As another mowing season comes to a close, it’s time to give your Spartan mower the attention it deserves before the cold weather hits. Whether you’ve finished your final mow of the year or you’re preparing for it, these maintenance tips will help protect your mower through the winter and have it ready to fire up again next spring.
1. Sharpen or Replace the Blades
Your mower blades take a beating throughout the season, so this is a great time to inspect them. If the blades are still in good condition, sharpening will do the trick. Follow these steps:
- Secure the blade and remove the ⅝” bolt with a 15/16” wrench.
- Use a bench or angle grinder with a sturdy vise to sharpen the blade, following the original bevel.
- Only grind the top side, and never remove more than one-third of the blade’s original depth.
- Check that each blade lies flat — any warped or bent blades should be replaced.
- Reinstall the blade with the curved edge facing up into the deck and torque the bolt to 115–120 ft-lbs.
- Always replace any worn, cracked, or stripped hardware.
- Manually spin the blades before operation to ensure proper clearance.
If your blades are excessively worn or damaged, it’s best to replace them with Spartan OEM blades, available through your local dealer. When replacing:
- Check for balance before installation using a balancing tool (available at most hardware stores).
- Torque bolts to 115–120 ft-lbs with the curved section pointing up into the deck.
- Replace damaged hardware and manually spin blades to confirm clearance.
2. Lubricate Key Components
Before storing your mower, give it a thorough lubrication. Use SAE multi-purpose grease on the deck lift block, anti-scalp wheels, deck idler pulley, pump idler pulley, and any other moving parts noted in your owner’s manual. Proper lubrication prevents corrosion and ensures smooth operation when spring arrives.
3. Check and Store the Battery
Nothing’s worse than finding a dead battery when you’re ready to mow again. To avoid that, disconnect and store your battery properly:
- Remove and clean the battery and terminals to eliminate corrosion.
- Fully charge the battery and, if possible, connect it to a trickle charger with an automatic shut-off to maintain charge safely.
- Store the battery in a cool, dry place away from moisture or extreme temperatures.
- Always allow for ventilation—lead-acid batteries emit flammable gases and should never be near sparks or flames.
4. Clean Your Mower Thoroughly
A clean mower is a happy mower—especially before winter storage.
- Wash your Spartan with mild soap and water, removing all grass, dirt, and debris.
- Clean the underside of the deck—caked-on grass can trap moisture and corrode the metal.
- Avoid using pressure washers, especially around control panels and electronics.
- Use compressed air for hard-to-reach areas and touch up paint where bare metal is exposed.
- Inspect for worn or damaged parts and order replacements from your local Spartan dealer.
5. Transporting and Storing the Mower
If you’ll be moving your Spartan to another location for storage:
- Always use a single, full-width ramp (never separate ramps).
- Use a trailer rated for your mower’s weight.
- Keep the ramp angle under 15° for safe loading and unloading.
- Set control arms to neutral, engage the parking brake, and block the wheels.
- Store your mower in a clean, dry place, protected from the weather.
6. Prepare the Engine for Winter
Proper fuel and engine care will protect your mower through the off-season. Follow these key steps:
- Drain the fuel into an approved container, or add fuel stabilizer if you plan to keep it in the tank.
- Run the engine for two minutes to circulate the stabilizer, then let it run until it stalls from lack of fuel.
- Change the oil and oil filter while the engine is warm, and replace the fuel filter if it hasn’t been changed within 200 hours.
- Remove spark plugs and pour one teaspoon of clean engine oil into each cylinder.
- Reinstall the spark plugs (without connecting the leads), then crank the engine to distribute the oil.
- Clean dirt and debris from the cylinders, fins, and muffler.
- Wipe the exterior of the engine with a lightly oiled cloth and ensure all caps are tight.
7. Let the Pros Help
Taking the time to properly winterize your Spartan mower now means fewer headaches and repairs come spring. But if you’d rather have it done professionally, your local Spartan Dealer is here to help.
Our expert mechanics can handle sharpening, lubrication, cleaning, and full winter prep—so your mower will be ready to “rock and mow” the moment warmer weather returns.
When you take care of your Spartan, it’ll take care of you.