Don’t let winter win: why timely maintenance pays off

Winter in New Zealand brings wet paddocks, frosts and a fair bit of mud. That means mechanical things get wetter, grime builds up faster, and engines that sit idle can be fussy come spring. Doing a little sensible maintenance now avoids bigger jobs later — and keeps your machines ready when the ground finally dries and the to-do list explodes.

Start with the basics: a sensible winter check

We’re not suggesting you strip every machine down unless you want to, but a methodical check will reveal the common winter problems: moisture in fuel, clogged filters, dull blades, seized cables, tired batteries and rusty chains. Below are practical steps you can take yourself, with pointers to parts and supplies if a replacement is the safer option.

Oil and oil filters

Cold oil is thicker and doesn’t lubricate as well. If an engine’s due an oil change, do it before prolonged storage. Change the oil and replace the oil filter if fitted; dirty oil left sitting will carry contaminants. Use the oil grade recommended in your operator’s manual, and dispose of used oil responsibly at a recycling centre.

Air filters and breathers

Wet, muddy conditions clog air filters quickly. Remove foam or paper filters, clean or replace them as needed, and allow foam filters to dry completely before re-oiling (if the manual calls for oil). Check breathers and vent lines for blockages so crankcases don’t build pressure.

Spark plugs and ignition

A fouled or corroded spark plug makes cold starts harder. Pull the plug, check the electrode and gap, and replace if there’s heavy fouling or corrosion. Cleaned and correctly gapped plugs are cheap insurance against frustrating starts when you need the mower or brushcutter in spring.

Blades, chains and bars

Sharp blades cut cleanly and put less strain on the engine. Sharpen or replace mower blades, and check blade bolts for correct torque. For chainsaws, inspect the chain for wear, check tension and ensure bar rails are free of burrs. Regularly topping up bar chain oil and using the right chain type for the job extends life and improves safety — see our chainsaw range for suitable spares and chains: Chainsaws & chains.

Fuel, carburettors and ethanol – the cold, wet enemy

Two fuel-related problems are common late in the year: stale fuel and moisture contamination. Ethanol-blended fuels attract water; if you’ll store anything over winter, consider the following steps.

Top up the tank before storage and add a fuel stabiliser approved for small engines. Run the engine briefly to circulate the stabiliser through the carburettor.
If you’re not comfortable with stabilisers, drain the carburettor bowl and run the engine until it stops to avoid gum forming in jets and passages.
When using portable fuel cans, keep them sealed and store them off the ground in a dry space to reduce condensation.

Always consult the equipment manual for manufacturer advice on fuel and carburettor maintenance.

Battery care in cold weather

Batteries dislike the cold. Lead-acid and AGM batteries lose cranking power in low temperatures, and lithium batteries have specific storage charge ranges. Practical steps:

If possible, bring batteries indoors and store them fully charged in a cool, dry place.
Use a purpose-built smart charger or maintainer to keep batteries at an appropriate charge without overcharging.
For battery-powered mowers or tools, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for long-term storage charge levels.

If a battery won’t hold charge despite correct storage and charging, replacement is often the most reliable option — especially before the busy spring season.

Belts, cables and moving parts

Belts crack and stretch, control cables corrode, and grease points can dry out or gather grit. Check decks, pulleys and drive belts for wear and correct tension. Lubricate pivot points and cables with a light penetrating oil where appropriate — but avoid over-lubricating areas where grit will stick.

If a belt shows fraying or chunks missing, replace it rather than risk it snapping mid-season. Same goes for cables that bind or show visible rust.

Cleaning: salt, grime and storage hygiene

Give machines a good clean before storing them. Mud left on decks and spindles holds moisture and speeds corrosion. After washing, dry components, pay attention to air intakes and electrical connectors, and keep covers off for a day so everything dries properly. If you use pressure washers, avoid blasting seals and bearings directly.

Chainsaws in winter: particular considerations

If you use chainsaws for firewood, fencing or weekend clearing, winter is prime time for use — and for winter-specific wear. Chains accumulate sap and grit, bar rails can corrode, and chain oil consumption can increase in wet conditions. Practical notes:

Keep bar oil topped up and use a quality bar and chain oil to help with lubrication under load.
Check chain tension frequently. A cold chain contracts; tension can change as temperature shifts.
Inspect the guide bar for wear and clean the oil holes and groove.
Replace chains that have significant stretch, missing cutters or damaged drive links.

Need parts, replacement chains or a different bar? Our chainsaw category has a selection to match common makes and needs: browse chainsaws and accessories.

Storage tips that avoid headaches

Where you keep your kit matters. A dry, covered space with a slight air movement is ideal. If you store equipment outside under cover, raise it off the ground on pallets or racks to reduce damp contact. Cover machines with a breathable cover rather than a plastic sheet that traps condensation.

Label fuel containers, and keep a small basic toolkit and a set of spares (spark plugs, belts, an extra filter) handy so small fixes don’t become full-day jobs.

Practical winter maintenance checklist

Change oil and oil filter if due; top up and dispose of used oil correctly.
Clean or replace air filters; dry foam filters before re-oiling.
Inspect and, if needed, replace spark plugs; check ignition leads.
Sharpen or replace mower blades; check bolts and blade balance.
Check chainsaw chain, bar and tension; top up bar oil.
Top up fuel and add stabiliser, or drain carburettor for long storage.
Charge or store batteries in a dry, sheltered place; use a maintainer if available.
Inspect belts, cables and grease points; replace worn belts and lubricate moving parts.
Wash and dry decks/spindles; remove mud and plant matter.
Store equipment off the ground under cover and keep fuel/fluids labelled.

When to call a pro

Most of the tasks above you can do in a weekend with a few basic tools. Call in a professional if you find:

An engine that will not start after basic troubleshooting.
Transmissions or hydrostatic drives making unusual noises or leaking oil.
Major wear to critical components such as crankcases, blades that have been badly damaged, or structural problems with decks and frames.

A pro can also do a comprehensive service and safety check before the busiest months, giving you peace of mind and reliable machinery when work ramps up.

Ordering parts now saves time in spring

If you know you’ll need belts, blades or chains come spring, ordering ahead avoids delays and keeps downtime to a minimum. Popular items tend to move fast once better weather arrives. We keep a wide selection of common parts for mowers and chainsaws — if you’re unsure which part you need, start with a photo and model details and we’ll point you in the right direction. For chains and chainsaw accessories, check the range here: Chainsaws & spares.

Final note: small habits make a big difference

Routine, brief checks beat crisis repairs. A 10–20 minute walk-round every few weeks during winter to check fuel, oil, battery and tyre pressures will save hours of headaches in spring. Keep a simple log of work done and dates — it helps when you come to sell a machine or hand it to someone else to use.

If you want a one-stop place for parts, replacement chains or advice on winter care for your kit, take a look at our chainsaw section where you’ll find chains, bars and accessories to suit typical winter jobs: shop chainsaws and accessories.

Ready to get your gear winter-fit? Visit The Mower Shed online to browse parts, ask questions, or order supplies so you can get through winter with fewer surprises and a better start to spring.