The Basics of Lawn Mower Maintenance
Your lawn needs regular maintenance to stay in good condition, and so does your lawn mower! Whether you are new to lawn mower maintenance or just need a refresher course, you came to the right place. This guide from Ball Equipment covers all the basics. Feel free to contact us with any questions! Ball Equipment is your trusted equipment dealer in Richmond and Sandusky, MI.
When to Perform Maintenance
Mowing is a seasonal task here in Michigan, with the mowing season lasting from about mid-April through November in most regions. You will need to maintain your lawn mower throughout the mowing season of course, but the end of the mowing season is your best opportunity to perform annual maintenance.
Before placing your mower in storage for the winter, you should either drain the fuel system completely or add a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. This will prevent expired fuel from harming the engine over time. Any repair issues should also be addressed at this point, no matter how minor. Long periods of storage can take a heavy toll on equipment, and cause minor problems to become much worse. When your mower has been suitably prepared for winter storage, you should have no trouble firing it up again when spring comes back around.
Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist
Most lawn mowers will need the following tasks to be performed on a regular basis. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to determine the correct intervals.
- Changing the oil
- Cleaning or replacing the spark plugs
- Sharpening and adjusting the mower blades
- Fogging the engine
- Cleaning the mower
- Removing debris from the undercarriage
Tips for Successful Maintenance
Keep your owner’s manual close at hand for quick reference while you are operating and working on your mower. This volume will provide you with model-specific instructions, and it will specify which parts and products are compatible with your mower. You can also use any blank pages in the owner’s manual to record a service log.
After each mowing session, make sure to clear the grass clippings and other debris caught in the undercarriage. While you’re at it, check the cooling fins, and clean them with a small bristle brush if needed. This will improve airflow and prevent the engine from overheating. The exterior of your mower should also be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent corrosion.
Remember that even the most well-maintained mower may have the occasional repair need. When your mower is not performing as it should, the problem should be addressed right away. Never operate a mower that is not working properly! This could worsen the problem and pose a real safety hazard. Instead, head straight to your nearest repair shop to receive a diagnosis.
You can trust the qualified mechanics here at Ball Equipment to handle all your lawn mower repair needs. We serve customers from all over the Detroit metropolitan area at our dealerships in Richmond and Sandusky, MI.