In
some areas of the country you can live to ride and ride to live all
year round. Lucky you! But in most areas you just have to store your
ride for a while. So here’s some pointers on how to store it during
the snow so that, come spring, it will go.
Clean
it good. Get all those old grass clippings, and hunks of your neighbor’s hedge, out of there. If you use a pressure washer,
make sure the engine’s air intake is blocked off so water can’t
get in there. Also cover the ignition system to prevent it getting
wet. Don’t use too much water pressure on the engine.
Change
the oil and filter.
Clean
the air filter.
NO
SMOKING AT THIS POINT! Check the fuel filter, if your machine has
one, and replace it if seems to be loading up with dirt. Drain the
fuel into an approved container at the same time. You want to store
the machine without any fuel in the tank, or in the engine.
Run
the engine until all remaining fuel is used up. When it runs out of
gas, try to start it again, just to make sure all the gas has been
used up. If the machine has a fuel shut off valve, shut it.
Sharpen
the blades.
Lubricate
the mower deck, wheels and axles as specified in your manual.
Check
the differential fluid level and top up if needed.
Lubricate
any drive chains.
Remove
and clean the battery. Store the battery on a wooden surface.
Close
the vent on the fuel cap.
To
prevent rust, apply a light coat of oil to any exposed bare metal
surfaces.
Store
the machine inside, protected from the elements.