How To Winterize A John Deere Riding Mower

Winterizing a John Deere riding mower is an important task that should not be overlooked. Failing to properly prepare your mower for winter can result in costly repairs come springtime. Fortunately, winterizing a John Deere riding mower is a straightforward process that can be completed by anyone with a bit of time and effort.

How To Winterize A John Deere Riding Mower: overview

The first step in winterizing a John Deere riding mower is to clean it thoroughly. This includes removing any grass clippings, dirt, or debris from the deck, blades, and undercarriage. A power washer can be used for this task, but a hose and brush will work just as well. Once the mower is clean, it should be allowed to dry completely before moving on to the next step.

The second step in winterizing a John Deere riding mower is to change the oil and filter. Old oil can contain contaminants that can damage the engine over time, so it’s important to start the winter season with fresh oil. The oil filter should also be replaced at this time.

This will ensure that the engine is protected from any debris that may have accumulated over the summer months. With these two steps completed, the mower is now ready to be stored for the winter.

Understanding Your John Deere Riding Mower

John Deere is a well-known brand in the lawn care industry, and their riding mowers are popular among homeowners and professionals alike. Before you winterize your John Deere riding mower, it’s important to understand its features and components.

Engine

The engine is the heart of your John Deere riding mower. It’s responsible for powering the blades and propelling the mower forward. John Deere riding mowers come with different engine sizes, ranging from 14.5 to 27 horsepower.

The engine size you choose will depend on the size of your lawn and the type of terrain you’ll be mowing.

Cutting Deck

The cutting deck is the part of the mower that houses the blades and cuts the grass. John Deere riding mowers come with different cutting deck sizes, ranging from 42 to 62 inches.

The cutting deck size you choose will depend on the size of your lawn and the amount of time you want to spend mowing.

Transmission

The transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the wheels. John Deere riding mowers come with different types of transmissions, including automatic, hydrostatic, and manual. The transmission you choose will depend on your personal preference and the type of terrain you’ll be mowing.

Tires

The tires on your John Deere riding mower are an important component that affects its performance. John Deere riding mowers come with different tire sizes and types, including turf, all-terrain, and radial. The tire size and type you choose will depend on the type of terrain you’ll be mowing.

Read Also: How to Adjust Cutting Height on Gravely Zero Turn Mower

Preparation Before Winterizing

Before winterizing a John Deere riding mower, there are a few steps that should be taken to ensure that the process goes smoothly.

These steps are important because they help to protect the mower from damage during the winter months, and they also make it easier to start the mower up again in the spring.

To prepare a John Deere riding mower for winter storage, it’s necessary to clean and inspect it.

Remove any debris, wash the mower with soap and water, and check for signs of wear or damage in the belts, blades and other parts. Top off any fluids if needed, and run the mower until the fuel tank is empty before winterizing.

Taking these steps will ensure your mower is protected during the cold months and ready to go when spring arrives.

Cleaning and Inspection

Before winterizing a John Deere riding mower, it is important to thoroughly clean and inspect the machine. This will help to identify any issues that need to be addressed before storage and prevent any damage that might occur during the winter months.

First, remove any debris from the mower, including grass clippings, dirt, and leaves. Use a leaf blower or compressed air to blow out any hard-to-reach areas. Next, wash the mower with a hose and a mild detergent, being careful not to get water in the engine or electrical components.

After washing, inspect the mower for any damage or wear and tear. Check the blades for nicks or cracks and replace if necessary. Inspect the belts for signs of wear and replace if they are frayed or cracked. Check the tires for proper inflation and replace if they are worn or damaged.

It is also important to inspect the engine oil and filter. If the oil is dirty or low, change it before storing the mower. Inspect the air filter and replace if it is dirty or damaged.

Inspect the battery and terminals for any signs of corrosion. Clean the terminals with a wire brush and apply a corrosion inhibitor to prevent further corrosion.

By thoroughly cleaning and inspecting the mower before winterizing, any issues can be addressed before they become bigger problems. This will help to ensure that the mower is ready to go when it is needed again in the spring.

Engine Maintenance

Proper engine maintenance is essential to keep a John Deere riding mower running smoothly and efficiently. Here are some important steps to take to ensure the engine is in good condition before winter storage.

