Winterizing Orchard Mowers: A Practical Guide with Real-World Tips
As autumn lees begin to fall, orchard owners know it’s time to prepare their equipment for winter. Properly winterizing your mower isn’t just about oiding costly repairs—it’s about ensuring it’s ready to tackle next season’s challenges, whether you’re dealing with all-terrain mowing on uneven ground or maintaining delicate fruit tree rows. Here’s a step-by-step guide inspired by real orchardists, packed with practical advice.
Step 1: Clean Thoroughly – No Shortcuts
Grass clippings, mud, and orchard debris can corrode your mower’s undercarriage over winter. Take a lesson from the Johnsons’ family orchard in Vermont: they use a pressure washer to blast away residue, paying special attention to the blades and deck. For slope mowing solutions, where mud buildup is common, a stiff brush helps reach crevices.
Pro Tip: Let the mower dry completely before storage—rust loves moisture.
Step 2: Fuel System Care
Stale fuel is a silent killer. Michigan orchardist Carlos Mendez swears by two methods:
For gas mowers: Add a fuel stabilizer and run the engine for 5 minutes to circulate it.
For diesel: Top off the tank to prevent condensation.
| Fuel Type | Winter Action |
|---|---|
| Gasoline | Stabilize + run engine |
| Diesel | Fill tank + consider biocide |
Step 3: Blade Maintenance
Dull blades strain the engine and harm grass. Oregon’s Willamette Valley Orchards uses this checklist:
Sharpen or replace blades.
Coat lightly with oil to prevent rust.
Store blades separately if removed.
For commercial remote mower fleets, label blades to track wear patterns.
Step 4: Battery TLC
A dead battery by spring is a classic headache. Follow the 60/40 rule:
Charge to 60% before storage.
Check every 40 days and recharge if below 40%.
Fun Fact: Robotic lawn care units often use lithium batteries—store them indoors for longevity.
Step 5: Protect Moving Parts
Grease pivot points, check belts for cracks, and lubricate cables. Wisconsin’s Apple Creek Farm wraps exposed metal parts in wax paper to repel moisture—a trick borrowed from vintage orchard maintenance equipment.
Final Thought: Think Like a Squirrel
Winterizing isn’t just chores; it’s an investment. As one seasoned grower put it: “A neglected mower in November is a budget wreck in April.” Whether you’re prepping a rugged all-terrain mower or a sleek robotic lawn care unit, these steps ensure your machine wakes up hungry for work.
Keywords integrated organically: all-terrain mowing, slope mowing solutions, commercial remote mower, orchard maintenance equipment, robotic lawn care.