After the last mowing, many summer residents simply put the equipment in the shed and forget about it until spring. Then in April the torment begins: the engine won’t start, the blades are covered with rust, and the fuel has turned sour. In fact, preparing for winter takes no more than an hour, but it saves you from breakdowns and unnecessary expenses.
Here's what you need to do, whether you have a gas mower, electric trimmer or cordless tiller.
1. Clean the equipment from grass and dirt
After the last use, thoroughly wash the underside of the mower, especially under the mower deck. Wet grass residue is corrosive. Allow the equipment to dry completely, even if it is under a canopy.
2. Take care of the cutting elements
Remove the knives, clean them of rust, sharpen them or replace them. Lubricate with a thin layer of machine oil or special anti-corrosion lubricant. This will protect the metal until spring.
3. Drain or stabilize fuel
If you have a gasoline-powered vehicle, it is best to drain all the fuel from the tank and carburetor. Regular gasoline oxidizes within a couple of months and clogs the fuel system. If you do not want to drain the fuel, add stabilizer and run the engine for five minutes to allow the mixture to circulate throughout the system.
4. For battery-powered equipment, remove the battery
Store the battery in a warm and dry place at a temperature of plus ten to plus fifteen degrees. Once every one and a half to two months, recharge it to fifty to seventy percent to avoid deep discharge.
5. Store in a dry place
Even in a garage or shed, equipment can become covered in condensation. It is better to cover it with a breathable cover, but not with film, or place it on shelves away from damp ground.
If you do all this in the fall, in the spring you will spend only five minutes on startup, rather than half a day on repairs.
Question and answer:
How to prepare a lawn mower for winter?
After the last mowing, thoroughly clean the equipment from grass and dirt and let it dry. Remove and lubricate the blades, drain the gasoline or add stabilizer, remove the battery (if equipped) and store everything in a dry, ventilated place. This will take no more than an hour, but will save you from breakdowns in the spring.
How to store the trimmer battery in winter?
Remove it and store in a dry place at a temperature of +10…+15°C. Once every 1.5–2 months, recharge to 50–70% to avoid deep discharge, which kills the battery.
How to lubricate lawn mower blades before storage?
Machine oil, technical petroleum jelly or a special anti-corrosion lubricant are suitable. A thin layer will protect the metal from rust throughout the winter.
