A Schedule of Lawn Mower Maintenance
May 23, 2022
Spring and summer mowing can be hard on your equipment. Avoid costly lawn mower repairs by keeping a schedule of maintenance tasks that will keep your mower’s engine running in top shape year after year.
Listed below are some easy steps you can follow this season to extend the life of your mower’s engine. Keep in mind that more frequent service may be required if you are operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
Change the oil
Over time, oil breaks down and loses its cooling agents and detergents, which can cause significant damage to your mower’s engine. For this reason, change the motor oil of your mower after the first five hours of use at the beginning of the season and continue to change it after every 50 hours of use. Check the oil more frequently, every five hours of operation or so, to ensure that it is not leaking.
Change the spark plugs
If your engine doesn’t start, replacing the spark plugs may be a simple and inexpensive solution. Replace them at the beginning of every mowing season and continue to do so as often as is recommended by the manufacturer in your owners’ manual.
Use fresh gasoline
Gasoline can go stale from sitting dormant over the winter and can cause your lawn mower to idle roughly or stall out. At the start of each season, make sure the engine fuel is clean and fresh to prevent problems on your first excursion. If you have an older mower, consider using a fuel stabilizer and replacing the in-line fuel filter.
Replace the air filter and air cleaner
Always use air filters to give your mower’s engine maximum protection. The air filter and air cleaner will need to be changed at least once every season, and even more often if you are operating in dusty conditions. If possible, buy the same make and model air filter that is recommended by the manufacturer for the best results.
Your local Co-op has all of your lawn care needs covered, from mowers and replacement parts to grass seed and landscaping materials. If you do not know the specifications of your lawn mower, contact one of our expert team members, and we will be happy to help. Small engine repairs are offered at select locations.
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.
Listed below are some easy steps you can follow this season to extend the life of your mower’s engine. Keep in mind that more frequent service may be required if you are operating in dirty or dusty conditions.
Change the oil
Over time, oil breaks down and loses its cooling agents and detergents, which can cause significant damage to your mower’s engine. For this reason, change the motor oil of your mower after the first five hours of use at the beginning of the season and continue to change it after every 50 hours of use. Check the oil more frequently, every five hours of operation or so, to ensure that it is not leaking.
Change the spark plugs
If your engine doesn’t start, replacing the spark plugs may be a simple and inexpensive solution. Replace them at the beginning of every mowing season and continue to do so as often as is recommended by the manufacturer in your owners’ manual.
Use fresh gasoline
Gasoline can go stale from sitting dormant over the winter and can cause your lawn mower to idle roughly or stall out. At the start of each season, make sure the engine fuel is clean and fresh to prevent problems on your first excursion. If you have an older mower, consider using a fuel stabilizer and replacing the in-line fuel filter.
Replace the air filter and air cleaner
Always use air filters to give your mower’s engine maximum protection. The air filter and air cleaner will need to be changed at least once every season, and even more often if you are operating in dusty conditions. If possible, buy the same make and model air filter that is recommended by the manufacturer for the best results.
Your local Co-op has all of your lawn care needs covered, from mowers and replacement parts to grass seed and landscaping materials. If you do not know the specifications of your lawn mower, contact one of our expert team members, and we will be happy to help. Small engine repairs are offered at select locations.
For more content like this, check out the latest issue of the Cooperator.