--- title: "Spring preparation and winterising your machine | Zak Services" description: "How to winterise a STIHL, STIGA or DAKR lawnmower or an iMOW and get it ready in spring. Fuel, oil, blade, batteries. Advice from Zak Services in Senica." url: "https://www.zakservices.sk/en/spring-prep-autumn-storage/" lang: "en" alternates: "sk": "https://www.zakservices.sk/jarna-priprava-jesenna-konzervacia-stroja/" "en": "https://www.zakservices.sk/en/spring-prep-autumn-storage/" "de": "https://www.zakservices.sk/de/fruehjahrsvorbereitung-winterlagerung/" "cs": "https://www.zakservices.sk/cs/jarni-priprava-podzimni-konzervace/" "es": "https://www.zakservices.sk/es/preparacion-primavera-conservacion-otono/" "ru": "https://www.zakservices.sk/ru/vesennyaya-podgotovka-osennyaya-konservatsiya/" "uk": "https://www.zakservices.sk/uk/vesnyana-pidgotovka-osinnia-konservatsiya/" "fr": "https://www.zakservices.sk/fr/preparation-printemps-hivernage/" "it": "https://www.zakservices.sk/it/preparazione-primavera-conservazione-autunno/" "hu": "https://www.zakservices.sk/hu/tavaszi-elokeszites-oszi-tarolas/" "pl": "https://www.zakservices.sk/pl/wiosenne-przygotowanie-jesienna-konserwacja/" "nl": "https://www.zakservices.sk/nl/voorjaar-najaar-onderhoud/" "pt": "https://www.zakservices.sk/pt/preparacao-primavera-conservacao-outono/" "ro": "https://www.zakservices.sk/ro/pregatire-primavara-conservare-toamna/" "hr": "https://www.zakservices.sk/hr/proljetna-priprema-jesenska-konzervacija/" "sr": "https://www.zakservices.sk/sr/prolecna-priprema-jesenja-konzervacija/" --- [Back to FAQ](https://www.zakservices.sk/en/faq/) # Spring preparation and autumn winterising for your garden machine Winterising in autumn extends the life of your lawnmower and related garden machinery. Preparing in spring makes sure the machine starts and mows cleanly right from the beginning of the season. With STIHL, STIGA, WOLF-Garten, Cub Cadet and DAKR petrol machines, it’s mainly about fuel, oil, the blade and cleaning. ![Man in gloves servicing a petrol lawnmower on the lawn](https://www.zakservices.sk/assets/img/articles/mower-outdoor-service.850fd6c1.jpg) **Winterising in autumn** extends the life of your lawnmower and related garden machinery. **Preparing in spring** makes sure the machine starts and mows cleanly right from the beginning of the season. With STIHL, STIGA, WOLF-Garten, Cub Cadet and DAKR petrol machines, it’s mainly about fuel, oil, the blade and cleaning. With STIHL cordless machines, it’s about storing the batteries correctly. With STIHL iMOW or Cub Cadet robotic mowers, it’s about cleanliness, charging and dry storage. Follow this routine and you’ll avoid unnecessary servicing in spring and keep your machine reliable for longer. At Zakservices in Senica, we help you plan seasonal care to suit the type of machine. Below is a practical checklist for before winter and before the first mow. ## What you’ll learn in this article - why winterising in autumn and preparing in spring save you money and time - the autumn routine: fuel, oil, blade, cleaning, batteries, robotic mower - the spring routine before the first mow - differences by type (petrol, cordless, robotic mower, DAKR drum mower) - safety, when to take the machine in for servicing, FAQ and contact details in Senica ## Why both seasons matter A machine put away dirty and with untreated fuel is hard to start in spring, or it corrodes. Starting it up without a check can damage the engine, the deck or the battery. Two short seasonal checks cost less than one major repair. **A rough calendar for the Záhorie region around Senica:** - winterising in autumn: after the last mow, typically from October to November depending on the weather - preparing in spring: before the first regular mow, typically from March to April The exact timing depends on how the grass is growing and on whether you have an ornamental lawn, a meadow or a robotic mower. ## Winterising in autumn: what to do before winter The goal in autumn is simple. The machine should be clean and dry, with a treated fuel system (for petrol), checked oil and a sharp or at least inspected blade. Batteries and robotic mowers should be charged as the manual says and stored somewhere dry. ### Fuel (petrol machines) Over the winter, old fuel gums up the carburettor and makes starting harder in spring. This applies to STIHL, STIGA and WOLF-Garten lawnmowers, to Cub Cadet and SUPA TECHNIKA ride-on mowers and to DAKR power units. **Fuel checklist:** 1. After the last mow, empty the tank as the manufacturer’s manual says, or 2. use a good-quality fuel stabiliser at the dose given on the packaging and let the engine run briefly so that the product gets into the system 3. with two-stroke machines (some STIHL brushcutters, for example), stick to the specified oil ratio and don’t keep mixed fuel for months on end 4. store fuel only in an approved container, out of reach of children and away from heat sources If you can’t decide between running the system dry and using a stabiliser, check the manual or ask the workshop. ### Oil and engine Before a long lay-off, check the oil level and change the oil as the manual says, ideally while it’s still warm after work. Clean oil puts less strain on the engine over winter. **Oil checklist:** - check the oil level and colour - change