Winters here in Texas are usually mild, with snow being a rare occurrence.
Even then, the cold months last from December through February, and during this span, a lawn mower is not really the need of the hour. So, it’s best to store the tool away for the winter.
This reminds me of the time I watched my dad changing the oil and cleaning the air filters of his mower right before the season. I was left perplexed; after all, the lawn mower wasn’t going to be used until spring.
Now, sharing the same passion for lawn care as him, I quite obviously asked him about it. It was then that I came to know about the importance of prepping a mower for winter. And I wasted no time in understanding the steps to winterize mowers from him.
Hi there! I’m Stacy Smith, your friend, and lawn care expert. And today, I’m here to help you learn how to winterize lawn mower models. I’ll be explaining each of the seven steps briefly to help you get a better idea of the entire process.
So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
It’s the end of the long winter spell, and now it’s time to start your lawn mower to bring back the pristine greenery in your lawn. You won’t be facing any challenges in getting it started, provided you had followed the steps mentioned below to winterize the power tool prior to the onset of winter.
Unused gasoline may corrode the internal engine components, including the carburetor of the mower, and clog the fuel system over the winter. So, make sure you empty the gas tank before you store the tool away for winter.
All you have to do is add a fuel stabilizer and run the lawn mower in order to distribute it throughout the system. Once that’s done, turn off the engine to allow it to cool; you can then transfer the excess gas into a can.
Finally, restart the lawn mower and keep it running until it stops on its own, indicating that the tank is empty.
It’s crucial to disconnect the mower’s spark plug before going ahead with the rest of the winterizing steps. This will prevent it from accidentally kickstarting, thereby safeguarding you from serious injuries.
Next, you’ll have to change the oil and clean the mower’s underside before storing it away for the winter. I usually prefer detaching the blade for this as it makes the process easier. Just make sure you wear a thick pair of gloves while handling it.
You’ll need to change the fuel of the 4-cycle lawn mower with the help of a pan and tarp. Place the cover under the model to collect the oil; otherwise, it might spatter. I would also suggest setting the unit sideways with its carburetor and air filter facing upwards.
This will prevent the residual gas and oil from spilling into these components. You can then remove the plug of the oil reservoir and carefully tilt the lawn mower till the fuel begins draining into the pan. Once all the oil is drained, you may replace the plug.
I always make it a point to clean the deck of my mower before storing it, and I’d suggest you do the same. Use a wire brush or putty knife to scrape off mud or grass on its underside to allow the aerodynamics of the mower’s deck to work as per the design. This will also prevent rusting while clearing the passageway leading to the discharge chute.
You can then reattach the sharpened knife and fill the mower’s fuel tank with fresh oil by turning it upright. Just make sure you don’t use thick oil.
Dirty air filters restrict the airflow needed for combustion, preventing the lawn mower’s engine from burning gas efficiently. So, if you have a dirty paper filter, make sure it’s replaced with a new one before storage. On the other hand, oil-soaked sponge filters should be removed and washed with soap and water.
After the filter is washed thoroughly, set it aside to dry. You can then place it back in the mower after adding a bit of clean oil to it. Furthermore, don’t forget to use a screwdriver to clean its cooling fins, which might be caked with dirt and debris.
Finally, remove the spark plug and replace it with the help of a socket wrench and spark-plug socket, having a neoprene lining. This protects the porcelain casing of the plug.
I usually prefer investing in a new spark plug before every winter, even if the old plug is in a relatively decent shape. After all, the new one performs better and will ensure a smooth start at the arrival of spring.
Unused gas and dirty air filters can lead to a poor start of the mower after the long winter months. In fact, it might die during operation, or worse, it might not even work at all.
That’s why it’s important to take some time to winterize your lawn mower before the onset of winter. Even if there are one or two days of lawn care left, don’t wait to get your gloves, nut driver, ratchet wrench, sockets, putty knife, and wire brush ready for the task at hand.
On that note, it’s time for me to take your leave. I’ll be back really soon with more useful, informative guides on lawn care. Till then, you’re always welcome to reach out to me by leaving a comment down below.
I’ll try to get back to you at the earliest. Until next time, take care!
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