how do i store my ego mower for the winter? can i just leave it in the shed?

Diagnosis

The EGO Power+ LM2135SP is a high-performance electric machine, but it is susceptible to three primary winter failure points: lithium-ion battery degradation, deck corrosion, and moisture-induced electronic failure. Leaving the mower in a shed without preparation is risky because sheds often suffer from extreme temperature swings and high humidity. If the battery is left in the mower, parasitic draw can deplete the cells to a critical level, potentially "bricking" the battery pack so it will never charge again. Furthermore, organic debris (grass clippings and mud) trapped under the 21-inch deck contains moisture and acids that eat through the powder coating, leading to structural rust. If the mower is stored with wet grass on the blade or under the chassis, the metal will oxidize over the winter, resulting in a jagged, dull blade and a deck that may eventually leak or warp. You can confirm if your mower needs immediate attention if you see "pitting" on the blade surface or a sticky residue around the motor housing.

How to Fix It

To ensure your LM2135SP starts on the first pull next spring, follow this comprehensive winterization sequence:

1. Battery Extraction and Conditioning: Remove the battery pack from the mower immediately. Check the charge level; store the battery at approximately 40% to 80% charge. Never store a battery completely empty or 100% full for months. Move the battery into a climate-controlled environment (like a basement or utility closet) where the temperature stays between 50°F and 77°F.
2. Deck Decontamination: Tip the mower over—always ensuring the battery is removed first and the discharge chute is facing up—to access the underside. Use a plastic scraper or a stiff nylon brush to remove all packed grass and mud from the deck ribs and the blade. Do not use a pressure washer directly on the motor housing or the battery terminals, as this can force water into the sealed electronics.
3. Blade Maintenance: Remove the blade using a socket wrench. Inspect the leading edge for nicks. Use a mill file or a grinder to sharpen the edge to a 30-degree angle. If the blade is bent or significantly worn, replace it with a genuine EGO replacement blade to maintain the vacuum lift.
4. Contact Cleaning: Use a can of compressed air to blow out the battery terminals and the mower's receiving port. This removes dust and insects that can cause poor electrical connectivity in the spring.
5. Environmental Placement: Store the mower in a dry, covered area. If using a shed, elevate the mower off the concrete floor using a pallet or a piece of treated plywood to prevent moisture from wicking up into the chassis.

If That Didn't Work

• Battery Won't Charge in Spring: If the battery has dropped below its minimum voltage threshold during winter, try plugging it into the charger for 24 hours even if the indicator lights don't flash immediately. If it remains unresponsive, the cells have likely succumbed to deep discharge.
• Stuck Blade/Motor: If the blade does not spin freely by hand after winter, moisture may have caused surface rust on the motor shaft. Apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to the shaft area and manually rotate the blade several times to break the stiction.
• Corroded Deck: If you find rust spots on the deck after storage, sand the area down with 220-grit sandpaper and apply a rust-inhibiting spray paint specifically designed for metal. This prevents the rust from spreading into the structural frame.
• Electronic Glitches: If the mower exhibits erratic behavior or "Error" codes upon startup, check for spider webs or rodent nests inside the battery compartment or near the wiring harnesses. Use a vacuum to clear out any debris.

Heads Up

• Temperature Warning: Never store your lithium-ion batteries in an unheated garage or shed during freezing temperatures; this permanently reduces the battery's total capacity (Ah).
• Tipping Rule: Always tip the mower with the battery removed and the discharge chute facing UP. Tipping it with the chute down can damage the motor seals or the drive system.
• Chemical Warning: Avoid using harsh solvent-based cleaners on the plastic housing of the LM2135SP, as these can crack the polymer or fade the EGO green finish.
• Charging Cycle: If you store your batteries for more than 6 months, set a calendar reminder to bring them inside and top them off to 60% charge to maintain cell health.