Since the growing season here in Central PA, I'm thinking about fall maintenance and having upgraded from the old push mower to a rider this year I'm trying to figure out what I should be doing at the end of the season. It's an Ariens A22A46 that I got from Home Depot in September.
For the push mower, I simply changed the oil, pressure washed the deck, filled the tank with gas (which is treated with StaBil and Marvel's Mystery Oil) and put it away. In the spring I'd change the plug and air filter and off to go!
For the rider, I'm thinking of this once the season is finally done:
1. Change oil and filter. I'll estimate it's about 10 hours old by then but God knows how long it sat outside at Home Depot and I want those wear metals out.
2. Quick wash job
3. Grease it up - it came greased from the factory and this will be its first greasing.
4. Remove the deck and pressure wash the underside.
5. Sharpen the blades
6. Remove the rear wheels and apply a light coat of grease to the axle shafts. (I've heard they can rust on tight)
7. Air up the tires to 5 PSI over Max to prevent flat spots.
8. Fill up the tank with fresh gas.
9. Put her away and put a battery tender on the battery.
Sound good or am I over thinking it?
#2
okiepc
Sounds like a good plan. Our season here is longer of course, so I will be still using mine until all the leaves are down & I can remove the leaves. I do pretty much what you stated except on the rider, I take the weight off the tires by jacking it up just off the floor & I start it every few weeks during the down time. I have 1 rider, one self propelled walk behind & one push mower& I use them all.:thumbsup:
