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Maintaining Your Equipment: Essential Lawn Mowing Machine Care Tips

  • Writer: Kiera Peterson
    Kiera Peterson
  • Jun 23
  • 4 min read

Updated: Jul 4

Mowing your lawn may seem like a simple task, but the machinery behind it requires careful upkeep if you want to ensure its longevity. Neglecting regular maintenance can expedite equipment wear and tear and cause operational issues. To help you maximise the life of your lawn mower, we've put together this comprehensive guide. It covers everything from understanding the basics of different kinds of mowers, to pre and post-mow care, troubleshooting tips, and sustainable practices—ultimately elevating the performance and lifespan of your machine.

Understanding Your Lawn Mower: The Basics-

Understanding the basics of your lawn mower is the first step towards effective maintenance. Different types of mowers-broadcasts, rotary, reel, riding-have varying maintenance needs. Know your machine well, whether it’s an electric, gas, or manual mower.

Electric mowers are quite easy-going, but checking and replacing the blades regularly is essential. On the other hand, gas mowers need careful attention towards oil levels, air filters, spark plugs, in addition to their blades. Manual mowers may not have engines, but their blade alignment and sharpness need regular tuning.

Like knowing your own body before heading for a workout, understanding your lawn mower's workings is the foundational step in preserving its health and, by extension, your lawn's beauty.

Definitive Lawn Mower Maintenance: Seasonal Tips & Tricks-

Every season brings unique challenges that can impact your lawn mower's performance. In spring, a full service, including a thorough cleaning, oil and filter change, and general tune-up, is recommended to prepare for the mowing season ahead. During summer, frequent checks on the air filter and cooling system can save your mower from overheating.

As autumn sets in, regular cleaning of fallen leaves and debris from the mower becomes especially important to prevent clogging. Finally, winterising your mower-preparing it for inactivity during the colder months-is critical. This means draining or stabilising fuel, removing the battery (if it has one), and storing the mower in a dry, sheltered area.


Lawn Mowing
Lawn Mowing

Essential Pre-Mowing Procedures: Preparing your Machine-

Setting your mower up right before each mowing session can dramatically affect its longevity. Before firing up your machine, remove any grass or debris tangled around the blades from previous sessions. Check for signs of wear and tear on the mower's cables, grass bag, and wheels.

Next, inspect and clear your lawn of any possible obstructions like rocks, twigs, or wires, as these could damage the mower's blades or engine. Also, make sure to check fluid levels. For petrol mowers, tighten the fuel cap and keep an eye on oil levels. For electric mowers, check the integrity of the power cable or battery charge status.

Post-Mow Care: Keeping Your Machine Pristine-

Your lawn mower's job doesn't end at mowing. Post-mow care, often overlooked, can make a big difference to your machine's lifespan and performance. Ensure the mower cools down before commencing any clean-up.

 

Wipe down the body of the mower and remove any grass clippings or debris, that can cause corrosion if left unattended. For gas mowers, check and clean the vent in the fuel cap, as it can get clogged. Lubricating moving parts and keeping blades sharp are also crucial for machine health.

Lawn Mower Storage: Protecting Your Machine-

Proper storage of your lawn mower can prevent unnecessary damage and prolong its life. A dry, well-ventilated, and secured storage space is ideal. Protect your mower from moisture as it can rust the blades and corrode internal components. Pests can also be a problem, so regularly inspect for any signs of infestation.

When storing your mower for an extended period, it is advisable to drain the fuel to prevent gummy deposits in the fuel system. Also, keep the machine raised off the ground to avoid dampness and possible tyre deflation.

Troubleshooting Common Issues-

A problematic lawn mower can be quite frustrating. While some issues may need the attention of a professional, many can be diagnosed and fixed by the machine owners themselves. Common symptoms like the inability to start, low power, or uneven mowing can often be resolved by checking the spark plug, cleaning the carburettor, or sharpening or adjusting the blades, respectively.

When to Seek Professional Assistance: Recognising Signs of Serious Damage-

While most lawn mower issues can be managed by their owners, some complications could signal more serious damage. If you've eliminated common causes and the problem persists, it's time to seek professional help. Problems like unceasing smoke emission, inability of the engine to run smoothly, or persistent issues despite changing parts, indicate underlying, possibly significant, damage.

Going Green: Sustainable Lawn Mowing Practices-

Proper maintenance of your lawn mower is not only crucial for its longevity but also contributes to a healthier environment. Invest time in maintaining your mower. A well-maintained machine runs efficiently, emitting less pollution than one that is neglected. Opt for electric or manual mowers which emit less harmful emissions compared to their gas counterparts. Wherever possible, try using mulching blades to recycle grass clippings as natural lawn fertilisers.

Conclusion-

Proper maintenance of your lawn mower is an investment that pays off in longevity and performance. Regular checks, season-specific upkeep, pre and post-mow care and storing your machine correctly, while perhaps seeming tedious, are crucial steps in maximising your lawn mower's life. Remember the benefits that a well-maintained mower brings not just to your own lawn, but also to the environment. So, go on and apply these practices in your next mowing session—you’ve got this!

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