How to Take Care of your Lawn Mower

A well-manicured lawn is one of the easiest ways to improve the curb appeal of a property. A lawn mower is the best tool for the job, providing a clean, even, and professional-looking cut. However, lawn mowers require regular maintenance to function correctly. Whether you’ve just purchased your first one or you’ve been using the same model for years, it’s important to take care of your lawn mower so that it lasts for as long as possible. In this blog post, we’ll give you tips on taking care of your lawn mower.

Read the manual 

We know, we know. Reading the manual is not exactly anyone’s idea of a good time. But this isn’t one to skip if you want to get the most out of your lawn mower. The manual will tell you everything you need to know about your specific model, including how to change the oil, sharpen the blades, and troubleshoot any common problems. Trust us, taking the time to read through it will be worth it in the long run.

Change the oil regularly 

Just like with your car, changing the oil in your lawn mower is crucial if you want it to run smoothly. Check your manual to see how often you should be doing this – typically, it’s every 50 hours of use or so. And when you do change the oil, be sure to dispose of the old oil properly at a recycling center. Don’t just pour it down the drain!

Keep the blades sharp 

If you want your lawn mower to give your grass a clean cut, you need to keep the blades sharp. Most people will need to do this about once a season, but if you notice that your grass isn’t being cut as evenly, as usual, it’s probably time for a blade sharpen-up sooner than that. You can either take them to a professional or do it yourself if you have the right tools; again, consult your manual for more information.

Clean it after each use 

This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people don’t bother cleaning their lawn mower after each use. Allowing grass clippings and other debris to build up can cause many problems. So, sweep out the undercarriage and clean off any excess grass before putting your mower away for the day.

Store it properly 

When you’re not using your lawn mower, it’s essential to store it safely and securely. If possible, keep it in a shed or garage so it’s out of the elements. And if you don’t have either of those, be sure to at least put a tarp over it to keep it dry. Allowing your mower to sit out in the rain will rust the blades and cause other problems down the line.

Check for damage regularly 

Even if you take all of the proper precautions, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong with your lawn mower. That’s why it’s important to check it over regularly for any damage, no matter how minor. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, take it to a professional immediately so they can fix it before it becomes a bigger problem.

Get it serviced regularly 

In addition to checking for damage, taking your lawn mower in for regular service appointments is also a good idea. This is especially true if you’ve had it for a while or if you use it frequently. During these appointments, a technician will check for any major problems and perform any necessary maintenance tasks, such as oil changes and blade sharpening.

Keep an eye on the fuel 

If you have a gas-powered lawn mower, paying attention to the fuel level is important. Allowing the tank to run too low can damage the engine, so be sure to fill it up before each use. And if you’re not using your mower for a while, it’s best to empty the fuel completely and run the engine dry. This will prevent the gas from gumming up the works and causing problems down the road.

Following these tips will help you keep your lawn mower in tip-top shape for years to come. Need advice about the right lawn mower, snow blower or other equipment? Ask us at Greg’s Small Engine, we’re here to help! Whether you simply want to upgrade an old piece of equipment or you’re looking for something new, we’ll advise you on the right things to look for in a new piece of equipment. Visit us to learn more!