Introduction to Lawn Mower Maintenance
Introduction to Lawn Mower Maintenance
Just like any piece of equipment, your lawn mower needs regular maintenance to stay in top working condition. If you’re not sure where to get started, this guide is for you! Keep reading to learn the basics of lawn mower maintenance.
Are you still in the market for a lawn mower? Head over to Wildwood Mower & Saw. You can find great deals on top brands like Toro at our dealership in Wildwood, FL.
When to Perform Maintenance
Timing is important when it comes to mowing your lawn, and the same goes for maintaining your lawn mower. Many tasks need to be performed on an annual basis, or about every 50 usage hours. Here in Florida, many people operate their mowers in all four seasons, so you might need to perform these tasks more frequently than once a year.
If you are in the habit of placing your mower in storage for long periods, make sure to handle any maintenance and repair needs ahead of time. Storage can take a toll on your equipment, and cause any minor problems to worsen over time.
Maintenance Checklist
You can refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific maintenance instructions, but most lawn mowers require the following tasks to be performed at regular intervals:
- Changing the oil.
- Cleaning or replacing the spark plugs.
- Sharpening and adjusting the mower blades.
- Fogging the engine.
- Cleaning the mower and undercarriage.
- Removing old fuel or adding fuel stabilizer prior to storage.
Some Additional Tips
You should always have your owner’s manual handy for quick reference. Your manual will provide you with detailed tips and diagrams, and it will specify which parts and products are compatible with your mower. You can also use any blank pages in your owner’s manual to keep a service log.
When placing your mower in storage, you should either drain the fuel system completely, or add fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. This critical step will prevent degraded fuel from causing damage to your mower’s engine.
Regular cleaning will go a long way toward keeping your mower in good condition. For optimal performance, clear the grass clippings and other debris caught in the undercarriage after each mowing session.
Keep in mind that even the most well-maintained mower may have the occasional repair need. If your mower is not performing as it should, it’s important to address the problem right away. Some repair tasks can be handled at home using ordinary household tools, but sometimes you need the expertise that only a certified technician can provide.
When you encounter a problem you can’t fix, book an appointment with the service department here at Wildwood Mower & Saw. We welcome customers from Oxford, FL, and The Villages.