Mower Winterization

A Man Using a Toro 7500-D Series 96 37HP 1642cc Diesel RD Mower

How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower

When you stop to think about it, you put your lawn equipment through a lot during the warm months in an effort to keep your yard looking lush and healthy. If you want it to continue performing and providing you with excellent results, you’ll need to show it some love before the winter season arrives. You’ve come to the right place. Berea Ace Hardware understands the importance of maintaining your equipment, which is why we’ve created this guide on winterizing your lawnmower. Read on for more. If you need assistance with parts or service, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re conveniently located in Berea, KY, near Lexington.

Fuel

First things first, you need to address any leftover fuel in the tank. You don’t want to store your equipment without tending to this. If you leave old fuel in the tank during the coldest months of the year, you can do serious damage to the engine, including clogs, corrosion, and other issues. If there’s only a bit of fuel left, you can drain it. If you’re planning to store your lawn mower in a basement, you’ll want to remove the fuel regardless of how much is left to avoid a fire hazard. When it comes to storing in a shed or garage, you can fill up the tank and add fuel stabilizer to it. Don’t forget to run the machine so the stabilized fuel can make its way through the carburetor.

Oil

While we’re on the topic of draining, remember to change your oil. Get rid of the oil in your lawnmower and replace it with a fresh batch. Carefully fill it up to the marked line on your tank so you don’t overdo it or undershoot it, ensuring that you’ll have an easier time when you start it up again next season. It also reduces the wear and tear on key engine components so you can keep your equipment running for years to come.

Clean the Deck

It’s likely that you’ve already tended to your lawn mower deck as needed throughout the previous season. After all, your blade housing needs to be regularly cleaned if you want to continue receiving top-notch cutting performance. This task is even more important before you store it for the winter.

Disconnect the spark plugs before you do this so it doesn't accidentally kick-start on you. You may be able to complete this task by simply spraying the deck with your garden hose, especially if you’re only dealing with fresh clippings. If there’s dry buildup, however, you’ll need to try something else. A plastic paint scraper or bristle scrubber should work.

Sharpen the Blade

As you may already know, dull blades lead to poor performance. When you’re preparing to store your lawn mower for the winter, you should make a point to sharpen the blades. Always check your owner’s manual for specific instructions regarding your machine before you get started. Brush away any debris left on the blades before running a sharpening file or stone along the edge. Lubricate the blade with WD-40 to prevent rusting. Confirm the blade is properly balanced by hanging it on a nail through the center. If it tips one way, file that side down.

Proper Storage

The last step in the process is making sure you have proper storage for your lawnmower. It’s not a good idea to store it outside during the winter months. However, it’ll be safe in a shed, garage, or basement. You might even consider putting a container of mothballs near your mower deck to deter critters from setting up shop inside. We’re confident that if you follow this guide, your machine is going to be in great shape for next season.

Need more information? Need assistance with parts or service? Berea Ace Hardware has got you covered. Give us a call or visit us today! We’re located in Berea, KY, near Lexington.