Summer, fall, winter...whatever it may seem like outside, it’s almost time to put your lawn equipment away for a long winter’s nap. You probably have a couple of rounds of picking up leaves to go, but soon the lawn work will be done for the season.
When you store away that riding mower, push mower or trimmer, there are a few things to consider to avoid trouble and costly repair in the spring.
Clean it thoroughly. Rust never sleeps, and it loves the dampness of a layer of grass underneath or on top of a mower deck. Use your leaf blower to remove the bulk of the debris, and then spray away the debris with a garden hose or blow it out with air. If you use water, you can use the blower afterwards to get rid of puddles sitting on the metal. Give your equipment a chance to dry in the sun before storing it indoors. If you must store your equipment outside, cover it with a good, heavy tarp with no holes in it.
Fuel stabilizer is a must if you expect trouble-free starting in the spring. Normally, the life of fresh fuel is about 30 days. Run a slightly higher octane than you normally would on the last tank of the year. Let the engine run long enough to get the treated fuel into the carburetor. On two-stroke engines, such as chainsaws and trimmers, use the pre-mixed fuel/oil that most manufacturers have available now. It will have a higher octane and fuel stabilizers built in to stay good longer than regular gasoline.
Consider servicing your mower and engine before you store it for the winter. Fresh filters, oil and grease will have you ready to roll when the grass shows up again. Don’t forget the air filter. Remember how dusty it was when you were cutting up those leaves?
Varmints love wires and engines. Once a month, spray mouse repellent around your equipment. Some folks use Irish Spring soap. Simply cut it up in squares and set it around the area. Mice do not like minty smells or garlic. Keep it neat by putting your repellant in old socks or ladies hosiery.
Equipment and tools are expensive, so proper care is essential. Make it a point to visit your equipment about once a month. Letting the engine run, engaging the blades and a little movement will help keep everything loosened up, break loose any rust that is trying to develop and run out the critters. Remember, help is just around the corner at your local hardware store.
