It is important to take care of your mower before storing it in the garage for the duration of winter. Taking the time to winterize your gas-powered tools will ensure that your tools are ready to go in the springtime when they are needed again. Proper care will assist with increasing the longevity, the efficiency of your tools, and the performance.
Winter is quickly approaching and it is time to think about storing your lawnmower. Take a quick moment to learn the proper steps to take in order to keep your mower in tip-top condition.
Emptying the Fuel
If you are using a fuel with a preservative in it you can go ahead and skip over this step, but it is recommended to empty the fuel from the tank before storing your tools for an extended period of time. Gas spoils quickly and will start to deteriorate rubber and plastic parts located inside the mower’s fuel delivery system. Spoiled gas could also lead to moisture and corrosion inside your small engine.
When draining the fuel from your mower’s tank, make sure to not tip the mower on its side. Instead, use a siphon specifically designed to get fuel back into the cannister. If you are unable to get all of the gas out by hand, you can run the tool until you run out.
Routine Maintenance
Winterization is the best time to perform annual maintenance on fuel-powered tools. Once you have drained all of the gas from your mower, go ahead and check out the underside, the mowing deck, and sharpen the blade. Begin by disconnecting the spark plug and battery if your mower has one. Use tape on the ends of the electrical connections to prevent them from making contact. This will ensure your mower doesn’t accidentally start while it is being worked on.
Remove and sharpen the blade using a hand file. Inspect the blade. If it is cracked or corroded, now is a good time to replace it. Spray your blade down with a little WD-40 to prevent rusting and re-install it. Once you have completed this task you can return the mower to an upright position.
Clean and wipe down the upper deck, but do not spray too heavily with water. Remove the spark plug and inspect it to see if it needs to be replaced. Carefully wipe down the inside filter housing to prevent debris from getting inside the engine.
Cold Weather Storage
Moisture is one of the most damaging elements to your lawnmower over the wintertime. If you are storing your mower outside, in a damp environment, or without protection, it is more likely to have rust and corrosion. If possible, storing your lawn tools in a shed or garage is the best location for their longevity. Although, many homeowners do not have this option so make sure you have a cover to protect from moisture build-up. Another great idea is to store your mower off the ground or on top of a piece of concerts to prevent moisture build-up from underneath.