Complete Guide to Winterizing Your Lawn Equipment

Winter is coming, and your lawn equipment needs proper preparation to survive Minnesota's harsh winter and start reliably next spring. Follow this complete guide to winterize all your lawn care equipment.

Why Winterizing Matters

Proper winterization prevents:

• Fuel system damage from old gasoline
• Carburetor clogging and varnish buildup
• Battery deterioration
• Rust and corrosion
• Expensive spring repairs
• Difficulty starting next season

Spending an hour now can save hundreds in repair costs and frustration next spring.

Winterizing Your Lawn Mower

Step 1: Clean Thoroughly

Exterior cleaning:

• Remove all grass clippings from deck and undercarriage
• Use a putty knife or wire brush for stubborn buildup
• Wash with soap and water
• Dry completely to prevent rust

Why it matters: Grass clippings hold moisture and promote rust. Built-up debris can attract rodents looking for nesting material.

Step 2: Change the Oil

Old oil contains acids and moisture that can corrode engine parts over winter.

Process:

1. Run engine for 5 minutes to warm oil
2. Drain old oil completely
3. Replace oil filter if equipped
4. Add fresh oil to proper level
5. Run engine briefly to circulate new oil

Oil type: Use SAE 30 for warmer climates, 10W-30 for Minnesota.

Step 3: Handle the Fuel System

You have two options:

Option 1: Stabilize Fuel (Recommended)

1. Add fuel stabilizer to tank
2. Run engine for 10 minutes to circulate stabilized fuel through system
3. Top off tank to prevent condensation

Option 2: Empty Fuel System

1. Run engine until it stops from lack of fuel
2. Drain remaining fuel from tank
3. Run engine again until completely dry

Pro tip: Stabilized fuel is easier and protects better. Use a quality stabilizer rated for 12+ months.

Step 4: Replace or Clean Air Filter

A dirty air filter restricts airflow and makes starting difficult.

Paper filters: Replace if dirty Foam filters: Wash in warm soapy water, dry completely, lightly oil

Step 5: Remove and Inspect Spark Plug

1. Remove spark plug
2. Inspect electrode for wear
3. Replace if worn or fouled
4. Add 1 tablespoon of oil into cylinder
5. Pull starter cord slowly to distribute oil
6. Reinstall spark plug (don't connect wire)

This light oil coating prevents rust inside the cylinder.

Step 6: Sharpen and Balance Blade

Winter is the perfect time for blade maintenance:

1. Remove blade (mark direction)
2. Clean thoroughly
3. Sharpen at proper angle (30-45 degrees)
4. Check balance
5. Apply light coat of oil to prevent rust
6. Reinstall in spring

Pro tip: Have 2-3 blades. Rotate them so you always have a sharp blade ready.

Step 7: Check and Charge Battery

For riding mowers and equipment with batteries:

1. Disconnect battery (negative terminal first)
2. Clean terminals with wire brush
3. Charge fully
4. Store in cool, dry location
5. Charge monthly through winter

Cold kills batteries: A fully charged battery is less likely to freeze.

Winterizing String Trimmers

Gas-Powered Trimmers

1. Stabilize or drain fuel (same as mower)
2. Clean or replace air filter
3. Remove and inspect spark plug
4. Clean exterior thoroughly
5. Lubricate drive shaft if applicable
6. Inspect trimmer line and replace if needed

Battery-Powered Trimmers

1. Clean thoroughly
2. Remove battery
3. Charge battery to 50-75%
4. Store battery indoors at room temperature
5. Inspect cutting head and replace worn parts

Winterizing Leaf Blowers

Gas-Powered Blowers

1. Stabilize or drain fuel
2. Clean or replace air filter
3. Remove spark plug and add oil to cylinder
4. Clean exterior and air intake screen
5. Check fuel lines for cracks

Electric/Battery Blowers

1. Clean thoroughly
2. Inspect power cord for damage (corded models)
3. Remove and store battery indoors (battery models)
4. Check impeller for damage

Winterizing Hedge Trimmers

1. Clean blades thoroughly
2. Sharpen blades or have professionally sharpened
3. Apply lubricating oil to blades
4. Check for loose bolts
5. Store with blade cover to prevent injury

Winterizing Edgers and Cultivators

Follow same fuel system procedures as mowers, plus:

1. Clean all dirt and debris
2. Lubricate moving parts
3. Check belts and chains for wear
4. Tighten all fasteners

Proper Storage Tips

Indoor Storage Best Practices

Ideal locations:

• Heated garage or shed
• Basement (if safe and ventilated)
• Climate-controlled storage unit

Storage tips:

• Store on level surface
• Cover with breathable tarp (not plastic)
• Keep away from pilot lights or heating elements
• Store fuel cans separately in approved containers

Outdoor Storage (If Necessary)

If you must store outdoors:

1. Use weatherproof cover
2. Elevate off ground
3. Ensure good ventilation
4. Protect from wind-blown snow
5. Check periodically through winter

Battery Storage Guidelines

Proper battery storage extends life significantly:

Lithium-ion batteries:

• Charge to 50-75%
• Store at room temperature (40-70°F)
• Avoid extreme heat or cold
• Charge monthly to maintain health

Lead-acid batteries:

• Charge fully before storage
• Disconnect from equipment
• Store in cool, dry location
• Charge monthly through winter
• Check water level (if applicable)

Common Winterizing Mistakes to Avoid

Leaving Old Fuel in Equipment

Old gasoline turns to varnish, clogging carburetors and fuel lines. This is the #1 cause of spring starting problems.

Not Cleaning Equipment

Grass clippings and debris hold moisture and attract rodents. Always clean thoroughly.

Storing with Depleted Battery

Discharged batteries freeze more easily and sulfate faster, reducing lifespan.

Using Wrong Oil

Cold weather oil is essential for Minnesota. Don't use summer-weight oil year-round.

Forgetting About Tires

Low tire pressure can cause flat spots. Inflate to proper pressure before storage.

Spring Startup Checklist

When spring arrives, prepare equipment for first use:

1. Reconnect spark plugs
2. Check oil level
3. Install fresh fuel (if drained)
4. Reinstall air filter
5. Reconnect battery
6. Check tire pressure
7. Test run before first use

Professional Equipment Maintenance

True North Outdoor Services offers professional equipment winterization services:

• Complete fuel system service
• Oil and filter changes
• Blade sharpening and balancing
• Safety inspections
• Spring startup preparation

Our professional winterization ensures your equipment is properly stored and ready for next season.

Investment Protection

Quality lawn equipment represents a significant investment. Proper winterization:

• Extends equipment lifespan by years
• Prevents costly spring repairs
• Ensures reliable starting next season
• Maintains resale value
• Saves time and frustration

The Cost of Skipping Winterization

Not winterizing equipment can lead to:

• $150-300+ carburetor cleaning or replacement
• $75-150+ battery replacement
• $100-200+ blade replacement from rust damage
• Potential engine damage requiring $300-1000+ repairs

Compare this to one hour of winterization work and $20-30 in supplies.

Schedule Your Winterization

Don't wait until the first snow. Schedule equipment winterization before temperatures consistently drop below freezing, typically by mid-November in Minnesota.

At True North Outdoor Services, we can winterize your equipment professionally, or you can follow this guide for DIY winterization. Either way, protect your investment before winter arrives.

Ready to winterize? Start this weekend and enjoy peace of mind knowing your equipment will start reliably next spring.