Most of us have experienced going out to cut the lawn and having our mower not start or perform poorly. With life as busy as it is, it’s easy to neglect regular maintenance.
Having a schedule and sticking to it throughout the year is an easy way to avoid those frustrating surprises. Here are some quick tips whether you’re a DIYer or use a professional maintenance service.
Know Your Manual
Manuals often get tossed aside after the initial setup of a new mower, but they are chock-full of maintenance tips. From simple checks like oil and spark plugs to more complex things like valve replacement and engine repair that many rely on dealers for, manuals lay it all out.
Taking the time to read your manual will definitely save you time and money in the long run. Think about the time it takes you to mow your lawn and use that to calculate how often you should complete the tasks listed in the manual.
Make A Checklist
Your manual may have an easy-to-read chart that tells you what to do and when, but if it doesn’t, it’s easy enough to make one. A simple two-column list showing the tasks and frequency will do.
In addition to oil and plugs, you’ll want to check belts, filters, tire pressure and the condition of the blades regularly. Usually, the recommendations are broken down into what you need to do every 10, 25, 50, 100 and 200 hours of use. You can always pick up a list from your dealer too.
Understand Seasonal Care
You need to do specific tasks at different times of the year to keep your mower in peak condition. Always use fresh gas and change the oil at the beginning of the mowing season to avoid damaging the engine. Check the oil level every five hours of use and change it every 50 hours. Change the air filter and air cleaner for your mower at least once a season, more often in dry and dusty conditions.
When fall arrives, it’s time to winterize your mower. Drain the oil and refill it with clean oil. Use a gas treatment or fuel stabilizer to prevent it from going stale. Wash away dirt and caked-on grass from the entire mower, paying special attention to the blades and engine.
Break In A New Mower
There are a few important things you don’t want to forget if you’ve got a new mower. Don’t operate the engine at full load during the first five to 10 hours to help protect the cylinder bore. Change the oil after the first five to 10 hours to remove asperities that have broken from the engine components and cylinder wall. Check the rear-wheel bolt torque and lubricate the deck components during the first season of use.
Consider A Dealer Maintenance Service
Using a dealer to maintain your mower offers significant advantages. They have certified expert technicians and professional tooling that enables them to quickly diagnose and repair issues.
Dealer services help you stick to a regular maintenance schedule and often have plans where they will come to you. The convenience and time savings are important to consider.
