The Complete Guide to Winterizing Your Lawn Mower, Zero-Turn, and Outdoor Power Equipment

As winter settles in across Western New York, many homeowners already have their equipment stored away—often without realizing how critical proper winter storage and preventive maintenance truly are. At Bentley Brothers, we service thousands of zero-turn mowers, lawn tractors, compact tractors, and snowblowers every year, and we see firsthand how small oversights in winter storage can turn into major, costly repairs by spring.

Winter storage isn’t just about parking your machine until warmer weather returns. It’s about protecting the investment you’ve made, preventing corrosion, electrical damage, and mechanical wear, and ensuring your equipment is ready to perform the moment the next season begins. Below is our expert-backed winter maintenance guide to help you avoid unnecessary repair costs and extend the lifespan of your equipment.

Why Cleaning Your Lawn Equipment Is Essential Before Winterizing

One of the most overlooked steps in winter preparation is thoroughly cleaning your equipment. Grass buildup, dirt, and debris may seem harmless, but when they sit against metal surfaces for months, they trap moisture and accelerate corrosion. In our shops, we consistently see the same issue: debris packed tightly around engines, electrical components, and wiring harnesses.

When moisture remains in contact with these sensitive areas, it can lead to damaged connectors, deteriorated wiring, and rusted deck components. In many cases, the result is an expensive wiring harness replacement or significant electrical repair — all of which can be avoided simply by cleaning the machine at the end of the season.

Why Annual Lawn Mower & Tractor Service Before Winter Saves You Time and Money

Many customers finish their last mow, park their machine, and tell themselves they’ll “get it serviced in the spring.” Unfortunately, that’s exactly when every dealership is already backed up. By the time the grass starts growing again, shops are flooded with spring service requests, leaving customers waiting weeks for an appointment.

Completing your annual service before winter ensures that your oil, filters, blades, spark plugs, and critical components are fully maintained and protected. This not only prevents premature wear but also guarantees your equipment starts easily and performs reliably in the new season. Proper service now also eliminates surprise repair bills that can disrupt your mowing season later.

The Importance of Sharp Mower Blades: Blade Maintenance Before Winter

Blades naturally wear down over time, but because the decline is gradual, many operators don’t realize how dull they’ve become. Worn blades force the engine to work harder, reduce fuel efficiency, and create a ragged, uneven cut. They also affect the overall health of your turf.

Refreshing or replacing your blades before winter ensures a clean cut in spring and prevents unnecessary strain on your mower’s engine and belts. It’s one of the simplest, most impactful steps you can take to improve performance.

Mower & Tractor Battery Care: Simple Steps to Prevent Winter Failure

Batteries are one of the most frequently replaced components in outdoor power equipment; yet, most failures are preventable. Cold temperatures cause batteries to drain faster, and sitting idle for months only shortens their lifespan. We regularly see customers replace batteries every two to three years when, with proper care, they should last significantly longer.

If your machine will be stored in freezing temperatures, remove the battery and store it somewhere warm and dry. Use a battery tender to maintain its charge during winter — a small investment that dramatically prolongs battery life. And remember, a battery should never be stored directly on a concrete surface, as this accelerates discharge.

How to Protect Stored Equipment From Rodents During Winter

As temperatures drop, mice and other rodents seek warmth—and barns, garages, and stored equipment often become their shelter. Unfortunately, outdoor equipment is a prime target. We routinely find nests inside air intakes, under engine shrouds, around wiring harnesses, and even inside operator areas.

One of the best ways to protect your machine’s interior is storing equipment with an enclosed cab. A properly sealed cab helps reduce access points, protects controls and electronics, and minimizes the chance of rodents nesting inside seats, insulation, or dash components during long-term storage.

Additional protection measures, such as placing Fresh Cab Rodent Repellent inside the cab and around key engine areas, create an added barrier that discourages pests from settling in. Combined with routine inspections and proper storage practices, these steps can help prevent costly electrical and interior repairs when spring arrives.

The Bottom Line: Preventive Maintenance Always Costs Less Than Corrective Repairs

Every piece of equipment, whether it’s a zero-turn mower, compact tractor, snowblower, or anything in between, benefits from proper maintenance. Preventive care reduces downtime, extends the life of your machine, lowers repair costs, and ensures reliable performance year after year.

Bentley Brothers sells professional-grade equipment designed to last, but even the best machines need the right care to perform at their highest level. Taking these steps now is the simplest way to protect your investment and enjoy trouble-free operation when spring arrives.

- Advice from Colin Murphy, Store Manager at Bentley Brothers Brockport, NY