Lawn Mower Service: How to Keep Your Mower Running Smooth
Lawnmower service should be done regularly to keep your mower running smoothly. If you don’t take care of your mower, it will eventually break down and need to be replaced. This blog post will discuss the different things you can do to service your lawnmower and keep it in good condition.
How to Keep Your Mower Running Smooth
Many people use lawnmowers. Some people use them to cut their grass on the weekends, and some people use them for their job. No matter why you use a lawnmower, it is important to do routine maintenance to keep it running well and lasting longer. You should also be mindful of where you store your lawn equipment. You can consider building custom shed kits, which are easy to build and affordable. In addition, you can also add a shed ramp to make sure your mower is not hitting the base whenever you store it inside.
Routine Mower Care
There may come a time when you have to replace your lawnmower. However, following 10 routine maintenance steps can help you avoid more expensive repairs in the future. Taking these steps will also help extend the life of your lawnmower.
Step 1: Stabilize the Fuel
If you do not use your lawnmower for a long time, the fuel in the mower can clog the carburetor. To prevent this, you should operate the lawnmower often during the mowing season. If you do not use your lawnmower for more than 30 days, you should add a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline in the tank. At a neighborhood store, a fuel stabilizer costs less than ten dollars. It is also recommended to add a fuel stabilizer when preparing the lawnmower for storage in the off-season. Suppose you do not add a fuel stabilizer when you start using the lawnmower again in the spring. In that case, you may have to pay to have the carburetor professionally cleaned.
Step 2: Change the Oil
The engine in a lawnmower will last longer if you change the oil. The moving parts inside the engine create friction, which makes heat. If this heat isn’t stopped, it will cause the parts to break down. Oiling these parts is important to keep them from breaking. Make sure the oil reservoir is filled to the dipstick’s designated point. Remember that too much or too little oil can be bad for the engine. Using high-grade oil will improve engine performance by lubricating and cooling the engine better.
Step 3: Get a Reliable Battery
If your lawn equipment isn’t working as well as it should, try charging the battery. Mowers need a certain amount of voltage to power their lights, sensors, blades, starter, and coil.
Step 4: Keep the Deck Clean
Make sure to keep the area beneath the mower deck free of grass clippings. This will help reduce rust buildup. Always remember to wipe off the deck after rinsing the mower. Remove buildup on hard-to-reach areas with a blower or a bristles scrubber. Some individuals apply a silicone spray to avoid future buildup on and under the deck.
Step 5: Replace the Spark Plugs
The way gasoline combusts in an engine is influenced by spark plugs. If there is not enough electricity from the spark plug, the engine will not start. Spark plugs need to be replaced every 100 hours, and if the engine runs roughly, it might be a sign that the spark plugs need to be replaced. Always check the owner’s manual for information on replacing spark plugs and what type of spark plug to buy. The price for a spark plug can range from five to ten dollars, depending on the size of your equipment.
Step 6: Sharpen the Blades
Mower blades are important when it comes to cutting grass. You need to make sure the blades are sharpened and balanced. If the blades are dull, the motor will have to work harder to turn them. This will cause the blades to tear off the end of the grass. This will make your lawn look bad for a few days because of all the white pieces of grass.
If you have a lawn that grows quickly and needs to be mowed often, you should sharpen your blades regularly. It’s also a good idea to have an extra set of blades on hand if you need them. The cost of new blades usually ranges from $30-$50, depending on the size of the equipment. Be sure to only use blades approved by the manufacturer for your specific lawnmower model.
Step 7: Check the Air Filter
Cleaning the air filter helps the engine get the right air to work well. Small dust particles and grass clipping attach to the air filter when the mower cuts grass. This makes it difficult for the engine to acquire adequate air, reducing its performance. To clean the filter, put it in water and use mild soap. If the filter is too dirty to clean, you can get a new one. Keep track of when to get it replaced. Depending on the size of your equipment, an air filter costs less than ten dollars.
Step 8: Replace the Fuel Filter
Clean fuel is important for an engine to run smoothly and efficiently. The fuel filter cleans all fuel from the gasoline tank to the engine. Particles from a gas canister may fall into the fuel tank of the device. As the fuel flows through the filter, it will be cleaned, making it easier to get to the engine.
A fuel filter is usually not found on smaller lawn equipment. Even so, larger to medium-sized equipment usually comes with one to assist gasoline filtration. On smaller equipment, check and replace the fuel bulb priming regularly. Check the service manual to see how often filters and priming bulbs should be cleaned and replaced.
Step 9: Check Tire Pressure
Believe it or not, if the pressure in your tires is low on one or more tires, it can make the lawn uneven. That’s because the mower deck will cut the grass differently depending on how inflated each tire is. Ensure to check the air pressure in your tires regularly and inspect them for any damage so you don’t put unnecessary strain on the engine and transmission.
Step 10: Service the Belts
Make sure to check the belts for any cracks or worn spots. This will help to prevent the equipment from breaking down or not operating correctly. If the belts are old and cracked, it will be difficult for the equipment to cut through the grass easily.
You can check out this link for more information on how to maintain your lawn mower.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Mower Service
How Often Should a Lawn Mower Be Serviced?
Once a year, we recommend servicing your yard equipment. You should check all serviceable items, such as spark plugs, air filters, oil, fuel filter, blades, and tires. However, you may not need to change all those items every year.
How Long Does the Average Lawnmower Last?
Most mowers will last around 10 years. That is if you use it a lot. But they might not last as long if you don’t use them much. The climate in your area can also affect how long they last too.
Is It Worth Getting a Lawnmower Repaired?
Occasionally, spending a lot of money on repairs is justified. For example, if you need to spend $600 on repairs, but your house is worth $1,000 more after the repairs are done, it is worth it. But if your old riding lawn mower needs a new engine that will cost $200, it might not be worth it to fix the old one.
Is It OK to Hose Down a Lawnmower?
It is OK to hose off your mower, but avoid spraying water on the engine. Do not use a pressure washer to clean your mower. Cleaning after every use is important because decaying grass will eat all your metal components. A thorough clean down at the end of the season is critical to your mower’s health.
How Often Does a Lawnmower Need a Tune-Up?
You should have your lawn mower tuned up every year. If used a lot, you should tune it up every 100 hours. You should also sharpen the blades, clean the machine, check the belt tension, tire pressure, and engine cooling fins.
How Often Should Lawn Mower Spark Plugs Be Changed?
Every season, you should check and/or replace spark plugs. Replace the spark plug if your lawnmower or outdoor motor equipment will not start.
How Often Should I Change My Lawn Mower Air Filter?
You should replace your air filter once per season or after you have used it for 300 hours. If the conditions are dusty, you might need to clean it more often or replace it.
What Is the Difference Between Lawn Care and Lawn Maintenance?
A lawn care program is for the soil and lawn. Without toxic chemicals, the soil will be healthier. Lawn maintenance includes:
- Removing leaves and other things on the ground.
- Edging around your yard.
- Cutting grass, and more in spring and fall.
What Is the Difference Between Lawn Care and Lawn Service?
Lawn care means that a company will care for your lawn and landscape. They will mow it, edge it, trim the edges, and prune the plants. To do this, they need to be licensed in their state to use fertilizers, herbicides, fungicides, and pesticides.