Why You Should Service Your Lawn Mower Before Winter: BEAT THE SPRING RUSH!
Winter Prep for Your Mower Means Easier Starts in Spring
As winter approaches in Sumiton, Alabama, it’s time to give your mower a little extra attention before storing it away. Performing maintenance now isn’t just about tidying up—it’s about protecting your investment and ensuring you’re ready to roll when the first signs of spring arrive.
At Broadhead Equipment, our experienced technicians specialize in winter service and maintenance for all types of outdoor power equipment, including KIOTI tractors, Bad Boy mowers, and other top brands. Our Winter Service Specials make it easy and affordable to get ahead of the game while giving your machine the care it deserves.
When you take the time to properly prep your mower before storage, you’ll save yourself time, money, and frustration later. No more fighting with a mower that won’t start, no surprise repairs, and no waiting in long spring service lines. By scheduling your winter maintenance at Broadhead Equipment, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running the moment mowing season begins.
Why End-of-Season Maintenance Is So Important
Your mower has worked hard all year—cutting through tall grass, thick weeds, and the Alabama heat. But once the mowing season ends, that same hard work can come back to haunt you if you don’t properly prep your equipment before storage.
Over time, leftover fuel, grass clippings, and moisture are the biggest culprits behind mower trouble. Gas left sitting in the tank for months turns stale and can clog the carburetor, while damp grass under the deck leads to rust and corrosion. Even a thin film of moisture can damage key components like blades, bearings, and cables.
When spring arrives, neglected mowers often suffer from dead batteries, clogged air filters, and gummed-up fuel systems—all problems that could have been easily avoided with a quick tune-up before winter. That’s why Broadhead Equipment emphasizes the importance of off-season service.
By scheduling maintenance now, you’re doing more than just cleaning and draining fluids—you’re ensuring reliable performance when it’s time to get back to mowing. Whether it’s a simple oil change, checking your blades, or a full tune-up, preventive care today means less downtime and fewer repairs later.
At Broadhead, we make winter maintenance easy with professional service specials designed to keep your mower or tractor in peak condition.
DIY Maintenance vs. Professional Service: What’s Best for You?
When it comes to winterizing your lawn mower or tractor, you’ve got two options — handle it yourself or let the professionals take care of it. Both approaches have their benefits, but choosing the right one depends on your comfort level, tools, and available time.
If you’re the hands-on type, basic maintenance tasks like cleaning the mower deck, changing the oil, or replacing the air filter can be simple weekend projects. Just remember to remove the ignition key before working around the blades and use fresh, ethanol-free fuel if you’re topping off before storage. A quick clean and some silicone spray on the deck can go a long way in preventing rust.
However, for more thorough service — such as carburetor cleaning, belt inspection, battery testing, or hydraulic checks — it’s smart to trust a professional. That’s where Broadhead Equipment comes in. Our certified technicians know how to prepare your mower or tractor for the off-season, catching small issues before they become expensive spring repairs.
Plus, with Broadhead Equipment’s Winter Service Specials, you can save money and time by scheduling your service now — before the spring rush. Plus get ½ off Pickup and Delivery and special Winter Service Rates. Whether it’s your KIOTI tractor, Bad Boy mower, or another brand of outdoor power equipment, our team ensures it’s stored properly and ready for action when you need it.
Risks of Improper Winterization
Whether you handle it yourself or hire a professional, following the proper winterization steps is crucial. Skipping these steps can lead to costly repairs and frustrating issues when spring arrives.
Fuel System Damage: Gasoline left in your mower over the winter can degrade into a gum-like varnish that clogs fuel lines and carburetors. Cleaning a clogged carburetor professionally can cost $75–$100.
Battery Failure: Cold temperatures can drastically shorten battery life. Without proper charging and storage in a temperature-controlled area, your battery may fail completely.
Rust and Corrosion: Wet grass clippings left on the mower deck or moisture in the oil can cause rust and internal engine corrosion.
Damaged Engine Parts: Stored mowers can attract rodents, which may chew through wires, fuel lines, and other components, leading to significant engine damage.
Proper winterization protects your investment, prevents unexpected repairs, and ensures your mower starts smoothly when spring arrives.
Winterization Tasks That Need to Be Completed
1. Clean the Deck of Your Mower
Keeping the blade housing can throughout the season is important, but it’s critical before winter to prevent moisture from trapped grass clippings from causing corrosion.
“You want to ensure that neither the underside of your deck nor your blade spends all winter exposed to moisture,” says David Trezza, who leads lawn mower testing for Consumer Reports. “That can lead to corrosion and degrade future performance.”
For safety, disconnect the spark plug wire on gas models and remove the battery on electric models before working near the blade. Tilt the mower on its side, making sure gas mowers have the air filter facing up.
Fresh clippings can often be rinsed away with a garden hose or pressure washer. For dried-on clippings, use a plastic paint scraper or an old bristled pot scrubber—wear heavy work gloves to protect your hands. Spraying the underside of the deck with silicone spray can help prevent future buildup.
Store your mower in a dry location, and consider placing a container of mothballs nearby to deter rodents. Mice are notorious for chewing wires, fuel hoses, and pull cords. Even better, make your storage area inhospitable to pests: keep spaces tidy, minimize clutter, seal food tightly, and remove leaves or debris near walls.
2. Gas-Powered Mower: Remove or Stabilize Fuel
Leaving fuel in the tank over winter can damage your engine. Condensation can mix with ethanol in gasoline, causing clogs, corrosion, and fuel system issues that may require professional carburetor cleaning ($75–$100).
If storing indoors: Remove all fuel to reduce fire risk. Run the tank dry or drain remaining gas into a storage container.If storing in a garage or shed: Fill the tank with uel and add a stabilizer, or use pre-stabilized gasoline. Run the mower for a few minutes so the stabilized fuel circulates through the carburetor.
3. Electric Mower: Remove the Battery
Store batteries inside your home to prevent extreme temperature fluctuations, which can shorten battery life. Most batteries perform best when kept between 40°F and 80°F. Check your mower’s manual for exact recommendations.
4. Additional Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips
Sharpen your blade: A sharp blade ensures clean cuts and prevents lawn damage.
Change the oil and air filter: Not all mowers require seasonal oil changes, but following the manufacturer’s recommendations extends engine life.
Check spark plugs: Modern plugs last several years, but inspect them if your mower is older.
Shop end-of-season deals: If your mower may not last another year, come see our end-of-season inventory. Build your own KIOTI Tractor Package or Bad Boy Mower Package here.
Completing these winterization tasks ensures your mower stays protected, runs smoothly in the spring, and saves you time and repair costs.
Make Winterization a Priority
Taking the time to winterize your mower ensures smooth spring starts, reduces repair costs, and protects your investment for years to come. At Broadhead Equipment in Sumiton, AL, we’re here to help whether you want professional service or expert advice on doing it yourself. Don’t let winter catch your mower unprepared—start your winter prep today. Call Now!