Mower Maintenance

Tips for Spring Maintenance:

Start the season off right by tuning up your mower, sharpening your blades, and stocking up with the right tools!

• Clean Under the Deck: Removing old grass clippings from beneath the deck will ensure your blade has room to work properly.  First turn your mower on up on its side (with the carburetor and air filter facing upwards) and then use a scraper or a hose. If you have a riding mower, you can get underneath by driving the front wheels up a set of ramps like those you’d use to change the oil in your car.  After cleaning, spray with non-stick cooking oil to reduce clipping buildup.

• Tune up your engine. If you have a power mower, spring is the time to change the oil, drain and refill the crankcase with oil, replace the spark plug(s), and clean/replace the air filter to ensure optimum performance. You can do these tasks yourself or take it to a service center (Google “Lawn Mowers-Sharpening & Repairing" to find a business near you)

• Sharpen your mower blades. You can do this yourself  if you have the time, or for very little money you can have it done professionally (search “Lawn Mowers-Sharpening & Repairing” on Google for more information).  Pick up a spare blade or two and an extra wrench in the size you need, so you’ll always have a sharp one ready to go.  BE SAFE!  Newly sharpened blades are VERY sharp.  ALWAYS WEAR WORK GLOVES WHEN CHANGING THE BLADE!

• Get a “no-spill” gas can for tank refills.  These containers help reduce evaporative emissions and wasted fuel. In addition, they help keep splashed gas off you and the ground, thus helping to reduce stormwater pollution and protect our water resources. Be sure to fill the fuel tank no more than three-quarters full to allow for expansion without overflowing.