Autumn Maintenance & Storage Tips
For 18V lawn mowers and garden tools

You probably want to make sure your lawn mower and other garden equipment stay in top shape, all year round. In that case, it is important to give your tools the maintenance they need. But it also means to store your equipment properly for protection against the cold and wet winter. With the right maintenance and storage, your lawn mower, trimmer, chainsaw and other equipment will start flawlessly when spring is there again.

Keep the following maintenance and storage tips in mind when you prepare your equipment for winter storage.

Regular care ensures a long service life and fault-free operation. Before inspecting, adjusting, servicing, cleaning or storing your equipment, make sure to do the following:

• Always turn off the machine. Wait until all moving parts have come to a complete stop and the engine has cooled.
• Remove the battery/batteries and safety key.

After every use, and especially before storing it for a longer period like the winter season, thoroughly clean your mower and tools by removing all debris from the exterior. Also keep the motor, blades and mechanical parts free of grass, leaves, and debris build-up.

Damp cloth and mild detergent
Clean the unit using a damp cloth with a mild detergent. Do not immerse the machine or any part of it in water. Wipe off any moisture with a soft dry cloth and ensure the machine is dry before use or storage.

Do not use solvents, strong detergents, certain aromatic oils such as pine and lemon when cleaning plastic parts. Chemicals can damage and weaken plastic components.

Empty grass catchers and clean them if necessary. Also, keep handles dry, clean, and free of oil and grease. Use a small brush or vacuum cleaner to clean air vents on the product to keep air vents free of obstructions.

For the best and safest performance, service your garden products with care.

Replace with genuine parts
Replace worn or damaged parts for safety. Use only genuine Briggs & Stratton or Murray replacement parts and accessories when servicing or repairing.

Service the mower blade
Keep the mower blade sharp and clean. Inspect the blade for damage (e.g. bent, cracked, or worn), and replace the blade or sharpen it if required. When servicing the blades, be aware that even though the power source is switched off, the blades can still be moved.

Furthermore, check the grass collector frequently for wear or deterioration.

Tighten fasteners
Keep all nuts, bolts and screws tight to be sure the product is in safe working conditions. Check the blade and motor mounting bolts for proper tightness frequently.

Even when your equipment is not being used, it should still be taken care of. In order for your mower or tools to have a good start in spring, it is key that they are protected during winter.

Before storing your equipment for the winter, it is important that you clean it and service it one last time before the winter break. Let the machine and its motor cool down before storing and placing it in an enclosed space. Below are some more storage recommendations in addition.

Always store your equipment indoors in a dry, clean location, for example in your garage or in a storage unit. This ensures your mower and tools stay dry and won't be exposed to wind and freezing temperatures. Do not store it next to corrosive materials, such as fertilizer or fuel.

Storing it in a backyard shed or in your basement is not ideal, because the chances of water getting into it, are higher than that of a home or permanent garage. If you decide to store your equipment here, make sure that it is elevated off the floor.

Outdoors
If there is no option to store your lawn mower or tools indoors, make sure to cover it properly and tighty, and elevate it from the ground. Also, verify periodically if the equipment is still protected against the elements.

Remove the lithium-ion battery or batteries from your equipment. Then, store the battery when charged for 40%, at the right location.

40% charged
Store lithium-ion batteries in a charged state, ideally at a 40% charge level. Lithium-ion batteries become stressed and lose functionality when held at full charge for long periods.

Cool, dry and metal-free
Store them in a cool, dry place. Lithium-ion batteries handle cold temperatures better than warm temperatures. Extended time in a temperature above 30° Celsius can harm the battery's performance.

Be sure to store it on a plastic or wood shelf. If the battery's terminals would touch metal, the battery could overheat dangerously. Also, don’t store your mower's battery on a battery charger and store batteries away from petrol cans, the water heater or furnace.

Recharge
Recharge the battery partially every two months. Recharging keeps the ions ready to work under a full charge when it's time to mow, trim or saw again.