5 Things to do Before Storing Your Mower for the Winter

[@mobobb3555]

Excellent video - I very much appreciated how thorough you were in your step descriptions.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thanks for the feedback and thank you for watching!

[@vincentvanpaepeghem4844]

Great video Brent! Lots of great information for winterizing your mower for the winter! I even learned something new! Thanks for all you do to keep us informed! Thanks for sharing! Have a great and awesome day!

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you sir and as always thanks for watching and always supporting our channel!

[@jamesbullock3259]

Thank you for all the shared information

[@benschnurbusch9764]

I like the new intro.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thanks we kinda like it too! Thanks for watching.

[@ednacolcord4413]

control mice with scented dryer sheets. Put on top of filter and great for anything in a storage shed.

[@Rspruill38]

Excellent job! Very informative.

[@WesternEquipment]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@allthingsfunnels]

Can I just take the battery out and put it inside the garage on a shelf for the winter? I'm going to leave the tractor outside under cover, but wrapped up in tarps for the winter. In Michigan.

[@michaelbrindley4363]

If I can't hook up a battery maintainer to my S130 due to where its stored, as in outside under a tarp away from power outlets, would it be a good idea to disconnect the battery and take it in for the winter?

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, I would do this for sure. Thanks for watching!

[@armandosinger]

Good overview. I’ve also seen people recommend fogging the engine with fogging oil while ruining the engine empty. My Kawasaki engine manual says to remove the spark plugs and put a little oil in the hole. Do you think these winterizing oiling steps are not necessary? Also, for the battery, manual says to simply disconnect the negative terminal. Is this inferior to using a trickle charger?

[@WesternEquipment]

I’m not real sure on the oiling techniques. That seems like a little over kill for the mower only sitting over the winter and I would always suggest going with a battery maintainer.

[@armandosinger]

@@WesternEquipment great. I went with using a battery maintainer and not bothering to fog the spark plug holes.

[@M70ACARRY]

Not gonna hurt

[@johnm.6349]

​@armandosinger I followed the manual last year. Pulled the spark plugs and poured a bit of oil in. I think this year I'll be fogging with some seafoam deep creep. It's like handling pest... gives you a peace of mind. You're already investing a bit of time doing these five things. Why not spend an extra 20mins?

[@RoseGold...]

@@johnm.6349 My riding mower manual also states to pour 1 ounce of engine oil through the spark plug hole into the cylinder for off season storage. I learned that this helps prevent the cylinder from rusting so I will be adding the oil before I store it.

[@hans-jurgenwiegand7465]

My dealer told me that they Specials on yearly service deals. Nothing like having a mechanic checking out my investment, before extreme failures, while it’s there. I’ve appreciated my dealerships for the last 50 years, and now, I need the help! Started our business with John Deere equipment, great dealership, so I’m using them for my mower, now!

[@WesternEquipment]

Glad to hear you are being taken care of! Thanks for watching and thanks for the comment!

[@raymonddargie6594]

I would also add cleaning the tractor as well otherwise, all good info.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, very good point. I definitely should have said this. Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@brett2639]

Hi, thanks for the great video. Wondering where my fuel shutoff valve might be on a z545r if any. Manual says to use it if present as the manual covers a few different models. Thanks!!

[@WesternEquipment]

I don't believe it comes with one from the factory unfortunately.

[@johnc1280]

Hello for winter there’s a little pool of gas I can’t siphon out, anything I can put in there to evaporate it so the carburetor doesn’t get gummed up? Thanks so much

[@WesternEquipment]

My recommendation here would be to invest in a small bottle of fuel stabilizer and then mix it with a small amount of gasoline. Then run it in your mower for a while to get everything clean in your fuel system (lines, carburetor, etc.). Then turn the fuel off on your mower if you have a valve and if not then let your mower run completely dry. Or you could completely fill your tank with the fuel stabilizer and fresh gasoline mixture, run the stabilized fuel through the system, and then it should be fine to let sit over winter. I hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@williamodom2580]

When I winterized my boat I always put cups filled with moth balls never had a problem with mice

[@tootsierollx2011]

I got double fuel tanks on my mower . Do I got to fill up both tanks of fuel ? And did you fill it up brim full to the top?

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes i would fill up both and not quite to the brim but at least part way up the neck of the fuel opening. Thanks for watching!

[@kevinchlod3228]

Having a new S130 delivered this sat 11/26/22, I have a shed with no heat, would pulling the battery in bringing it in the house for the winter work? Live in NJ winters hang below freezing for around 3 month, I don't want to run power cords to the shed for trickle charge.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes this would be ok as long as the battery is not on the floor on concrete.

