Autumn preservation extends the life of the lawnmower and related garden equipment. Spring preparation ensures that the machine starts and mows cleanly at the beginning of the season. On petrol machines STIHL, MTD, WOLF-Garten, Cub Cadet and DAKR the focus is mainly fuel, oil, the blade and cleaning. On STIHL battery equipment it is correct battery storage. On robotic mowers STIHL iMow or Cub Cadet it is cleanliness, charge level and dry storage. This routine helps you avoid unnecessary spring service and keeps the machine reliable.

At Zakservices in Senica we help set seasonal care according to the machine type. Below is a practical checklist before winter and before the first mowing.

What you will learn in this article

why autumn preservation and spring preparation save money and time
autumn routine: fuel, oil, blade, cleaning, batteries, robot
spring routine before the first mowing
differences by type (petrol, battery, robot, drum DAKR)
safety, when to go to service, FAQ and contact in Senica

Why tackle both seasons

A machine left dirty with untreated fuel is hard to start in spring or starts to corrode. Starting without a check can damage the engine, deck or battery. Two short seasonal checks are cheaper than one major repair.

Rough calendar for Záhorie and the Senica area: - autumn preservation: after the last mowing, typically October to November depending on the weather - spring preparation: before the first regular mowing, typically March to April

The exact timing depends on grass growth and whether you have an ornamental lawn, a meadow or a robotic mower.

Autumn preservation: what to do before winter

The goal of autumn is simple. The machine should be clean and dry, with a treated fuel system (petrol), checked oil and a sharp or at least inspected blade. Batteries and robots should be charged according to the manual and stored dry.

Fuel (petrol machines)

Old fuel gums up the carburettor over winter and makes spring starting difficult. This applies to mowers STIHL, MTD, WOLF-Garten, riders Cub Cadet or SUPA TECHNIKA and to DAKR power units.

Fuel checklist: 1. After the last mowing, empty the tank according to the manufacturer's instructions, or 2. use a quality fuel stabilizer at the dosage on the pack and run the engine briefly so the product reaches the system 3. on two-stroke machines (for example some STIHL brushcutters) keep the prescribed oil ratio and do not store mixed fuel for long months 4. store fuel only in an approved container, away from children and heat sources

If you are unsure between drying the system and using a stabilizer, check the manual or ask at the service.

Oil and engine

Before a long shutdown, check the oil level and change it according to the manual, ideally while still warm after work. Clean oil stresses the engine less over winter.

Oil checklist: - check oil level and colour - change the oil if it is dark, thinned by fuel, or after a season with many engine hours - check the air filter and spark plug (if the manual requires it before storage) - let the engine cool in a dry place, not in a damp corner of a condensing garage

Blade and cutting deck

A dull blade tears the grass, raises consumption and loads the bearings. Autumn is an ideal time to sharpen or replace.

Blade checklist: - disconnect the ignition (petrol) or battery (cordless) so the blade cannot start - check the blade or blades for bends, cracks and heavy chipping - have the blade balanced and sharpened, or replace it - on a drum DAKR check the moving blades on the disc and their fastening - on robotic mowers STIHL iMow or Cub Cadet check the blades according to the manual and replace 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 the chassis, wheels, handles and drain channels - on electronics and robotic mowers do not use a pressure washer or a direct hose jet into sensitive areas - let the machine dry completely before covering it - store it in a dry room, ideally away from direct rain and snow

Batteries (STIHL cordless and related equipment)

Do not store STIHL batteries (AK or AP) fully discharged. Deep discharge over winter shortens life.

STIHL battery checklist: - after the season remove the battery from the machine (if the manual allows it) - charge it to the level the manufacturer recommends for long storage (often a partial charge, not empty) - store dry, away from frost and strong heat, and away from children - unplug the charger from the mains when you are not charging - do not leave batteries on damp concrete or in a car for the whole winter without checking them

Always verify the exact temperature range and state of charge in the manual for your STIHL battery.

Robotic mowers (STIHL iMow, Cub Cadet)

A robot has sensitive electronics. Low temperatures, snow and humidity do not help it.

Robot checklist before winter: 1. after the last mowing fully charge the battery (according to the manufacturer's manual) 2. switch off automatic mowing and activate lock or winter mode if the model has it 3. clean the body and cutting unit with a dry brush or damp cloth, no pressure water 4. check blades and damage 5. unplug the docking station from the mains and protect it from moisture (or store it indoors according to the manual) 6. store the robot dry, in its normal position on the wheels, in a lockable space 7. for STIHL iMow store so the temperature does not fall below about 5 °C (per official STIHL winter-storage recommendations)

In spring check contact cleanliness, blades and station connection before the first automatic cycle.

Spring preparation: what to do before the season

Spring is not a major rebuild. It is a check that winter did not damage anything, plus topping up consumables.

