HOW TO PREP YOUR LAWN MOWER FOR WINTER STORAGE (7 Tips)

[@GarageGear]

Here is a LINK to a LAWN MOWER COVER! Keep it clean until Spring! Thank you for supporting the channel! 👉 amzn.to/3LwXhM2

[@TheLawnLover]

Time to winterize the mower - 🎶Hello darkness my old friend.... 😂

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha our lawn days are number bud! Might have to do a snow mow tho lol!

[@TheLawnLover]

@@GarageGear 😂😂

[@travisressler1400]

I store my mower in the shed for the cold winter. I feel leaving the mower in the extreme temperature fluctuations can cause moisture to collect in the oil so i change mine in the spring.

[@Huntersprojects]

Thats what I do and what I tell all my customers change the oil in the spring it’s better for the engine

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@tomlewis3658]

Good video! The one that never occurred to me before is the last tip, to pull the starter rope and park the piston at TDC. From now on, that's also part of my end of season routine, thanks.

[@GarageGear]

You got it Tom! Now you know! 👍

[@electroddxful]

Just did it yesterday. But the bonus tip was awesome. Never done that but will now. Have a bless weekend 👍🙏👍🙏

[@GarageGear]

Glad that extra bonus tip was a new one for you. Give it a shot - you won’t be disappointed! Have a blessed weekend too, my friend!

[@flareguns2]

What a great video to help beginners and remind pros with a very general topic. Super simple, super quick, and well-explained. This is exactly what I needed.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching flare!

[@iamherenotheretobe]

Leave her full of non ethanol 91, stabil and MMO, fog the cylinder after changing the oil. Spring time check the filter and plug/clean it, grease wheels, fill her up and go. I do pull the battery off for winter and keep it inside. I fluid film the underside of the deck anyway and never a problem there. Sharpen blades as needed. Reason why I never run em out of gas? Gas evaporates... if the carb floods? Well I check my oil once a mow. To each they're own on running them out. If they're gonna sit for a LONG time, then yes run them out. Use ethanol mixed in? Don't let em sit for more than a month without use and don't keep more than a couple weeks worth of gas on hand. Good video dude!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing my friend!

[@Salmomlox]

Great tips, JB! I like that lawn mower cover, too. I never thought about pulling the starter rope to park the piston. Have a great day and thanks for all the tips and tricks ☺

[@GarageGear]

You got it, my friend! Thanks for checking out this weeks video. More tips and tricks to come your way!

[@joebrown9621]

My tip to quicken some of these processes is buying a cheap hand pump they're usually under $10 to pump out the fuel then run the engine till it dies or a second one for pumping engine oil outof the engine once it's not too hot to melt the pump.. makes oil changes quick.. other one is just wash to wash the mower after using it, for mowers without a wash out plug use a garden hose sprayer turn it up under the mower while the blade is spinning and it will be almost mint in seconds..

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing joe

[@BStride]

Good tips 👍🏻

[@davidconstantino2896]

Great info thanks

[@GarageGear]

You got it David!

[@bigsurr]

Best new youtube channel that I've found, new subscriber 😄! Great videos, all to the point and very informative and well presented and great camera work/editing! Love this channel!

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you bigsurr! Thanks for being a cool fan and welcome to the tribe!

[@Wagonman5900]

Engines love new oil the way yo-yos love new string. I took one of those silver sharpies and wrote the oil weight and filter number right on the shroud so I wouldn't have to look for it any more.

[@GarageGear]

Good thinking! Thanks for sharing this tip!

[@JohnCardillo]

Perfect timing JB! It's just starting to get cold here in Canada. 🥶

[@GarageGear]

Fire up that snowblower my friend! Have an awesome weekend!

[@tannerc900]

I have a bit of a unusual situation and I hope to get your input; I stored my lawn mower with new oil last winter and then this summer I ended up hurting my back which resulted in me hiring out my lawn care and my lawn mower literally only got two uses all summer. I’m getting ready to drain the gas to store it for this winter. In your opinion, do you think it would be fine to leave the oil in there and change it at the end of next mowing season? Or should I still change it to be safe? Like I said I greased the wheels and changed the oil last year and it only had two “workouts” throughout all of 2023.

