Getting your lawn mower ready for the winter

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Your lawn mower has been a reliable throughout the cutting season, so at the end of the mowing season, ensure you give it the attention it deserves. Spend just a little time prepping your mower for storage over the winter, and you’ll enjoy a happier reunion in spring. Here are some tips on what you can do now to be sure your mower will start easily next spring. Make sure your operator’s manual is on hand for quick reference when you work on your mower.

Remove the Battery

Whether your lawn mower is battery-powered or a petrol/diesel powered ride-on mower, then it’s a good idea to remove your battery for the winter and store it in a cool, dry place. Be sure to store it away from petrol cans. If you have a fuel powered ride-on mower, disconnect the battery cable from the battery, starting with the negative cable (it will have a minus sign). Remove the battery and wipe it off with a cloth. Clean the battery terminal using a metal brush, or clean it with a battery cleaner product. For added protection, coat all terminals with a product like a spray on white grease product or Terminal Protector.

Clean your Mower

Brush or hose off leaves, grass and mud from your mower. Always remove the spark plug lead wire from the plug before doing this or any other mower maintenance, and tape or tie it out of the way. Gently tip your walk behind mower on its side to spray the underbody. If debris is caught on the blade, use a stick or tool to remove it – never use your hands.

Use Fuel Stabilizer Correctly

You shouldn’t store your lawn equipment with a partially full fuel tank. Either run the equipment out of fuel, or use fuel stabilizer in a full tank of fuel. Add the stabilizer (also called fuel preserver) according to package directions. Then – and this is important – run the mower for a few minutes so that the stabilizer circulates through the carburetor. The stabilizer keeps fuel fresh for up to 6 months. Turn off the engine and completely fill the fuel tank. A full tank will help prevent moisture from condensing in the tank which can form rust that could break away and clog the carburetor.

Store your Mower in a Dry Place

Store your mower in a dry, protected place such as your garage, workshop or a garden shed. Never store it next to a furnace, water heater or appliance with a pilot light!