Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Winter Storage: A Detailed Guide

Do you consider storing your lawn mower after your final grass cut of the season? There's more to it than just parking your mower in the garage and forgetting it till spring. Following some easy steps now can save you problems later.

"Without proper winter preparation, you risk damaging your mower," Skye Durrant, LawnGuru founder warns. "Old fuel can result in carburetor problems, and moisture can cause rust, particularly under the deck. This ultimately leads to poor performance, tricky starts in spring, expensive repairs, and a reduced mower lifespan."

Durrant recommends contacting a local engine repair shop if you're not comfortable doing these tasks yourself. Such shops offer winterization packages and might even offer home services. But if you want to manage the winter prepping yourself, expert advice is readily available.

Chris Ramos, Blain's Farm & Fleet gardening expert, emphasizes starting with spark plug removal. This prevents accidental activation of your lawn mower which could lead to injury. Replace corroded or worn out spark plugs or just clean the existing ones if they’re still in good shape.

Stagnant fuel is problematic. Durrant suggests you "either operate the mower till it's empty, or refill with fresh gas and fuel stabilizer to keep it clean for the next use." Running the mower for a few minutes after re-filling ensures the newly stabilized fuel circulates through the system.

Cleaning the deck and blades of dirt, debris, and clippings is vital. Ramos mentions that a putty knife can be helpful for stubborn buildup. Leaving residues can cause the mower to corrode during storage.

Likewise, Durrant advises emptying the mower bag after each cut to avoid unpleasant surprises once the grass-growing season comes around.

To prevent rust, spray a lubricant like WD-40 on the machine's moving parts. Durrant usually targets cables and pivot points, and works the lubricant in before removing excess. Applying a thin coat of oil or silicone spray to the undercarriage is also beneficial, especially if your storage area tends to be damp.

Old oil can deteriorate parts and hinder the mower's performance. Ramos advises draining out old oil and using fresh, appropriate oil for your specific mower model.

Once you've taken care of these essential tasks, it's critical to select a suitable storage spot. Chrissie Handley, a lawn care specialist, recommends indoor storage due to the negative implications damp, cold environments can have on your machinery's lifespan. If indoor storage is not an option, consider a waterproof cover and elevate the mower to avoid water puddles.

Keeping your mower away from other corrosive materials such as cleaning agents, fertilizers, and chemicals is crucial in order to avoid accidental spills that could lead to damage.

Finally, don't forget about battery care for electric mowers. While they may not need fuel maintenance, keeping them far from water or oil is necessary. Always store them in dry places.

"Years of firsthand experience has drawn me to these conclusions," Durrant shares. "Appropriate winter care means a longer lifespan, better performance, and the mower starting up easily in spring."

Next spring, you will need only to sharpen the blades and clean the filter before it's ready for use again. As Durrant puts it, "It's all about ensuring your equipment's safety and making your life easier the next season."