris can cause blockages and reduce the performance of your mower. Additionally, it's important to cover moving parts such as the blades, spark plugs, and other components during winterization as this prevents wear and tear from cold weather corrosion, ultimately leading to a longer lifespan for your lawn mower.
Are there certain steps that must be taken with specific mower models?
Yes, there are certain steps that must be taken with specific mower models. For example, some walk-behind mowers may require different maintenance procedures than a riding mower. Additionally, older models may require additional steps due to their age and potential wear and tear compared to newer models.
It is important to consult the manufacturer’s manual for your particular model, then follow the instructions provided for changes or repairs that need to be made before winterizing your lawn mower. In addition, it’s helpful to refer to a step-by-step guide like this one to make sure you haven’t missed any important steps for the type of mower you own.
What steps should be taken to properly winterize a lawn mower?
1. Drain the Fuel Tank: The first step to properly winterize a lawn mower is to drain the fuel tank and add a fuel stabilizer. To do this, turn the mower off, open the gas cap and let any remaining fuel inside the tank run out. Then add the fuel stabilizer according to the instructions on the label.
2. Clean Under the Deck: Next, clean any grass clippings, debris, or dirt that may have accumulated under the deck of your mower. Use a brush or vacuum cleaner and be sure to remove as much debris as possible.
3. Change Oil: A good way to protect your engine during winter is to change its oil before storing it away for an extended period of time. Refer to your owner’s manual for instructions on how to properly drain and replace your lawn mower’s oil.
4. Sharpen Blades: Make sure to sharpen the blades of your mower if they are dull or damaged in any way before storing it away for winter. Sharp blades will make cutting grass easier when spring rolls around again.
5. Secure All Parts: Before putting your mower away for winter, be sure to secure all parts and connections with anti-corrosion grease or lubricant spray specifically designed for lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment. This helps prevent rusting and keeps outside elements from getting inside essential components of your machine over wintertime storage periods.
6. Store Away in a Dry Place: Finally, store away your lawn mower in a dry location away from extreme temperature changes, such as wet basements or garages prone to flooding or moisture buildup.