the oil if it’s dark, thinned by fuel or after a season with a lot of engine hours - check the air filter and spark plug (if the manual specifies this before storage) - let the engine cool down in a dry place, not in a damp corner of the garage with condensation ### Blade and cutting system A blunt blade tears the grass, increases consumption and strains the bearings. Autumn is the ideal time to sharpen or replace it. **Blade checklist:** - disconnect the ignition (petrol) or remove the battery (cordless) so that the blade can’t start turning - check the blade or blades for bends, cracks and large chips - have the blade balanced and sharpened, or replace it - on a DAKR drum mower, check the swinging blades on the disc and their mountings - on STIHL iMOW or Cub Cadet robotic mowers, check the blades as the manual says and replace any worn ones ### Cleaning Grass residue on the deck holds moisture and encourages corrosion. Clean the machine thoroughly before winter. **Cleaning checklist:** - remove grass from under the deck with a scraper or brush - wipe down the chassis, wheels, handles and drainage channels - on electronics and robotic mowers, don’t use a pressure washer or point a hose directly at sensitive areas - let the machine dry completely before covering it - store it in a dry room, ideally out of direct rain and snow ### Batteries (STIHL cordless and related machines) Don’t store STIHL batteries (AK or AP) completely flat. Deep discharge over winter shortens their life. **STIHL battery checklist:** - after the season, remove the battery from the machine (if the manual allows) - charge it to the level the manufacturer recommends for long-term storage (often a partial charge, not an empty battery) - store it somewhere dry, away from frost and strong heat, and out of reach of children - unplug the charger from the mains when you’re not charging - don’t leave batteries on damp concrete or in the car all winter without checking them Always check the exact temperature range and state of charge in the manual for your STIHL battery. ### Robotic mowers (STIHL iMOW, Cub Cadet) A robotic mower has sensitive electronics. Low temperatures, snow and damp are bad for it. **Robotic mower checklist before winter:** 1. after the last mow, fully charge the battery (as the manufacturer’s manual says) 2. switch off automatic mowing and activate the lock or winter mode, if the model has one 3. clean the body and cutting system with a dry brush or a damp cloth, without a pressure washer 4. check the blades and look for damage 5. unplug the docking station from the mains and protect it from moisture (or bring it indoors, as the manual says) 6. store the robotic mower somewhere dry and lockable, standing normally on its wheels 7. store a STIHL iMOW where the temperature doesn’t drop below about 5 °C (in line with STIHL’s official winter storage recommendations) In spring, before the first automatic cycle, make sure the contacts are clean and check the blades and the station’s connection. ## Preparing in spring: what to do before the season Spring isn’t about a major overhaul. It’s about checking that winter hasn’t damaged anything and topping up consumables. ### General spring checklist 1. a visual check for cracks, loose screws, cables and wheels 2. a clean deck and drainage channels (if the autumn clean wasn’t ideal, finish it now) 3. blade: sharpness, mounting, balance 4. petrol: fresh fuel, check the seals and starting 5. oil: the level, and a change if you didn’t do one in autumn 6. air filter and spark plug as the manual says 7. cordless: charged STIHL batteries, clean contacts, a test run 8. robotic mower: clean docking contacts, a check of the perimeter wire as the manual says, a test cycle 9. a short test run in a safe place with no children or animals nearby ### The first mow of the season Keep the first mow higher. After winter, the lawn is more sensitive. Mow when the grass is on the dry side. Wet, thick grass in spring will clog the deck even on a well-prepared machine. ## Differences by type of machine ### Petrol machines (STIHL, STIGA, WOLF-Garten, Cub Cadet, SUPA TECHNIKA, DAKR) Fuel, oil and cleanliness matter most. A petrol engine doesn’t like old fuel or moisture in the carburettor. A Cub Cadet or SUPA TECHNIKA ride-on mower also has more lubrication points, belts and a bigger deck. Give it more time than a small push mower. ### Cordless machines (mainly STIHL batteries) Here, care of the batteries and contacts is what counts, not oil. Clean the machine, check the blade and store the batteries correctly. In spring, charge the batteries and check the run time before the first longer mow. The same logic applies to STIHL AK and AP: dry storage, the correct charge level and no deep discharge over winter. ### Robotic mower (STIHL iMOW, Cub Cadet) With a robotic mower, it’s all about the electronics, the dock and the blades. There’s no carburettor to protect: what matters is the charge, cleanliness and the storage temperature. The perimeter wire usually stays in the ground over winter. Protect the station or take it indoors, as the manual says. The winter mode menu varies from model to model. Follow the manufacturer’s manual. ### DAKR drum mower A DAKR drum mower works in dust, stones and tall grass. Before winter, thoroughly