A well-maintained lawn mower is the key to keeping your yard looking pristine while avoiding costly repairs. Just like any piece of machinery, your mower requires regular care to ensure it runs efficiently and lasts for years to come. Neglecting maintenance can lead to engine issues, dull blades, poor fuel efficiency, and even complete breakdowns.
By getting your mower up on the lift and following a few essential maintenance practices—such as changing the oil, sharpening the blades, and properly storing your mower—you can extend its lifespan and keep it performing at its best. Whether you own a push mower or a riding mower, this guide will walk you through the crucial steps to keep your equipment in top shape. Plus, we’ll show you how a MoJack lift can make mower maintenance safer and easier than ever.
Let’s dive into the best ways to care for your mower!
Change or Sharpen the Blades for a Cleaner Cut
Dull mower blades can tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, leaving ragged edges that make your lawn more susceptible to disease and browning. To keep your lawn looking healthy and even, it’s important to sharpen your mower blades regularly—at least once per mowing season, or more often if you mow frequently or encounter rough terrain.
To sharpen your blades, first, lift your mower safely using a MoJack lift, which provides a secure and stable way to access the underside of your mower. Remove the blades using a wrench, then sharpen them with a metal file, grinder, or other sharpening tool. Be sure to maintain a balanced edge by sharpening both sides evenly. Once sharpened, reinstall the blades and ensure they are tightly secured. Keeping your mower blades sharp will not only enhance your lawn’s appearance but also reduce strain on your mower’s engine, improving efficiency and fuel consumption.
Regularly Change the Oil for a Healthy Engine
Just like a car, your lawn mower’s engine relies on clean oil to keep it running smoothly. Over time, oil breaks down and collects dirt, debris, and other contaminants, which can cause excessive engine wear and reduce performance. To prevent this, it’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for oil changes—typically after every 25 to 50 hours of use.
To change the oil, start by running the mower for a few minutes to warm it up, which helps the oil drain more easily. Place a drain pan under the oil plug, remove the plug, and let the old oil drain completely. Once drained, replace the plug and refill with fresh oil, ensuring you use the correct type for your mower model. Finally, check the oil level with the dipstick and wipe away any spills. Regular oil changes will keep your engine well-lubricated, prevent overheating, and extend the life of your mower.
Keep the Air Filter Clean to Prevent Clogging
A clean air filter is essential for maintaining proper airflow to your mower’s engine. Over time, grass clippings, dust, and debris can clog the filter, restricting airflow and causing the engine to work harder than necessary. This not only reduces efficiency but can also lead to overheating or poor fuel combustion.
Checking and cleaning your air filter should be part of your regular maintenance routine. For foam filters, wash them with mild detergent and water, then let them dry completely before reapplying oil and reinstalling. For paper filters, tap them against a hard surface to remove loose dirt or replace them if they appear excessively dirty. Keeping your air filter clean will ensure better engine performance, improved fuel efficiency, and a longer lifespan for your mower.
Check and Replace the Spark Plug as Needed
The spark plug plays a vital role in igniting the fuel-air mixture in your mower’s engine. A dirty or worn-out spark plug can cause hard starts, misfiring, and reduced fuel efficiency. Inspecting and replacing the spark plug as part of your regular maintenance routine can prevent these issues and keep your mower running smoothly.
To check your spark plug, remove the spark plug wire and use a spark plug socket to unscrew it. Examine the electrode for signs of wear, carbon buildup, or damage. If it looks dirty, you can clean it with a wire brush and reinstall it. However, if the spark plug is heavily corroded or the electrode is worn down, replacing it with a new one is the best option. Be sure to use the correct gap setting as specified in your mower’s manual before reinstalling the spark plug and reconnecting the wire.
By keeping a fresh spark plug in your mower, you’ll ensure easier starts, better fuel efficiency, and a more reliable engine performance throughout the mowing season.
Inspect and Maintain the Battery (For Riding Mowers)
Your riding mower’s battery is essential for reliable starts and smooth operation. Over time, batteries can lose charge, corrode, or even fail if not properly maintained. To keep your battery in good condition, start by checking the terminals for corrosion—a white, powdery buildup can prevent a strong connection. If you notice corrosion, clean the terminals with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water.
It’s also important to test the battery’s voltage regularly with a multimeter. A fully charged battery should read around 12.6 volts when the mower is off. If the charge is too low, consider using a trickle charger to maintain the voltage, especially during off-season storage. Additionally, make sure all battery cables are secure and free from fraying or damage.
During the winter months, if you’re not using your mower, it’s best to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. This helps prevent deep discharges that can shorten its lifespan. By staying proactive with battery maintenance, you’ll avoid unexpected starting issues when it’s time to mow.
