How To Start Riding Mower After Winter

Winter is an especially hard time for riding mowers. Snow, ice, and cold temperatures can all be harsh on mowers, leaving them prone to damage or malfunction when spring comes around. That’s why it’s important to take care of your riding mower after the winter season and get it ready for the summer months. Here’s how to start riding mower after winter and ensure that it’s running at its best.

1. Check the Fuel System

The first thing to check is the fuel system of your mower. Make sure the fuel tank is full and that the fuel is still fresh and hasn’t gone bad over the winter. If the fuel has gone bad, you’ll need to drain it out and refill with fresh fuel. Check the fuel filter as well, as it may be clogged with debris or sediment from the winter.

2. Change the Oil

Oil is important for keeping your riding mower running smoothly, so it’s important to change the oil after winter. Look for the oil dipstick and check the oil level. If the oil is low or dirty, you’ll need to drain it out and refill with new oil. Check your owner’s manual to find out what type of oil is best for your mower.

3. Check the Battery

The battery in your riding mower may have gone dead over the winter. If the battery is dead, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. If the battery is still good, make sure it’s fully charged before you start the mower. You can use a battery charger to charge the battery or jump-start the mower if it doesn’t start.

4. Check the Spark Plugs

Spark plugs are essential for getting your mower to start and run properly. Check the spark plugs for signs of wear and tear and replace them if needed. You may need a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plugs from the mower.

5. Check the Blades

The blades of your mower may have gotten dull or damaged over the winter, so it’s important to check them. Make sure the blades are sharp and undamaged. If the blades are dull or damaged, you’ll need to sharpen or replace them.

6. Clean the Mower

Once you’ve checked all the components of your riding mower, it’s time to give it a good cleaning. Remove any debris or dirt that has accumulated over the winter. Use a hose to wash off any dirt or debris and get rid of any grime. Make sure to dry the mower thoroughly before you start it.

7. Start the Mower

Once you’ve checked all the components and cleaned the mower, it’s time to start it up. Make sure you follow all the instructions in your owner’s manual before starting the mower. Once the mower is started, let it run for a few minutes to make sure it’s running properly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I check the fuel system of my mower?

A: The first thing to check is the fuel system of your mower. Make sure the fuel tank is full and that the fuel is still fresh and hasn’t gone bad over the winter. If the fuel has gone bad, you’ll need to drain it out and refill with fresh fuel. Check the fuel filter as well, as it may be clogged with debris or sediment from the winter.

Q: How do I check the blades of my mower?

A: The blades of your mower may have gotten dull or damaged over the winter, so it’s important to check them. Make sure the blades are sharp and undamaged. If the blades are dull or damaged, you’ll need to sharpen or replace them.

Q: How do I clean my mower?

A: To clean your mower, use a hose to wash off any dirt or debris and get rid of any grime. Make sure to dry the mower thoroughly before you start it.

Q: What type of oil should I use for my mower?

A: Check your owner’s manual to find out what type of oil is best for your mower.

Q: How do I check the battery of my mower?

A: The battery in your riding mower may have gone dead over the winter. If the battery is dead, you’ll need to replace it with a new one. If the battery is still good, make sure it’s fully charged before you start the mower. You can use a battery charger to charge the battery or jump-start the mower if it doesn’t start.

Q: How do I check the spark plugs of my mower?

A: Spark plugs are essential for getting your mower to start and run properly. Check the spark plugs for signs of wear and tear and replace them if needed. You may need a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plugs from the mower.

Q: How do I start my mower after winter?

A: Once you’ve checked all the components and cleaned the mower, it’s time to start it up. Make sure you follow all the instructions in your owner’s manual before starting the mower. Once the mower is started, let it run for a few minutes to make sure it’s running properly.