Winterise your ICE engines

When weather gets cooler (April thru August) when you feel the mower/blower/line trimmer etc isn’t going to be used it needs to be winterised to protect it from stale fuel. After emptying most of the fuel please run small engines dry - ie until it stops.  Fuel left in the mower will go stale causing problems. Once the volatile components vaporise into the atmosphere you will be left with increasingly plasticky residue that will clog carburetors and other small passageways. Note: Never use E10 in small engines as the ethanol destroys many of the rubber and plastic fuel lines.

Fuel in jerry can should be kept in a cool and temp stable area (always shade) with the lid secured.  Its like a soda bottle loosing its fizz if you leave it open the volatile part will gas off. Once the mowing season is finished top off the jerry can and add stabiliser and seal tight with the lid. During the season always store fuel in closed and compliant containers to prevent gassing off of the volatile components.

If you don’t want to do the above then empty fuel out at the end of season in an environmentally responsible way such as putting petrol in a petrol vehicle or diesel in a diesel vehicle so as not to risk using old fuel in the spring.

Check oil level in your mowers and top up to full level.  SAE 30 from super cheap is fine for many mowers but consult your manual or local store if unsure..

Clean or change spark plug as needed to help it run better.

Check blades by tipping the mower slightly such that the air filter is on the raised side or the oil will spill into the air filter.

Thats it - your mower is ready for storage and should be good for use in spring.