Learn these tips to keep your lawn mower running smoothly. You will learn how to clean, store, maintain, and service your mower so it keeps working well through the whole mowing season.
Looking after your lawnmower does not have to be hard. With a few steady habits, you can prevent common problems, reduce wear and tear, and help your machine run better for years. A little attention at the right time can extend its life and keep your lawn looking neat after every cut.
Clean Your Lawnmower After Every Use
Each time you mow, grass clippings, dirt, and debris stick to the underside and build up in the mower deck. If you leave it for too long, it can hold moisture, cause rust, and reduce airflow around the engine. That can hurt performance and make starting harder next time.
After you finish, make sure the engine is off and cool. Then remove clumps under the deck with a brush or plastic scraper. Wipe the outside, clear the vents, and check around the wheels so nothing is stuck. This simple cleaning step helps prevent damage and keeps the mower running well.
Check and Change the Oil Regularly
Oil protects the engine and helps it stay cooler while it works. When the oil gets dirty, the engine has to work harder, which can lead to extra tear and poor cutting. That is why it is important to check the oil often.
To check, pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, put it back, then pull again to see the oil level. If it is low, refill to the correct level. If it looks very dark, it is time to change the oil and add new oil. Many people do this once a year, or after a set number of hours of use, especially during the busiest part of the season. Always use the type of oil found in the manual for your model, and take care to drain old oil safely.
Keep the Air Filter Clean
A dirty air filter can make the engine run rough, reduce power, and make it harder to start. It can also lead to more fuel use, because the engine cannot breathe properly. Over time, that can affect how smoothly the mower runs.
Check the filter during the season, especially if you mow in dusty areas. Some filters can be tapped clean or washed, but others are meant to be swapped. If it is damaged or very clogged, it is best to replace the air filter. Doing this when needed is a small job, but it can make a big difference to mower running and long-term care.
Look After The Spark Plug
A worn or dirty spark plug can cause poor starting, uneven running, or the engine cutting out. If your mower struggles to start, the spark plug is a good place to check.
Before you do any work near the blade or engine, disconnect the spark plug lead. This helps prevent the machine from starting by accident. Then remove the plug and look at the tip.
If it is very dirty, cracked, or worn, replace it. Keeping spark plugs in good condition helps the engine start more easily and run smoothly.
Use Fresh Fuel and Avoid Carburettor Trouble
Fuel that sits for too long can go stale and cause starting problems. It can also lead to sticky build-up inside the carburettor, which can stop the engine from getting the right mix of fuel and air. If the mower has been stored for a while, stale fuel is a common reason it will not start.
During the season, try to use fresh fuel and only keep what you will use soon. If you notice the mower runs for a bit then stops, or needs many pulls to start, fuel issues may be the cause. At the end of the season, many mowers do best if you either drain the tank and run the engine until it stops, or follow the manual’s steps for storage. This helps prevent carburettor problems in spring.
Sharpen the Blades and Check Blade Balance
Sharp blades help you cut grass cleanly. Dull blades rip the grass, which can turn the lawn brown at the tips and make it easier for disease to take hold. If you see ragged edges after mowing, it is time to sharpen.
When you remove the blade for sharpening, inspect it closely for chips or bends. A damaged blade should be replaced, because it can be unsafe and can harm the deck. After sharpening, check the balance so the blade does not wobble when spinning. A balanced blade protects the mower deck, reduces shaking, and helps the engine last longer.
Tighten and Inspect Key Parts
Mowing creates vibration, and that can loosen parts over time. Every so often, take a moment to check and tighten any bolts, nuts, and handles you can reach safely. If something feels loose, fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.
Also monitor the mower for signs of rubbing, cracking, or leaks. Look at the deck, wheel mounts, and any cables or guards. This is a good way to spot small issues before they lead to hard starts, poor cutting, or breakdowns right when you need the mower most.
Set Up Good Mowing Habits
How you mow can affect your mower’s condition. Try not to cut very long grass all at once, because it puts extra strain on the engine and can clog the underside. If the lawn is long, raise the height and do it in more than one pass. Remember that wet grass sticks more, so it often takes more cleaning afterwards.
It also helps to watch for stones, sticks, and hidden debris. Hitting them can damage the blade, bend parts, and mark the deck. Taking a bit of care each time you mow can prevent sudden problems and improve results.
Store Your Mower Properly at the End of the Season
Where you store the machine matters. Damp places can cause rust and other damage, especially under the deck. A dry shed or garage is best. If you must store it elsewhere, cover it and keep it off the ground.
At the end of the season, clean it well, check the oil, and deal with the fuel as the manual suggests. Many owners also disconnect the spark plug lead for safety and to prevent accidental starting. Proper end-of-season steps help the lawn mower's next start in spring feel much easier.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Guide and Keep Notes
Every model is a little different, so always read the service guide. It will tell you when to change oil, when to check filters, and what parts are needed. It may also include extra information like plug type, fuel advice, and deck care.
If you ever look up help online, read a few sources and the comments carefully, then compare what you find with the manual. Keeping a simple note of the last oil change, filter change, and sharpening times can help you stay on track and keep your lawn mowers running smoothly all year.
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