Removing Your Mower from Storage

Preparing your mower for spring

The dormant months can be very hard on mowers and other outdoor power equipment. Before grass begins growing check your equipment to ensure an easy start to the spring. A lot of engines are difficult to start after the winter layoff. This can be complicated if fuel was left in the tank throughout the winter. The Mower Shop offers complete Tune-Up Kits including engine RePower kits for Honda, Toro, Hustler, Briggs & Stratton, Echo, Kawasaki, Kohler & Spartan. Our customized kits include genuine parts (air filter, spark plug, oil and blades) for specific models. This maintains consistent performance and insures easier installation. Proper maintenance and care will improve the life and quality of your lawn equipment.

Here is a checklist to make sure your mower and handheld equipment is ready to start.

Before starting your equipment

Clean the dust and debris off your equipment

• Clean the engine by hand making sure to keep water away from the air filter
• You can use a garden hose to clean the frame and cutting deck, but keep water away from cables, springs and air filters

Inspect the cutting deck and frame

• A clean deck is essential for the spring season
• You can use water or a plastic putty knife to clean any debris
• For riding equipment, pay close attention to deck belts, check under the seat, around the battery and inside wheels for any dirt, debris or animal nests

Replace or sharpen the blade

• While cleaning the deck, most manufacturers including Toro and Honda recommend replacing blades annually. Factory blade edges provide the cleanest and most efficient cutting surface.
• If you choose to sharpen the blade make sure to balance is perfect. A sharp, balanced blade relieves engine and belt stress during the peak of mowing season.
• You can choose from our selection of standard, mulching, high lift and even gator style blades.

Prepare the engine fluids and filters

• Walk power mowers feature an air filter, oil reservoir and spark plug.
  • If you are inexperienced, replacing these items is rather easy.
  • Toro Recycler and Super Recycler Tune Up Instructions and Honda Tune Up Instructions are unique but all brands are very similar.
• Most rider mowers include air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and oil reservoir.
• Change all of these items according to your owners manual.
• No matter how much or how rarely you use a mower, these affordable parts will keep your engine running
• The preseason is a perfect time to refresh all of these items with a complete Tune-Up Kit.

Start with Fresh fuel

• The most common issue in the spring is old fuel left in the lawnmower fuel tank and storage containers.
• Modern fuel blends deteriorate within a few weeks.
• NEVER USE FUEL LEFT IN STORAGE CONTAINERS THROUGHOUT THE WINTER
• Dispose of all fuel leftover from last season.
• If there is any fuel in the tank from the prior season, drain the fuel or bring the mower to a professional to clean and flush the tank.
• Fuel left in containers can be added to your car’s fuel tank.
• Purchase fresh fuel from a high quality fuel retailer.

Check the deck level

• During storage wheel adjusters often get bumped out of place on walk power mowers.
• Riding mowers can be bumped into or even have items piled onto the deck during storage. A level deck not only protects your grass but prevents belts, pulleys and springs from abnormal wear.
• Move the mower onto a level surface and check the deck level.

Starting your equipment

Fresh gasoline, clean oil, new spark plug and a spotless air filter all combine for an easy start.

• Make sure your equipment is outside before starting. Mowers will often release excessive exhaust upon initial startup.
• Starting on a paved surface will put less stress on the engine
• Many engines no longer feature manual chokes or primer bulb systems, but always follow your owners manual

For recoil start mowers, use a steady motion rather than brute force

• When you pull on the rope, you are rotating the flywheel and cylinder of the engine.
• Try a few easy pulls on the rope to allow air, fuel and oil to move through the engine.
• The flywheel and cylinder will have some dust and debris from the offseason, a few short, steady rotations may clear any blockage
• It may take a few attempts before the engine catches
• Steady consistent motion will aide in the starting process far more than quick jerks

For electric start mowers, always charge your battery before starting

• A full charge will help if multiple attempts are required
• Check fuses, connections and for any damage to the harness
• Never hold the ignition in the on position for longer than a 3 count
• Consult your owners manual for full details

 Test operations before mowing

Allow the engine to run for 3 minutes before mowing

• Listen to the engine
• Any surging, sluggishness or metallic noise indicates further maintenance is required

There may be a lot of exhaust after the dormancy

• This should pass within a few minutes.
• If the exhaust does not dissipate or seems excessive, consult a professional
• These can be signs of issues with carburetors, gaskets or internal engine parts

Engage the blades and transmission system

• Test operations on a flat, paved surface.
• Pay attention to any sluggishness or metallic noise which indicates maintenance is required.

Inspect Wearable Parts

Preemptive replacement of wearable items like wheels, cables, springs and belts prevent mower failure during the mowing season.

Wheels and Tires

• On walk power mower, wheel tread wear reduces performance and helps indicate internal gear wear.
• Drive wheels should be replaced when tread wear is excessive and often is as easy as a turn of a screw.
• On riding mowers, flat tires are extremely common at the beginning of spring. Most can be easily filled with air but just like with walk power mowers, tread wear indicates age. Replacing problematic tires especially front caster wheels on zero turn riding mowers will improve rider comfort and keep your mower cutting level.

Cables

• Inspect the condition of cables especially at the connection point and any contact points.
• Fraying at connection points, excessive slack, signs of corrosion justify replacing before the cable snaps
• Cables should move easily within the sheath. If the cable does not move freely check for kinks, apply some WD-40 at the openings between the cable and sheath

Belts

• Belts commonly fail due to debris, excessive starting/stopping and age
• Check for cracks, discoloration from friction and excessive slack
• A worn belt can strain the engine, transmission and certainly reduces the overall performance of your equipment
• Regular replacement of belts prevents breakdown during the mowing season.

The Nuts and Bolts

• Examining handlebar hardware, wheel adjusters, anti-scalp wheels, plastic covers, discharge chutes and other hardware will prevent breakage and potential damage to your mower, your lawn or even you when using your mower.

TheMowerShop.com

After removing from storage, your lawnmower is ready for the season. If you need any parts, simply enter your model number, part number or description into the search bar at TheMowerShop.com. If you don’t know where here is how to: Find My Model Number. We offer FREE, fast shipping on all orders of $100 or more.