[@Beau19551955]

Thank you….

[@WesternEquipment]

You're welcome!

[@GaryChedore]

Trickle charging is not an option, can I remove the battery and store it indoors for the winter, will that erase the hour usage gage or other readings

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes you can remove the battery and store it. This will not affect your hour reading or gauges. Good question and thanks for watching!

[@jimking9198]

Do I need to leave trickle charger on all winter?

[@WesternEquipment]

You can and I would recommend it. These chargers will kick off when they are not needed. Good question and thanks for watching!

[@jeffreymaget7131]

Does John Deere make a cover for Z740r ?

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes it is part number LP75979. Thanks for watching!

[@drunkin12Many]

I have a z330r. What trickle charger can i use. The one on your website says not compatible with z330r. Thank you.

[@davidkraus7842]

Plastic tank get condensation? Reason for asking, my vinyl windows do not condensate during winter like the aluminum used to.

[@MEEMOSS77]

I have my mower in my shed so it’s not in the elements there’s no electricity in the shed so using a trickle charger is out of the question. Would it be fine to go out there throughout the winter and just start the mower and let it run for a little bit to let the battery charge up like that or would you advise against it?

[@RJ42997]

I’m not sure

[@WesternEquipment]

This would work, but the cold will drain it quicker than in warm months so you will have to stay on top of it.

[@williamodom2698]

I always put several styrofoam cups filled with moth balls in my boat to keep the mice out of the boat, I would think it would work the same with a covered lawn tractor, if the unit is stored in an unheated storage shed or barn mice shouldn’t be an issue, they are drawn to the warmth of the engine.

[@WesternEquipment]

This sounds like a great idea. Thanks for the comment.

[@Badboyzfitness]

Is this info for all mowers❓

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes it is!

[@karmatologist]

Instead of a trickle charger, wouldn’t we be able to just turn the engine on once a week for a few minutes? Would that keep the battery charged?

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, that should keep things fresh but a trickle charger is a good idea if this is a problem to remember this step. Good question and thanks for watching!

[@smileyblair3321]

Yes for either. I run mine anytime it gets cold or every couple weeks thru the winter. Been doing it for 30 years and she always starts each spring.

[@chris2790]

Need more than just a few minutes. Also want to make sure it gets up to temp and run long enough to evaporate excess fuel that blows by into the crankcase and to avoid condensation issues if planning to run every week or so in off season.

[@MrBob-vc4qd]

I have a new s120 and have been adding sea foam to my gas. Will this work as a stabilizer over the winter? Thanks.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, this is a very common practice for people and seems to work for most. Good question and thanks for watching!

[@frankreichl679]

what do you suggest for mice prevention ?

[@WesternEquipment]

There are honestly so many good options out there. I use a variety of traps and aromatic deterrents.

[@williamodom2698]

Moth balls

[@teamslaiyans3808]

When I click on the link for the home maintenance kit, there’s so many of them. I just purchased the 2021 S240, what kit do you recommend on that ? Thanks....

[@WesternEquipment]

@Team Slaiyans here is the link to your home maintenance kit parts.west-equip.com/lg265-home-maintenance-kit-1/ If you ever have any questions feel free to call or text this number for help 580-303-6707

[@WesternEquipment]

Here is a link for you parts.west-equip.com/lg265-home-maintenance-kit-1/. Thanks for watching!

[@fatman22dog]

Scraping and cleaning deck of grass and dirt should be done

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, this could definitely be added to the list.

[@wvmountaineer69]

I don't have a trickle charger, can I just remove the battery? Will removing the battery damage the hour and fuel gauge? Thanks.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes you can remove the battery to charge it, but if you would like to have a trickle charger here is a link to where you can get one 247parts.com/parts-attachments-and-accessories/john-deere-batteries-chargers-and-accessories/. Thanks for watching!

[@ravenmoon1165]

I have z345r. I was told to run fuel out for winter. Is that wrong? I use marine gas only. I just had to have the carbonator replaced $$$. Wondering what I did wrong.

[@WesternEquipment]

Running them out usually is an ok idea. It all depends on climate and moisture. sometimes leaving it full over the winter with a fuel stabilizer is a better way to go so that you don't have possible condensation build up inside you fuel tank that leads to having water in the fuel.

[@smileyblair3321]

Just curious. Does anyone take the tension off the belts thru the winter?

