Winterizing Your Lawn Equipment: A Step by Step Guide
As the temperature drops and the first signs of snow appear, it's time to start thinking about storing your lawn care equipment for the winter. While it’s easy to focus on preparing your lawn for the colder months (see our previous blog post!), ensuring that your lawnmower, trimmers, and other tools are properly winterized is equally important. With the right care, you can extend the life of your equipment and ensure that it’s ready to go when spring arrives.
Winterizing your lawn equipment may seem like a chore, but taking a few simple steps can save you time and money in the long run. So let’s dive into this step-by-step guide and get your equipment winter-ready!
Table of Contents
Why Winterizing Lawn Equipment is Important
Essential Tools and Supplies
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Lawn Equipment
Clean Your Equipment
Drain or Stabilize Fuel
Change Oil and Air Filters
Sharpen and Clean Blades
Inspect Belts and Cables
Store Batteries Properly
Store Equipment in a Dry, Protected Area
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Final Thoughts on Winterizing Your Lawn Equipment
1. Why Winterizing Lawn Equipment is Important
Properly winterizing your lawn equipment is essential for a few reasons:
Prevents rust and corrosion: Moisture and debris left on your tools can cause rust and pitting over the winter. Not good.
Extends the lifespan: Routine maintenance helps keep your machines in optimal condition, so they last longer, saving you money and a headache.
Avoids costly repairs: Neglecting to winterize can lead to engine trouble, battery issues, or even costly damage to your equipment. Nobody wants to have to deal with that come Spring!
Fun (not so fun) Fact: Did you know that improper fuel storage can cause lawn equipment engines to fail more quickly? Ensuring your fuel is treated or drained is one of the most critical steps in winterizing.
2. Essential Tools and Supplies
Before you start the winterization process, make sure you have the following supplies on hand:
Cleaning brush and rags: For removing debris and dirt from your equipment.
Fuel stabilizer: To prevent fuel breakdown in machines with gas engines.
Oil: Fresh oil for lawnmowers or other oil-dependent tools.
New air filters: If needed, to replace dirty or clogged ones.
Wrenches: For removing blades and tightening bolts.
Battery charger: To ensure batteries stay in good condition during winter storage.
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Lawn Equipment
Clean Your Equipment
Start by giving your lawnmower, trimmers, and other lawn tools a thorough cleaning. Use a brush or rag to remove grass clippings, dirt, and debris from blades, decks, and wheels. Cleaning your equipment prevents rust and helps you inspect for any damages that might have occurred over the season.
Pro tip: For caked-on grass under the mower deck, use a putty knife to scrape off stuck debris. This not only prevents rust but also improves cutting performance when the mower is back in action.
Drain or Stabilize Fuel
Gasoline can go stale in as little as 30 days, which can clog up carburetors and damage your equipment. You have two options here:
Drain the fuel: Run the engine until it’s out of gas, or siphon the gas into an approved container.
Use a fuel stabilizer: If you plan on storing gas in the equipment, add a fuel stabilizer to prevent it from breaking down and damaging the engine.
*Run the engine for a few minutes after adding the stabilizer to ensure it circulates through the system.
Change Oil and Air Filters
If your lawnmower or other equipment has an oil-dependent engine, now is a good time to change the oil. Fresh oil helps keep the engine lubricated and prevents sludge buildup during the winter.
Replace dirty air filters, which can become clogged after a busy summer and fall of mowing. Clean or replace the filter to ensure the engine breathes properly.
Interesting fact: Lawn mower engines can last twice as long with regular oil changes, yet many people skip this critical maintenance step! Save yourself some money and don't be one of those people!
Sharpen and Clean Blades
Dull blades tear at grass, leaving it vulnerable to diseases and pests. Sharpening your mower blades in the fall ensures they’re ready for next season. If you’re not comfortable sharpening the blades yourself, you can take them to a professional.
Remove any lingering grass from the blades to prevent rust over the winter.
Inspect Belts and Cables
Check the belts and cables on your equipment for wear and tear. Cracked or damaged belts should be replaced, while cables should be inspected for rust or wear.
Replacing these parts before storing your equipment means you won’t have to deal with unexpected breakdowns in the spring.
Store Batteries Properly
If your equipment is battery-powered, remove the batteries before storing them for the winter. Store the batteries in a cool, dry place, away from freezing temperatures. You may also want to keep them on a trickle charger to maintain the charge throughout the off-season.
Store Equipment in a Dry, Protected Area
Finally, find a dry, sheltered spot to store your equipment. A shed or garage works well, but if you don’t have an indoor space, invest in a protective cover to shield your machines from snow and moisture.
A tarp secured around your equipment and staked into the ground so the wind can't blow up into it can do in a pinch.
Storing your equipment in a dry, protected area prevents rust, corrosion, and electrical issues that can result from exposure to the elements.
4. Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with the best intentions, there are some common mistakes to avoid when winterizing your equipment:
Forgetting to drain or stabilize fuel: Leaving untreated fuel in the engine can cause clogs and damage.
Skipping the cleaning: Grass and dirt left on blades and decks can lead to rust.
Improper storage: Storing equipment outdoors or in damp conditions can cause serious damage over time.
By avoiding these mistakes, you can ensure your lawn equipment stays in excellent shape all winter long.
5. Final Thoughts on Winterizing Your Lawn Equipment
Winterizing your lawn equipment is an essential part of keeping your tools in top condition and extending their lifespan. By following this step-by-step guide, you’ll save yourself time, money, and frustration when it’s time to use your equipment again in the spring. Whether you’re draining fuel, sharpening blades, or storing batteries, these small tasks make a big difference in ensuring smooth operation next season.
At Edwards Yard Care, we know the importance of maintaining high-quality tools for lawn care. If you need help winterizing your equipment or are looking for professional lawn services to keep your yard in top shape year-round, contact us today. We’re here to help you prepare for every season!
By preparing your lawn equipment properly now, you can hit the ground running when the snow melts and spring returns. Winterizing is a simple process that pays off with fewer repairs and longer-lasting tools.