Keep the Undercarriage Free of Grass and Debris
A clogged mower deck can reduce efficiency, create an uneven cut, and even lead to corrosion over time. After each mowing session, take a few minutes to inspect and clean the undercarriage for wet grass buildup, dirt, and moisture. Even dried grass clippings can cause your mower to work harder than necessary and lead to premature wear on the blades and deck.
To clean the undercarriage, use a scraper or stiff brush to remove any packed debris. For a deeper clean, a hose with a high-pressure nozzle can help dislodge stubborn clumps of grass.
Keeping the deck clean also ensures that the belt can spin freely, reducing wear and preventing unnecessary strain on the system. A buildup of debris can cause the belt to slip, overheat, or wear out faster, leading to costly replacements. Regular cleaning helps maintain smooth belt operation and extends its lifespan.
Monitor Tire Pressure for Optimal Performance
Maintaining the correct tire pressure on your riding mower is helpful for even cutting and smooth operation. Uneven or underinflated tires can cause the mower deck to sit at an angle, leading to an inconsistent cut and potential damage to your lawn. Additionally, low tire pressure forces the engine to work harder, increasing fuel consumption.
To prevent these issues, check the tire pressure at least once a month using a tire pressure gauge. Most riding mower tires require a pressure between 10-15 PSI, but always refer to your mower’s manual for the exact specifications. If the pressure is too low, use an air compressor or manual pump to inflate the tires to the recommended level.
It’s also important to inspect the tires for cracks, punctures, or uneven wear. If you notice excessive wear on one side, it could indicate an alignment issue that needs addressing. Keeping your tires properly inflated ensures smoother steering, better traction, and a more precise cut, making for a healthier lawn and a longer-lasting mower.
Lubricate Moving Parts to Reduce Wear and Tear
Your lawn mower has multiple moving components that require proper lubrication to function smoothly. Without regular lubrication, friction between parts can cause excessive wear, leading to costly repairs or even permanent damage. Key areas to focus on include the wheel bearings, pivot points, throttle cables, and any other moving joints specified in your mower’s manual.
Using a high-quality lithium grease or mower-specific lubricant, apply a light coating to these components at least once per mowing season. Pay special attention to areas exposed to dirt and moisture, as they are more prone to rust and corrosion. Keeping your mower’s moving parts well-lubricated ensures smoother operation, reduces strain on the engine, and extends the overall lifespan of your equipment.
Check and Replace Drive Belts When Necessary
The drive belt plays a crucial role in transferring power from the engine to the mower blades and wheels. Over time, belts can become stretched, cracked, or frayed, affecting performance and potentially leading to complete failure. A worn-out drive belt may cause uneven cutting, reduced blade speed, or difficulty in self-propulsion for riding mowers.
Regularly inspect the belt for signs of wear, and if you notice any cracks, glazing, or excessive slack, it’s time for a replacement. To replace the belt, consult your mower’s manual for the correct belt size and routing diagram. If you have a riding mower, lifting it safely with a MoJack lift will make accessing and replacing the belt significantly easier. Preventative belt maintenance will keep your mower running efficiently and avoid unexpected breakdowns during peak mowing season.
Store Your Mower Properly to Prevent Rust and Damage
Proper storage is essential to protect your mower from rust, corrosion, and unnecessary wear. When the mowing season ends, take the time to prepare your mower for storage to ensure it’s in top shape when you need it again.
Start by thoroughly cleaning the mower, especially the undercarriage, to remove any lingering grass clippings, dirt, or moisture that could lead to rust. Drain the fuel tank or add a stabilizer to prevent fuel from degrading over the winter. Disconnect the battery in riding mowers to preserve its lifespan, and store it in a cool, dry place.
For long-term storage, keep your mower in a dry, covered area such as a garage or shed. If storing outdoors, invest in a waterproof cover to protect it from the elements. Elevating your mower slightly off the ground can also help prevent moisture buildup underneath. Taking these precautions will keep your mower in peak condition and ready for use when spring arrives.
Conclusion
Regular maintenance is the key to ensuring your lawn mower stays in optimal working condition for years to come. By keeping your mower properly lubricated, inspecting and replacing worn-out parts like drive belts, and storing it correctly, you can maximize its lifespan and avoid costly repairs.
Performing maintenance can be challenging without the right tools, but a MoJack lift makes the process safer, easier, and more efficient. Whether you need to sharpen blades, clean the undercarriage, or replace drive belts, a MoJack mower lift provides a stable and secure way to elevate your mower for hassle-free maintenance.
Find your MoJack lift today and take the stress out of mower maintenance!