Don't even think about just shoving your battery-powered mower into the shed and calling it a day. If you want your electric mower to be ready to roar back to life when spring rolls around, you've got to treat it right during its winter nap. Sound familiar? You've shoveled the last grass clipping, then tossed the mower in the corner, battery still installed and charger forgotten. What's the worst that can happen? Well, let me tell you, I've seen enough dead batteries and rusted blades in my 35 years fixing mowers to know better.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through proper battery storage temperature, charging batteries in winter, and the right way to do electric mower storage. You’ll also find steps for Pre-Season Mower Prep, key engine maintenance tips (even though it’s battery powered, a spark plug gapper can still be handy for hybrid units), blade sharpening and balancing, and why cleaning the mower deck isn’t just for lookers. I’ll even address that common mistake of letting gas sit all winter—yeah, even though you’re running electric, some folks own gas-powered backups.
Stick with me, and by the time you're done, you’ll have a winter storage plan that saves money and headaches come spring.
1. Pre-Season Mower Prep Recap: Setting The Stage For Storage
Okay, before you stow your battery powered mower in the corner, give it a once-over. Think of this like tucking your mower in with a fresh set of pajamas and a glass of water—only the pajamas are actual maintenance, and no need for that water.
- Empty or Remove the Battery: Remove the battery and store it indoors in a cool, dry place. The ideal battery storage temperature is between 40°F and 60°F (4°C to 15°C). Too cold, and the battery capacity can drop. Too warm, and it ages faster. Charge the Battery Fully Before Storage: Never stash your battery away at partial charge. Electric mower batteries are like toddlers—you want them full and happy before naptime. So, charge it to 100%. This ensures the battery chemistry stays stable during dormancy. Disconnect the Battery From the Mower: Just to prevent any accidental drain or corrosion on the contacts.
2. Charging Batteries in Winter – What You Need to Know
Let me tell you about a situation I encountered made a mistake that cost them thousands.. Ever wonder why some batteries die during winter storage? That's because many people neglect charging them periodically. Batteries don’t like sitting dead, like old gas left in tanks all winter—they just get sour and useless.
Keep the battery charged at around 50-60% if you’re storing it for longer than a month and can’t check it often. If your charger supports “storage mode” or “maintenance mode,” use that. It keeps the battery topped up without overcharging. Avoid using fast chargers unless instructed by the manufacturer; slow and steady keeps the battery healthy.Remember, battery storage temperature and proper charging go hand in hand for maximum lifespan. If you’re in an area prone to extremely cold winters, bring your battery inside rather than leaving it in the garage or shed.
3. Common Mistake: Letting Gas Sit All Winter
Okay, some of you still have that old gas-powered flea, or maybe a backup mower. Let me preach this because it never stops ruining engines:
Never, and I mean never, let gasoline sit in your mower’s tank all winter. Gas goes bad after a few months, turns gummy, clogs up the carburetor (that’s the mower’s lungs, by the way), and will cause starting headaches you don’t want.
Think about it: if you plan to store a gas mower or a hybrid, either run it dry, add fuel stabilizer, or drain the tank completely.
4. Blade Sharpening and Balancing: Like a Fine Tune-Up for Your Mower
Sound familiar? You sharpen the blade once, forget it’s dull, and then wonder why your lawn looks like it was attacked by a blunt knife. Your blade not only cuts but also needs to be balanced to avoid vibrations that jar your mower and wear out parts.
Here’s how you get this right:
Remove the blade: Use proper gloves and a block to stop the blade from spinning. Sharpen the blade: Use a metal file or a blade sharpener to restore the cutting edge on both sides evenly. Balance the blade: Grab a blade balancer—they're cheap and easy tools. Place the blade on it; if one side dips, file extra metal off that side until it stays horizontal.Balanced blades mean smoother operation and a healthier engine—this applies even to battery mowers that run motors on their blades.
5. Cleaning the Mower Deck and Body: Don’t Let Dirt Hang Around
You might think dirt and grass clippings during winter can’t hurt. Ever wondered why your mower rusts or your deck gets gunked up every spring? It’s because moisture and organic debris stick around, slowing things down and inviting corrosion.
- After your last mow, give the deck a thorough scrubbing: Use a brush and soapy water to remove all stuck clippings and mud. Rinse off, but dry thoroughly: Water left sitting can cause rust. Wipe the body and undercarriage: Use an old rag—just like I do—because a clean mower runs cooler and lasts longer. Apply a light coat of oil or corrosion inhibitor on metal parts: This keeps rust at bay.
6. Don’t Forget Your Tools: Spark Plug Gapper and Other Essentials
Even if you’re running solely on battery power, many folks still use a starter generator or hybrid mowers, which means a spark plug is in play. A spark plug gapper isn’t just a fancy doodad; it ensures your spark plug is gapped right—too wide or narrow, and your engine runs rough or won’t start.
And if you’re doing all these checks yourself (which I hope you are), keep a toolkit handy with these essentials:
- Screwdrivers and wrenches Blade balancer and spark plug gapper Cleaning brushes and rags (you’ll always have that rag on your hip, believe me) Battery charger with storage mode
7. Bonus: Where To Find Help and Advice—GardenAdvice’s Take
If you’re looking for more tips or are unsure about your specific mower model, GardenAdvice has solid info and community feedback that can help you figure out the quirks of your mower. They’re a good supplement to old-school mechanic knowledge—just don’t let them talk you into skipping the basics.
Summary Table: Your Winter Storage Checklist
Task Why Best Practice Remove & Store Battery Protect battery life during cold months Store at 40°F-60°F; charge fully before storage Charge Battery Periodically Prevent battery sulfation and capacity loss Use maintenance mode charger or top off every month Sharpen & Balance Blade Ensure clean cuts and reduce vibrations Use file/sharpener and blade balancer Clean Mower Deck & Body Prevent rust and buildup Wash, dry, and lightly oil metal surfaces Don’t Let Gas Sit Avoid carburetor clogs and engine trouble Drain fuel or add stabilizer in gas mowers Check Spark Plug Ensure reliable ignition (for hybrids) Use spark plug gapper to set correct gapFinal Thoughts
Winter storage isn’t rocket science, but it takes a little elbow grease and common sense to keep your battery powered mower in tip-top shape. Battery storage temperature, proper charging, and keeping your blades sharpened and balanced are the big pillars here. Don’t forget to clean up and keep gas out of sight if you use a gas mower alongside.
Follow these steps, and you’ll thank yourself next season when your electric mower jumps to life like old times—no fumbling or repair bills hanging over your head. Now get to it! And remember, there’s no shame in using a spark plug gapper or blade balancer to get the job done right.
Gary, from Gary's Garage