How to Winterize Push Mowers

Get your lawn mower ready for winter and you'll appreciate the effort next spring.

Once the last cutting of the year is complete and the leaves have been mulched, it's time to put away the mower for the season. But before storing your push mower, a few winterizing steps taken at the end of the mowing season will make starting next season much easier.

Things You'll Need

• Gasoline stabilizer
• Wrenches
• Putty knife
• New blade
• Gloves
• Engine oil
• Air filter
• Spray lubricant

Instructions

1. Empty the gasoline left in the tank by running the mower until it stops. Alternatively, you can add a gasoline stabilizer to the tank. This product is available at hardware stores, home centers and some department stores. Gasoline molecules have a tendency to break down when in storage for several months, leaving behind a gummy mess that clogs carburetors, so emptying tanks or including additives will keep tanks clean.

2. Change the oil while the mower is still warm from running it. Be sure to pull the wire from the spark plug first to avoid an accidental start. Use a wrench to loosen the drain plug on the underside of the mowing deck if your mower has a drain plug. Some mowers drain oil from the fill cap at the top of the deck. The owner's manual for your mower will give detailed information for your make and model. Collect the used oil in a container and take it to an oil recycling center. After draining, put the plug back in place and tighten it.

3. Clean the underside of the mower before adding fresh oil. Place the mower on its side and use a putty knife to clean off grass clippings stuck to the deck. Examine the blade for nicks and wear. If it is badly damaged, replace it. If it's just dull, have the blade sharpened. Wear gloves when handling the blade.

4. Flip the mower back to its upright position and add fresh engine oil to the mower. Remove the spark plug and put a couple of tablespoons of oil into the cylinder to protect it from rust over winter. Put the spark plug back in but leave the wire off. Pull the starter cord a couple of times to crank the engine and distribute the oil inside the cylinder.

5. Clean or replace the air filter. If your model has a foam filter, clean it in soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly, then add a tablespoon or so of engine oil to the filter and work it in, then re-install. If your model has a paper filter, replace the filter.

6. Spray the mower with a hose to remove dirt and dust from the engine housing and the deck. Spray all the moving parts with some lubricant to protect them for the winter.

Tips & Warnings

• Since you've added a bit of oil to the cylinder, the mower is likely to smoke a little and sound rough on the first start up of the new mowing season. Don't be alarmed, as the smoke will quickly dissipate and the engine will smooth out.

References

• AgriLife Extension, Texas A&M University: Winterizing Your Lawnmower
• Cornell University Cooperative Extension: Winterizing Your Lawnmower
• The Family Handyman: How to Winterize Your Lawn Mower