Simple Maintenance Tips for Lawn Mowers

Simple maintenance procedures can ensure that you're mower starts up every time you bring it out of storage. Before you put you're mower away for the year, drain the fuel. Many problems occur from bad gas. Before you store you're fuel for the winter, add a fuel stabilizer. This will keep the gas fresh and ready to use when the grass starts growing.

I can't stress enough changing the oil in your mower. Keeping fresh oil in the engine will help you to avoid any damage done from improperly lubricated moving parts. Check the manufacturers recommendations and get in the habit of checking your oil every time you start the engine. Let the engine sit on level ground and allow enough time for the oil to settle in the pan before checking to ensure an accurate reading on the dipstick.

Before you pull that string, check the spark plug for corrosion. If the damage is excessive, replace it. Bad plugs are the number one source for cold starting problems. Excessive damage is characterized by off color and overall oxidation of the spark plug point. Small tan and light brown deposits are normal for a properly sparking plug. Changing the plug every season is recommended for optimum engine performance.

Along with the plug, the filters should be cleaned or replaced. Blow the air filter out with a compressed air nozzle if it's not overly dirty. Again check the manufacturers recommendations for replacing the air and fuel filters. A cleaner engine means a longer lasting, more efficient engine.

Now for the deck and blades. The spark plug wire or battery terminals should be disconnected before doing any maintenance. Some people sharpen their blades every time they mow. This is not necessary, unless you have a huge yard over an acre and you mow it more than once or twice a week. Sharpening the blades can be an art. The proper way to sharpen a blade is to only sharpen the side of the blade that's doing the cutting. A table top grinder can be used to clean the sod buildup and grind the blade to a fine edge. A file can also be used but this method will take a little more time and effort.

The deck should be cleaned with the blades off. Take a putty knife and scrape the underside, while trying to remove as much of the buildup as possible. You won't need to clean the deck that often, so remember to check it's condition every time you sharpen the blades.

If you follow these simple maintenance tips, your mower should last for years to come. Remember, simple maintenance can save you a lot of money in the future. As well as, keep the headaches to a minimum.