Whether you like it or not, the seasons are changing. Dropping temperatures and color-changing leaves usher in the colder months of the year. Taking some time now to do some basic maintenance can help save you time and frustration at the start of the next mowing season. This article will tell you how to prepare your riding lawn mower for off season storage. Depending on your model, the instructions listed below may vary slightly. Always be sure to check your Operator's Manual for detailed instructions.
Step 1 - Pre-Prep
Be sure the mower is on a flat, level surface. Turn the engine off and make sure it is cool.
Gather the necessary tools needed to complete the steps. Most Winterization procedures listed below can be completed with a basic mechanic’s tool kit, but some steps are much easier when utilizing the Arnold Siphon Pump, Blade Sharpening Kit, and Blade Removal Kit, found in the links in this article.
Step 2 - Disconnect and Remove Battery
Remove the red positive (+) cable and then the black negative (-) cable from the battery. Do not allow the wrench to come in contact with any metal.
Remove the battery from the lawn mower and store it in a warm, ventilated dry place.
Step 3 - Check and Replace Spark Plugs
Replace worn or damaged spark plugs.
Check your old spark plugs or your operator's manual for the correct part number.
Step 4 - Change Oil
Change the oil and replace the filter.
Clean the oil fill and drain area of any debris.
Remove the dip stick from the oil fill tube. Then using the Arnold Siphon Pump, place the black tube into the dip stick hole on the engine, and the orange tube into the oil pan.
Prime the pump by pumping the handle three to four times. Once the liquid begins to flow, it will flow without further pumping.
Remove the Arnold Siphon Pump.
Remove the oil filter. Using oil, lubricate the gasket of the new filter, then install the filter.
Add new oil as instructed in your operator's manual.
Replace the dip stick. Wait several minutes, then use the dip stick to check oil level.
Step 5 - Replace and Clean the Air Filter
Replace the air filter.
Remove the air cleaner cover from the mower. Then, remove the paper and foam elements.
Wash the foam element in mild detergent and water and allow it to dry completely.
Apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the foam element and squeeze out all excess oil.
Replace the new paper element and the foam element into the air cleaner cover.
Step 6 - Replace the Blades and Clean the Mowing Deck
Clean the undercarriage of dirt, grass clippings, and any other objects that may have become lodged there.
Wearing gloves for protection, inspect your blades for wear or damage. Use the Arnold Blade Removal Tool to hold the blades in place.
Then, using a socket, loosen the bolt securing the cutting blade to the spindle. Remove the blades.
Assemble the new blades and blade adapters on the engine spindle and tighten the bolts to the proper torque as indicated in your operator's manual.
If your blade only needs sharpening, use the Arnold Lawn Mower Blade Sharpener and Balancer Kit.
Remove the Arnold Blade Removal Tool.
Step 7 - Check the Mower for Broken, Worn or Missing Parts
Check the mower for any broken or worn parts including belt covers, belts, discharge chute, deck wheels and tires. Replace any of these worn or broken parts with the right replacement parts as noted in your operator's manual.
Step 8 - Prepare the Fuel Tank for Storage
Finally, add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank to prevent fuel from spoiling while the mower is not in use.
