Fall is the right time to winterize your lawnmower

Prep Your Mower For A Long Winter's Nap
Fall Care Tips For Homeowners
By Kathleen Hennessey, YardCare.com/The Toro Company

Hopefully you've kept your mower well tuned throughout the mowing season. Now, with visions of snowthrowers dancing in your head, this is the right time to tuck in your mower for it's long winter's nap. Doing some key maintenance now will make start-up a breeze when next spring rolls around.

With that in mind, here are a few important tips for preparing your lawn mower for winter storage.

1. Swab the deck.

A clean, dry mower void of clippings and debris will store well over winter. If you've been bagging your clippings, clean out the bag as well. To clean the mower deck, put the mower on a hard surface, such as concrete or blacktop. Start the engine and then spray water in front of one of the rear wheels while the mower is running. The blade must be turning at the same time for this process to work. When the water runs clear, the deck is clean. Make sure you’re standing behind the mower and keep other people and pets away. Be sure to dry the mower thoroughly after cleaning.

2. Run on empty.

It's not a good idea to store your mower when it's full of fuel. Old fuel can clog the carburetor making the mower harder to start next spring. Since it can be difficult to dispose of excess old fuel when it's time to put away the mower, it is recommended that you let the mower run until all the fuel is spent.

It's also a good idea to add fuel stabilizer/conditioner to the fuel tank before you store your mower. Run the engine for five minutes to distribute conditioned fuel throughout the fuel system. Stop the engine, allow it to cool, and drain the fuel tank or run the engine until it stops. Restart the engine again and allow it to run until it stops. Continue to attempt to restart the engine until it will no longer start.

And don't forget your gas can. If you have fresh gas in the can, it can be used in your snowthrower. If it's old gas, or you won't be using your snowthrower in the near future, check with your local waste disposal agency to determine the best way to get rid of the fuel.

3. Change the oil and check the filter.

The end of the season is the best time to change the oil. Putting fresh oil in your mower and making sure the air filter is fresh now will help it to start easily and run well in the spring.

4. Remove and inspect the spark plugs.

Generally, spark plugs should be replaced after 40 hours of use. At the same time as the plug is out, use this opportunity to put a few drops of oil in the cylinder to lubricate the engine.

5. Give your mower the “Once-Over”.

Take a look at all the screws and fasteners on your mower. Make sure they're tight and in good condition. Replace any damaged parts if necessary. If you have any rust or chipped paint, this is a good time to give it a touch up.

6. Pick a suitable storage location.

Be sure you store your mower in a clean, dry location. Never store it in the house or basement.

Finally, be sure to check your owner's manual for any other specific end of the season storage tips. By following these simple fall maintenance procedures, you’ll help ensure a long life for your mower and an easy start-up next spring!

Kathleen Hennessy writes for Yard Care.com (www.yardcare.com), a combined effort of The Toro Company and select experts in the fields of lawn care, gardening and landscape design. Additional tips on yard, lawn and garden care and equipment maintenance can be found on the website, along with frequently asked questions and experts available to help with specific questions.

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