Maintaining Your Mower.

Don’t let the snow fool you, spring is just around the corner. Soon, the weather will change from frigid and frosty to cool and soggy. Warmer temps bring on the opportunity for lawn maintenance and service. But, before you dig out that dusty lawn mower and begin to chop off that winter grass you need to maintain your mower. Lawn mower maintenance not only helps extend the life of your machine, but also helps your grass thrive. Here’s what you should know about maintaining your mower. First, do not service your mower if you do not know how to. Maintaining a mower improperly can be hazardous. If you do not know how to service your mower yourself, there are companies that can service your lawn mower for you.

Mower Maintenance:

• Annual Maintenance – Service should be done annually. Maintaining your mower should be an annual task to ensure that your machine is running in top shape and wont “die” mid-season.
• Oil Change – Just like a car, your lawn mowers’ oil needs to be changed. Do not tip your lawn mower over to empty out the oil (Eek!). Oil should be disposed of properly. The best way to do this is to use an oil extractor.
• Sharpen the Blade – A sharp mower blade means a crisp cut lawn. Dull blades tear the grass and leave a brown hue to the grass after it’s cut. If it is time to replace the blade, it is best to use a mulching blade to grass-cycle. Note: You should never run a lawn mower with an incorrect or damaged blade.
• Check the Plugs – It is a good idea to remove the spark plug and clean it off. Replacing your spark plug annually may not be necessary. Don’t over tighten the spark plug when replacing it.
• Tighten the Wheels and Handles – These tend to loosen with usage. It is a good idea to check your mower’s wheels and handles to ensure that they are tight.
• Check the Air Filter – You can either clean or replace your mower’s air filter. Replacement filters are relatively inexpensive and the preferable method.