Guide : How to Prepare Your Lawn Mower for Winter Storage

MAINTENANCE

How to winterise your mower?

A complete winter storage prevents hard starting, cold stalling, leaks and premature failure of belts and bearings. Here are the key steps.

WHY WINTERISE?

AVOID START-UP TROUBLES

In a few weeks, petrol degrades and clogs the carburettor; moisture corrodes the blades and deck; oil oxidises. Winter storage prevents hard starting, leaks and breakage.

SAFETY & MATERIALS

	Level surface, machine at a standstill, brake engaged, spark plug cap disconnected.
	PPE: goggles, gloves, protective cover.
	Tools: drain pan, funnel, cloth, wire brush, spark plug wedge, pump/siphon.
	Engine oil and suitable filters (viscosity and torque values per the manual).

THE WINTER STORAGE STEPS

1	Spark plug Brush the electrodes, check the gap, replace if cracked/worn.
2	Fuel Siphon the tank, then run at idle until it runs out of fuel.
3	Engine oil Drain it (when warm), refill the level; used oil to a recycling centre.
4	Filters Check air / fuel / oil; replace if in doubt.
5	Blades & deck Remove (note the orientation), clean, sharpen, light coat of oil; scrape the deck clean.
6	Belts Inspect (cracks, glazing, fraying); replace as a preventive measure.
7	12V battery Remove it, clean the terminals, charge to ~75%, store in a dry place.

LUBRICATION & STORAGE

	Grease the moving areas (shafts, pivots, cables) against seizing and rust.
	Store in a dry, sheltered place; avoid non-breathable covers.
	Controls in neutral, wheels chocked, cutting deck switched off.

WINTER STORAGE CHECKLIST

	Spark plug cap disconnected.
	Tank emptied + engine run dry.
	Oil change done + level checked.
	Filters checked / replaced.
	Blades cleaned, sharpened, oiled; deck scraped clean.
	Belts inspected / replaced if worn.
	Battery removed (~75%), stored dry; greasing points done.

ENVIRONMENT

HAZARDOUS WASTE

Used oil and fuel are hazardous waste: take them to a recycling centre or an approved professional. Wear PPE.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A stabilising additive instead of draining the fuel?

A stabiliser prevents deposits if the tank stays full; otherwise, drain the circuit for long-term storage.

When should I winterise my ride-on mower?

At the end of the mowing season, before the extended storage period.

What symptoms indicate a belt that needs replacing?

Cracks, glazed sides, exposed strands: replace before start-up.

A part for winter storage?

Spark plug, filter, belt: our advisors identify the right reference.

How to winterise your mower?

A part for winter storage?

Do you have a question?