{"id":25770,"date":"2024-03-28T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-28T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/?p=25770"},"modified":"2024-03-27T14:30:39","modified_gmt":"2024-03-27T18:30:39","slug":"revving-up-for-spring-bringing-your-lawn-mower-out-of-storage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cubesmart.com\/blog\/your-space\/revving-up-for-spring-bringing-your-lawn-mower-out-of-storage\/","title":{"rendered":"Revving Up for Spring: Bringing Your Lawn Mower Out of Storage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Lawn
If you enjoy cutting the grass, make sure your mower is ready too! Check out these tips for all season success.
Free Image via Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The birds are beginning to chirp a little bit louder, the flowers are just poking their heads out of the ground, and your lawn is begging for a quick clean-up\u2026what do you know, it\u2019s yardwork season again. And if you\u2019re reading this, you\u2019re probably wondering how to get a lawn mower ready for spring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Maybe you\u2019re new to the chore and using a secondhand machine, or maybe you\u2019re pulling your lawn mower out of storage<\/a> and ready to hit the ground running. Regardless of the details, you want to know everything there is to know about lawn mower maintenance before you prime the engine and get to work. And we\u2019re here to help!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Below, we\u2019ve got two comprehensive resources: a lawn mower inspection checklist and a lawn mower maintenance checklist. We also link to helpful articles throughout the piece to help you get going and stay going. Put on your eye protection goggles and gloves\u2014it\u2019s time for business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pre-Start Inspection: Getting Lawn Mower Ready for Spring<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Silver
Have you checked your lawn mower lately?
Free Image via Unsplash<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The first step towards getting your lawn mower ready for spring is to pull it out to a space you can comfortably work in. Next, gather all your tools and supplies. According to CNET<\/a>, you\u2019ll need a power drill, blade sharpening kit, torque wrench, and a wooden block, along with a plastic drip tray, rag, motor oil, and a container to hold the old oil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve collected your gear, it\u2019s time to start carefully examining your mower. Keep scrolling to learn more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lawn Mower Inspection Checklist<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

1.\u00a0Check for Rust and Corrosion<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

