Preparing your lawn
mower for winter is an important step to ensure it functions as it should come
spring time.
Without proper
maintenance at the end of each season, you are putting your mower at risk of
damage that could result in costly repairs or even shorten the lifespan of your
machine.
The Toro Company has
created a helpful guide on how best to prepare your mower ahead of the next
season.
As always, review the
safety information in your operator’s manual before conducting any of these
maintenance tasks. If you’re feeling unsure, reach out to your local Toro
authorised service dealer, who can provide more information on having your
machine serviced.
To ensure the petrol
left in the machine doesn’t go stale over winter be sure to add Toro’s Premium
Fuel Treatment. It protects the engine from rust and corrosion, the build-up of
gum, and stabilises the fuel for up to 12 months. It is recommended to not
store fuel in either the fuel tank or in fuel containers over the winter unless
a fuel stabiliser is used. If a fuel stabiliser hasn’t been used all season
then run the mower until it’s empty.
When adding new fuel,
mix the fuel stabiliser in the fuel can before filling up the mower. For best
results and to reduce starting problems, use only clean, fresh fuel that is
less than 30 days old.
The mower’s oil should
be changed at least once annually. Run the engine for 5 minutes before changing
the oil to help it drain better. For walk-behind mowers, place down a drain
pan, remove the dipstick and tip the mower on its side with the air filter facing
up. The oil will drain through the oil fill tube and into the pan. Make sure
that the oil has drained completely. Tip the mower back up and pour in new oil
until the oil reaches the “full” line on the dipstick. Be careful not to
overfill.
It is now time to
check the mower blade. The best way is to remove the blade from the mower to
ensure you can inspect it fully for any chips or damage. Turn the mower on its
side with the air filter pointing up, and take off the nut that holds the blade
on. The blade is sharp so be sure to wear gloves to minimise the risk of
injury. If there’s no visible damage, clean and sharpen the blade. If you are
unsure of how to sharpen the blade or if there’s any visible damage, take it to
your local Toro dealer to have it sharpened professionally or replaced.
Before re-attaching
the mower blade, this is a good time to remove any debris from underneath the
mower using a stick or brush, and then carefully clean all those areas you
normally wouldn’t reach before you replace the blade. Take extra care to ensure
it is correctly tightened to the correct torque setting and is safely in
place.
Next, it is time to
change the spark plug and the air filter. The Toro Walk Mower Maintenance Kit
contains a spark plug and an air filter that is perfect for your walk-behind
mower. It also has Toro Lawnmower Oil and a packet of Toro Fuel Treatment, making
it a great all-in-one kit to have on hand when you’re preparing your mower for
winter.
Finally, grease any
moving parts to keep them lubricated, and to avoid rust and corrosion.
Once your mower is
serviced be sure to cover it with a Toro Lawn Mower Cover. They are vented to
prevent moisture and heat build-up. They’re also waterproof, abrasion and tear
resistant and stay flexible even in cold weather, so are perfect for keeping your
mower protected over winter.
Taking the time to
give your lawn mower an annual service over winter will help avoid expensive
repairs and ensure it roars back to life next season.
For more information,
visit www.toro.com
