Lawn Mower Maintenance

 

Chances are you own a rotary type lawn mower. If so, it will require regular maintenance to keep it in optimum working condition. Always use the manufacturer’s instruction manual that comes with the lawn mower when you purchase it and be sure to follow the suggested maintenance procedures.

To keep your lawn mower in good condition, follow the recommended fluid suggestions. The manufacturer of your lawn mower will often suggest the proper type of oil and gasoline for the particular model that you’ve purchased. When performing maintenance on a gas mower, be sure all moving parts and the blade have stopped. This is always necessary when maintaining an electric mower. Electric mowers should always be disconnected from the power source for safety reasons.

When you turn your lawn mower on its side to access the blade and the bottom of the deck, be sure the air filter is on the upper side. This prevents oil from leaking into the air filter. If oil enters the air filter, the mower will not start. Be sure to take off the spark plug wire to prevent the engine of the mower from accidentally starting and causing serious injury.

Be sure to replace and clean your mower’s spark plug frequently and adjust the carburetor in order to assure an immediate start-up. If you know nothing about carburetors, take your mower to a local dealer or back to the place where you purchased it to have it tuned-up. Air filters need to be cleaned and/or replaced on a regular basis.

If you have a lawn mower with a rotary blade that works on a sickle principal, it has to be sharpened at least twice per mowing season. You might want to buy an extra blade so you always have a sharp one handy. If the tips of your grass turn brown or you notice that they’re shredded, it’s an indication that your mower’s blade is dull.

Lawn mower blades can be sharpened with a file or grindstone if you have knowledge of sharpening procedures. If not, take the blade to a professional. If the blade isn’t sharpened properly, it will cause it to become unbalanced.

Mowers that vibrate excessively often have a damaged blade, crankshaft or mount. The bolts of the blade, mount and all bolt, nuts and screws must be tightened regularly to prevent damage to the mower. Check axles, bearings and wheels before each mowing and lubricate at least once a month. Loose wheels should be replaced immediately. Lubricate all grease fixtures monthly as well.

If you own a self-propelled lawn mower, check belts and gears for cracks and wear. Lubricate gears frequently.


Each time you mow your lawn, clean all grass clippings from beneath the mower platform before returning the mower to the garage or shed. This will prevent rust. Clear the engine of grass and leaf debris. This ensures that your mower is ready to go the next time your grass needs to be cut. Check the grass catch bag monthly for wear and tear.

When the mowing season draws to a close, use the instruction manual to prepare it for winter. If you don’t have an instruction manual, drain all gasoline and remove the spark plug. The following spring, take the mower to a professional and have it completely tuned-up. This will assure that your lawn mower will give optimum performance for many years to come.

You can check out information on the newest lawn mower, the Robomower at TV Products 4 Less.  If you'd like more lawn care tips, please check us out at Online Discount Mart.