Five Surefire Ways to Prevent Lawn Mower Repairs

If you only use your lawn mower seasonally, then there are somethings you should take into account for spring use and winter storage.

Spring:

When you first get your lawn mower out of storage for the first mowing of spring, check your service or owner's manual for procedures. You can either do your own general maintenance or take your lawn mower into a shop. Here are some general tips to follow if you do not have a manual:

1. If you did not drain the fuel before storage you should do that now. Condensation can build up in the fuel tank during winter months diluting your fuel.

2. Disconnect the sparkplug. Drain the oil from your engine. There should be a drain plug underneath the mower.

3. When the oil has drained replace the drain plug and refill the oil. Ensure that you use the correct oil type and amount recommended by the manufacturer.

4. Remove the air filter and fuel filter from your lawn mower and take them to your local store or dealer. Purchase and replace with new ones. The air filter should be replaced at least once per season and with heavy use you might consider replacing it twice in a season.

5. If you did not have your blade sharpened before storing the mower now is the time.

6. If your lawn mower is more than two years old you can replace the spark plug. Otherwise reconnect the plug and attempt to start the mower. If your mower has a fuel prime pump or button, make sure to use this. Otherwise getting fuel moving in your engine could take numerous starting attempts.

After Each Use:

Keeping your lawn mower clean after each use will give added life and less possibility of breakdown. Clean your lawn mower after each use. Wait until the engine has cooled off and disconnect the spark plug. Wash the grass and dirt off. You can tip the lawn mower up to spray underneath with a garden hose though keep an eye for any liquids spilling. Some lawn mowers will leak oil when tilted and a low oil level can cause engine damage. Grass and plants could be damaged if gasoline spills. Reconnect the spark plug when the cleaning is done. Check the oil level and maintain the amount recommended in your lawnmower's manual.

Before Storage:

At the end of the mowing season, there are specific tasks to perform before storing your lawnmower. Your lawnmower manufacturer's user manual should tell you specific steps to follow for your make of lawn mower, but here is the general procedure if you do not have a manual:

1. Clean the grass and debris from your lawn mower. Debris left on your lawn mower can collect moisture and in some climates cause rust.

2. Disconnect the spark plug and drain the fuel from your lawn mower.

3. Reconnect the spark plug and start the mower. Allow the mower to burn the remaining gasoline in the lines.

Keep Your Mower Blade Sharp:

Mowers encounter rocks, sticks, and tough plants that can cause the blade to become dull. Most people are unaware of the bad side effects of a dull lawn mower blade. A dull blade causes the lawn mower engine to work harder, can give your lawn a choppy appearance, and can make grass more susceptible to disease.

If you are not comfortable removing and handling your blade take your lawn mower to a reputable shop. Sharpening is inexpensive and should you need a new blade those are also very reasonably priced.