[@GarageGear]

I’d say the oil is fine to leave in there. Just ensure it’s at the correct fill height! 👍

[@brianmccarthy1322]

Wax or ceramic applied to the machine keeps it looking like new. Neighbours can't believe my Honda is from 1995.

[@GarageGear]

Awesome my friend! Thanks for sharing!

[@johncombs6543]

Very good advice. My father(mss him everyday) would do everything that you’re doing to put a mower in winter storage. When you pull the engine to top dead center. My father would take the spark plug out; 2 spuirts of engine oil. Now, it might smoke a tiny bit when you start it in the spring. But, it always started.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing that tip John! Sorry to hear about your father!

[@paulmysliborski4832]

That’s the way you do it! Only thing I would add is to spray down the entire mower with something like CRC 656 to protect against corrosion. Go crazy with it on everything from electrical components to wheels, and don’t forget the handle bar or any cables. Rock on, JB!👍🏻

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON BROTHER! That crc is great stuff! Anything good happening this weekend?

[@paulmysliborski4832]

@@GarageGear Staying inside That coastal storm is nailing us all weekend. :/

[@davidnelson2575]

I changed my first carburetor thanks to you!

[@GarageGear]

@@davidnelson2575 ROCK ON DAVID! Good work!

[@danlah1303]

I use non-ethanol gas all the time now, but at the least it would be wise to run non-ethanol gas for the last 1-2 mows. Most people won’t go thru the trouble of properly draining fuel system and carb.

[@GarageGear]

That’s a good idea!

[@AlpineWarren]

Or better yet, every first weekend of the month through winter, go out and run all your small engines for 5 minutes. No problems here in 35 years.

[@GarageGear]

Good tip thanks for sharing!

[@grumblycurmudgeon]

So, at first I was thinking, "man this guy is profoundly OCD about his yard equipment." ...but then it hits me that I both DIDN'T know all of this, and that there doesn't appear to be another resource as comprehensive offering on-demand knowledge when _I_ actually care to learn it. So for that? Thank you. Liked and Sub'd. You're a good man, Charley Brown.

[@GarageGear]

OCD… yes… Worth learning about… yes… Subscribing… priceless… Welcome to the tribe charley!

[@jlbfd9389]

Perfect timing JB! Thanks!

[@GarageGear]

You got it my friend! Thanks for watching!

[@mikegrappone9078]

Great video and timing!

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Mike! Appreciate you bud!

[@snoopysrc]

Nice I now use 91octane known as ethanol free gas the best kind for small engines

[@GarageGear]

That’s the way to go snoopy!

[@ronsamborski6230]

My local shop owner recommended to always buy premium gas for all the yard equipment. Since they (mower, blower, string trimmer, snowblower) don’t use that much gas, the extra cost isn’t that bad. Not like having to buy premium gas for a car or truck. Also make sure that last tank of gas has fuel stabilizer in it so any tiny bit left in the carburetor is stabilized. Then run it dry.

[@GarageGear]

@@ronsamborski6230 thanks for sharing this Ron! 👍

[@chicanojoe21]

Thank you.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching!

[@whywoulditellyou00]

I also do the last tip. I spray lubricant in spark plug hole right before and pull a few times and put it TDC. Funny I do all the stuff you show for years. I also have never changed a spark plug, I gap and clean, also my filters last about 5 years. I blow them clean a few times a season. They still look good. Glad I’m not the only one that goes over the top with maintenance.

[@GarageGear]

RIGHT ON my friend!

[@jaybooth4815]

Always great storage tips JB! That way the mower is ready to go in the spring! Same applies for the snowblower! Sup for the weekend? Cheers buddy!

[@GarageGear]

Yeah! The mowers all set and ready to go! Working on some leaf blower content and going on a bike ride or two while we can. What’s happening in your world?

[@jaybooth4815]

⁠watched the Grandsons yesterday, which is always a treat! Just chilling today and watch the Bills game! Enjoy the rest of the weekend my friend! GO BILLS!

