As the growing season winds down and your lawn starts to settle in for its winter rest, it’s time to turn your attention to one of your most valuable lawn care tools—your lawnmower. After a summer of hard work, your mower deserves a little TLC to ensure it’s in peak condition when spring rolls around again. Taking the time to properly winterize your lawnmower not only extends its lifespan but also ensures that it will start easily and run smoothly next year. Here’s how to get your lawnmower ready for its winter slumber.
Why Prepare Your Lawn Mower?
Winterizing your lawnmower is an essential part of maintaining its performance and longevity. Here are the key reasons why this task is so important:
Prevent Rust
Over time, moisture and dirt can accumulate on your lawnmower, leading to rust and corrosion. Rust not only weakens the structural integrity of your mower but can also cause moving parts to seize up. By cleaning and properly storing your mower, you can prevent rust and keep it in top condition.
Avoid Engine Problems
Fuel left in the engine over winter can become stale and gummy, which can clog the carburetor and fuel lines, leading to engine problems when you try to start it in the spring. Taking steps to stabilize or remove the fuel ensures that your mower’s engine stays healthy during its winter break.
Easy Start-Up
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to start your lawnmower in the spring only to find that it won’t turn over. A clean, well-maintained mower with fresh oil, sharp blades, and lubricated moving parts will start up easily and be ready to tackle your lawn care tasks with no hassle.
Steps for Lawn Mower Winterizing
Winterizing your lawnmower is a straightforward process that involves a few simple steps. Here’s how to do it:
1. Give It a Thorough Clean
Before storing your lawnmower for the winter, start by giving it a thorough clean:
- Remove Grass Clippings and Debris: Use a brush or shop vac to remove any grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the mower, especially around the engine and wheels. Pay extra attention to hard-to-reach areas where dirt can accumulate.
- Clean Underneath the Deck: If possible, remove the mower deck and clean underneath it. Grass and dirt can build up here, leading to rust and poor cutting performance.
2. Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubrication is key to keeping your mower’s moving parts in good working order:
- Lubricate All Moving Parts: Apply a light oil to the wheels, blades, and any other moving parts. This prevents them from seizing up over the winter and ensures smooth operation in the spring.
- Refer to Your Manual: Check your lawnmower’s manual for specific lubrication points. Some models may have additional areas that require oiling.
3. Sharpen the Blades
Sharp blades are essential for a clean, even cut:
- Sharpen the Blades: You can sharpen the blades yourself using a file, or take them to a local lawn care service for professional sharpening. Sharp blades reduce the strain on your mower and result in a healthier lawn.
4. Change the Oil
If you have a gas-powered mower, changing the oil before storage is important:
- Change the Oil: Old oil can contain contaminants that may harm your engine if left over the winter. Drain the old oil and replace it with fresh oil according to your mower’s specifications.
5. Fuel it Up or Drain it
You have two options when it comes to dealing with the fuel in your lawnmower’s tank:
- Add Fuel Stabilizer: Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank, then run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilizer throughout the system. This prevents the fuel from breaking down and clogging the carburetor.
- Drain the Tank: Alternatively, you can drain the fuel tank completely and run the engine until it runs dry. This ensures that no fuel is left to go stale in the engine over the winter.
6. Clean the Air Filter
A clean air filter is essential for proper engine performance:
- Replace or Clean the Air Filter: Depending on your mower model, either replace the air filter with a new one or clean the existing filter. This helps prevent dirt and dust from getting into the engine, ensuring smooth operation.
7. Store Properly
Proper storage is the final step in winterizing your lawnmower:
- Store in a Dry Place: Ideally, store your mower in a dry, protected place like a garage or shed. This keeps it safe from the elements and reduces the risk of rust and corrosion.
- Cover if Storing Outdoors: If you need to store your mower outdoors, cover it with a tarp or waterproof cover to protect it from moisture and debris.
The Benefits of Proper Winterization
By taking these simple steps to winterize your lawnmower, you’re setting yourself up for a smooth, stress-free start to the mowing season next year. When spring arrives, your mower will be clean, lubricated, and ready to go, with sharp blades and a healthy engine. You’ll save time and effort, avoid costly repairs, and enjoy the peace of mind that comes from knowing your lawnmower is in great shape.
So, as the mowing season comes to a close, don’t forget to give your lawnmower the care it deserves. A little maintenance now will pay off in the long run, keeping your lawnmower running smoothly for years to come.