General spring checklist

visual check for cracks, loose screws, cables and wheels
deck and drain cleanliness (if autumn was not ideal, finish cleaning now)
blade: sharpness, fastening, balance
petrol: fresh fuel, check for leaks and starting
oil: level and change if you did not do it in autumn
air filter and spark plug according to the manual
battery: charged STIHL batteries, clean contacts, run test
robot: clean dock contacts, boundary-wire check according to the manual, trial cycle
short test run in a safe place with no children or animals nearby

First mowing of the season

Keep the first cut higher. The lawn is more sensitive after winter. Prefer drier grass. Wet dense spring grass will clog the deck even on a prepared machine.

Differences by machine type

Petrol equipment (STIHL, MTD, WOLF-Garten, Cub Cadet, SUPA TECHNIKA, DAKR)

Fuel, oil and cleanliness matter most. A petrol engine dislikes old fuel and moisture in the carburettor. A Cub Cadet or SUPA TECHNIKA rider also has more grease points, belts and a larger deck. Give it more time than a small push mower.

Battery equipment (mainly STIHL batteries)

Here battery and contact care decide, not oil. Clean the machine, check the blade, store batteries correctly. In spring charge the batteries and check runtime before the first longer mowing. For STIHL AK and AP the same logic applies: dry, correct charge, no deep discharge over winter.

Robotic mower (STIHL iMow, Cub Cadet)

A robot is about electronics, the dock and blades. You are not preserving a carburettor, but charge, cleanliness and storage temperature. The boundary wire usually stays in the ground over winter. Protect or bring the station indoors according to the manual. Winter-mode menus differ by model. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Drum DAKR

A drum mower DAKR works in dust, stones and tall grass. Before winter thoroughly clean the drum, blades and drive. Check blade fastening and adapter condition if you have a modular setup. Treat oil and fuel like other petrol units. In spring verify free drum rotation, sharp blades and safe guards before the first meadow run.

Safety during seasonal maintenance

before working on the blade always disconnect the spark plug or battery
wear gloves. The blade is sharp even when you are “only cleaning”
add petrol only with a cold engine, away from open flame
do not charge STIHL batteries in hot sun or frost outside the allowed range
before handling robot blades switch off and lock according to the manual
keep children and animals away from maintenance and the test run
do not aim a pressure washer at electronics, bearings or air filters

If the manufacturer's manual differs from this general checklist, the manual for your machine wins.

When to bring the machine to service

Home maintenance is enough for routine care. Go to service when:

the engine will not start in spring even with fresh fuel and a basic check
the oil smells of fuel, looks milky, or the level drops sharply
the blade is bent, cracked or badly out of balance
the gearbox, drive or belt makes noise, smells or slips
a STIHL battery holds much less than last season
the robot reports repeated dock or sensor errors, or charging will not start
after hitting a stone you suspect a damaged crankshaft or bearing

At Zakservices in Senica we help with inspection, blade sharpening and seasonal service by brand and machine type. We arrange the appointment according to workshop capacity.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Is rinsing the mower with a hose enough in autumn?

No. You also need to deal with fuel, oil and the blade. On electronics and robots do not send a strong water jet into sensitive areas.

2. Should I leave petrol in the tank over winter?

In general not without treatment. Either empty the tank and system according to the manual, or use a stabilizer and a short engine run. Old untreated fuel often causes spring starting problems.

3. How should I store STIHL batteries?

Dry, away from hard frost and heat, not fully empty. Follow the charge level and temperature guidance in the manual. Do not leave the charger plugged in unnecessarily.

4. What about a robotic mower STIHL iMow or Cub Cadet?

After the season charge it, clean it, switch off automation, protect the dock and store it dry. For STIHL iMow plan storage above about 5 °C per STIHL recommendations. Menu details always follow the model manual.

5. Do I always need to change the oil in autumn?

Not always, but a change before a long shutdown is often wise, especially after a hard season. At least check oil level and condition. If you missed the change, do it in spring before the first longer run.

6. How often should I sharpen the blade?

Roughly by use: for a typical home garden often once or twice a season. On a stony plot or DAKR meadow more often. You notice a dull blade from torn grass and higher machine load.

7. Is spring prep different on a drum DAKR?

Yes in the details. Besides oil and fuel, check the drum, blades and adapters. Meadow and stones wear blades faster than an ornamental lawn.

8. When should I go straight to Zakservices instead of home maintenance?

When the machine will not start, makes unusual noise, the battery holds little, the blade is damaged, or you do not feel safe doing the dismantling. Seasonal service before spring often saves the first hectic mowing week.

We will help you at Zakservices Senica

If you need a pre-winter check or spring prep, bring the machine type and a short problem description (hard starting, dull blade, weak battery, robot and dock). At Zakservices in Senica we advise on maintenance and service for STIHL, MTD, WOLF-Garten, Cub Cadet, SUPA TECHNIKA and DAKR according to stock and workshop capacity.

Zakservices, s.r.o.
Obchodná 493/2A, 905 01 Senica (white building opposite the Kaufland parking lot)
Tel.: 0904 446 915, 034/651 7072
E-mail: zakservices@zakservices.sk
Web: https://zakservices.sk and https://zakservices.pages.dev/

We will confirm exact service appointments and parts availability in person.

Spring preparation and autumn preservation of a garden machine