Do This To Your Mower Before Winter

Proper winter storage prevents hard starts, poor performance, and costly repairs when you go to mow in the spring. Use this checklist to get your mower ready for cold weather so it’s protected all season and ready to work when you are.​

What's the Point of Winterizing a Mower?

Leaving fuel to sit, skipping cleaning, or storing the mower wet can cause corrosion, gummed-up carburetors, and dead batteries. A few simple steps now help your engine start easier, extend mower life, and keep cuts even and clean next year.​

Step-by-Step Winter Prep Checklist

Before you start, park on a flat surface, let the engine cool, and remove the key and/or spark plug wire for safety.​

• Clean the deck: Scrape off packed grass from the underside of the deck to prevent rust and improve airflow next season. A putty knife or plastic scraper works well, and a light rinse (if allowed by your manual) helps remove remaining debris.​

• Change engine oil: Warm the engine briefly, then drain and refill with the oil grade recommended in your manual to remove contaminants before storage. Always dispose of used oil properly at a recycling location.​

• Stabilize or drain fuel: Add fuel stabilizer to fresh gasoline and run the mower a few minutes so treated fuel reaches the carburetor, or follow your manual’s guidance to safely drain the tank and carb bowl. This helps prevent varnish and hard starts.​

• Replace air filter and spark plug (if needed): Check the air filter and replace if dirty, and inspect or replace the spark plug so the engine gets clean air and a strong spark in the spring.​

• Sharpen and balance blades: Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it, so remove blades, sharpen, and balance them now or have a dealer do it during off-season service.​

• Check battery (on riding mowers): Disconnect the battery, clean the terminals, and store it in a cool, dry place; consider a maintenance charger to keep it ready for spring.​

Proper Storage Tips

Store your mower in a dry, sheltered area such as a garage or shed to protect it from snow, rain, and condensation. Cover the unit with a breathable cover (not plastic tarps against bare metal) to help prevent rust and rodent damage.​

Keep the mower on a level surface, set the parking brake (for riders), and make sure all controls are in the off position before leaving it for the season.​

When to Call Koenig Equipment

If you notice oil leaks, starting issues, or damaged blades while preparing for winter, scheduling professional service is the safest option. Koenig Equipment’s certified technicians can perform full seasonal inspections, fluid changes, blade sharpening, and any needed repairs so your mower is field-ready on the first warm day.​

To plan off-season mower service or ask what maintenance your specific John Deere model needs before winter, contact your nearest Koenig Equipment location for help from a local expert.