It doesn't matter how big your front lawn is, or how technical your lawnmower knowledge is. How to maintain a lawn mower is a complex question with a simple answer to it: regular checking of your equipment. It's also about safety and savings. Careful maintenance will allow you to postpone the purchase of a new lawn mower for several or even more years.
Why is Lawn Mower Maintenance Essential?
If you want your mower to serve you for about 10–15 years, you simply must maintain it. You can do it yourself, or you can have it serviced by a professional.
What is the Cost of Lawn Mowers Maintenance?
Annual lawn mowers maintenance costs can range from $100 to $300, depending on the condition of the mower and whether you do the work yourself or choose professional services. A simple example is replacing the air filter. This will cost you $5 to $20 if you do it yourself; and $10 to $50 for professional service. Such a significant difference will apply to the replacement of all parts, so it may be worth choosing a mixed option, but still entrusting the most complex works to specialists.
Timing Your Lawn Mower Care
It's a good idea to service your lawn mower either before the first mow of the season or at the end, when you're getting it ready for storage. Lawn mower care at the end of the season is important because it helps prevent problems during the months when it’s not in use. By doing basic lawn mower maintenance and winterizing your mower in the fall, you'll be ready to mow as soon as spring comes.
Preparation Before Maintenance
Even when turned off, a lawnmower can be a very dangerous machine. After all, it has sharp blades, and they can spin at the highest speeds. Do not underestimate the safety precautions in this case. 4 valuable lawn mower maintenance tips are at your disposal below.
Review the Owner’s Manual
Re-read the manual and refresh your knowledge of how to service a lawn mower. There is a lot of work ahead, and you might have missed something from last year. The manual also has tips on specific types of gasoline and oils, something that can certainly slip our minds over time.
Gather Necessary Tools and Materials
Put your tools in one place and ensure that you are comfortable in your workplace. Nothing unnecessary, just the essentials.
Allow the Machine to Cool Down
Do it to avoid possible burns from hot parts. We don't need any injuries with push mower maintenance.
Disconnect the Power Source
Depending on the type of mower you have, disconnect the spark plug, or unplug the mower and remove the battery.
Lawn Equipment Maintenance
Basic lawn equipment maintenance should be performed at least once a year. So make it a habit to perform the following steps, set aside a day for them and perform them without hesitation.
Examine and Replace the Spark Plug
The spark plug is the key element that powers the lawnmower. Always keep it clean and replace it every 25–50 hours of operation.
Change the Oil as Required
Another critical component is that it makes the parts work in the right rhythm. Locate the oil drain plug, place the oil pan under it, and drain the oil completely. When pouring in new oil, be sure to check the instructions for the type and amount of a new liquid before the change.
Clean and Swap Out the Air Filter
This filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine. It should also be kept clean. Wash it with mild soap, and if you see that there are too many clogs, replace it with a new one.
Sharpen and Balance the Blades
Dull blades are no good. They do a lot of damage to your lawn, and they will also cause you to waste more fuel. After every 25 hours of operation, sharpen or replace them. Balancing is equally important. If it is incorrect, there will be a lot of strain on the engine. For a do-it-yourself procedure, you will need a vise, a file and a special blade balancer to check your work. You can also call in a specialist.
Clean the Mower Deck
Lawn, grass clippings, dirt, and debris adhere very tightly to the mower deck during mowing. If not cleaned in time, this can lead to corrosion. We recommend a light cleaning after each session and a thorough cleaning at least once a season with a sturdy brush, scraper, blower, or mower cleaning tool.
Inspect and Drain the Fuel
If the lawnmower is left idle for a long period of time, gas can cause clogging of the carburetor. Draining should definitely be done before the winter period, and the general rule is to do it after 30 days without use. This is a fairly easy procedure that you can do yourself.
Verify Tire Pressure
Well-balanced tires on your lawnmower result in an even, smooth cut. Refer to the manual for the recommended parameters, then use a pressure gauge and inflate or deflate all 4 units to the required level.
Maintain and Recharge Batteries
If you are the lucky owner of a battery-powered lawn mower, you will also have something to do. Inspect the battery terminals for corrosion and remove the rust with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. If your mower is equipped with a lead-acid battery, make sure the water level in each cell is good.
Remove the battery and place it in a suitable, ventilated location. Use the native charger or an equivalent that fits the specifications in the manual. Store the battery separately in a warm, dry location. It might be worth checking on them periodically during the winter to ensure they're still secure.
Lubricate the Moving Components
The blade spindle, mower drive system components, wheel axles and in general any moving parts of the lawnmower need lubrication. Always apply a generous amount of grease to the parts and then move them slightly before starting work.
Advice for Storing Your Lawn Mower During the Off-Season
Of course, it's best to keep your lawnmower indoors. No humidity inside is a must for such a premise. Shed, garage and utility room are classic options. It's also not a bad idea to put something under the mower – any kind of stand. Concrete surfaces can damage lawn mower wheels. Please cover your equipment with a tarp. This will give extra protection from moisture.
DIY vs. Professional Mower Servicing
With the DIY option, you have to be prepared for 15 routines, some of which are quite complicated. You'll have to do them once a year, but you may have to spend a whole day of your life on them. Servicing a lawn mower by professionals will not be cheap if you order them individually. But if you find a loyal service nearby and turn on your famous charm, a good discount is guaranteed.
UDC Parts: Your Partner in Lawn Mower Maintenance
UDC Parts is the place to turn to as soon as you need a spare part. You can buy from us both for professional service and for your own needs. In any case, we are ready to provide detailed consultations and will also please you with discounts.
Conclusions
Maintenance lawn mower is similar to the maintenance of a car. With some breakdowns you can cope on your own, with some you need to contact the service, but in any case, this machinery requires increased attention. Or it falls into disrepair.
