by Kirsten Johnson, on November 12, 2015
Once you are done mowing for the year, it would be wise to tune up your mower so it’s at peak performance for the Spring. The maintenance we would recommend includes draining and replacing the gasoline, changing the oil, cleaning or replacing the air filter, sharpening the blade, replacing the spark plug, and lubricating all the wheels.
Prepare Your Mower For Winter
We advise following the below steps each Fall. Alternatively, if you are in one of our Service Areas, you can contact Good Nature to have us pick up your lawn mower, provide the services described below, store it in our warm and dry warehouse over the Winter, and return it to you in the Spring ready to go.
Step 1: Drain Gasoline & Replace With High-Octane Fuel
All the ethanol in our gasoline attracts condensation and causes your gasoline to become mixed with water when it sits for along time (like over the winter). The Ethanol in your gasoline is also corrosive and can damage the carburetor. To keep your lawn mower in good shape over the winter, you need to drain the gas. Note: We've found that fuel stabilizers do NOT work at preserving fuel over the winter. In many cases, they can make the situation worse.
Mike Using A Siphon Pump For Fuel Transfer.
Step 2: Drain & Change Oil
Use a different siphon pump to get the majority of the oil out of your lawn mower first. Do not assume that this will remove all the oil. There is always a drain plug somewhere below the oil fill area that you'll need to remove to drain the rest of the oil out. They're never convenient or easy to get to so it's nice to make less of a mess by siphoning out as much as you can before removing the plug. Note: If you're going to be touching used motor oil, wear gloves not only to avoid the grime but also because it's not good for you.
Step 3: Check & Clean Or Replace Air Filter
It is important to check your filter. If the filter is slightly dirty it can be cleaned with an air compressor. If it looks pretty ratty, it's best to replace it.
Step 4: Clean Or Replace the Spark Plug
Step 5: Sharpen & Balance or Replace Blade
A dull mower blade can cause the lawn to look uneven of patchy. It can also damage the grass and make it susceptible to disease. If you are removing the blade yourself, be sure to disconnect the spark plug and wear gloves for safety.
As you can see in the below image, the grass blades on the left are ragged from a dull mower blade, making them more susceptible to diease and pest damage. A sharp blade and a smooth-running engine will make your grass healthier, greener, and more attractive.
A dull mower blade tears rather than cuts grass, leaving the grass blades with ragged edges. This can lead to several negative outcomes:
Increased Stress on Grass: Torn edges make it harder for the grass to retain moisture and nutrients, which can weaken the plant overall.
Disease Vulnerability: Ragged edges are more prone to disease as they create open wounds where pathogens can enter.
Browning of Grass Tips: The shredded edges of the grass blades dry out and turn brown, making your lawn look unhealthy.
Slower Healing: Grass cut with a dull blade takes longer to recover, delaying the growth of a healthy lawn.
Sharpening your mower blade regularly ensures a clean cut, promotes a healthier lawn, and enhances its appearance.
Step 6: Lubricate Wheels & Moving Parts
To keep your lawn mower moving efficiently, we recommend properly lubricating the wheels and other moving parts.
Hire Someone Else
If you don't want to do all that yourself, find a local lawn and garden store.
If you are a current client, Good Nature will pick up your mower, tune it up, sharpen & balance the blades and return it to you for one low price. Contact Us For Information
More Detail
If you're ready to tackle this at home, these videos below should make it easier for you.
