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Your lawn mower will be one of the most important tools that you have when it comes to maintaining your property's landscaping. While you will likely utilize your mower every week during the summer, you may find that you are making mistakes when preparing the mower for the winter months. You can avoid accidentally damaging your mower during the offseason by following several important storage preparation steps.

Completely Drain The Gas Tank

Prior to putting away the mower for the winter months, you will need to thoroughly drain the gas tank. During the long winter, any fuel that is left in the tank can start to degrade and evaporate. This can result in a residue being left behind that can interfere with the engine. By draining the fuel tank before putting the mower away for the winter, you will eliminate this potential source of damage.

Inspect The Undercarriage And Blades

The undercarriage and blades will be subjected to some of the most intense wear and tear. This should not be surprising given that this part of the mower will be exposed to the moisture from the grass and flying debris from the soil. By inspecting the undercarriage, you will be able to catch rust and other issues before they become very severe. Before you start this inspection, you should thoroughly clean this portion of the mower. In addition to allowing you to more clearly see the undercarriage and blades, this will also remove materials that could trap water against the mower and cause rust.

Store The Mower Where It Will Not Be Exposed To The Elements

When you are choosing a storage location for your mower, it can be tempting to simply place it in a shed or the basement until you need it again. However, both of these areas can be especially prone to experiencing high levels of moisture, which can corrode the mower. If you do not have another area to store the mower, you may find that renting a climate controlled storage unit will be the most effective way of keeping the mower safe from damage.

However, many people will want to avoid paying this rental fee. For these individuals, it may be possible to place a moisture absorbing gel in the vicinity of the stored mower. This gel can absorb most of the moisture of the air before it can lead to condensation forming on the mower. While this will not be as effective as storing the mower in a climate controlled unit, it can be an efficient solution for those that do not have a suitable location to keep the mower.

For more information, contact a company like Potestio Brothers Equipment, Inc.