The mowing season is slowly but surely drawing to a close, and before you know it winter will be on your doorstep. As soon as you are finished with mowing for the year, swap out any worn parts and lock away your machine appropriately to help safeguard it, and keep it is ready for next spring.

If you are plan carry out your own maintenance or just check recommendations, here are some tips that will help you prepare for the coming winter months. Be sure to check your operator’s manual for additional details on performing any of the maintenance tasks mentioned.

If you prefer to have a professional do any necessary maintenance or repairs on your mower, feel free to give us a call.

1.    Fuel system preparation

You should add fuel stabilizer/conditioner to the fuel tank, and have the engine run for at least five minutes to mete out conditioned fuel through the fuel system. Following this, cut the engine off, leave it to cool, then drain fuel tank or run the engine until it stops. You can either choke or prime the engine, start it again a third time and let it run until it stops. Keep trying to restart the engine until it no longer will start.  While the engine is still warm, change the engine oil (and filter, as applicable).

2.    Cylinder/Piston care

4-cycle engines
To carry out this task, remove the spark plug and add a tablespoon of oil through spark plug opening. Rotate engine slowly several times using the starter rope or key starter to mete out the oil. Replace the spark plug, but do not reconnect the spark plug wire.
2-cycle engines
For 2-cycle engines, slowly pull recoil starter until you feel resistance due to compression pressure, and stop. Release the starter tension slowly to prevent the engine from reversing. This position will close both the intake and exhaust ports and prevent outside air from entering, which can result in corrosion of the cylinder bore.

3. Tighten fasteners as needed.
4. Service air filter as described in operator’s manual.
5. Clean unit thoroughly.
6. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces.
7. Battery (if applicable)

Remove the battery from the unit and fully charge prior to storage.

8. Replace damaged or worn parts.
9. Sharpen and balance the mower blade(s).
10. Lubricate unit per the operator’s manual.
11. Storage

Make sure that the engine has cooled. Cover the unit and store it in a tidy, dry position out of the reach of children.  You should never store your mower in your home near living areas or your basement where ignition sources, such as a hot water heater, space heater, or clothes dryer may be present. Gasoline and fumes are highly combustible and explosive. The fumes are also dangerous if inhaled.

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