The best way to winterize lawn equipment covers four main areas: fuel, oil, blades, and storage. Getting these right keeps your gear running strong for years. Skip these steps and you'll face repair bills when spring arrives.
I learned about lawn mower winter storage the expensive way. One year I just rolled the mower into the shed and forgot about it. Come spring, the engine wouldn't start. Old fuel had gummed up the carburetor and the repair cost me $150. Now I prep every piece of equipment before winter.
Fuel breaks down over the winter months and turns into a varnish that clogs carburetors. You have two choices here. Either run the tank dry before storage or add fuel stabilizer to a full tank. I prefer stabilizer because it leaves oil coating the inside parts.
Change the oil while your engine is still warm from your last mow. Warm oil drains faster and carries more dirt out with it. Use fresh oil rated for your engine. This simple step removes acids that would eat away at engine parts all winter long.
Clean the mower deck before you put it away. Caked on grass holds moisture against the metal and causes rust. Scrape off the buildup with a putty knife. Spray the clean deck with light oil to protect it through winter. This takes 10 minutes and saves the deck.
Sharpen your blades during winterizing lawn tools season. A sharp blade cuts clean while a dull one tears grass. Hold the file at a 30 to 45 degree angle and follow the original edge. Balance the blade on a nail to check that both sides weigh the same.
Don't forget your sprinkler system. Blow out the lines with compressed air at 50 to 80 PSI before the first hard freeze. Water left in pipes will freeze, expand, and crack fittings. This repair costs hundreds of dollars and ruins your first spring watering.
Store equipment in a dry place away from moisture. A heated garage works best but any dry shed will do. Keep gas cans off concrete floors where they collect moisture. Hang tools on the wall so they stay dry and ready for spring.
These equipment winterization steps take about an hour total. That small time investment protects thousands of dollars worth of gear. Your mower, trimmer, and blower will start right up next spring. You'll be ready to work while your neighbors are still at the repair shop.
Read the full article: 10 Proven Fall Lawn Care Strategies for a Lush Yard