[@TBhatoya]

Bought a house in summer and craftsman lawn mover came with it. Didn’t know it needs to be winterized. It’s December and lawnmower is mostly full of gas(2 months old gas) stored in the shed. Should I drain out the gas and follow your steps or can I add stabilizer on top of it. Also, when is the best time to change oil change too? Thank you in advance

[@GarageGear]

@@TBhatoya hey TB! Congrats on the house. I would drain the gas out. You could use the gas in your snowblower. I don’t waste my time with stabilizers. I just reuse the fuel elsewhere. Now is a good time to change the oil so it’s not sitting with dirty particulates inside it all winter👍

[@josephdamiani1565]

What paint do you recommend for under the deck? Also do you find that in the stow away position the seal leaks just a little bit of oil. Tried it while oil is cold and hot. Still does it.

[@GarageGear]

I would say some rust oleum paint should work. Sand it lightly and spray! A lot of friction happens under there so I wouldn’t plan on it sticking around long. See how she does. Do you have thing over filled perhaps? I wonder if gas is leaking because you have it coming up the pipe. They recommend filling to the bottom of it. Let me know!

[@appleztooranges]

Bet we won’t get a huge snowstorm this year again!

[@GarageGear]

@@appleztooranges might as well sell our snowblowers lol

[@keithp115]

Great post JB! This is the most comprehensive winter prep I've ever seen. Well done sir!!

[@GarageGear]

Appreciate you Keith! Thanks for watching bud!

[@edrumsas5420]

Great info. Thanks SO much

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching as always. Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

[@WaynesAdventure]

Great video and thanks for the tips

[@GarageGear]

@@WaynesAdventure you got it Wayne! 👍

[@flyhighty]

Short, sweet and very informative. Thanks for the great tips! Love your channel.

[@GarageGear]

Glad you found it to be useful! Thanks for following along.

[@newassistance238]

I have winterized my Toro mower like this the last 10 years..."Push it in the garage". Starts every year on 1st or 2nd pull even with no gas stabilizer.

[@GarageGear]

Good to hear my friend! 👍

[@newassistance238]

@@GarageGear I bought it when I was younger and maintenance wasn't a priority, never even changed the oil just topped it off. I may have to give it some more love as I just bought a new Toro Model# 21563 that is on the way that will allow me to take the old one apart and clean it up real good.

[@chrisfilipdias]

Good stuff as always. Want to drive down to Rhode Island and help with my 9 machines LOL

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for being a cool fan and following along! Sounds like you keep yourself busy down there with all of those pieces of equipment! Which one is your favorite one to use?

[@countsaturn]

Awesome tips and the last tip has now been added to my winterizing steps..Thanks and Go Bills!!!

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON! Go Bills!!!👍👍

[@skyemac8]

Crab grass seeds?

[@GarageGear]

I save those for the naughty neighbors or when their lawn starts looking a little too green. Haha

[@yalerich7417]

Yes, winter arrives early @ stays 4 quite some time in Buffalo- (doesn't it JB!) You'll b doing snowblower content soon! (UGH!)

[@GarageGear]

Hopefully soon, but not too soon. I have more content planned with blowers to last until March! Get ready!

[@DavidStauffacher]

JB (a guestion from the Wisconsin Tribe): Any advice for a slightly larger mower (Cornett 14hp Rider)?

[@GarageGear]

Send me a link to one.

[@DavidStauffacher]

@@GarageGear Do you run the gas out of a rider mower just like a push mower? Do you have video on blade sharpening with portable grinder? I liked the spark plug video…just did it.

[@GarageGear]

@@DavidStauffacher yep run the gas out! Stay drama free lol! Here is a link to a blade sharpening video I did a while back HOW TO SHARPEN LAWN MOWER BLADES FOR BEGINNERS kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y2TaiIRorMinlZI

[@shortyorc121]

Great video!

[@GarageGear]

Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for checking it out!

[@johndenver8574]

When I winterize my mowers since I use true fruit all I do is clean the mowers with compressed air and change oil and put it in the storage shed.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing John!