First, you\u2019ll want to disconnect the spark plug ignition wire and switch off the fuel valve, so the mower won\u2019t start up unexpectedly. Next, tip the mower on its side and carefully check underneath its deck and all around for signs of rust and corrosion. If you have any rust holes, it\u2019s probably time to recycle the machine and get a new one. There are a few ways to patch rust holes<\/a>, but none that will hold up over the long-term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2.\u00a0Examine Belts and Cables<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Second on the list is to carefully examine the belts and cables for damage. If anything is amiss, replace the affected belts and cables before using the mower. Unless you\u2019ve got a foreign or extremely old lawnmower, you\u2019ll be able to find the right parts at most hardware stores.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3.\u00a0Inspect Spark Plug<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Spark plugs provide the spart necessary for your engine to ignite. If they are dirty or worn, or if you\u2019re having problems starting the lawn mower, it\u2019s time for a replacement. Check out this video<\/a> for a step-by-step guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Man
Want to know where to start? Here’s your checklist.
Free Image via Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Once you\u2019ve inspected your mower carefully, you can move on to the next set of tasks related to how to get a lawn mower ready for spring. Below is a lawn mower maintenance checklist to get you started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Fuel System Inspection and Oil Change<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Messing with a lawn mower\u2019s fuel and oil can seem pretty intimidating the first time you do it, but it definitely gets easier with practice. First, drain and replace any fuel that was left over from last season. Next, measure the oil level. If it\u2019s too low (or if it\u2019s dirty), you\u2019ll need to replace it with the type of oil recommended by the lawn mower manufacturer. Read the instruction manual carefully for advice on how to get the correct gas\/oil\u00a0ratio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Battery Recharge: Powering Up<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re using a cordless or riding lawn mower, power up the battery<\/a> after you take care of the fuel and oil. Batteries that have sat stagnant over the winter and are only partially charged can cause a mower to run inefficiently. A dead battery will cause the engine to stall (if you can even get it started in the first place). Consult your owner\u2019s manual for more specifics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Air Filter Examination: Clean Air for Efficient Operation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next, remove your paper air filter, brush off any loose dirt, and hold it up to a light source. If you can\u2019t see the light shining through, it\u2019s time for a replacement. If you don\u2019t know what type of filter to buy, take it to any hardware store or home and garden center and they\u2019ll likely be able to guide you towards the right purchase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Blade Maintenance: Sharp and Ready<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sharp blades are a must for good-looking lawns. Dull or nicked mower blades can tear the grass and make it look ragged and torn rather than neatly sliced. There are a number of different ways to sharpen the blades<\/a>. When you\u2019re done, you\u2019ll need to balance the blade precisely and then reinstall it. Note: This is generally where people decide to get a professional involved, which is what we recommend for anyone unsure of how to tackle blade sharpening and reinstallation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Tire Check: Rolling Smoothly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Next up: the tires. This type of maintenance is more important for a riding mower, but you\u2019ll want to make sure your tires are in good condition and filled to the proper pressure even if you use a push mower. If you find any holes, patch them with tire sealant specifically made for mowers. (Automobile tire sealant won\u2019t work as well.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Engine Start: Cranking Up the Power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Bring your lawn mower out to the yard and give it a few pulls to get it started. If it won\u2019t start even after you\u2019ve done all of the above, the Family Handyman<\/a> recommends you \u201cremove the air filter and pour a teaspoon of gasoline down the intake port of the carburetor.\u201d Then replace the filter, make sure the ignition is in the \u201con\u201d position, and pull the cord.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>Test Run and Adjustment: Fine-Tuning Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The last step in the \u201cgetting the lawn mower ready for spring\u201d process is to give it a whirl and see how things feel. If anything seems amiss (e.g., stalling, shaking, smoking, etc.) or the grass blades look poorly cut, take it back inside or to a qualified professional for another maintenance session. There may be an issue with the fuel system that would require a carburetor replacement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FAQs\u00a0\u00a0<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Lawn
We hope these maintenance tips get you ready to hit the yard for the season!
Free Image via Pexels<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/a>How to get a lawn mower ready for spring?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Easy! Follow the steps in our lawn mower inspection checklist and lawn mower maintenance checklist above. You should also consult your owner\u2019s manual and\/or a maintenance technician.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why won\u2019t my lawn mower start after storage?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your lawnmower won\u2019t start at all after going through the steps outlined above and in other articles<\/a>, it may be because of a simple reason (the gas you used is too old) or a complex one (you need a whole new carburetor). In this case, we recommend seeking out the help of qualified professionals.        <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How do you start a lawn mower in the spring?\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Roll it outside and fire it up. If it won\u2019t start, you\u2019ve either got a mower that needs you to go through the lawn mower maintenance checklist one more time or is in need of repair or replacement.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lawn smarts at CubeSmart<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

From leaf blowers to lawn mowers, CubeSmart can help you store all the yard essentials you don’t have room for at home. Maybe you’re struggling with shed space, or you need storage solutions for your new landscaping venture. Either way, we have room for your next patio DIY or yard revamp. Check out the options and amenities at one of our 1400 locations<\/a> across the U.S. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dust off your mower, spring has sprung. These tips will help you get your mower ready for the season and keep it running smoothly.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":25774,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[654,639],"tags":[2094,2095,2093],"class_list":["post-25770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cleaning","category-your-space","tag-getting-lawn-mower-ready-for-spring","tag-how-to-get-lawn-mower-ready-for-spring","tag-lawn-mower-maintenance-checklist"],"yoast_head":"\r\nRevving Up for Spring: Bringing Your Lawn Mower Out of Storage | The Storage Space<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Dust off your mower, spring has sprung. 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