Storing a Lawn Mower in Winter
Preparing your lawn mower properly before winter storage protects it from damage and ensures it starts easily when the new season begins.
Important Safety Precautions
Always disconnect your mower before performing maintenance or storage preparation:
- For petrol lawn mowers: disconnect the spark plug.
- For electric lawn mowers: unplug the power cord.
- For cordless lawn mowers: remove the battery.
These precautions prevent accidental starting and ensure your safety during cleaning or inspection.
How to Get a Petrol Mower Ready for Winter Storage
Before storing your lawn mower, perform a thorough clean after the final cut of the season. Use a brush or wooden scraper to remove any grass residue from the mower housing, cooling fins, and exhaust area.
Clean using water or a STIHL cleaning agent, and avoid directing strong water jets toward bearings, seals, or engine parts. When cleaning the underside, tip the mower so that the spark plug points upwards — tipping it sideways risks oil leakage into the air filter or exhaust, which can cause serious damage.
Preparing Your Petrol Lawn Mower’s Engine for Winter Storage
Empty the Petrol Tank
Always empty the petrol tank before storage. Fuel left inside will degrade over the winter and cause starting issues in spring. If only a small amount of petrol remains, simply run the mower until the engine stops by itself.
Check the Oil Level
Before storage, make sure the oil level is correct. If it’s due for a change, do it before winter rather than waiting until next season. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use the recommended oil.
Preparing a Cordless Lawn Mower and Battery for Winter Storage
The process for cordless lawn mowers is similar to petrol and electric types. Clean the mower thoroughly and grease moving parts before storing it.
Remove the battery first. Charge it to around 40–60% (2 LEDs), and store it in a dry room at 10–15°C. These conditions preserve battery health and ensure full performance in spring.
If your mower’s battery is fixed and cannot be removed, store the entire machine in a warm, dry space.
Essential Winter-Storage Accessories
STIHL Battery Carry Bag
Protect and store your mower’s battery in dry, safe conditions over winter.
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STIHL Carry Bag
Store tools, accessories and cleaning kits in one neat bag for winter storage.
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STIHL Grass Catcher Bag RL 540
Replace the grass catcher for a fresh start next season and store it clean and dry.
View ProductSummary: Storing Your Lawn Mower for Winter
- Thoroughly clean your mower after the final cut.
- Inspect and sharpen or replace the cutting blade.
- Empty the fuel tank completely.
- Check and top up oil as required.
- Store your mower in a clean, dry place.
- For cordless mowers: remove and store batteries in a warm, dry environment (10–15°C).