If you have a yard, you know how valuable your lawnmower is. It helps you keep your grass short, and shorter grass often means fewer ticks and other bugs, as well as a place to gather and have fun. To keep enjoying the use of your yard, it’s important to maintain your lawnmower and extend its lifespan. Below are some tips on maintaining your lawnmower.
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Properly Change the Oil
If you have a gas mower it’s important to properly and routinely change the oil. If you have a push mower, the oil should be changed after 50 hours of use; if you have a riding mower, it should be changed after 100 hours of use. Use small engine oil regardless of what type of mower you have and select the proper type of oil for your climate. Surprisingly, different types of oil perform better in certain climates. To change the oil disconnect the spark plugs, drain the old oil out and properly dispose of it and fill it with new oil up to the fill line. Note that it’s never a good idea to fill the oil past the fill line.
Get Timely Repairs
If there is something wrong with your lawnmower, such as a dull blade or engine problem, bring it in right away for lawnmower repair. Catching the issue early rather than late can mean the difference between a reasonable repair bill and replacing your mower entirely.
Keep the Blades Clean
A dull blade can tear the grass rather than cut it, which causes your lawn to look brown. That is why proper blade maintenance is important to a healthy and green lawn. After you finish mowing and you bring it back to the shed, take time to clean the mower off. To clean the blade you can use a broom to brush off any excess debris on the top of the mower so it doesn’t fall down and collect in the blade. To do more intensive blade cleaning, drain the gas out of your mower, tip it on its side and spray the blade with a hose. Once it’s wet, use soapy water and a non-abrasive sponge to clean the blade. Rinse and dry the blade and lawnmower before storing it away again to prevent rusting.
By properly caring for your lawnmower, you not only ensure a healthy lawn but also a mower that will last much longer than one not maintained well.
