You’ve worked your mower or tractor hard all summer to keep your lawn looking good. Now, with the advent of cooler weather, it’s time to tuck your lawn equipment away for a long winter’s nap. By having your equipment serviced before you put it away for the winter, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes from having equipment that will start right up when you need it.

1. Remove old fuel from the gas tank. Leaving untreated fuel in your gas tank during winter is practically a death sentence for your mower’s fuel system. The gas will begin to go stale, corrode, and form gummy deposits in the fuel tank, carburetor, fuel lines and filter. Your safest bet for long-term storage (more than 90 days) is to use or remove all fuel in your mower.
2. Drain the carburetor fuel bowl. If you’ve removed the fuel from the tank, a small amount may still remain in the carburetor fuel bowl. Get that gas out! Drain the fuel bowl so the gas won’t deteriorate, gum-up and damage your carburetor.
3. Disconnect the battery. Even with the machine off, a small amount of juice can still be sucked from the connected battery on your riding mower. When storing your equipment for long periods of time, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. This will decrease the rate of the battery’s discharge.
4. Change the oil. Why would you want to change the oil before storage? First of all, old used oil contains contaminants that you definitely don’t want sitting in your engine for three or more months. Secondly, it also gives you a head start on next spring’s tune-up, ensuring your engine is properly lubricated from the start.
5. Call an expert if you don’t want the hassle. 855-RILAWNS has the expertise to handle your small equipment maintenance. We offer pick-up and delivery of equipment as well as full winterizing and tune-up services for your small equipment. We’ll change your oil, sharpen your blades, check your filter and give your equipment the expert service you can rely on. Call today for your free estimate!