Do you have a lawn mower sitting in the shed for months, gathering dust and dirt? Are you wondering if it is still usable or needs maintenance before taking on its job again? Worry no longer! It’s time to dust off that motorized machine and give your yard a well-deserved makeover. With regular care, you can keep your lawn mower running all season smoothly long, and with our simple guide, we’ll show you precisely what maintenance should be done to help ensure that happens. Let’s get started.
How to Maintain Your Lawn Mower
To keep your lawn mower in excellent condition, you should perform regular maintenance throughout the year. Here are some of the tasks necessary to ensure optimal performance:
Change the oil before starting a new mowing season: Make sure you change the right type of oil for a lawn mower. Different types of mowers have different requirements, so refer to your manual for recommendations on the type and amount of oil needed. It’s also important to check the oil level regularly during use.
Replace Spark Plug: If your lawn mower has been sitting for an extended period or isn’t starting as quickly as it should, it may be time to replace the spark plug. This type of repair only requires essential tools and can be done in a few steps. Refer to your manual for the type of spark plug needed.
Clean the Blades: The blades on your lawn mower should be regularly sharpened or replaced if they become too dull to cut correctly. Additionally, it would help if you cleaned them by removing any dirt, grass clippings, or other debris that may have built up over time.
Check for Leaks: Make sure there are no visible signs of leaks such as oil, gas, or coolant before starting the motor again after months of disuse. If necessary, replace any worn-out hoses or tighten any loose connections to prevent further damage from occurring.
Inspect Belts and Wheels: The blades and wheels should also be checked for signs of wear or lose connections. Belts are essential to keeping your lawn mower running smoothly, so it’s a good idea to inspect them annually for any signs of damage.
Protect the Engine: To protect the engine from dirt and debris, cover it with a plastic sheet after each use during the summer months. It will help to prevent corrosion and other forms of damage that can occur due to exposure to the elements.
Why regular maintenance is important
Regular maintenance of your lawn mower is essential for several reasons:
- It will help extend your machine’s life and reduce the need for costly repairs in the future.
- Regular care can help improve the performance and efficiency of your mower, ensuring that you get the most out of each use.
- Performing necessary maintenance tasks such as changing oil type and cleaning blades helps to keep your yard looking great all season long.
How to store a lawn mower properly during the winter months
During the winter, when your lawn mower isn’t in use, it’s essential to store it properly. Firstly, ensure you empty any oil or fuel left in the tank, as these can be hazardous if they freeze. Cover the entire machine with a tarp to protect it from moisture damage. Finally, make sure you store your machine in a well-ventilated area such as a shed or garage to ensure that any condensation is quickly dried up and doesn’t cause any corrosion.
Tips for how to clean and lubricate a lawn mower
Cleaning your lawn mower regularly during summer is a great way to keep it running smoothly and ensure it will last for years. Make sure you use a hose or pressure washer to eliminate any dirt, grass clippings, or other debris that may have built up. Additionally, lubricate all moving parts with an oil designed explicitly for lawnmowers and replace worn-out blades or hoses.
Troubleshooting common problems with lawnmowers
If your lawn mower is not starting or running as it should, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue:
- Check if the blades are jammed or clogged with grass clippings or debris, which may prevent them from rotating.
- Ensure that all connections between power sources, such as batteries and spark plugs, are secure, and verify that the fuel type is correct for the engine used in your mower.
- Inspect belts and hoses for signs of wear and replace worn-out parts as needed.
Conclusion
Maintaining a lawn mower is essential to keeping it running smoothly and ensuring that you get the most out of each use. It’s essential to store your machine correctly during the winter months, empty any remaining oil type or fuel before storing it, and cover the entire machine with a tarp for further protection. Additionally, ensure you clean and lubricate all parts regularly throughout the summer season and check for signs of wear or leaks. Finally, if your lawn mower is not performing as it should, troubleshoot the problem by inspecting blades, connections, type of oil, and other parts before calling a professional repairer. With regular
