Whether you have a riding or push mower, it does the hard work for you. As winter approaches, this is a great time to prepare the mower for storage before it gets too cold. Just as you would with your car or boat, the same care should be taken with a lawnmower as well.
When storing a lawnmower, it is important to keep it in a cool, dry place after cleaning. Check for damaged parts and lubricate if necessary. Also, be sure to drain and replace the engine oil, charge the battery and store it in a cool, dry place.
Lawnmowers are expensive, in addition to regular maintenance in the spring, you need to take steps to put them away when winter arrives. This guide provides both dos and don’ts in a detailed step-by-step walkthrough through the storage process.
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Disconnect the spark plugs
Disconnecting the spark plugs on gasoline lawn mowers is important for two reasons; This means that it will not emit sparks when cleaning the mower and it will also allow you to clean the spark plug. A busy summer can mean your spark plugs can end up coated in carbon, so now is a great time to give them a good clean to make sure they’re fresh and ready for next year. You will not have to take this into account for electric lawn mowers as no spark plugs are used.
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Check your air filter
A dirty air filter will prevent the engine or your gasoline lawnmower from burning fuel efficiently, so it may need to be replaced. Ideally, clean or replace it after every 25 hours of use. If your air filter is already working well, it will help the whole mower run more smoothly. You will be grateful for ordering this early once spring arrives. In electric lawnmowers, dust filters are often used to prevent dirt from entering the engine and causing damage.
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Remove the batteries
For battery-powered lawnmowers, it is recommended to remove the battery in winter and keep it fully charged. Avoid storing the battery in extremely hot or cold conditions, such as garden sheds in winter, as this can damage the battery cells. If possible, store it away from the cold in the house. It is worth wiping the battery with a rag to make sure it is in good condition before storing it for the winter. Keep the terminals clean with a wire brush or similar battery cleaner. You will also need to charge the battery and make sure it stays charged during the winter. If you lose charge during the winter, it could be a warning sign that you might need a new battery for the coming season. It is best to consult the manufacturer’s manual for storage and cleaning, as instructions may vary depending on the type of battery.
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Remove the old gasoline
Gasoline is usually a mixture of many different components, which react differently over time and can become rancid and lose their volatility. It is important to make sure the mower is running dry and all remaining fuel is removed before storing it for the winter. If you leave stale gasoline in your lawnmower over the winter, you will find that the lawnmower may have difficulty starting, which could seriously damage the engine or significantly reduce its performance. Stale gasoline can also clog the carburetor and cause rusting.
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Change the oil
If it is important to change the fuel, the reverse is recommended for the oil. Make sure your gasoline machine is filled and in good working order with high-quality oil before storing it. This means removing the old oil that is already there, before filling it with a new high-quality oil. New oil contains rust inhibitors which can help extend the life of your mower. If you don’t change the oil before storage, it will allow deposits to settle over the winter. To find out which oil is recommended for your machine, see the manufacturer’s instructions for details.
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Clean the mower deck and blades.
Moisture left by clippings can be corrosive, so it is important to thoroughly clean the blade and mower deck before storing them. You should also remove any debris that might end up clogging the mower vents that help keep the engine/motor cool and the air intakes on floating mowers as this helps them float. When the new lawn mowing season approaches, you will appreciate having a clean machine because mowing your lawn will seem so much easier!
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Check the sharpness of the blades
Now is a good time to check that the cutting blades are in good condition, ready for next year. It may be beneficial to sharpen them for the best possible cut when spring arrives. Dull blades will tear the grass rather than cut it cleanly, making it more susceptible to disease. It also shreds the weed, which can dehydrate it at the ends and cause it to turn yellow. You will also find that cutting is much easier with a sharp blade, so sharpen or replace your blade every year.
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Be careful with cables
In the case of electric lawnmowers, it is advisable not to over-tighten the cables when storing the machine. The last thing you want to do is put extra pressure on the cable, causing it to fray or break. Now is also a good time to decide if you need to replace your cable for the next year.
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Cover up
Keep your lawnmower dust-free during the winter by covering it with a sheet. Any unwanted guests or dust build-up can take its toll and the last thing to notice is that the mower has rusted or stuck when the mowing season begins again.
The best advice will be in the manufacturer’s manual. By taking a few precautions at the end of the season, you will keep your mower by your side for many years to come.
DIY idea for lawn mower storage on the roof
For those who don’t want to build a new shed and adapt to the minimalist lifestyle, this guide might motivate them to follow the path. Just make sure that the location you choose on the roof doesn’t have a vehicle underneath. A sheathed steel cable, a hoist intersection, and a few hooks are enough to store your lawnmower stably.
The process is straightforward and requires you to first install a steel rail on the roof. A few ceiling studs and lag screws and you are ready to connect the cable. You would hardly have to spend any money and you wouldn’t need more than a few hours to complete this project.