As grass growth slows down in late September and early October, your garden machinery prepares for a well-earned winter rest. However, simply pushing your lawnmower or brushcutter into the back of the shed until spring is a recipe for expensive starting issues come April.
Modern petrol fuels, sensitive electronics, and high-performance Lithium-Ion batteries require a little preparation before going into winter storage. Here is how to winterize both your petrol and battery-powered equipment to ensure they fire up first time when warm weather returns.
Part 1: Petrol Machinery Maintenance
1. The Danger of Stale Fuel (E10 Petrol)
The single biggest cause of spring engine failure is stale petrol. Modern E10 unleaded fuel contains up to 10% ethanol, which attracts atmospheric moisture. Over 30 to 60 days, ethanol and water separate from the petrol (a process called phase separation), creating a gummy, acidic layer at the bottom of your fuel tank. This clogs carburettor jets and corrodes brass fittings.
- The Fix: Either drain the fuel tank completely and run the carburettor dry, or treat your petrol with a high-grade fuel treatment. Adding a product like Honda Fuel Stabiliser keeps unleaded petrol fresh for up to 24 months. It prevents gum and varnish deposits, keeps the fuel system clean, and eliminates the hassle of draining tanks before storage.
2. Change Oil and Clean the Deck
Used engine oil contains acidic combustion by-products that can pit internal engine components over winter.
- Drain the oil while the engine is still warm and refill with fresh 4-stroke oil specified in your manual.
- Tilt pedestrian mowers correctly – always with the spark plug facing skywards – to avoid oil leaking into the air filter or exhaust.
- Hose down the underside of the deck to remove wet clippings. Grass traps moisture and rapidly causes steel decks to rust over winter.
Part 2: Battery & Cordless Equipment Storage
Lithium-Ion batteries require very different care compared to internal combustion engines. Leaving batteries on chargers in a freezing shed will permanently degrade their storage capacity.
1. Store at the Optimal Charge Level
Never store a battery completely drained or at 100% capacity for extended periods. Storing a flat battery can cause it to enter a “deep discharge” state where it can no longer accept a charge.
- The Sweet Spot: Store batteries at around 40% to 60% charge (usually 2 out of 4 LED lights on the battery indicator).
2. Protect from Freezing Temperatures
Cold is the enemy of Lithium-Ion chemistry. Freezing temperatures in unheated sheds or garages cause permanent capacity loss.
- Bring all batteries and chargers indoors over winter, storing them in a dry, climate-controlled area between 10°C and 20°C.
Part 3: Service Kits & Engine Care
Giving your engine a mini-service in autumn saves you time during the busy spring rush. Replacing consumable parts like air filters and spark plugs prevents hard starting and ensures your engine burns fuel efficiently.
- Complete Servicing Made Easy: For machine owners looking for a hassle-free maintenance solution, using a dedicated kit like the Weibang WB102 Engine Service Kit provides everything required in one package. Designed for Honda-powered Virtue models, it includes genuine Honda 10W-30 engine oil, a fresh air filter, and a high-performance spark plug to protect engine internals against winter storage degradation.
Winter Storage Checklist
- Add Fuel Stabiliser: Mix into fresh petrol and run the engine for 5 minutes so it circulates through the carburettor.
- Disconnect the Spark Plug Lead: Prevents accidental starting while cleaning the cutter deck.
- Bring Batteries Indoors: Keep cordless batteries stored in a dry room at partial charge.
- Sharpen Blades: Remove and sharpen the cutting blade so it’s balanced and ready for the first spring cut.
- Cover Up: Store machinery under a breathable, water-resistant cover to prevent dust build-up and dampness.
Protect Your Investment
Taking 30 minutes in September to correctly winterize your garden tools extends their working life by years and avoids frustrating repair bills when grass starts growing again.
Stock up on oils, additives, replacement parts, and maintenance tools by browsing our complete range of Accessories & Consumables at Just Lawnmowers.
