Garden Machinery Winter Storage Checklist
As the growing season comes to an end, it is tempting to place your lawn mower and other garden equipment in the shed until spring. However, storing machinery without preparing it properly can lead to corrosion, fuel problems, battery damage and difficult starting when it is needed again.
A little attention before winter can protect your equipment and extend its working life. Based in Ampfield near Romsey, Hampshire Garden Machinery provides professional servicing and repairs for lawn mowers, ride-on mowers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, brushcutters, cultivators and other garden equipment.
Use this garden machinery winter storage checklist to help keep your machines in dependable condition.
1. Read the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Before preparing any machine for storage, check its operating manual.
Storage requirements differ between models, particularly for fuel systems, batteries and robotic lawn mowers. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will help you avoid accidental damage and ensure that the correct maintenance procedures are used.
If you no longer have the manual or are unsure how to prepare a machine, ask Hampshire Garden Machinery for advice.
2. Clean Away Grass, Mud and Debris
Never place heavily soiled machinery straight into storage.
Grass clippings, leaves, soil and sap can retain moisture and contribute to corrosion. Accumulated debris may also restrict ventilation openings or conceal damaged components.
Before cleaning:
Switch the machine off completely
Disconnect it from the electricity supply
Remove the battery where appropriate
Allow petrol engines to cool
Follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions
Use a suitable brush or scraper to remove dry debris. Take particular care around cutting decks, wheels, guards and ventilation openings.
Do not use a pressure washer unless the manufacturer specifically confirms that it is safe, as high-pressure water can damage bearings, seals and electrical components.
3. Allow the Machine to Dry
Machinery should be completely dry before it is covered or stored.
Trapped moisture can encourage rust, mould and electrical damage. After cleaning, leave the equipment in a dry, well-ventilated place before moving it to its winter storage location.
Avoid wrapping damp machinery in plastic, as this may trap condensation.
4. Inspect for Wear and Damage
Cleaning provides a good opportunity to inspect your garden equipment closely.
Look for:
Cracked or damaged guards
Loose fixings
Worn cables and controls
Damaged wheels
Frayed starter cords
Fuel or oil leaks
Corroded electrical connections
Blunt or damaged cutting attachments
Unusual wear around belts and moving parts
Problems discovered in autumn should be addressed before the machine is stored. Leaving a fault until spring may allow it to worsen and could delay the first job of the new season.
5. Check Blades and Cutting Attachments
Lawn mower blades, hedge trimmer teeth, chainsaw chains and brushcutter attachments should be cleaned and inspected before storage.
A blunt or damaged attachment can affect cutting performance and place additional strain on the machine. Sharpening and repairs should be carried out using the correct tools and procedures.
Cutting components can be extremely sharp, even when the machine is switched off. Wear suitable gloves and arrange professional maintenance if you are not confident handling them safely.
6. Manage Petrol and Fuel Correctly
Petrol can deteriorate during extended storage and may cause starting or fuel-system problems.
The correct procedure varies between machines. Some manufacturers recommend draining the fuel system, while others may specify the use of suitable stabilised or specialist fuel. Always consult the operating manual before deciding what to do.
When handling fuel:
Work outside or in a suitably ventilated area
Keep away from flames, sparks and ignition sources
Use only approved fuel containers
Clean up spills correctly
Never run a petrol engine inside an enclosed building
Dispose of unwanted fuel responsibly
Hampshire Garden Machinery can advise on appropriate fuel and winter storage procedures for your equipment.
7. Check Oil, Filters and Spark Plugs
Petrol-powered garden machinery may require checks of its engine oil, air filter and spark plug before winter storage.
Dirty oil and clogged filters can reduce performance and contribute to engine wear. The correct service schedule and replacement parts will depend on the make and model.
Do not tip a lawn mower without first checking the manufacturer’s instructions. Tilting a petrol mower in the wrong direction can allow oil or fuel to enter parts of the engine where it should not be.
If your machine is due a service, autumn is an ideal time to arrange one.
8. Care for Batteries Properly
Cordless lawn mowers and battery-powered garden tools require careful winter storage.
Remove detachable batteries if recommended and inspect them for cracks, swelling or damaged terminals. Never use or charge a battery that appears damaged.
