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Springtime is upon us and many all across the country are pulling their lawn mowers out of storage in order to get their lawns looking good in time for warmer weather. When you pull the lawn mower from your tool shed, it’s wise to give it a look and make sure it’s ready when you cut your grass. With so many getting ready, the web staff here at Toolbarn has some quick tips to make sure your lawn mower is ready for spring time.
1.) Look and Clean Under the Mower
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Ideally, you want to clean your mower after every time you use it, but let’s be honest…not a lot of people do that. So, it’s a good idea to clean the bottom of your mower out at the start of spring. If there is some garden debris, remove it from the blades and use a garden hose to wash out all the dirt. Too much dirt and too much debris could damage the motor and other parts in your mower.
It goes without saying, but we’ll say it anyway… make sure you are unable to restart the mower and DO NOT TURN YOUR MOWER ON WHEN YOU ARE CLEANING! Finally, be careful with any sharp tools or instruments when cleaning the bottom. Otherwise it could end up damaging your mower.
2.) Sharpen Your Blades
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While many homeowners do go out of their way to clean the bottom of their mowers, many do not take their blades off to get them sharpened. Sharpening your blades is important because it cuts the grass cleanly and allows your lawn to recover faster. It also helps you cut down on your mowing time.
Before you remove your blades, it would be wise to remove the spark plug so the motor doesn’t accidentally start up. Also, just to be safe, tape or tie off the spark plug so it doesn’t have contact with the starter.
Usually, the blades are held by a single bolt. The bolt or nut is very, very tight and which will take some strength to remove the blades. Once the blades are removed, examine the blade to see if it needs to be sharpened or replaced.
If they need to sharpened, take your blades and clamp them in a vice. If you’re going to sharpen them, use a hand file to sharpen the blades. Make sure you sharpen from the top side of the cutting edge. Try to get the blade as sharp as a butter knife.
3.) Change the Oil
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If you’re just pulling your mower out of mothballs, it’s a good idea to check the oil. In fact, it’s probably a good idea to drain the oil and put fresh oil in. All you need to do is place your mower on its side, place a container under the drain plug and remove it. Then, let gravity do the rest. Once that’s finished, replace the drain plug and pour new oil in. You should change the oil in your mower at least once a year.
4.) Inspect Your Spark Plugs
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Next thing you should look at when you’re getting your mower ready is checking the status of your spark plugs. If you start to notice rust or corrosion forming, it’s time to change them out. Even you are not replacing them, they still need to be cleaned regularly.
When cleaning or replacing the spark plugs, make sure nothing falls into the cylinder and clean it thoroughly. If you have trouble removing an old spark plug, use a spray to loosen it. If you use too much force, it could damage the engine. Remember, worn out spark plugs can cause misfires, bad fuel economy and even lead to further engine damage. Finally, when you replace your spark plugs, make sure they are all refitted correctly or it could lead to other problems.
5.) Check your air filter
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Before you start your mower, it’s also wise to check the air filter. Having a worn out fuel filter can cause poor fuel economy, hard starts or other issues. The air filter should also be free of debris. If your air filter is a dark grey or blackened…it’s time to replace it. It’s a cheap way to make sure you lawn mower is running smooth and steady.
Conclusion
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Like with all tools and equipment, if you take care of your mower…it will take your lawn. Every homeowner takes pride in their lawns and a good lawn mower will keep your lawn looking great. As long as you mind these tips and maintain your mower, your lawn and your home will be in good shape.
