This article was originally published at Yardcare, a blog platform managed by The Toro Company. Special thanks to The Toro Company for their partnership!
As mowing season winds down and you think about winter storage, take the time to do some basic fall maintenance that will help protect your mower during the cold winter off-season. By following the four steps below, starting your mower will be much easier next spring.
First, fully clean your mower. Damp grass clippings, leaf mulch, or mud can cause rust or a freeze and thaw cycle, potentially weakening the metal. Even though clumps of material will dry eventually, it will be much harder to clean off months from now.
Spray the deck, remove and clean the blades, and if necessary, scrape off grass clumps and organic matter that won’t loosen with water. Wipe the mower down to be sure it dries.
Once your mower is free of grass, soil, and other dirt, then oil filters, spark plugs, and air filters. To see if you mower requires an oil change before you store it, check your owner’s manual. Certain lawn mower engines are engineered to not require an oil change, but some models will still need one. As maintenance schedules vary by model, we recommend that you follow the instructions in your owner’s manual for the care of your mower.
Walk-Behind Mowers: Empty the fuel from walk-behind lawn mowers since gasoline can degrade over time.
Larger Zero-Turns or Riding Mowers: Add stabilizer, designed for winter storage, to fresh fuel and top-off the tank.
A full tank will help prevent condensation, and the fuel stabilizer will prevent fuel spoilage. Run your mower for a few minutes to distribute the fuel stabilizer evenly.
Some people start up their mowers periodically during the winter. If you don’t plan on doing this, it’s best to remove and store the battery in a cool, dry place. Just be sure to recharge it fully before starting the mower in spring.
Inflate them to their proper pressure to prevent damage to the tires as they can lose pressure over the winter. You should also protect your mower tires from cold concrete by parking the mower on cardboard or other insulating material.
It’s a good idea to store your mower in a garage or shed, as this will protect it from rain, snow, and freeze/thaw cycles. It’s also important to protect your mower with a cover or tarp as that will help keep dirt and dust out of important components.
Do not store your mower near fertilizers and other corrosive materials, as these can eat away at metal when airborne. Keep it away from items that can cause sparks.
If you must store your mower outdoors, be sure to cover it completely. If you use a tarp rather than an equipment cover, tuck loose edges under the machine and ensure that the tarp will not blow away.
Place your mower on a level surface, preferably one that is paved. Do not store your mower in a spot that is likely to become muddy, as your machine may become stuck as the mud dries or freezes.
IMPORTANT: Be sure to read your operator’s manual for full details before performing any of the maintenance mentioned above on your mower.
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