[@kingposeidon9362]

Recommend owner's read and follow the "Storage" instructions in the owner's manual as they may have additional or tailored guidance. For example, the manual for my Craftsman mower includes the following steps to prep the cylinder for storage: CYLINDER: 1. Remove spark plug 2. Pour one ounce (29 ml) of oil through spark plug hole into cylinder. 3. Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil. 4. Replace with new spark plug.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@camom494]

If you have access to non Ethanol gas and you run that with fuel stabilizer you can leave the gas in the tank and carb if it’s only sitting for the season. Also if you’re worried about the cylinder rusting out from sitting which can happen get some storage fogging oil and spray it in the cylinder through the spark plug hole. Great video.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing 👍

[@patrickkeschl596]

Excellent tips. To tip the mower on its side be sure air filter side is on top, and exhaust/muffler side is on the bottom. Pull the cord taught, to ensure the piston is at top dead center. That’s the proper way of tipping over your lawnmower.

[@GarageGear]

@@patrickkeschl596 thanks for sharing Patrick

[@joelskii22]

What was that drain pad funnel contraption

[@GarageGear]

That is a form a funnel! Works great! Here’s a link to one amzn.to/3uF49l1

[@smallblock412]

What? No fluid film? 😂 Good stuff JB!.

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha I got a snowblower course with 11 videos using that stuff lol! Plenty of that to go around! 👍😂 have a good weekend Smallblock

[@AGCampagna]

Any regrets on that Toro? I just purchased one and it wouldn't start. Sent it back and waiting for a replacement. I'm having second thoughts. Your input would be appreciated

[@GarageGear]

Selling mine! Think that says enough! Lol They’re so cheaply made nowadays!

[@RAVISHING_RONY]

Hey JB, new subscriber and cool channel. Going to use these tips when it finally cools down here in TX!

[@GarageGear]

ROCK ON RONY!

[@tannerc900]

It just totally BLOWS my mind HOW MANY people DON’T change their oil on their lawn mowers or just preform basic maintenance on their lawn mowers. They just shove it in a corner all winter and then get angry at the manufacturer for it not to start or when they run into problems. Blows me away.. whatever maintenance you do on your car do on your small engine. Sheesh.

[@GarageGear]

Spot on my friend! 👍👍

[@johnwinters1326]

Hey JB, I noticed that you have a pre-filter for the air filter. Can you tell me where you got it?

[@GarageGear]

It came on my mower! Did yours not come with one?

[@gregoryeditor6500]

Like number 336 JB, happy and fun weekend.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks Gregory! Have an awesome weekend!

[@ecttreker9816]

👍👍

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching ECT!

[@patriciacosta3963]

I saw in another video to put about a tablespoon of oil in the spark plug hole, then replace spark plug and pull the cord. Do you recommend that?

[@GarageGear]

That’s not a bad idea but I found it to not be necessary unless you are storing the unit for well over 6 months or so

[@kingposeidon9362]

Regarding lubricating wheels, my Craftsman lawn mower owner's manual says this: IMPORTANT Do not oil or grease plastic wheel bearings. Viscous lubricants will attract dust and dirt that will shorten the life of the self-lubricating bearings. If you feel they must be lubricated, use only a dry, powdered graphite type lubricant sparingly.

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@cliffhill5058]

Awesome JB

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching cliff!

[@iowafox2206]

What about using fogging oil on equipment before storing them?

[@GarageGear]

Not a bad idea! I was trying to keep it simple for the beginners here on the channel!

[@iowafox2206]

@@GarageGear I understand that! Still great content and really helpful!

[@jt31713]

Looking at a 20’ model super recycler that only been used for one month per owner, has 190cc and electric start. He’s asking 610$ . What the most you would shell out for it ? Thanks !

[@GarageGear]

Not $610! That’s probably what he paid for it. $400 would be a decent price to pay!

[@dalewiley9208]

Is it necessary to run out non-ethanol gas?

[@GarageGear]

I would. I don’t leave any gas to chance.

[@DanJ41]

Would you do top dead center on a riding mower too. Just curious.

