Mower maintenance: Give your lawn mower a good tune-up, cleaning before parking it for winter

With the onset of winter it is easy to park the lawn mower after the last cutting and give a sigh of relief. You don't have to think about the lawn mower until next spring. I'd like to suggest that you give that lawn mower just a little more attention yet this fall. Efforts now may save you a lot of time next spring.

Probably one of the most important things you can do is run the gas tank, gas line and carburetor out of gas. Do this by almost emptying the gas tank. Then start up the mower and let it idle until it runs out of gas. Old gas in lines and carburetors has a tendency to gel. This gel is hard to get out of the lines and often makes starting in the spring difficult.

If your mower has a battery, it is best to unhook the battery and place it in an area that is kept at room temperature. Cold temperatures are hard on batteries that are not used during the winter.

You also should clean up the mower. Clean off any oil and dirt that may be on the engine or on the top of the deck. And don't forget about under the deck. If you leave caked grass clippings under there, trapped moisture will lead to a rusted-out deck.

I would also like to suggest that you do the following. You or a lawn mower mechanic will have more time to get these items done during the winter instead of during the spring when everything will start to grow rapidly.

Leroy Schenimann uses a putty knife to clean dried clippings from a lawn mower while winterizing it. Schenimann also suggests using files, cloths, screwdrivers and especially old paint brushes for cleaning mowers. Oil and spark plug changes should also be done while winterizing. (Kit Doyle)

* Check to see if any worn parts or tires need replacing. These items are often overlooked during the summer because you are using the equipment every week. The down time of winter is a good time to get to this job.

* If your mower is like mine, the blades will need sharpening. Sharp mower blades cut grass leaf blades cleanly and reduce disease incidence in your lawn.

* Replace the spark plug. A new plug will operate your mower more efficiently, and you will save money on gas.

* Change the oil. If done on a regular basis, years of life will be added to your mower.

Price a new lawn mower sometime this winter. When you do, you will definitely want to make your mower last as long as possible.

Send your gardening and landscape questions to Paul Schnare at P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, MO 63702-0699 or by e-mail to news@semissourian.com.<I>