When frost and snow arrive, the lawnmower takes its well-deserved winter break. To ensure that the mower gets off to a strong start next year, you should winterize it properly. Read here how to care for your lawn mower to get through the winter.
Should you mow the lawn in winter?
Mowing the lawn in winter is not recommended as growth is restricted by cold temperatures and less light. Instead, the lawnmower should be cleaned, maintained and stored frost-free in order to be optimally ready for use next spring.
Winter lawnmower cleanly – tips for basic cleaning
The fatal effects of dirt particles and deposits on a lawnmower are often underestimated. If left uncleaned, your valuable garden tool is at the mercy of corrosion and rust in the winter. Therefore, treat your mower to an extensive cleaning program before storing it for the winter. How to do it right:
- Pull the spark plug connector and turn off the fuel tap
- Tilt the lawnmower on its side so that the air filter, spark plug and carburettor are facing upwards
- Clean the underside and knife bar with water and a brush
- Spray both knife ends with penetrating oil (€9.00 on Amazon), allow to take effect and wipe off
- Rinse the catcher several times in a bucket of water and let it air dry
Put the lawnmower back on its wheels. Use a damp cloth to wipe the mower deck thoroughly clean.
Winter Maintenance Checklist
Cleanliness is the first step to properly winterizing a lawnmower. Then pay special attention to the engine. The following checklist summarizes the perfect winter maintenance with all measures:
- Let the engine idle until the tank is empty
- Unscrew the spark plug when the device has cooled down and clean it along with the contacts
- Remove and clean the air filter
- Check oil level and top up if necessary
- Ideally carry out an oil change
While oil can safely remain in the lawn mower, this does not apply to fuel. Gasoline loses its ability to ignite during its long idle time, meaning your lawnmower won't start or will only start with difficulty next spring. Instead of leaving the engine running until the gas runs out, you can drain or siphon the fuel.
Winter dry and frost-free – tips for the right winter quarters
Overwinter your clean, maintained lawnmower in a dry, frost-free location. If your device has an automatic start, disconnect the battery before storing the mower for the winter. Cover the lawnmower to protect it from dust.
Tip
Immediately after the first frost, the lawn receives its final cut. Wet lawn is no reason to forego the final trimming care before winter. To prevent damp grass from blocking the blade bar, repeatedly turn off the mower, remove the spark plug connector and clean any clumps of grass from the lawnmower blade.