clean the drum, blades and drive. Check the blade mountings and the condition of the attachments, if you have a modular system. Deal with oil and fuel as you would with other petrol units. In spring, check that the drum turns freely, the blades are sharp and the guards are secure before the first trip out to the meadow. ## Safety during seasonal maintenance - always disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery before working on the blade - wear gloves, as the blade is sharp even when you’re ‘just cleaning’ - top up petrol only when the engine is cold, away from naked flames - don’t charge STIHL batteries in hot sun or in frost outside the permitted range - switch off and lock a robotic mower as the manual says before handling the blades - keep children and animals away from the maintenance area and the test run - don’t aim a pressure washer at electronics, bearings or air filters If the manufacturer’s manual says something different from this general checklist, the manual for your machine takes precedence. ## When to bring the machine in for servicing Home maintenance is enough for routine care. Bring the machine in for servicing when: - the engine won’t start in spring even with fresh fuel and after a basic check - the oil smells of fuel, looks milky or the level drops noticeably - the blade is bent, cracked or badly out of balance - the gearbox, drive or belt is noisy, smells or slips - a STIHL battery lasts much less than last season - the robotic mower keeps reporting docking or sensor errors, or won’t start charging - after hitting a stone, you suspect a damaged crankshaft or bearing At Zakservices in Senica, we’ll help with inspections, blade sharpening and seasonal servicing to suit the brand and type of machine. We’ll agree a date depending on how busy the workshop is. ## Frequently asked questions (FAQ) ### 1. Is it enough just to hose down the lawnmower in autumn? No. You also need to deal with the fuel, oil and blade. And with electronics and robotic mowers, don’t aim a strong jet of water at sensitive areas. ### 2. Should I leave petrol in the tank over winter? Generally not without treating it. Either empty the tank and system as the manual says, or use a stabiliser and run the engine briefly. Old, untreated fuel often causes starting problems in spring. ### 3. How should I store STIHL batteries? Somewhere dry, away from hard frost and heat, and not completely flat. Follow the state of charge and temperature recommendations in the manual. Don’t leave the charger plugged in unnecessarily. ### 4. What about a STIHL iMOW or Cub Cadet robotic mower? After the season, charge it, clean it, switch off automatic mode, protect the dock and store it somewhere dry. For a STIHL iMOW, plan to store it above about 5 °C, as STIHL recommends. For menu details, always follow the manual for your model. ### 5. Do I always need to change the oil in autumn? Not always, but before a long lay-off a change is often sensible, especially after a hard season. At the very least, check the oil level and condition. If you didn’t get round to changing it, do it in spring before the first longer run. ### 6. How often should I sharpen the blade? As a rough guide, it depends on use: in a typical home garden often once or twice a season, more often on stony ground or on a meadow with a DAKR. You can tell a blunt blade by torn grass and the machine working harder. ### 7. Is spring preparation different for a DAKR drum mower? Yes, in the details. As well as the oil and fuel, check the drum, the blades and the attachments. A meadow and stones wear the blades faster than an ornamental lawn. ### 8. When should I go straight to Zakservices instead of doing the maintenance at home? When the machine won’t start, makes an unusual noise, the battery doesn’t last, the blade is damaged or you don’t feel confident taking things apart safely. A seasonal service before spring often saves you a hectic first week of mowing. ## Let us help you at Zakservices in Senica If you need your lawnmower checked before winter or prepared for spring, come in with the type of machine and a short description of the problem (hard starting, blunt blade, weak battery, robotic mower and dock). At Zakservices in Senica, we’ll advise on maintenance and servicing for STIHL, STIGA, WOLF-Garten, Cub Cadet, SUPA TECHNIKA and DAKR, depending on stock and how busy the workshop is. **Zakservices, s.r.o.** Obchodná 493/2A, 905 01 Senica (white building opposite the Kaufland car park) Phone: +421 904 446 915, +421 34 651 70 72 Email: zakservices@zakservices.sk Website: [https://www.zakservices.sk](https://www.zakservices.sk) We’ll confirm specific service dates and parts availability with you in person. --- **Zak Services** Zak Services, s.r.o., authorised STIHL dealer · garden and outdoor machinery Authorised STIHL dealer Obchodná 493/2A, 905 01 Senica - [Home](https://www.zakservices.sk/en/) - [Services](https://www.zakservices.sk/en/services/) - [Brands](https://www.zakservices.sk/en/brands/) - [FAQ](https://www.zakservices.sk/en/faq/) - [Contact](https://www.zakservices.sk/en/contact/) - [Privacy notice](https://www.zakservices.sk/en/privacy/) - [+421 34 651 70 72](tel:+421346517072) - [zakservices@zakservices.sk](mailto:zakservices@zakservices.sk) © 2026 Zak Services, s.r.o.