It’s that time of the year when the lawn mowing is winding down and it is time to put it away. I know some of you are glad to be through with mowing while others find it as a way to relax and get away from the world for a while.
To make your lawn mower last as long as possible, your end of season storage procedure will help extend its life so let’s get started.
1. Clean the entire lawn mower. If you have a leaf blower or air compressor, open the hood and blow out all the grass and dirt. Next blow all the grass clippings, sticks and leaves off the mower deck. Lift up the seat and then blow the dirt from under it and off the transmission as well.
2. Clean and scrape the deck. If the blades need sharpening, now is a good time to accomplish this.
3. Fill the tires to their proper pressures. For most riders that is 10psi at the rear and 15 in the front.
4. Grease all the fittings for the steering, wheels and deck.
5. Check the deck and drive belts for wear, cracking or splitting and replace as necessary.
6. Change the air and fuel filters.
7. Put fuel stabilizer in the tank and mix according to the directions.
8. Clean the battery terminals and apply battery terminal protector.
9. Start the engine and let it warm up.
10. Change the oil and filter.
Now your lawn mower will be ready for next spring and it should start and run great. If you have a battery tender, it’s a good idea to put the battery on it so it will provide a trickle charge all winter long.
Happy Mowing!