Winterizing Your Lawn Mower!

   As you can tell my lawn mower has seen its better days, lol! I can't even remember how old it is, as a matter of fact I received it used many years ago from my dad. It used to be blue but a couple of years ago, I decided, since all the blue paint had peeled off, that I would paint it, so off to Lowe's we went. 

By the:Redeemed Gardener

  When we got there, I told my daughter, that was 10 years old at the time, "pick out whatever color you want and I will paint my mower that color."   WHOOPS!
  She took her time and was really thinking this over, then handed me Bright Lime Green! Reluctantly I said, "Are you sure about this color?"
  Without blinking an eye she said, "Well daddy, I was gonna get you hot pink but I figured that was to girly!" I looked at her without saying a word, put the Lime green paint in the buggy,  and left, lol! Hay, the bright side is, we had a few lawn mowers stolen in the area this year but mine wasn't!
  Well, must of us in my area of the world are getting ready to put the old lawn mower up for the winter months. But do just wheel it into the out building and expect it to start right up next spring. If you want it to last you for years to come, here are a few helpful hints to help it last longer!

1. Change the oil and filter on your lawn mower. This simple step gives you an opportunity to check the system for any contaminants and ensure that you’ll start the next mowing season off with a supply of fresh oil. Drain the old oil while the engine is still warm in order to get a complete flush and prevent any contaminants from settling back into the mower's oil pan. 
    
2. When storing your lawn mower or any tool that you have with a engine, either drain your fuel tank completely or adding a fuel stabilizer. Since fuel can begin to decompose after being dormant for a month or more, the stabilizer will help protect against carburetor clogs from old fuel. After you add the fuel stabilizer, run the mower engine for about 5 minutes. 
    
3. Now is a great time to tighten all of your mower's nuts and bolts as well as check the belts, filters and safety shields. Repair and treat any chipped or scratched metal surfaces, and apply a very light coat of engine oil to pivot and wear points to prevent rust. Even sharpen the blade!
    
4. Check your mower's operator manual for any other winter storage suggestions, such as checking the battery, if you have one. Then be sure to store your mower in a safe, dry building. If you store your lawn mower outside, cover it with a waterproof tarp.

So just remember as you put your tools up, they will last longer, if you take proper care of them! And then when it gets as old as mine, you can start adding Synthetic oil to the mower every time you put gas in it to keep it from locking up, LOL!

  

"Good habits are hard to acquire but easy to live with. Bad habits are easy to acquire but hard to live with."