Batteries should generally be kept in a dry, secure location protected from frost, extreme heat and direct sunlight. The correct storage charge and recharging schedule will vary, so follow the battery manufacturer’s guidance.
Do not leave a battery permanently connected to a charger unless the manufacturer confirms that the charger is designed for that purpose.
9. Protect Electric Equipment and Cables
Inspect power cables, plugs and extension leads for cuts, exposed wires or damaged connections.
Coil cables loosely rather than winding them tightly around the machine. Store electrical equipment somewhere dry and protected from condensation, pests and accidental damage.
Damaged cables and plugs should be repaired or replaced by a suitably competent person before the equipment is used again.
10. Lubricate Where Required
Some moving parts, cables and cutting attachments may require lubrication before storage.
Only apply products recommended by the manufacturer. Using an unsuitable lubricant or applying excessive amounts can attract dirt or damage particular materials.
Chainsaws may also require attention to their chain, guide bar and chain-oil system. Follow the instructions for your specific machine.
11. Prepare Ride-On Mowers and Garden Tractors
Ride-on mowers require additional winter checks because of their size and complexity.
Your checklist may include:
Cleaning the cutting deck
Checking the blades and drive belts
Inspecting tyres and pressures
Checking oil and filters
Preparing the fuel system
Caring for the starter battery
Examining steering and controls
Checking for leaks or corrosion
Store the machine on a firm, level surface with the parking brake and controls set as directed by the manufacturer.
A professional winter service can identify worn components and help ensure your ride-on mower is ready for spring.
12. Prepare Robotic Lawn Mowers for Winter
Robotic mowers should not simply be left outside throughout winter unless the manufacturer specifically permits it.
Clean the mower carefully, inspect the blades and follow the instructions for battery charging and storage. Depending on the model, the charging station or other components may also need to be disconnected or protected.
Before switching the machine off, check whether software updates, settings or mowing schedules need to be saved.
13. Choose a Suitable Storage Location
Garden machinery should be stored in a secure, dry and well-ventilated location.
The storage area should protect equipment from:
Rain and damp
Frost and extreme temperatures
Direct sunlight
Flooding
Rodents and pests
Accidental impact
Unauthorised access
Store machines in a stable position where they cannot fall or block an exit. Keep fuel, batteries and hazardous materials in accordance with their instructions and applicable safety requirements.
14. Record Any Repairs That Are Needed
Attach a label or make a note of any issues discovered during your inspection.
Record the machine model, symptoms and work required. This can prevent faults from being forgotten during winter and gives a technician useful information when the machine is booked in.
Keeping servicing and repair records can also help professional users manage maintenance across a larger machinery fleet.
Quick Winter Storage Checklist
Before putting your equipment away, confirm that you have:
Read the manufacturer’s storage instructions
Cleaned away grass, mud and debris
Allowed the machine to dry completely
Checked for damage, leaks and loose components
Inspected blades and cutting attachments
Prepared petrol or fuel correctly
Checked oil, filters and spark plugs where applicable
Removed and stored batteries correctly
Inspected electrical cables and plugs
Lubricated recommended components
Chosen a secure, dry storage location
Recorded any servicing or repair requirements
Garden Machinery Servicing in Hampshire
Professional servicing before winter can save time and inconvenience when spring arrives.
Hampshire Garden Machinery provides garden machinery servicing and repairs from its workshop in Ampfield near Romsey. Its location is convenient for customers looking for lawn mower servicing and garden machinery repairs around Romsey, Winchester, Southampton and the surrounding Hampshire area.
The team works with a wide range of equipment, including:
Walk-behind lawn mowers
Ride-on mowers and garden tractors
Chainsaws
Hedge trimmers
Brushcutters and grass trimmers
Cultivators
Petrol, electric and battery-powered machinery
An autumn or winter service can help identify worn components, prepare equipment for storage and ensure that essential repairs are completed before the next growing season.
Prepare Your Garden Machinery for Winter
Correct winter storage protects your equipment from avoidable deterioration and reduces the likelihood of unpleasant surprises in spring.
For professional garden machinery servicing in Hampshire, visit Hampshire Garden Machinery, Green Ridge Farm, Green Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 9BN, or call 01794 830 793.
Prepare your equipment now and give it the best possible start next season.
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