A well-maintained lawn mower will operate more efficiently and last much longer than one that isn’t properly cared for. Regular maintenance will also save you money in the long run by minimizing expensive repairs. This article will outline 8 crucial steps you should take when performing lawn mower maintenance.
When To Check On Your Lawn Mower
If you own a lawnmower, you should be checking on it regularly to ensure that it’s in good working order. At a minimum, you should give your mower a once-over before each mowing session. This quick inspection will help you identify any potential issues so that you can fix them before they cause serious damage. For engines that see more frequent use, you should perform a more thorough inspection once a month.
How To Perform A Basic Inspection During Lawnmower Maintenance
Before each mowing session, you should do a quick diagnosis of your lawnmower to make sure that everything is in working order. Start by checking the engine oil, gasoline, and fuel stabilizer levels and adding more of each as needed. Next, check the air filter and clean or replace it if it looks like it is worn out, punctured, or damaged. You’ll need to consult your mower’s owner’s manual to find out how often the air filter should be replaced.
After you’ve checked and topped off all of the fluids, take a look at the mower blade. The blade should be sharp and free of nicks or damage. If it looks like it needs to be replaced, go ahead and do that now. You should make sure that the blade is firmly in place and balanced properly.
Keeping the engine clean is an important part of mower maintenance. Over time, grass clippings, dust, and debris can build up on the engine, causing it to overheat. To clean the engine, remove any debris that you see and then use a garden hose to spray it down. Be sure to avoid getting water in any of the mower’s electrical components.
After you’ve checked and cleaned all of the major components, start the mower and let it run for a few minutes. Listen carefully for any strange noises and make sure that the mower is operating smoothly.
If everything looks good so far, move on to checking the mower deck for any signs of wear or damage. Look for cracks, holes, or other damage that could allow grass and debris to enter the mower deck and cause problems. Finally, move on to the tires. Check the tire pressure and add air as needed. Inspect the treads for any signs of wear and check for any nails or other objects that might be embedded in them.
Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips
It is important to take care of your lawnmower and perform regular maintenance. By doing so, you will prolong its life and ensure that it works properly. Here are our eight tips to keep in mind when performing lawn mower maintenance:
- Check and replace the air filter regularly. A dirty air filter will restrict air flow to the engine, causing it to run less efficiently.
- Clean the spark plug regularly. A dirty or fouled spark plug can cause the engine to misfire.
- Change the oil. Dirty oil can cause engine damage.
- Sharpen the blades regularly. Dull blades will tear your lawn grass rather than cut it, resulting in an uneven lawn.
- Clean the mower deck as often as possible. A build-up of grass clippings can prevent air from circulating properly, causing the engine to overheat.
- Check the mower belt regularly. A worn or damaged mower belt can cause the engine to overheat.
- Inspect the wheels and tires regularly. Make sure that the wheels are properly inflated and that the tires are not worn or damaged.
- Get your mower serviced by a professional at least once a year. This will ensure that all of the mower’s parts are in good working condition.
These tips are a simple but effective way to keep your lawnmower humming for years to come.
