Your mower requires a beating throughout the summer months, so fall is the best time to give the machine a care and attention. Taking the time to ready the mower for winter storage keeps the machine running well for the long run. At the very first signs of spring, your mower will be prepared to handle the freshly growing bud, thanks to your fall routine.
Empty the Contents
Gas that sits at the mower all winter may clog the carburetor or rust the interior of the mower. Draining the fuel shields the life of your mower as well as its engine. It is possible to simply run the machine until the fuel is eliminated or siphon it out of the tank. An alternative is to add fuel stabilizer into a full tank of gas. You have to run the mower after you set the fuel stabilizer in the tank so it gets into the carburetor. Removing the battery in the mower might help prolong its life. Clean the battery off before you store it, separately and in a dry location.
Scrub-a-Dub
Your mower also needs a thorough cleaning before you store it. Most mowers wind up covered in grass clippings and dirt by the end of the mowing season. Always check the spark plug is emptied so that the mower doesn’t have any possibility of beginning. Hose off the top and bottom sides of the machine. A putty knife works well for scraping off any bud that built up under the mower. Remove the mower before you start scraping to avoid injury. Let the mower dry thoroughly before you put it away in storage for winter.
Get in Tune
Taking good care of yearly maintenance in the fall saves you time at the spring when you’re prepared to attack the lawn. Sharpening the blade is a basic maintenance step before storage. “Popular Mechanics” advocates applying oil to the blade before placing back to the mower. Inspect the air filter to find out if it ought to be replaced. In case your tank uses a sponge air filter, wash it and place it back into the mower. If your mower uses a paper filter, buy a new one. Put a new spark plug at the mower so it starts up with ease in spring.
Put It to Rest
The best storage place for your mower is a sterile area with protection against harsh winter weather. The garage or a storage shed works well. Don’t place your mower near any appliances with pilot lights, like furnaces or water heaters. Clear the area of any chemicals or cleansers that could spill on the mower over the winter and harm it. Watch for heavy objects near or above the mower that aren’t secured. An object falling on the mower, such as during a little earthquake, could also lead to harm.