[@WesternEquipment]

I have not heard of this, but I may have to look into it. Thanks for watching!

[@ELCADAROSA]

Hypothetically, everything except water/ice cubes contracts when the temperature lowers to and past the freezing point. I would imagine this applies to the belts as well, in which case they would be put under a little more stress and lengthen a little over time. Whether the belts would return to their original length and tension come warmer weather ... I don't know. But it probably wouldn't hurt to remove the tension for the winter.

[@MrJohndeere3720]

i did some of those things already. the rest can wait til next summer. i get my mower going long be4 the grass even starts growing.

[@WesternEquipment]

Great! It is definitely a preference thing. Thinks for watching!

[@JVazquez-e5x]

Hey Brent What fuel grade do you recommend using on a ‘22 John Deere z355e, regular or super ?

[@WesternEquipment]

Just use regular gasoline NOT gasoline with ethanol. So look for 100% gas at the gas stations. A lot of times it’s only one pump.

[@JVazquez-e5x]

@@WesternEquipment will do …appreciated the feedback 💯

[@catherinerosa-baker2937]

I need to find a site for winterizing mowers for dummies I don't know what to grease on a spindle I don't know what a spindle is

[@DonBistrow1]

Where exactly is the fuel shutoff valve on the S100? Manuel doesn't seem to have it mentioned or pictured. Did some searching but only found things concerning the solenoid not location of the valve. As far as the Trickle Charger, StrongBox 1.5 amp, no instructions, no attachment to mount under battery. Oh well, it's not rocket science.

[@WesternEquipment]

A lot of the smaller mowers do not have a fuel shut off installed from the factory but they are very easy to install. You can usually find them at your local hardware stores.

[@miragexl007]

15 hours a year. I'm thinking change oil air filter once a year before storage, battery off inside, fuel stabilizer. Not sure about burning gas out of the engine with shut off?.Sharpen blades Every other year? Maybe every year.

[@WesternEquipment]

I agree with all of that except depending on how much you mow, you may want to sharpen you blades a few times a season. Once you grass starts looking like it’s being torn instead of cut off smooth then your blades need to be sharpened.

[@88omarz]

What trickle charger do I need for s240

[@WesternEquipment]

Check this video out and I think it will help you out kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIilmnmmZqZ2eJY. Thanks for watching!

[@88omarz]

@@WesternEquipment thank you

[@chris2790]

Yep, either drain fuel tank and run empty, or fill tank to capacity with fresh gas. Ideally to the base of fill neck. With ethonal free gas, probably don't need fuel treatment. Easier to just fill tank with fresh gas. Definitely cover mower if outside and in a way that allows air flow underneath the cover to keep moisture from being trapped. Amazing how many people spend so much money on equipment to just leave the weather destroy it.

[@WesternEquipment]

Yes, you definitely want to take care of these machines!

[@gper2509]

Leaving it empty will dry the seals out

[@chris2790]

@@gper2509 depends on the equipment, storage conditions and length of time. I used to store my generator in my shed with a full tank and did monthly 30 min runs and topped off with fresh gas. I rarely use it and now store it in my basement in stable temps and humidity with an empty tank. I might have issues with dry rot SOMEWHERE, but whatever issue I might have it'll be better than sitting in the shed for 3 years full of stale gas. I'm not fiddling with maintenance runs, etc anymore.

[@SeahawkAz]

The spindles have sealed bearings no need to apply grease

[@darellsorbey5745]

I Put My Battery On A Battery Tender Charged All Winter

[@mr.astrophysics9115]

First thing you do is if it's a John deere lawn tractor get rid of it..

[@WesternEquipment]

Interesting. What makes you say so?

[@inherentmirth5180]

​@@WesternEquipment Obviously, because the newer JDs are junk, overpriced, parts monopoly, JD fighting against right to repair, etc.

[@smittyxman]

You talk too much get too the point. You want to extend the video.

[@WesternEquipment]

Noted. I will work on it.

[@d1bigshifter737]

I thought it was great info percise and to the point !!!

[@charlielipthratt7291]

​@@WesternEquipment - many people watching are new owners and need all the info you offer. I always come back to your videos because I know they will be filled with useful details. Thanks for all the work you put into producing quality videos. You're a great presenter.

[@BlueberryStinkFinger62]

John deere lawn tractors need to be stored in the trash 🗑

[@WesternEquipment]

Interesting. What brand do you prefer?

[@petesmith3923]

If that's what you think, why are you watching?