Changing the Oil

Changing the oil is an essential part of engine maintenance. Old oil can become contaminated with dirt, debris, and other particles that can cause damage to the engine. To change the oil in a John Deere riding mower, follow these steps:

• Start the engine and run it for a few minutes to warm up the oil.
• Turn off the engine and remove the oil drain plug to drain the oil into a container.
• Replace the drain plug and refill the engine with the recommended oil type and amount.
• Run the engine for a few minutes and check the oil level. Add more oil if necessary.

Inspecting the Spark Plug

A spark plug that is dirty or worn can cause the engine to run poorly or not start at all. To inspect the spark plug in a John Deere riding mower, follow these steps:

• Disconnect the spark plug wire from the spark plug.
• Use a spark plug wrench to remove the spark plug from the engine.
• Inspect the spark plug for signs of wear or damage. Replace the spark plug if necessary.
• Use a wire brush to clean any debris or dirt from the spark plug.
• Reinstall the spark plug and reconnect the spark plug wire.

Fuel System Maintenance

The fuel system should be properly maintained to prevent damage to the engine. Here are some important steps to take:

• Add a fuel stabilizer to the fuel tank to prevent the fuel from deteriorating over time.
• Run the engine for a few minutes to circulate the stabilized fuel through the system.
• Turn off the engine and disconnect the fuel line from the fuel tank.
• Drain any remaining fuel from the tank into a container.
• Clean the fuel tank and fuel filter with a fuel system cleaner.
• Reconnect the fuel line and refill the fuel tank with fresh, stabilized fuel.

Battery Care

One of the most important things to consider when winterizing a John Deere riding mower is battery care. If not properly cared for, the battery can lose its charge and even become damaged during the winter months. Here are some tips to keep the battery in good condition:

• Remove the battery: Before storing the mower for the winter, remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. This will help prevent the battery from freezing and becoming damaged.
• Clean the battery: Use a wire brush to clean the battery terminals and cables. This will help ensure a good connection when the battery is reinstalled in the spring.
• Charge the battery: Fully charge the battery before storing it for the winter. This will help prevent the battery from losing its charge and becoming damaged.
• Check the battery periodically: During the winter months, periodically check the battery to make sure it is holding its charge. If the battery is losing its charge, it may need to be recharged.
• Use a battery tender: Consider using a battery tender to help keep the battery charged during the winter months. A battery tender is a device that will automatically charge the battery when it starts to lose its charge.

Tire Maintenance

To ensure that your John Deere riding mower is ready for winter, it’s important to maintain the tires. Proper tire maintenance can help prevent flat tires and ensure that your mower is safe to use. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your tires:

Check the Tire Pressure

Before you store your mower for the winter, it’s important to check the tire pressure. The recommended tire pressure for your John Deere riding mower can be found in the owner’s manual.

Use a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure and add air as needed. Overinflated or underinflated tires can affect the performance of your mower and increase the risk of a flat tire.

Inspect the Tires

Inspect the tires for any signs of wear and tear, such as cracks or bulges. If you notice any damage, replace the tire before storing your mower for the winter. It’s also important to check the tread depth.

The tread should be at least 2/32 of an inch deep. If the tread is worn, replace the tire.

Store the Mower Properly

When storing your mower for the winter, it’s important to store it properly to prevent damage to the tires. Store the mower in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight.

If possible, store the mower off the ground to prevent flat spots on the tires. You can use blocks of wood or a tire cradle to lift the mower off the ground.

Storage Tips

After properly preparing a John Deere riding mower for winter, it is important to store it correctly to avoid any damage. Here are some tips for storing a John Deere riding mower during the winter months:

• Choose a dry storage location: Ideally, the mower should be stored in a dry, covered location, such as a garage or shed. This will protect it from moisture and prevent rust from forming on the metal parts. If a covered location is not available, a waterproof tarp can be used to cover the mower.
• Disconnect the battery: If the mower will be stored for an extended period, it is recommended to disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining. This will also prevent the battery from freezing in cold temperatures.
• Add fuel stabilizer: Adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank will help prevent the fuel from breaking down and becoming stale. This will ensure that the mower starts up smoothly when it is time to use it again.
• Clean the mower deck: Before storing the mower, it is important to clean the mower deck to remove any grass clippings or debris. This will prevent rust and corrosion from forming on the underside of the deck.
• Cover the mower: Finally, the mower should be covered with a breathable cover to prevent dust and debris from accumulating on the mower. This will also protect the mower from any potential damage caused by rodents or other pests.