Now that we're in the thick of winter, you probably won't be seeing green grass for a while. It's time to take out the shovels, snow blowers, and ice scrapers (don't forget the sleds, too!). It's also the perfect time to make sure your lawn mower is stored correctly so it's ready and in working condition when all this snow finally melts. Follow this step by step guide to properly store your lawn mower.
1. On a flat, level surface, turn off the engine and let it cool. Remove the red, then black cable from the battery. Your wrench shouldn't touch any metal during this step.
2. After removing the battery, store it in a dry, warm place. Then, replace worn or damaged spark plugs. Check old spark plugs or the operator's manual for correct part numbers, or, use our Parts Lookup tool.
3. Now onto the oil. Change the oil and replace your filter. Clean out the oil fill and drain the area of any debris. After cleaning, remove the dip stick from the oil fill tube. Using an Arnold Siphon Pump, place the black tube into the dip stick hole on your engine, and the orange tube into the oil pan.
4. Pump the Arnold Siphon Pump 3-4 times for priming. Once liquid begins to flow, you can stop pumping. Remove the pump.
5. Remove the oil filter. Use oil to lubricate the new filter's gasket, then install. Add new oil as instructed in your owner's manual. Replace the dip stick. Wait several minutes, then check your oil level. Now, replace the air filter.
6. Remove the air cleaner cover, paper, and foam elements from the mower. Wash the foam element with water and mild detergent. Dry completely. Then, apply a few drops of clean engine oil to the foam element. Squeeze out all the excess oil. Lastly, replace the new paper and foam elements into the air cleaner cover.
7. Clean the undercarriage of grass clippings, dirt, and any other objects. Make sure to wear protective gloves when inspecting your blades for any damage or wear. Use the Arnold Blade Removal Tool to hold blades in place. Using a socket, loosen the bolt securing the cutting blade to the spindle. Remove blades.
8. As indicated in your owner's manual, assemble the new blades and adapters on the engine spindle. Tighten bolts to their proper torque. Remove the Blade Removal Tool.
*If your blade only needs sharpening, use the Arnold Blade Sharpener and Balancer Kit.
9. Inspect the rest of your mower for any worn or broken parts. Pay attention to: belt covers, discharge chute, belts, tires, and deck wheels. You can use our Parts Lookup to help locate any other parts you might need to replace.
10. Lastly, add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank to prevent your fuel from spoiling while not in use.
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