Lawn Mower Care and Maintenance
Whether you’ve recently purchased your first lawn mower or you’re thinking about buying one soon, you’ll love having access to powerful equipment that helps you keep your yard looking lush and healthy.
However, it’s important to note that proper lawn mower care and maintenance is essential for keeping your equipment in pristine condition. After all, you want to enjoy your machine for as long as possible! You won’t get a precise cut if you allow your mower to become clogged with clippings or the blade is too dull. That’s why the team at On Spot Repair has created this guide with some practical lawn mower care and maintenance tips to help you out.
Lubrication
One of the best things you can do for your equipment is to keep it properly lubricated. Your lawn mower engine has an oil reservoir, which will keep the crankshaft and pistons lubricated. You check this oil just as you would in your automobile. Remove the dipstick, clean it off, insert it again, then remove it for a clear reading. If you notice the oil is sludgy or discolored, it might be time to change it. If it’s good to go, simply top it off as needed and start mowing! Keep in mind your oil should always be free of water, metal shavings, and other impurities.
Clean the Undercarriage
Another important aspect of lawn mower care and maintenance is keeping the undercarriage clean. This will prevent overheating and clogging. As you can probably imagine, a dirty undercarriage that is covered in clippings or other debris won’t work nearly as well as a clean one. A riding mower is too heavy to lift yourself, so you’ll need to drive it onto a small ramp or blocks to access the undercarriage. Use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to blast away clippings and debris.
Change the Spark Plugs
Your spark plugs play a significant role, so they’ll need attention during your maintenance routine. Generally speaking, you’ll need to change the spark plugs every year or two to maintain excellent engine performance. Check to see if the ones you’ve purchased are pre-gapped. If not, you’ll need to use a tool called a spark plug gap. This will help you set your gap to the proper width when you’re done changing them.
Sharpen the Blade
Finally, don’t forget to sharpen the blade. The grass in your yard may look smooth on the surface, but don’t be fooled. There’s always the potential for hazards lurking just beneath that smooth surface. These hazards can do serious damage to your blade. Your lawn mower care and maintenance routine should always include a blade inspection. You can grind off dull material with a file, grinder, or burr. Soon enough, your blade will be sharp again and ready to provide you with a perfect cut without shredding your grass.
If you have any questions about lawn mower care and maintenance, our team can help. Stop by our dealership in Whitchurch-Stouffville, ON, to take a look at our wide array of new and used lawn mowers for sale. On Spot Repair is proud to serve our Ontario customers in Mississauga.
