Winterize Your Lawn Mower in 8 Easy Steps

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/28/2021 - 1:02pm

How to Winterize your Lawn Mower

Winterize Your Lawn Mower

 

If you haven't already, now is the time to winterize your lawn mower or tractor before placing your equipment in storage. Proper storage now will make it much easier to get up and running next year.

Our expert technicians here at Koenig Equipment recommend the following simple steps to winterize your lawn and garden equipment.

  1. Remove or stabilize the fuel.

The components of gasoline can separate when left sitting too long, causing the fuel to be unusable as well as cause damage to your equipment or leave unwanted deposits in fuel system components.   Drain as much gas as possible, and then start your mower or tractor allowing it to run dry.

  1. Remove the battery.

If you own a lawn tractor or battery-powered mower, remove the battery and clean it well. Store your battery in a cool, dry place that is away from any flammable substances or heat sources. For maximum battery life, connect stored batteries to a smart trickle charger to maintain proper levels all winter.  Once next spring rolls around, re-install the battery in the machine and check all connections.

  1. Replace or clean filters.

Clean or replace air filters and fuel filters. Be sure to check the owner’s manual for specific maintenance instructions.

  1. Change the oil.

Drain the oil and replace it with the recommended type/weight.

  1. Scrape the mower deck.

Grass clippings hold moisture and can cause rust, so it is important to remove any debris. Prevent any possibility of accidentally starting the mower by removing the spark plug. Remove the mower blades and scrape away any grass clippings using a putty knife, and then apply a coating of lubricant such as WD-40.

  1. Sharpen the mower blades.

The off-season is the perfect time to sharpen your blades so they are ready to go in the spring. Drop them off at your local Koenig store if you would like us to take care of that for you. If you notice any chips, cracks, or bends in the blades, however, it’s time to replace them.

  1. Clean and lube the mower.

Use a damp cloth to clean the engine housing, wheels, and the top of the mower deck. Then use an old towel to dry. Lubricate the exposed cable-movement pivot points with a spray lubricant.

  1. Store your equipment.

Store your lawn tractor or mower indoors if possible or cover with a tarp if it is outside. If it looks like mice may be a problem, placing pet-safe baits under your equipment will help to deter mice from chewing on wiring.

 

Schedule a full inspection with our certified technicians before storing your equipment for the winter so you are ready to go in the spring!