Preparing your lawn mower for the winter season is rightly considered the most important and intensive operation you can perform on your equipment during the year. The fact is, it stands idle during the winter. And it is this factor that automatically triggers a whole host of problems.
In this article, you will find precise instructions on what to do. What to clean, how to add fluids, which ones to drain, and whether it is worth contacting professionals to winterize lawn mower. We will also talk about how to set up a place for your lawnmower. In general, we will not overlook a single important point. We will respond to and not overlook any key issues, including: Can I leave oil in lawn mower over winter? Let's enter the winter season with confidence, together with UDC Parts.
Why It’s Important to Winterize Your Lawn Mower
Prolonged downtime can cause your equipment to refuse to start. You will have no choice but to take it to a service center, and this trip will cost you a pretty penny.
The key issue is fuel. It is this component that can cause the most serious damage to equipment due to downtime. However, it is not the only one.
It is worth checking all key elements. They must be inspected, cleaned of dirt, and, if necessary, completely disconnected from the lawn mower. Working with liquids is a separate issue: some will need to be drained, while others will need to be diluted with stabilizers.
How to Prepare Your Mower for Winter
When winter arrives, you need to unload your equipment, and it should start up smoothly the first time — that's our goal. Below is a list of tasks to help you achieve this result. Complete them in any order, but make sure you complete all of them without exception.
If you are the proud owner of a traditional fuel-powered lawn mower, please spend a few hours on procedures. Winterizing lawn mower will really save you a lot of money, time, and stress come spring.
Empty or Stabilize the Fuel Tank
This is the most important procedure and must be performed. You can choose either of two options for working with fuel. Both are quite reliable.
Empty the tank completely:
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Add one ounce of stabilizer per 2 gallons of fuel to the tank.
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Run the mower idle or perform minor tasks to ensure that the fluids are thoroughly distributed throughout the tank.
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Turn off the machine and let it cool down a little.
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Drain excess fuel into any suitable and safe container.
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Start the lawn mower again for a short period of time.
The first important step on the way to completion of lawn mower winterization. You can also use an alternative option and add stabilizers to the tank. These liquids can keep fuel in excellent condition for a year. In our case, this is more than enough.
The instructions for adding the stabilizer are quite simple:
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Follow the guidelines on the stabilizer package and add it to the full tank accordingly.
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Run the lawn mower for 10 minutes to allow the fluids to mix thoroughly and interact with each other.
Drain and Replace Engine Oil
Engine oil is definitely needs to be drained for the winter period. This is one of the key steps in any guide on how to winterize lawn mower equipment.
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Find a deep pot and some material such as tarpaulin (there may be splashes).
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The lawn mower will also need to be placed on its side.
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Remove the safety cap on the oil reservoir and slowly tilt the machine to drain the oil.
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It is also strongly recommended to replace the oil filter.
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Used oil can be taken to one of the nearest auto centers or a service center for lawn mowing equipment. These guys know how to dispose of such things right.
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Optionally, add new oil for a confident start to the new season.
Disconnecting and checking the condition of the spark plug
The spark plug is related to the main safety precaution for your lawn mower. The point is that the equipment will be left unattended for a long time. You definitely don't want anyone to accidentally start it up, drive it somewhere, or, God forbid, injure someone. You have to agree that it's better to be safe in this case.
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Find the spark plug in your model of equipment.
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Disconnect the spark plug wire, then unscrew the spark plug itself using a special socket wrench or pliers.
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Then, carefully turn the plug counterclockwise to loosen it.
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If you see serious oil deposits or black spots on a part, prepare a replacement in advance for the start of the season. Such a component can no longer be used.
Additional works before the winter period
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Disassemble, clean, and sharpen the blades. Like any metal product, blades are susceptible to corrosion. All of the above, as well as storing the blades in separate packaging, will extend the service life of this part.
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Thoroughly clean the equipment of any debris or grass clippings. Removing the blades will give you excellent access to the deck. Use a scraper or metal brushes to perform the procedure thoroughly.
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Replace the dirty air filter. This procedure is not mandatory for the guide on how to winterize a push mower. However, it will allow you to start the next season easily and confidently. Proceed according to the type of filter in your lawn mower. It can be paper or oil-soaked sponge. In the case of a paper filter, simply replace it. An oil-soaked sponge will need to be thoroughly washed. It can only be reinstalled after the filter has dried completely. It is also best to clean the adjacent part—the radiator fins. Something simple, such as metal wire, will work for this purpose.
Starting Your Lawn Mower After Winter
Let's say you have carefully followed all the instructions we gave above. In that case, you will first need to deal with the fluids. Replenish the oil and fuel that you drained earlier. Put the blades back in place. And the spark plug too. These can be either old components or brand new ones. Carefully inspect your equipment. Is everything connected, in its place, and undamaged? Then let's get started. This guide on how to winterize a lawn mower is fairly standard and has been tested over time on hundreds of different models.
How UDC Parts Can Help Keep Your Mower Running Smoothly
We offer our customers a record-breaking range of spares that solve most common technical problems. Before the winter season, we strongly recommend that you completely replace your mover blades.
The following also deserve detailed attention: deck and drive belts. These components often wear out, and this wear can often occur quite unexpectedly. Check their condition and if you are not confident about it, replace them. This way, you will start the new season with completely fresh and functional equipment. Do this work with the belts at any time in the middle of winter that is convenient for you, because at the start of the season you may simply not have these few free hours.
Our aftermarket parts are compatible with all popular equipment models. We will deliver consumables to your doorstep within just three days. And our discount system will impress you when you purchase just two items. Winterize riding lawn mower with UDC Parts.