[@GarageGear]

Hey 34, might be difficult to do on a riding mower because you typically use a key start on them. If you can find a way on your model it may be worth doing.

[@alexkoenig4332]

Hey JB, you think engine fogging spray is overkill for push mowers?

[@GarageGear]

No it’s a good thing to do! Just kept it simple for beginners in this video! 👍

[@diverdave4056]

...mmm you forgot about cleaning the grass catcher bag !

[@GarageGear]

I talk about that here MAKE YOUR LAWN MOWER SHINE AGAIN (Good, Better & Best Methods) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHfac5uCncmbpK8

[@Taylor.shay75]

Crab grass seed 😂

[@GarageGear]

Saving those for neighbors who are a pain!😈

[@ronsamborski6230]

@@GarageGearThat’s dastardly. As bad as putting creeping Charlie in the lawn of someone you don’t like! Thanks for all your tips and advice, J.B. 👍🏽

[@GarageGear]

@@ronsamborski6230 you got it Ron!

[@georgedrake1430]

Never change it wait to the spring sitting all winter oil and water can mix so I do a oil change in the spring first thing

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for sharing

[@apexiumim2741]

Put it away??? But I just got my mower from the shop… 😭😭😭

[@GarageGear]

Hahaha our days are numbered bud! Enjoy the mow while you can! 👍👍 have a good weekend my friend!

[@The_Mace]

Winter prep already? I guess winter comes early in Buffalo...

[@GarageGear]

Hey Mace! I’m pretty much done with lawn mower content. Got a few leaf blowers to do. Then it’s all snowblowers! Loads of content coming! Buckle up! Stay tuned!

[@danielabbate9001]

Would it be ok to store my mower 4 the winter without oil in it or is this a bad ideal

[@GarageGear]

@@danielabbate9001 hey Daniel store it with oil. You want to keep engine components lubricated 👍

[@danielabbate9001]

@@GarageGear Thanks 4 the tip will do

[@paulslawncare30]

Are you actually done in your n buffalo Ny

[@GarageGear]

Lawn care tips are coming to a close for the season. Will be back with more in the spring. Next up is some leaf blower content and then a fan favorite - snowblowers!

[@julieandmartyo7308]

Hello, I am looking to replace my 17 yr old Honda hrx217. Trying to choose between Toro super recycler 190cc or Stihlrm655ys. How risky is the Toro with Briggs engine ? I have seen many bad reviews plus bad customer service. thanks,Marty.

[@GarageGear]

I’d be looking hard at the stihl although it is quite expensive.

[@julieandmartyo7308]

@@GarageGear Thanks for the response. The Stihl has a Kohler engine. It is supposed to be same weight as HRX but front much heavier to lift with handle- maybe different weight distribution- appears very well made- quite frequently used commercially in Europe for many years.

[@GarageGear]

@@julieandmartyo7308 I would perhaps give that one a hard look my friend.

[@chipcj4819]

Any place still selling Honda HRX217VLA lawn mowers ?

[@GarageGear]

Not that I know of

[@Imsaved777]

In layman’s terms, just purchase a battery powered lawnmower. Your welcome! 😅

[@GarageGear]

@@Imsaved777 thanks for watching

[@briankahre7439]

Is your HRN216 in the recall? Recall has been out for about 7 days or so, and my repair place is 2-3 month waits already. Been told that Honda is making it difficult for shops to get items.

[@GarageGear]

No issues with mine, but mine is a few years old so that may be why it isn’t part of the recall. Hopefully, it doesn’t take too long.

[@JS-mc4tt]

I have a 2023 Echo 225SRM trimmer but it has no Grease port or screw how do you grease the Trimmer head

[@GarageGear]

Hmm I’ll have to take a look at the new models!

[@paulm3481]

Great tips

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Paul!

[@BigDaddysGarage]

Great tips! 👍

[@GarageGear]

Thanks for watching Flint! Have an awesome week! 👍👍

[@deanjagger1190]

Great Tips

[@GarageGear]

@@deanjagger1190 thanks for watching Dean