Packing away for the winter

[monica123]

Is there anything I should be doing to the mower and the trimmer for winter, should I drain the gas and oil, do they need gas line antifreeze, etc, or isn't it necessary.

 

[KennyV]

monica...
Drain the fuel and then start it to run it dry...
Do not put stuff in your fuel lines, it is usually alcohol and not good for lines tanks or seals.

Leave the oil Change it next spring when you start the new 2011 season.

Clean the bottom cutting side of the mowers and then the top side... Next spring you will be all set . :smile:KennyV

 

[Hoss]

I drain and clean everything. I take the oil out but leave it dry until the summer. I also keep it in my garage which is insulated so the cold doesn't get to it.

 

[Thunder]

I do all of the above, but I also like to make sure that everything is cleaned and lubricated before it sets idle for 3 or 4 months.

 

[Usedtorent]

It's my first year of putting the mower away too. I can't wait to do exactly that! I'm sick of mowing already. About the time that it's time to put the mower away it will be time to get the snow plow out.

 

[KDL]

I never thought about having to store the mower, mine is in tractor form, it is huge and bulky, but I use the tractor all winter plowing.

 

[KennyV]

About the time that it's time to put the mower away it will be time to get the snow plow out.

I remove my mower deck, clean it and put the snow blower on my ZTR ... If I do it early enough we don't get enough snow to bother with :laughing:... right! ha ha

Then next spring it's always great to finally get the mower deck BACK ON and ready for grass cutting... :smile:KennyV

 

[jacko]

I like to get my mower in order at the end of the season. I pretty much do everything that was recommended. Other wise I will have to do it in the spring and I might not remember everything It needed.

 

[Stopper]

What about the spark plugs, do you leave them in or do you take them out for winter time? I have never taken mine out but I know a man who does.

 

[jtyrie]

My dad always said, in addition to what has already been stated, to take out the spark plug(s) and put a couple of drops of oil into the cylinder. Before putting the plug back in, turn it over a couple of times to coat the cylinder wall and protect it from corroding.

He also had some way to make sure that the valves were closed but that escapes me and I'm not even sure why that would help.