Storing Your Lawn Mower in Winter

Your lawnmower is a hard-working companion during summer. But what happens when the time comes for its off-season hibernation? We have a few simple tips to help you properly prep your mower for winter storage.

Inspection

Before you store any power equipment, such as lawn mowers and trimmers, you should give it a final lookover. Check for any damage or faults that may impair the mower’s functionality next spring. After all, there is nothing more frustrating than having your first mowing session interrupted by forgotten-about problems!

Having the mower blades expertly sharpened is another good idea to ensure perfect mowing quality when spring arrives.

Feel free to bring your mower into the Service & Repairs department at STIHL Shop Geebung. We’ll give it a thorough inspection and make any necessary repairs. If you require transport for your ride-on mower, ask about our pickup and delivery service.

Cleaning

Once you’re sure the mower is mechanically sound, it’s time to give it a good clean. Brush or hose off grass, leaves and mud from the mower (but don’t use a powerful jet, as this could damage the gaskets or engine parts). Pay particular attention to the cooling fins and exhaust area.

A wooden or plastic spatula can be a good tool for removing any grass residue stuck inside the housing of your lawn mower. When removing dirt, gently tip the mower backwards so that the spark plug points upward; you may want to tie or tape it out of the way. Avoid tilting the mower sideways, as this could cause oil to enter the air filter or exhaust.

Finally, clean the blades of any debris. Never use your hands — use a brush, stick or other cleaning tool.

Empty Tank

It is important to empty the tanks of your petrol-powered tools before storing them away for winter. Fuel left in the tank can evaporate, corrode or thicken, causing damage to the inner working of the mower. The petrol can also lose its combustibility over time, meaning you may have difficulty starting your tools up in spring.

To empty the fuel tank, move the mower into a well-ventilated space and pour the petrol out of the filling hatch into an insulated container. Then start up the engine and let it idle until the mower comes to a stop. This will occur when the tank and suction hoses are completely empty.

If you have an electric mower, you’ll have fewer steps to worry about. But it will be a good idea to bring the battery inside, if you can, to lengthen its lifespan.

Other tips:

• Be sure to store your mower in a dust-free, frost-free space, such as your garage or garden shed.
• Never store your mower in a living area or near ignition sources, such as hot water heaters or clothes dryers.
• An alternative to emptying the mower’s petrol tank is to add fuel stabiliser, which is designed to counteract the effects of the evaporating ethanol.
• After cleaning the mower, you might like to apply lubricant (as per the mower’s manual) to avoid rust or corrosion.