When autumn replaces summer’s hot temperatures and lawn maintenance with cooler days and outdoor cleanup, it’s likely time to prepare the lawn mower for extended storage until spring. This process is absolutely essential for ensuring the long-term durability and performance of the mower, since it protects the exterior surfaces, the blades, the engine, and other key parts. Whether it’s a bit of pre-storage cleaning, or some basic preventative maintenance before the mower is placed in its semi-permanent resting place for the winter, each of these recommendations will help to prevent corrosion and damage, ensure an easier time in the spring, and reduce the number of maintenance headaches over the long-term.
Transporting the HRR216 to a New Location
For commercial landscapers or those homeowners who need to transport the HRR216 mower to a new location, there are a few things to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure that the mower has a bit of time to cool down after use. A cool engine reduces the risk of injury while loading the mower and it prevents the mower from causing unwanted damage to other equipment in the trailer. Prior to transport, the mower’s grass bag should also be removed and cleaned so that it doesn’t bring dust and debris into the trailer.
What to Know Before Long-Term Storage of the HRR216 Mower
Long-term storage of the HRR216 mower is a bit more complex, and requires more cleaning and maintenance, than mere transportation of the equipment to a new location. Prior to putting the mower away for the season, keep in mind a few cleaning and maintenance tips that will allow it to be free of corrosion and engine damage.
1. Cleaning
Cleaning is a key part of storage preparation. Careful cleaning of the mower’s interior and exterior surfaces can prevent corrosion and major damage to parts like the blades and grass bag, making it easier to start using the mower again at the end of the winter. For those new to the HRR216, here is what to know and what to clean.
– The Engine
Rather than using garden hoses and pressure washers, which can encourage water to absorb into the air filter, equipment owners should gently wash the surface of the engine by hand. This will effectively remove built-up dirt and dust, keeping the engine free of corrosion during the off-season.
– The Mower Deck
Unlike the engine, the mower deck can be cleaned using a garden hose or pressure washer. The mower should be turned on its side and the carburetor side should be facing up. This position will reduce the chance of a fuel spill as the mower deck is cleaned. Once the mower is in position, use a hose or pressure washer to remove dust, dirt, and any clippings that have accumulated near the discharge area.
– The Grass Bag
With the bag removed from the mower, carefully wash it out with a garden hose. Allow the bag to fully dry before reattaching it to the mower for off-season storage.
– Drying the Mower
Use a towel to dry any areas that were cleaned. With the surfaces dried by hand, start the mower and allow it to run until it reaches a normal operating temperature. This will evaporate any remaining liquid on the mower deck and engine, adding peace of mind that the equipment won’t succumb to rust while in storage. Allow the equipment to cool down once it has dried, and then touch up any rusted areas with paint and a light coating of oil prior to storage.
2. Fuel
For short-term storage up to 90 days in length, the mower’s fuel tank should be filled with fresh gasoline. A fuel stabilizer should then be added, and the mower should be started for a few minutes to ensure that the stabilizer is thoroughly mixed with the new fuel. Turn the fuel valve off and allow the mower to run until it runs out of gasoline. It can now be stored. For long-term storage, the mower should be permitted to run until all of its gasoline has been exhausted. The HRR216 should never be stored with gasoline in the fuel tank.
3. Short-Term Storage vs. Long-Term Storage
Generally, short-term storage is defined as a period of storage that lasts between 30 and 90 days. For short-term storage, the only real maintenance concern involves properly filling the fuel tank and adding stabilizer. The mower does not need very much preparation for a brief period without use. For long-term storage, however, there are a few maintenance requirements that will keep the mower in great condition and reduce the number of potential maintenance headaches or repair after the end of a long winter.
– Preparing the Engine
Don’t store the mower without thoroughly cleaning the engine and lubricating any rusted or exposed surfaces with a light lubricant coating.
– Oil
A full oil change should be performed prior to long-term storage. Honda recommends 5W30 oil for its HRR216 mower.
– Engine Cylinder
Remove the spark plug and add 1-2 teaspoons of oil to the cylinder. Next, pull the starter grip a few times to evenly distribute the oil and protect the cylinder from damage during storage.
– Handlebar
If necessary, the mower’s handlebar can be folded down over the front of the mower to reduce its footprint and make it easier to store in a smaller area.
– Placing in Storage
The mower should be stored in a dry area with low humidity. Ideally, the equipment should be placed on a level surface away from furnaces, water heaters, dryers, or any other appliance that requires a flame in order to operate. To ensure safety, switch the fuel valve off when placing the mower into storage.
Get the Right OEM Parts for Storage From HondaLawnParts.com
HondaLawnParts.com is an excellent resource when placing a mower into storage, thanks in large part to its excellent selection of OEM replacement parts. Because these parts can be sorted by mower model number, engine type, or part number, it’s easy to find a perfect match for the HRR216 and many other Honda mowers.
