Maintaining your lawn mower is essential for peak performance and prolonged life. A well-maintained mower cuts better, and wont burden you with costly repairs.
In this article, you’ll learn the extra steps you should take to care for your investment. Familiarize yourself with the manufacturer’s guideline recommendations tailored to your mower make and model, and follow the advice in this article.
Keeping Your Mower Clean Is More Important Than You'd Think.
Keeping your mower clean is essential for its longevity. If your mower is covered in wet grass, dust or dirt, it can fill the components with debris and compromise your engine.
Another thing to consider is taking care of the mower deck. Make sure you clean the deck often and don’t allow grass to accumilate on the botton. Leaving the grass stuck to botton of the deck will slowly rust your mower out.
For a thorough cleaning, place the mower on its side with the spark plug in the air. Use a wire brush and a screw driver to scrape the nooks and crannies on the deck.
Don't Leave Old Fuel In Your Mower When In Storage
A mistake many home owners make is leaving fuel in the tank when they put the mower away at the end of the season. Do yourself a favour by doing this one simple thing.
When you’re ready to put your mower away for the winter, let it idle until it runs out of fuel. Fuel wont last forever, if it remains in your mowers fuel system it’ll cause your mower not to start in the spring.
By taking the extra few steps to make sure your fuel system is run dry, you’ll ensure you can start cutting grass right away in the spring instead of waiting 2 weeks to get back from the shop in the spring.
Sharpening And Replacing Blades
A sharp blade is necessary for a clean, efficient cut. At Lambton Lawn, we recommend checking the blade’s condition once a year.
If your mowers blades are dull, remove the blades and sharpen with a grinder or file. Make sure balance your blade before putting back on or you may shake your mower apart.
Do Regular Oil Changes
Regular oil changes are essential, especially for four-stroke models. At least once a year, drain and replace the oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Add New Fuel And Fuel Stabilizer
When refuelling, always use fresh gasoline. Adding a fuel stabilizer can help extend the fuel’s shelf life and protect the engine.
Clean Or Replace The Spark Plug
Inspect and clean or replace the spark plug if necessary, typically every year. This ensures your mower starts easily and runs smoothly.
Cleaning The Air Filter
A clean air filter enhances engine performance and reduces fuel consumption. Check it regularly and either clean or replace it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Checking And Adjusting Controls, Cables and Hinges
Ensure all controls and cables are functioning smoothly. Adjust, lubricate, or replace parts as needed.
To avoid handlebar wobbling, periodically tighten the handlebar hinges. A secure handle offers better control over your mower.
Lubricate Wheels And Moving Parts
Lubricating wheels and moving parts can prevent squeaking and wear, prolonging your mower’s life. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for grease and oil types.
By following our mower maintenance checklist, including oil changes, blade sharpening, and fuel care, you can ensure your lawn mower stays in optimal condition and offers a consistently clean, healthy cut for your lawn.
Mower Seasonal Preperation
Spring Preparation
As the spring season approaches, it’s essential to perform seasonal lawn mower maintenance to ensure that our mower is in prime condition for efficient mowing. We should start by giving our mower a thorough cleaning to remove any debris from the previous season. This includes inspecting and changing the oil if necessary, as well as replacing the spark plug and air filter. Don’t forget to check the mower’s belts and blades to ensure they’re in good condition and replace or sharpen them if needed. Having a well-maintained mower helps us achieve a clean, even cut on our lawn.
Additionally, it’s essential to:
- Check tire pressure and adjust if needed.
- Charge the battery (for electric lawn mowers).
- Fill the gas tank with fresh fuel, adding a fuel stabilizer if required.
Winterizing Your Mower Properly
As the winter season approaches, it’s time to properly winterize our lawn mower to ensure its longevity and optimal performance the following year. Prior to storing the mower for winter, we should:
- Empty the fuel tank: Either run the engine until it’s empty or use a siphon to remove any remaining fuel from the tank.
- Remove the spark plug: Disconnect the spark plug wire, then remove and clean the spark plug. Store it separately if possible.
- Clean the mower: Remove any grass and debris left from the last mowing session. Use a brush and soapy water, then rinse with a hose. Allow the mower to dry completely.
- Drain or change the oil: If our mower has a four-stroke engine, we should change the oil at least once a year. Tipping the mower over with the spark plug in the air will help drain the oil easily.
- Check and lubricate moving parts: Examine the mower’s moving parts and lubricate them as needed. This includes wheels, cables, and pulleys.
- Store the mower properly: Place it in a clean, dry area, protected from extreme temperatures and moisture.
Performing seasonal lawn mower care is crucial to extending the life and performance of our mower. By taking care of our mower, we’re also doing our part in taking care of our lawn.
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently should a lawn mower be serviced to ensure optimal performance?
We recommend servicing your lawn mower at least once a year. If you use your mower frequently or have a large lawn, you may need to service it more often. Regular servicing includes cleaning after use, checking all parts for wear, and performing necessary maintenance tasks to keep your mower running smoothly. You can refer to GreenPal’s guide for more tips on maintaining your lawn mower.
What is the recommended interval for changing oil in a lawn mower?
The interval for changing oil in a lawn mower varies depending on the model and usage. Generally, we suggest changing the oil at least once per mowing season or every 25-50 hours of operation. Check your mower’s user manual for specific recommendations for your model. Don’t miss our 7-step guide for additional maintenance tips.
What parts should be checked regularly to keep a lawn mower in good condition?
We advise you to regularly check and maintain the following parts on your lawn mower: blades, spark plugs, air filters, oil, belts, and tires. Keeping these parts in good condition will help ensure your mower’s optimal performance and longevity. Tools Official provides a comprehensive guide on what to look for when inspecting these parts.
How Much Will It Cost For A Shop To Do This For Me?
The cost for professional lawn mower maintenance varies depending on where you live and the services you require. Basic servicing, including blade sharpening and oil change, can range from $50 to $100. More complex repairs or maintenance tasks will likely cost more. Always ask for a quote from a local lawn mower repair shop to get a more accurate estimate for your specific needs.
What are the common maintenance costs associated with lawn mowers?
There are several maintenance costs associated with lawn mowers, including consumables such as oil, air filters, and spark plugs. The cost of these items typically ranges from $5 to $20. Additionally, blade sharpening or replacement may be needed, and prices can vary from $10 to $50 depending on the service provider. You can find more information about lawn mower maintenance costs at Angi.