Is it too early to think about summer yet? In Reno, never! Sure, there’s little that can beat the serenity of Lake Tahoe after a fresh snowfall. But if you’re like most Southern Nevadans, you’re already thinking about your lawn. And if you’re thinking about your lawn, you’re probably thinking about caring for your electric lawn mower.
There are certain advantages an electric lawn mower has over a gas-powered mower. Besides the benefits of portability, less noise, smoke, and hassle of changing oil and filters, electric lawn mowers also bring the advantage of, ease of maintenance. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a right or wrong way to care for your lawn mower.
You shouldn’t have to throw money away each year on a new model. With a little extra care and attention, you can keep your electric lawn mower in perfect condition for years to come. Here are a few helpful tips you can use to make the most out of both your lawn and your mower.
Cleanliness — The Foundation Of Maintenance
This should seem like a pretty simple concept, but you wouldn’t believe the amount of times we’ve had customers bring an electric lawn mower in for repair only to discover that it wasn’t the engine that needed repair. It just needed to be cleaned.
Keep in mind, cleaning your lawn mower isn’t quite the same as cleaning your car. Remember that blades sharp enough to cut through weeds can also cut through skin. Be sure to wear a pair of thick gloves when cleaning the underside of your electric lawn mower. Don’t forget to clean the carriage and vents as well as the blades. Use a damp rag to wipe down your mower. While there are specialty cleaners available for heavy buildup, most people find simple soapy water will work just fine. Be thorough, however — cut grass residue can accumulate over time. The damper the grass, the greater the chance of erosion.
Quick Troubleshooting Tips For Your Electric Lawn Mower:
- Empty the cutting bag. Most newer models will stop automatically if the bag is full. Again, this may seem obvious, but many people tend to forget obvious check-ups in their rush to start mowing.
- Consider using a small amount of lubricant, such as WD-40, around moving parts. Not only will this keep your mower running smoothly, it helps prevent erosion.
- When cleaning your mower’s undercarriage, always ensure your battery or safety key is fully removed.
- Ensure that all nuts, bolts, cords and batteries are in place prior to charging.
- Check to see that your belt is fully aligned and clean.
- Do not power on your mower if the cord is frayed, exposed or loose. If you need to replace it, review your operator’s manual for the appropriate cord type. These can vary significantly from model to model.
- Double check to ensure there’s nothing clogging the air filter vents.
- If need be, bring your mower in if its blades need sharpening (frequently, your owner’s manual will be able to tell you just how many uses it can take before sharpening.)
- Ensure that your mower is at the correct length of height (again; refer to your operator’s manual.)
- Always store your mower inside, never outdoors. In addition to damage caused by rain, , both humidity and dry heat can harm your mower as well.
- If you’re storing your electric mower upright, always ensure that the blades are facing the wall to avoid accidental injuries.
- Prior to storage, inspect the battery for any cracks or faults. Most batteries will be covered under your warranty.
- Make sure your batteries are stored fully charged, and check them approximately every six weeks to make certain they’re at least 40 percent charged.
- Always ensure your mower is stored in a location where the temperature won’t drop below 32 degrees.
- Unless absolutely necessary, wait at least a full day after a heavy rain before mowing your lawn. Not only will damp grass corrode the blades, but cutting through wet grass is one of the most unpleasant and cumbersome tasks of maintaining your a lawn.
- Always perform a quick check-up prior to spring to ensure your model is functioning properly.
At Greg’s Small Engine, we’ve been serving the Reno and Carson City regions for decades — we’re available seven days/week, with pick-up and delivery options for your convenience. Visit us today at Greg’s Small Engine.
