End-of-Season Lawn Equipment Maintenance Checklist
As mowing season comes to an end, don't simply park your lawn mower or zero-turn and forget about it. A little end-of-season lawn mower maintenance can help protect your equipment during storage and make it easier to get started when spring arrives.
Use this checklist before putting your outdoor power equipment away for the season.
1. Clean Your Equipment
Remove grass clippings, dirt, leaves, and other debris from your mower. Pay particular attention to the mower deck, engine area, belts, and cooling areas.
Cleaning your equipment also gives you a chance to spot worn, damaged, or loose components before storing it.
2. Address the Fuel System
Gasoline can deteriorate during storage and may contribute to fuel-system and starting problems. Follow your equipment manufacturer's recommendations for seasonal storage, which may include draining the fuel system or using fresh fuel with an appropriate fuel stabilizer.
Always store gasoline safely and away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
3. Change the Oil
Check your owner's manual for the recommended oil-change interval. If your equipment is due for an oil change, taking care of it before storage can ensure the engine has clean oil when it's put back into service.
Use the oil type and viscosity recommended by the manufacturer.
4. Check the Air Filter and Spark Plug
Inspect the air filter and clean or replace it according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Also inspect the spark plug for wear or fouling and replace it if necessary.
These relatively simple maintenance items can help support proper engine performance and starting.
5. Inspect the Mower Blades
Check your mower blades for dullness, excessive wear, cracks, or damage. Sharpen and balance serviceable blades, or replace blades that are damaged.
Starting the next mowing season with properly maintained blades can help provide a cleaner cut and reduce unnecessary vibration.
6. Check Belts, Tires, and Moving Parts
Inspect belts for cracking, fraying, or excessive wear. Check tire pressure and look over cables, controls, and other moving components for signs of damage.
Lubricate equipment where required according to the owner's manual.
7. Take Care of the Battery
For riding mowers and zero-turns, inspect the battery and terminals for corrosion or damage. Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for battery storage and charging.
A properly maintained battery can help prevent an unexpected dead battery when mowing season begins.
8. Don't Forget Your Snow Blower
As you put your mower away, it's also a good time to prepare your snow blower for winter. Inspect the belts, shear pins, scraper bar, skid shoes, tires, auger, controls, spark plug, and engine oil.
Finding a problem before the first major snowfall is much better than discovering it when you need your snow blower most.
9. Store Equipment Properly
Whenever possible, store outdoor power equipment in a clean, dry, protected location. Keep equipment away from excessive moisture and make sure gasoline and other flammable materials are stored safely.
Always follow the storage instructions provided by the equipment manufacturer.
Get Your Equipment Ready for Next Season
End-of-season maintenance is a great opportunity to take care of small problems before they turn into larger repairs. If your mower, zero-turn, lawn tractor, snow blower, or other outdoor power equipment needs service, stop by or call one of our four convenient locations.
Taking care of your equipment now can help you start the next season ready to mow.
