Your lawnmower is an essential piece of gardening equipment. To operate at its highest efficiency, it must be maintained regularly.
A lawnmower needs oil changes, washes, and inspections. These activities may seem unnecessary initially but will pay off in the long run. When you maintain your lawnmower, you are less likely to get damaged or have accidents and more likely to prolong its life.
If you know very little about landscaping or lawn care, prolonging lawnmower maintenance is common, but there are better decisions.
Here, we will give you four simple tips to help you.
1. Clean the platform
The deck is the metal part of your lawnmower that covers the blades and rollers. When you finish mowing, turn the mower on its side and remove any grass clippings, dirt, or debris stuck to the blades or deck. If you have a small lawn, you can do it by hand. If there is buildup, you can use soap, water, and a wire brush to scrape it off.
2. Replace the Engine Oil
Like a car, your mower’s oil needs to be checked regularly. Monitor its level and look for debris. If the oil is dirty or dark black, drain it using the drain plug underneath your mower. If you can’t find a drain plug, carefully tilt the machine to drain. Each oil change should provide approximately 50 hours of operation. Be sure to use clean SAE 30 engine oil.
3. Change the Air Filter Regularly
For most mowers, there will be a paper or foam air filter that will be easily accessible. These are relatively inexpensive and should be replaced annually. Clogged or dirty filters cause the gas to burn less efficiently and put more operating stress on the machine.
It might make the motor lose power in the middle of use or not start in the first place. Change the filter at the beginning of every operating season or after 25 hours of operation–whichever is first.
4. Keep an Eye on the Spark Plug
Dirty or old spark plugs can cause many problems with your machine. One danger is that your mower might lose power during use. Spark plugs are easy to replace and inexpensive to purchase. Replace them once a year or after 100 hours of mower use. When installing the new plug, do not over-tighten it, as this can prevent the mower from starting.
5. Clean the Mower Deck
The mower deck and its undercarriage often get clogged with grass and other debris. To a certain extent, this is normal, but too much build-up might cause uneven cuts or engine problems. Disconnect the spark plug and use soap and water to clean the mower to remove grease, dirt, and grass. If you have a heavy build-up on the undercarriage, use a tool to scrape it.
6. Clean the Engine
The engine’s air screen and cylinder fins must be free of dirt and debris to operate at total capacity. This might sound more difficult if you do not have mechanical experience, but consult your owner’s manual to familiarize yourself with your engine’s anatomy. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid getting gasoline residue on your hands, and make sure the machine is cool to the touch before you begin.
