Should I Winterize My Lawn Mower or Wait Until Spring for Service?
Prepare your mower for storage in fall rather than leaving old fuel, debris and a neglected battery until spring. Winterizing reduces storage-related problems; spring service still has value for checks due by time or use and any faults discovered before mowing. Neither timing guarantees trouble-free operation, but putting known repairs off does not make them disappear.
By Swedlund's Lawn & Power Sports ·
Fall: control the fuel-storage problem
Use the engine manufacturer's drain-or-store instructions for your model and fuel system. If an approved stabilizer is specified, add it to fresh fuel and follow its directions; it cannot restore spoiled gasoline. Work with a cool engine away from flames and use an approved container. Do not periodically start the engine indoors, and do not assume short winter starts are beneficial when they never reach the prescribed operating conditions.
Oil and battery care are separate tasks
Service oil and filters when the schedule requires, using the specified grade and checking method. Inspect for leaks before parking. For a battery-equipped mower, use a compatible maintainer and storage procedure for its chemistry. Keep connections clean and protect terminals from accidental short circuits. A battery left discharged through a Minnesota winter can be damaged; simply charging it in spring may not restore its capacity.
Clean and inspect without unsafe blade handling
Remove accumulated grass and debris as the manual allows, especially around cooling surfaces and fire-risk areas. Let the engine cool and disable starting first. Avoid forcing water into bearings, connectors or electrical components. Blade and spindle inspection needs safe access and proper support; never crawl beneath equipment held only by a jack. Record cracked belts, corrosion and impact damage so repair decisions can be made before the next mowing season.
Spring still needs a readiness check
Before the first cut, inspect tires, controls, guards, fluid levels and any new leaks or pest damage. Follow the manual's outdoor startup procedure and confirm safe stopping and blade disengagement. A winterized mower can still need repairs or time-based service. Planning work before grass starts growing gives you more flexibility, but actual shop availability and turnaround must be confirmed rather than promised.
Choose a plan around condition, not just the calendar
If the mower ended the season smoking, losing drive or cutting unevenly, discuss that now instead of treating it as routine storage service. Owners around Cologne, Watertown and Mayer can call Swedlund's at 612-816-8013 to arrange fall maintenance, spring checks or diagnosis. Ask about available pickup and delivery. All equipment drop-offs and pickups are by appointment only. Please call ahead.
Related: Schedule Lawn Mower Service · Spring tune-up checklist · Minnesota storage preparation · If the mower will not restart
ALL EQUIPMENT DROP-OFFS AND PICKUPS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. PLEASE CALL AHEAD.
Schedule Lawn Mower Service · Ask about pickup and delivery availability.