Mower Checklist

Mowing season begins before anyone is generally ready for it. It's a good idea in early Spring to go over your lawn mower and check it's condition before the mowing season kicks into full gear. The following is a quick checklist to follow:

1. Change the oil

Depending on your mower usage, the frequency to change your oil could be different. I've seen some recommendations of every 50 hours of use. If you live in more temperament climates that actually have a winter, a good rule of thumb is to change the oil at the start of the mowing season. But check the manual that came with mower, as the manufacturer may have specific requirements for the oil type and frequency of changes. The same reason applies here as for your vehicle. Changing the old oil removes the sludge and buildup that combustible engines get over time.

2. Remove old gas

Many believe that gas can go old. It's recommended that if you have a bit of gas left over from the previous season, then you should drain it out and fill the tank with fresh gas. You can use a stabilizer to lengthen the shelf life.

3. Tune up: change spark plug, clean carburetor

Changing the spark plug is relatively easy, just make sure you get the right type for your mower (consult the manual). Remove the spark plug wire, and with an appropriate sized rachet and socket, remove the old plug. Now put the new plug in with the same socket, being careful not to over tighten.

Lawn Mower Air Filter

Cleaning the carburetor is a different matter though and unless you know what you're doing, it should probably be left to a professional.

4. Clean or replace air filter

This is one of the most important steps to take and should be checked regularly throughout the mowing season as dirt and grime easily clog the air cleaner. Just like you vehicle, a lawn mower engine needs to breathe as well. The easier it breathes, the more efficient it will run.

5. Lube wheels and axles

This keeps rust and corrosion down on the axles and makes the mower easier to push. You can use any common lubricant, but be careful of using some silicon sprays as they don't seem to last long. Apply the oil wherever there are moving parts around the wheels and axles. You'll thank yourself on those hot summer days.

6. Lawn Mower Under Carriage Clean undercarriage

Cleaning the undercarriage of the mower keeps the cutting and discharge of the grass efficient. This is particularly important for mulching mowers. This can be done easily with a small paint scraper. You might want to check this several times throughout the season. Notice the drive belt in the photo, those should be checked for wear as well.

7. Sharpen blade

A dull mower blade is pretty hard on the lawn. It tears and bruises grass leaves, weakens the grass making it less able to ward off weeds, disease or insects. And it won’t handle the hot, dry weather of mid and late summer. You'll notice a whitish tint to the grass when your blade is getting dull. A closer inspection of the grass will show it to have a white or tan tip as opposed to a healthy green color.

White Tipped Grass

Again, this may be something you want to leave to a professional since it generally requires a grinding wheel to properly sharpen the blade. You can do it with a metal file, but be prepared to spend some time getting it there. Keep in mind that you don't want the blade to get to out of balance when grinding on it. This will cause excessive vibrations and lead to wear on the blade shaft mechanisms. Basically, think of it as sharpening a knife and getting a good edge on it.

By following these tips, your lawn mower should give you years and years of reliable service. It also won't make mowing the lawn such a chore.

It's Spring, a beautiful day, the lawn is in desperate need of a cut and you cannot think of a good excuse not to mow the lawn. Out comes the lawnmower and it won't start, or it starts but you could cut off more with a pair of nail scissors. You have to spend all afternoon sorting it out, it's getting dark and the grass is still in need of a cut.

To prevent this, when Summer is over, before putting your lawnmower away for the winter, give it an all over clean and check up.

*To prevent rusting whilst not in use, wipe all moving parts with a lightly oiled rag.
*Check the condition of the blades and cutters, do they need sharpening, tightening or even replacing.
*Examine electric mower cables for signs of any damage. Any visible signs of wear means these should be replaced immediately.
*If you have a motor mower, drain the petrol and oil tanks and clean the spark plug. Fill oil tank with clean oil but leave the petrol tank empty (petrol deteriorates).
*If these inspections reveal repairs or part replacements are required now is the time to do it. Left until Spring and you could have trouble getting it done.
*Never leave a motor mower standing for months on a damp surface on in a damp place as this will inevitably make it difficult to start in Spring. Stand it on a piece of cardboard or a block of wood and keep the area as well ventilated as possible to avoid condensation.

ON THE OTHER HAND OF COURSE, IF YOU WOULD PREFER TO BE TINKERING WITH THE MOWER RATHER THAN CUTTING THE GRASS, DISREGARD ALL THE ABOVE.

SAFETY TIPS

*Fill a petrol-fuelled mower outdoors and keep away from cigarettes or other heat sources. Wipe up any spills and replace petrol cap immediately and securing.
*Do not turn petrol mower on its side to inspect underneath which will result in the petrol and/or oil leaking out.
*If using an electric mower ensure it is fitted with a circuit breaker. This will prevent an nasty accident should it come into contact with moisture or the cable is damaged in any way.
*Before mowing clear lawn of any foreign bodies as these can be picked up and spun out by the blades causing accidents.
*Never run mower over gravel.
*Wear heavy shoes or boots when mowing. Avoid loose clothing, jewellery and sandals.
*Tie long hair back.
*Mow across a slope rather than up and down. You will have better control of the mower and will be less likely to fall towards the mower.
*Turn the engine off when leaving it unattended, however quick you intend to be.