At this point in the year, you probably already have your lawn mower in storage, but if you don’t, here are some tips on how to properly store it before taking it out in the spring season.
Remove fuel from the gas tank
If you have fuel left in your mower at the end of the season, it’s a good idea to drain the gas tank to prevent it from going bad and clogging the carburetor. Start by siphoning gas out of the tank, and then get rid of any remaining fuel by running the mower until it’s completely out of gas.
Take off the blade and clean the mower deck
The underside of your mower deck has probably accumulated a great deal of grass clippings and other debris since last year. Before you put your mower away for the season, remove the blade and use a garden hose to clean any stuck-on debris out of the mower deck. This is also a great opportunity to have your mower blade sharpened so that it will be in good shape for next year.
Change your mower’s oil
If your mower has a 4-cycle motor, it’s also a good idea to change the oil before storing it for the winter. Start by running the motor for a few minutes to let it warm up, then stop the motor and disconnect the spark plug. Next, tilt the mower onto its side and prepare a catch pan for the old oil. Drain the oil into the pan by loosening the drain plug located on the underside of the mower deck. Give the oil several minutes to drain completely before replacing the drain plug and tightening it with a wrench. Finally, tip the mower upright again, add new oil by pouring it into the oil fill tube located next to the motor and reconnect the spark plug when you’re done.
Need a hand with some cold-weather lawn care tasks this season? You can find everything you need to get the job done right at Lawrence Tool Rental. Give us a call or contact us online today to learn more!
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