How often do you tackle the upkeep of your lawn? What tools and equipment do you rely on?
If there’s one important tool any gardener or landscaper should keep in their arsenal, it is a lawn mower. Whether you are maintaining your own residential garden, or performing grounds maintenance on an industrial scale, having access to reliable equipment will ensure that your efforts are fruitful. However, even the most well-maintained machines don’t always run perfectly. Sometimes, repairs are necessary in order to keep your mower running smoothly. So, it’s important to know how to repair a lawn mower when it breaks down.
How to Repair a Lawn Mower
There are some lawn mower repairs that virtually anyone can do, as long as you have a basic understanding of tools. It’s not overly complicated, but you will need to be able to understand the basic principles of lawn mower repair. Here are eight tips to help you fix some of the most common lawn mower-related issues.
1. How to replace the spark plug
Knowing how to repair a lawn mower starts with learning how to tackle a bad spark plug. A faulty spark plug can be responsible for various problems with your lawn mower. One of the most common issues is trouble starting your mower. Replacing the spark plug is one of the more straightforward fixes you can do at home. Replacement parts are also not usually too expensive or difficult to install.
How to replace your spark plug:
- Remove your old plug by carefully unscrewing it with a screwdriver (ensure there’s no residual fuel in it) and clearing away any dirt from around the shaft.
- Replace it with a new spark plug, which you can find at your local hardware store, and secure it tightly.
- Check if the correct voltage has been placed on your new plug before attempting to start up your mower, as this could lead to injury.
2. How to check if your mower blade needs to be replaced
If you are experiencing ongoing issues with the strength of your mower’s cut, there may be something wrong with your blades. In order to figure out how to fix this problem will depend on which type of blade your machine uses. If you have a rotary mower, the chances are that you need to replace individual blades as they start to dull. The way in which you replace them will depend on how well-equipped your model is for changing parts, but essentially involves removing the old blade and screwing in a new one.
Conversely, if you have a cylinder mower, you may need to remove the entire deck of the machine so you can access the blades underneath. The way in which you do this will vary depending on your lawn mower model. However, it’s likely to involve unscrewing a bolt or two, and then detaching the blades from underneath.
3. How to change your mower’s oil
Cleaning out your mower’s engine is essential in order to keep it in good working order. The frequency of your oil changes depends on a number of factors. These include how often your machine is used, and its previous usage history. There is no set schedule for servicing your mower, as it will largely depend on your specific model and circumstances. However, here are some general guidelines for changing your mower’s oil:
- If your lawn mower has a manual oil filler cap, add new motor oil when the oil indicator level is near or below the ”Add” line.
- If your lawnmower has an automatic turn-off switch that turns off the engine when it’s tilted at 25°, change your motor oil when this occurs, as this is(the best time to do it. The way in which you fix this problem depends on which type of machine you have, and how well-equipped for servicing it is. For example, if you have a rotary mower, you will need to detach the spark plug wire in order to gain access to the underside of your mower where oil can be added. The method for adding new oil will differ depending on your model too, but once again, this will typically involve removing some screws and replacing them with fresh lubricant.
4. How to repair grass bag problems
If your grass bag is broken or damaged, addressing this issue will depend on which model mower you have. It will also depend on the material from which your bag is made. For example, plastic bags are usually easy to replace if they become scratched or torn. Just buy a replacement bag and attach it using the supplied piece of string. Fixing this problem with metal bags involves replacing them completely, as attaching new parts has proved difficult in previous tests done by various lawn mower manufacturers (namely, with three different brands.)
A well-maintained lawn adds curb appeal to your home and can also increase your property value. Keep your machine in tip-top condition and learn how to repair a lawn mower properly by using this guide.
Whether you have commercial or residential lawn mower equipment, Greg’s Small Engine Service and Repair specializes in lawn mower service for your needs. We have the tools and experience necessary to service a wide variety of lawn mower types. Give us a call to learn more!
