Winterizing a Lawn Mower & Proper Storage



How to Winterize a Lawn Mower

Lawn Mower Winter Storage

Your lawn mower has been a faithful fair weather companion. So at the end of the mowing season, give it the attention it deserves. Spend just a little time prepping your mower for storage over the winter, and you’ll enjoy a happier reunion in spring. Here are some tips on what you can do now to be sure your mower will start easily next spring. Make sure your operator's manual is on hand for quick reference when you work on your mower.

Remove the Battery

It's a good idea to remove your lawn mower battery for the winter and store it in a cool, dry place. Be sure to store it away from gas cans, the water heater or furnace. Disconnect the battery cable from the battery, starting with the negative cable (it will have a minus sign). Remove the battery and wipe it off with a cloth. Clean the battery terminal using a metal brush, or clean it with a battery cleaner product like the Briggs & Stratton Battery Terminal Cleaner. For added protection, coat all terminals with a product like the Briggs & Stratton Terminal Protector.

Clean your Mower

Brush or hose off leaves, grass and mud from your mower. Always remove the spark plug lead wire from the plug before doing this or any other mower maintenance, and tape or tie it out of the way. Gently tip your walk behind mower on its side to spray the underbody. If debris is caught on the blade, use a stick or tool to remove it - never use your hands.

Add Stabilized Fuel

Gas begins to degrade in as little as 30 days which can lead to your engine's fuel system clogging and your equipment not starting the following growing season. Using STA-BIL® Storage fuel stabilizer eliminates the need to drain fuel prior to storage and ensures quick easy starts next season by preventing gum and varnish build-up within your engine's fuel system. STA-BIL Storage keeps fuel fresh for up to 24 months.

Storing your mower with a full tank of fuel prevents moisture from condensing in the tank which can form rust that could break away and clog the carburetor. Add STA-BIL Storage, according to package directions, before filling your gas can with fuel. After adding the treated fuel to the fuel tank, run your mower for a few minutes so the stabilized fuel circulates through the engine's fuel system.

STA-BIL fuel additives are the official fuel treatments for all Briggs & Stratton® engines.


Lawn Mower Storage

Store your Mower in a Dry Place

Store your mower in a dry, protected place such as your garage or a garden shed. Never store it next to a furnace, water heater or appliance with a pilot light.


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