Here's How to Get Your John Deere Mower Ready for Cooler Texas Weather

A group of John Deere mowers sits in a field in Texas.

posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2025 in Dealer News

Texas is known for long, hot, sweltering summers. However, contrary to popular belief, we do experience cold weather from time to time! We may not see multiple months of freezing temperatures like our neighbor states to the north, but it’s important to consider what’s best for your John Deere mower when making winter preparations.

John Deere mowers are built to withstand repeated use and extreme weather conditions, but even they require a little extra care to ensure they continue to run like a Deere for years to come. Here are the best ways to prep your John Deere mower for cooler Texas weather this fall and winter.

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Give it a Good Cleaning

Your John Deere mower, whether it’s a ZTrak zero-turn mower or a Select Series lawn tractor, is a major investment - so treat it like one! Always be sure to clean your mower after each use, especially if you’re planning to store it away for the season. Remove all grass clippings, dirt, and debris from the mower deck. Check underneath the mower as well, and clear off any major debris. You can also check under the hood and make sure the engine is free from small twigs, leaves, and dirt. Built-up grass and dirt can trap moisture and cause rust over the winter, so it’s important to clean every metal surface that you can see.

Change the Oil

Your oil wears out and gets old, just like any other parts of your mower. It’s important to make sure your oil is fresh, clean, and able to lubricate your engine as intended. If it gets old or is too low, you run the risk of damaging your mower’s engine components. You should check your oil throughout the year, but if you’re getting ready to store your machine, it’s good to keep the oil fresh. Old oil that sits idle for months at a time loses its ability to protect your engine. If you need extra oil, we supply many different grades of engine oil in our parts department. You can also shop for an official John Deere Maintenance Kit online or in-store to make sure you always have fresh engine oil on hand.

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Replace or Clean the Air Filter

Air filters keep debris and dust from entering your engine and other vital parts of your lawn mower. It can also help it start easier when you need it again in the spring after seasonal storage. Just like your home HVAC system needs a clean air filter to circulate air properly throughout your home, your mower needs proper circulation for engine combustion to function. A clogged or dirty filter can lead to performance issues like stalling, sputtering, and hard starting when it’s time to cut new growth in the spring.

Sharpen the Blades

This may seem obvious, but dull blades lead to ugly and uneven cuts on your lawn. You could wait until spring to sharpen or replace your blades, sure. But do you really want to be messing with blade replacement when it’s time to mow? Doing the work ahead of time in the fall and winter will save you a lot of headaches when spring comes back around.

Check Tire Pressure

Your tire pressure tends to drop in cooler weather. That’s because hot weather expands and rapidly moves the air molecules in your tires, while cold air slows them down and contracts them. That’s why your car’s tire pressure alert will light up after a drop in outside temperatures. Your mower tires are the same, so check your tire pressure before doing any fall or winter work to make sure they are adequately inflated.

Fuel Considerations

Pay attention to how much fuel you have left in your tank after summer and fall work is over and it’s time to store your mower for the winter. Either run the tank completely empty or fill it up and add fuel stabilizer to protect it during the winter. A half-full tank can lead to condensation and fuel problems when you attempt to start it up in the spring. If you're storing it for several months, running it dry is often the safest bet.

Battery Care

If you have a riding mower, disconnect the battery or use a trickle charger to keep it maintained through the winter months. Cold temperatures affect the performance of your battery, so it’s best to disconnect and remove the battery from the mower. Nothing’s worse than trying to start your mower for the first cut of the season and failing to hear the engine turn over!

Maintenance Tips for Year-Round Mower Use

Find Parts and More at Tellus Equipment Solutions

Whether you need fresh engine oil, new air filters, or sharpened blades, we can help you out. Tellus Equipment Solutions has 25+ locations throughout Central, South Texas, and the Texas Hill Country. Our team is ready to help you find the parts you need, or service your lawnmower to prep it for proper winter storage. Come see us today and let us keep your John Deere mower running smoothly.

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