Mower Maintenance

Check Your Oil

Before you start your mower maintenance check the oil level with the engine cold, using your mower’s dipstick. If it’s low, add oil as directed in the manufacturer’s manual. For most residential lawnmowers, change the oil yearly. If your mower records usage hours, and you use it heavily, change the oil as often as the manufacturer recommends.

Filters

Air filters prevent dust from entering the engine. You need to replace them annually, or more often if they fill with dust and debris, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. They are usually inexpensive and easy to replace, helping keep your mower engine in top condition.

Change fuel filters yearly too. This simple, cost-effective step can significantly extend your mower’s engine life.

Spark Plugs

Spark plugs, the key to starting your engine, need regular checks and maintenance. Push mowers typically have one, while riding mowers have two. Inspect them for clean contacts and no scoring. Replace them every two years, ensuring you buy the correct type for your mower. Follow your owner’s manual for replacement instructions, including the correct spark plug gap. Be careful to avoid cross-threading during installation. Once correctly threaded, tighten them with a spark-plug socket wrench.

Mower Blades

Keep your mower blades sharp for a healthy lawn. Dull blades harm grass, causing ragged wounds that invite disease and slow recovery. Before removing blades, disconnect the spark plug or, for electric mowers, remove the battery. Secure the blade with a board, brick, or metal pipe, then unscrew the bolt holding it.

Sharpen the blades with a bench grinder, grinding stone, or file. Lawn services or hardware stores often offer sharpening services and kits. After sharpening and cleaning, ensure the blade is balanced using a cone-shaped balance from the kit. Reinstall the blade with a torque wrench, tightening it to your manual’s specifications.

Cleaning the Mower

After mowing, always clean your mower to prevent rust and extend its lifespan. Use a leaf blower or air compressor to remove clippings, dust, and debris. Lift the engine cover to clean around the engine and battery, taking care around wiring and hoses.

Some mowers have a garden hose port for cleaning the underside. Follow your manual’s instructions for this feature. Regularly inspect and clean the underside, removing clippings with a putty knife. Always disconnect the spark plug or remove the battery before reaching near the blades.