winter storage for finishing mower?
- Thread starter jason924
- Start date
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755inNY
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Jul 4, 2003
- Messages
- 530
- Tractor
- JD 4310, ehydro, 4WD, R4s
jason924 said:
Clean it thoroughly.
Sharpen the blades.
Grease and lubricate per owners manual.
If you are storing outside, get it up off the ground with some blocks and tarp over the top allowing air to circulate underneath.
greg_g
Super Member
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2003
- Messages
- 6,126
- Location
- Western Kentucky
- Tractor
- JD3720 Cab, 300X loader with 4-in-1 bucket
Cleaning never hurts anytime, but outdoor tarps in my neck of the woods tend to shred in the winter winds. Critters like to live under them too. While they're still intact, they have the capacity to retain condensation on the paint job. I'd rather expose mine to an occasional rain or snow, and let the wind keep it dry the rest of the time. I also question how much circulation can occur - regardless whether the mower's sitting on the ground or elevated - if the whole thing's encased in a tarp anyway (?)
Sharpening exposes fresh metal, freshly sharpened edges rust quickly when not used. I prefer to sharpen in the spring, and as required throughout the mowing season. Also during idle periods, moisture from condensation will also accumulate inside the transmission, in the U-joints, in the wheel bushings and bearings. I hold lubrication and gear oil off till spring too. The only implement I keep indoors is the three point broadcast spreader. Basically - when my implements are done for the season, I simply park them in the pasture. Getting them ready to work again is a spring thing.
If you have indoor storage, my advice is to use it. Touch up any rust spots. A tarp may keep the dust off, but it also represents an inviting home to mice - or worse. Set the mower on end if you can, it frees up floorspace and REALLY lets air get to the underside. Plus, it permits you to let the air out of the tires over winter. Leave the sharpening and lubrication go till spring.
//greg//
Sharpening exposes fresh metal, freshly sharpened edges rust quickly when not used. I prefer to sharpen in the spring, and as required throughout the mowing season. Also during idle periods, moisture from condensation will also accumulate inside the transmission, in the U-joints, in the wheel bushings and bearings. I hold lubrication and gear oil off till spring too. The only implement I keep indoors is the three point broadcast spreader. Basically - when my implements are done for the season, I simply park them in the pasture. Getting them ready to work again is a spring thing.
If you have indoor storage, my advice is to use it. Touch up any rust spots. A tarp may keep the dust off, but it also represents an inviting home to mice - or worse. Set the mower on end if you can, it frees up floorspace and REALLY lets air get to the underside. Plus, it permits you to let the air out of the tires over winter. Leave the sharpening and lubrication go till spring.
//greg//
jeffinsgf
Veteran Member
After the holidays, I am ordering one of these.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/classifieds/ViewItem.php?ItemNum=64030123
Looks like it will free up a bunch of floor space and make cleaning and lubing much easier.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/classifieds/ViewItem.php?ItemNum=64030123
Looks like it will free up a bunch of floor space and make cleaning and lubing much easier.
