In the last post, we started to discuss the initial steps of preparing your lawn mower for the off-seasons of late fall and winter. However, there are a few more steps that must be performed carefully to complete the process and preserve the lifespan and condition of lawn mowers through the fall and winter months. Here are steps four through seven of getting your lawn mower ready for off-season storage.
Step Four: Drain The Motor Oil
This step is only necessary for lawn mowers with 4-cycle engines, as 2-cycle engines have oil mixed into the gas. Once you’ve prepared a tray with a tarp under it to catch the drippings, This Old House has a simple method for completing this step efficiently: “Set the mower on its side with the air filter and carburetor facing up, so oil and residual gas don’t spill into them. Remove the oil reservoir plug and slowly tilt the mower until the oil begins to drain into the pan. Replace the plug when all the oil has drained.”
Step Five: Clean The Bottom Of The Mower
It’s important to clean your mower before putting it in storage so that it’s ready to start running when you need it in spring. Plus, any left over grass or dirt will be much harder to remove after sitting on the mower all winter long. Start by scraping off the excess grass and mud with a wire brush, putty knife, or similar tool. Once you’ve done that, use a cloth to very carefully wipe off any remaining debris.
Finally, put the blade back on and return the mower to its upright position and refill the oil. For safety purposes, always handle the blade using safety gloves.
Step Six: Clean Or Change The Air Filter
If a lawn mower’s air filter is dirty, it won’t burn gas efficiently. Paper filters should be replaced with the edges facing out, and oil-soaked sponge filters should be washed and dried completely before adding a small amount of oil and reinstalling it. You should also clean the cooling fans if they’re filled with debris by using a screwdriver or popsicle stick.
Step Seven: Replace The Spark Plug
Finally, the last simple step to preparing your favorite lawn beautification tool is to replace its spark plug using a socket wrench equipped with a spark-plug socket. Even if you feel as though your old spark plug has some life left in it, new ones are very affordable and perform much better, saving you a potential headache next spring. In general, the spark plug should be replaced in lawn mowers once per year.
About 83% of Americans think having a yard is important, and 90% of those with a yard think it is important that it is also well-maintained. That being said, it’s critical to protect the machinery that makes it all possible, and following this simple guide is the best way to keep your lawn mower running at its best as soon as you remove it from storage next spring.