Five Tips to Maintain Your Lawn Mower
If you want to continue using your lawn mower for longer and reduce the amount of money you spend on repairs, you’ll need to maintain it regularly. Don’t worry if you’re unsure where to begin. Our experts at West Hills Tractor have created this guide to provide you with simple DIY tips to service your machine. Keep reading to learn more, then visit us to get any concerns addressed by our friendly staff. We’re in Jonesborough, TN, and happy to welcome our customers from Johnson City and Greeneville.
1. Check the Owner’s Manual
Refer to your owner’s manual before you begin servicing your lawn mower. It’s the best resource to find information about using your machine, including the frequency you need to do specific maintenance tasks and the products you should or shouldn’t use on your mower. Your owner’s manual will also tell you about any suggestions that your manufacturer might have given.
2. Lubricate Your Machine
An essential part of mower maintenance is lubricating the moving parts, such as the crankshaft and pistons. Make sure you check the oil in your machine’s reservoir often to see that it’s good quality and replace it if it appears discolored or sludgy.
3. Clean Out the Undercarriage
Your mower’s undercarriage can quickly accumulate a lot of debris, resulting in clogging and overheating the machine and decreasing its efficiency. That’s why you’ll want to clean out the underside of your mower’s cutting deck to keep it functional and efficient.
If you have a push mower, tip it over and clean it out. If you own a riding mower, you’ll want to drive it onto a ramp or block to access underneath the machine. Then, using a hose with a high-pressure nozzle, spray away the debris.
4. Change Out Spark Plugs
The spark plugs provide your lawn mower with an ignition source. Intense periods of uptime and downtime can take a toll on the health of your spark plugs. If you notice that you can't get the engine to fire up or if your mower loses power abruptly while working, they may be signs that your spark plugs aren't working. To fix this issue, change them out. It’s a good idea to replace your mower’s spark plugs every once a year or so.
5. Keep the Cutting Blade Sharpened
Finally, you’ll also want to sharpen your machine’s blade to keep it effective at its job. Over time and with regular use, the part can become dull, making it harder to accomplish your tasks. Use a file or a grinder to file the blade and avoid over- or under-sharpening it. However, if you notice any dents or cracks on it, replace the part instead.
We hope these tips help you maintain your lawn mower like a pro. If you have any questions or are still in the market for a new machine, visit West Hills Tractor. We have an extensive collection of mowers for sale, and our friendly staff can help you choose a model that’s perfect for you. We’re in Jonesborough, TN, where we proudly serve those from Johnson City and Greeneville, so stop by today.