LAWN MOWER MAINTENANCE

by Jackson Blythe-ONeill

A lawn mower is one of the more expensive pieces of equipment that every homeowner needs, so it's important to main it properly. When maintained as they should be, a lawn mower can last for many years and will operate well during this time. Unfortunately though, not maintaining your lawn mower can eventually lead to the mower not working properly and in turn, it won't last as long.



There are certain key aspects of lawn mower maintenance that need to be borne in mind.



Maintenance After Each Use



After every use, you should clean the top and also the underside of the lawnmower so it stays free of dirt and help it to stay free of debris that can clog the underside and cause issues for bagging. Another good idea is to clean the grass out from under the wheels each time you cut the grass and also clean the grass that may be trapped under the blade. If you were to leave the grass there, after time the lawn mower will rust and you will need to purchase a new mower. If you own a water cooled mower, make sure to check the coolant level after use and also clean the radiator. For 4 stroke mowers, make sure to check the oil and add oil if it's low as low oil level will cause the engine to fail.



Lawn Mower Care before winter



When winter arrives, it is time to put the lawn mower to rest as the lawn will be covered with snow. It is best to prepare the lawnmower for this long rest. Drain the machine of all remaining fuel. Evaporation of fuel during a long dormant fuel may cause the carburetor to clog up. Run the engine until all remaining fuel is burnt up.



Proper Lubrication



Depending on how often you use the lawn mower, you will need to change the oil at least one time per season. It may also be wise to lubricate the throttle linkage and the choke to ensure that they move freely. Look for grease fittings that will also need to be greased each season.



Replace Blades



Dull mower blades damage the grass and results in uneven cuts. It is therefore important to check the blades regularly for any signs of dullness and replace them accordingly. Usually, blades are replaced at least once a year.

About the Author:

Researching riding lawnmowers before you buy them is a great idea. Finding good lawn mower reviews is hard to do, but they are available online. Jackson has written for other sites and often helps local neighbors with their own mower maintenance.