How to Winterize Your Mower and Garden Equipment

When mowing season ends, a little care before storage keeps your equipment ready to start on the first warm day of spring. Skipping winterization is one of the most common reasons a mower won’t start after the cold months. Here’s how to put yours away the right way.

1. Clean It Thoroughly

Grass, dirt, and moisture left on your equipment over winter can cause rust and corrosion. Clear clippings from the deck and undercarriage, wipe everything down, and let it dry completely before storing. A clean machine is a machine that lasts.

2. Handle the Fuel (Gas Equipment)

Old gas is the number-one cause of hard starts in spring. You have two options: either run the tank dry before storage, or fill it and add a fuel stabilizer, then run the engine for a few minutes so the treated fuel reaches the carburetor. Untreated fuel left sitting can gum up the system and lead to costly repairs.

3. Care for the Battery (Cordless Equipment)

For battery-powered tools, remove the batteries and store them indoors at room temperature — never in a freezing shed or garage. Charge them to around half capacity, and top them up every couple of months so they hold their charge through the season.

4. Change the Oil and Check Filters (Gas Equipment)

Used oil contains contaminants that can corrode the engine over winter. Change the oil before storage, and inspect or replace the air filter and spark plug so you’re ready to go in spring.

5. Sharpen or Replace the Blade

The off-season is the perfect time to sharpen a dull blade or install a fresh one. You’ll start spring with a clean, healthy cut instead of a ragged one — and you won’t be scrambling to do it on the first mow.

6. Store It Somewhere Dry

Keep your equipment in a dry, covered space — a garage or shed — off the bare ground if possible. A cover helps keep dust and moisture off. For riding mowers, consider a battery tender to keep the starting battery healthy.

The Bottom Line

A few simple steps at the end of the season save you headaches — and repair bills — come spring. Clean it, handle the fuel or battery, freshen the oil and blade, and store it dry. Future-you will be glad you did.

Need parts or a replacement to be spring-ready? Kinebago has the equipment and accessories to keep your yard running season after season.

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