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    Stow Your Mower the Right Way for Winter

    Take a Few Extra Steps in the Fall to Make Spring Mowing a Breeze

    It's a beautiful spring day, the grass is green again, and you're thinking about pulling out the mower for the first cut of the season. Your lawnmower has other ideas. You yank and prime and swear and yank some more. Nothing happens. So you call the lawnmower shop and they tell you they can squeeze you in - next month. If you put your lawnmower away in the fall with a little preparation, starting your mower in the spring will be a lot easier.


    The Easiest Way: Take Your Mower to the Shop in the Fall

    Most people would rather have someone else tune up the lawnmower. A professional will do a thorough job. Just be sure to avoid the spring rush. Taking your mower in during the fall or winter saves you weeks of waiting, and the money you spend translates into easy mowing next spring.


    A Quick Checklist for the Do-It-Yourselfer

    Your owner's manual comes with instructions for maintenance, so be sure to look at it. If you've lost it, here are some general tips for what to do before you put away your lawnmower.

    1. Fuel-System Maintenance.
    Add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank and run the motor for about 5 minutes to circulate the stabilizer through the system. Another option is to drain the fuel tank, start up the motor, and let it run until it stops.

    2. Piston Care.
    If you have a 2-cycle motor, slowly pull on the starter rope until you feel some resistance. Slowly release the tension on the rope. This closes the intake and exhaust ports to keep air from corroding the cylinder. For a 4-cycle motor, remove the spark plug, and then add about a tablespoon of oil into the hole. Slowly rotate the engine several times using the starter rope or key starter to distribute oil. Put the spark plug back in, but do not connect the wire to it.

    3. Tighten Fasteners as Needed

    4. Service the air filter as described in your owner's manual. Clogged air filters are a leading cause of starting problems.

    5. Clean the mower thoroughly

    6. Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces

    7. Battery (if applicable)
    Remove the battery from your mower and fully charge it before you store it.

    8. Replace damaged or worn parts

    9. Lubricate your mower where the owner's manual recommends.

    10. Storage.
    Make sure your engine is cool, then move your mower to a dry, clean location away from the reach of children, and cover it. Never store it in the house or near ignition sources.

    Proper maintenance in the fall or winter makes starting your lawnmower in the spring a snap.


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