Winter is coming whether you’re ready or not and your lawn equipment needs to be ready, also. This is why Bozeman Distributors offer a full line of service options to keep your equipment ready and running during seasonal changes. Here are some helpful tips for storing your mower over a long period.
Prepping Your Mower for Winter Storage
When winter comes around, the growing season comes to an end. You won’t be mowing the lawn as often or at all. The first step to making sure your mower will start with ease when you need it again is to remove the gasoline from the engine. Gas that sits over an extended time will gum up the fuel system. The best thing to do is remove the fuel from the tank, either by running the engine until the fuel tank is empty or syphon the fuel from the tank. Once the tank is drained, there is still some fuel in the carburetor bowl. Most carburetors have a drain screw located on the side of the carb bowl at a 45degree angle. DO NOT REMOVE the screw located at bottom (center) of the carb bowl. This screw holds the carburetor bowl to the bottom of the carburetor. If the bowl is removed and not re-installed correctly, the gasket (o’ring) will not seal and fuel will leak.
After the carb is drained and the drain screw is replaced, try to start the engine. This will help to burn-off any remaining fuel from the fuel system. This process helps to prevent any future issues from fuel residue remaining in the system over an extended period of time. This is also a good time to disconnect the spark plug.
Sharpening the Blade, Draining Oil, and Replacing Filters
Once the gasoline is removed, you can flip your mower on its side and drain the oil, inspect the blades and clean the underside of the mower. The engine oil should be changed every 50 hours for most Honda GC Series Mower engines. Remember, Oil is much less expensive than most engine repairs. This also allows you to inspect and sharpen the blades. The blades should be sharpened at least once a year, depending on the type of grass you have and how often you cut the grass. You can also clean the undercarriage with a putty knife to scrape off the mud, grass and other debris that could be wrapped around the axle. Inspect and clean the Air Filter. Blowing compressed air over the paper element will clean surface dust and debris, allowing the engine to run more efficiently, providing more power. Air Filters should be replaced every 1 to 2 years.
Storing Your Mower
Store your mower in a place where moisture won’t affect it, like in your garage or shed. If you will be storing it on a concrete floor, put plastic underneath to prevent rusting the deck. Never store next to a furnace or water heater.
Spring will be here soon, and you’ll be glad you took the time to make sure your mower is ready. Remember to add new gasoline and oil to your mower. Whether you are due for a new mower, or simply a tune-up or repair, the experts at Bozeman Distributors are here to help.