At Carl’s Mower & Saw, we are committed to helping our customers understand how to operate and maintain their outdoor power equipment to make lawn care more enjoyable while helping them save time and money.
A well-maintained mower not only makes yard work easier but also ensures a cleaner, more precise cut that benefits the health of your lawn. Regular maintenance can prevent unexpected breakdowns and costly repairs. So, follow these tips to help keep your mower running smoothly season after season!
Check the Oil Frequently
Just like your car, your mower needs regular oil changes to run efficiently. Fresh oil lubricates the engine, reduces wear, and prevents overheating. Aim to check your oil before you mow to ensure you have enough and to make sure there are no leaks.
How to Check the Oil
- Ensure the mower is on a level surface.
- Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
- Insert the dipstick back into the oil fill tube, then remove it again to check the oil level.
- The oil should be between the full and add marks.
While you want to check your oil often, you should change it about once a year, or after around 50 hours of usage.
Steps to Change the Oil
- Warm up the engine for a few minutes to make the oil flow easier.
- Turn off the mower and disconnect the spark plug for safety.
- Drain the old oil by removing the drain plug or tipping the mower on its side.
- Refill with the recommended oil type (check your manual for specifics or give us a call).
- Dispose of the used oil properly at a recycling center.
A Clean Air Filter is Just as Important as Clean Oil
Engines need air to function. When your air filter is dirty, clogged, or damaged, it can lead to a range of issues and cause your mower to lose power. A clogged filter not only reduces performance but it can also increase fuel consumption.
Check and clean your lawn mower’s air filter about once a month. How you clean and change your filter will depend on the material. If it’s a paper filter, you can remove dust and debris by gently tapping it against a surface and gently brushing it off. If the filter is foam, you can clean it with dish soap and water and let it air dry. Just make sure the filter is completely dry before you put it back.
When you’re inspecting the filter, if it’s damaged, replace it with the recommended manufacturer’s model. Air filters are inexpensive and important for the longevity of your machine. A clean air filter ensures your engine gets the proper air-fuel mixture.
For residential lawn mower use, shoot to replace your air filter once a year or every 25 hours. For commercial lawn mower use, replace your air filter every 10 to 15 hours. To install replacement filters, follow the instructions in your manual and be sure that the filter is fully sealed before use.
Is it Time to Replace Your Spark Plug?
If your engine is having trouble starting (or won’t start), you’re noticing sluggish acceleration, increased fuel consumption or rough idling, it may be time to change your spark plug. Spark plugs should be replaced about every 100 hours.
To check your spark plug, gently disconnect the spark plug cap and remove any debris from the area. Remove the spark plug with a spark plug wrench or deep socket wrench and brush it off with a wire brush. Inspect for cracks in the porcelain, chunky carbon deposits, dirt and oil. If the electrodes are worn, there’s a good build up of carbon or there are chips and cracks, it’s time for a replacement. Spark plugs are inexpensive, so have a few on hand to use when you need them.
Sharp Mower Blades Are Important for A Healthy Lawn
You wouldn’t shave with a dull blade, would you? The same logic applies when it comes to keeping your lawn mower blades sharp.
Aside from visible dullness and damage, a good way to know it’s time to sharpen or replace the blades is if your grass looks frayed after you mow. Blunt mower blades “tear” the grass instead of cutting it, resulting in an uneven, brown and patchy lawn. Did you know that dull blades can actually leave your lawn susceptible to damage and disease?
To check your blades, follow the instructions in the manual. Generally, you want to turn the fuel valve off and disconnect the spark plug cap. Tilt the mower so the fuel cap side is up to prevent flooding your carburetor. If the blades are warped, bent or cracked it’s time to replace them. But if they’re just dull, take them into your local dealer to be sharpened. A good rule of thumb is to sharpen your blades every 20 to 25 hours of mowing.
Keep Your Deck Clean
A clean deck ensures optimal airflow and prevents rust, extending the life of your mower. Regular cleaning prevents buildup that can affect performance and accelerate corrosion. After each mow, wait for the engine to cool down then disconnect the spark plug cap and tilt the mower with the fuel cap up. Brush away grass and debris, and then spray the mower’s undercarriage with your garden hose. Wipe it dry and let it fully air dry. Once the undercarriage is dry give it a good spray with a deck lubricant like Mo Deck. A product like Mo Deck will help prevent build-up and cut your deck cleaning time in half!
Tire and Wheel Maintenance for Riding Mowers
Today, owners of riding mowers now have the option of replacing pneumatic tires with flat-free tires which require little maintenance. But if you have a large property or uneven terrain, pneumatic tires will give you a more comfortable ride and better traction.
If your riding mower has pneumatic tires, make sure they are filled to optimal air pressure according to the owner’s manual to protect the integrity of the tire and the wheel, avoid a bumpy ride and ensure an evenly cut lawn.
Inspect your tires for cracks and damage and check the wheels for cracking or bends before and after you mow to prevent getting stuck out in the back forty with a flat.
If you notice the wheels aren’t in alignment, make the necessary adjustments to avoid damaging the frame, or bring your mower into Carl’s Mower & Saw and we can do a quick tire maintenance for you.
Ethanol-Free Fuel
Last but not least, let’s talk about fuel for gasoline-powered mowers.
We can’t stress enough the importance of using ethanol-free fuel. Over the last 15 years a lot of the issues we’ve seen come through our Service Department have been a result of operating and/or storing outdoor power equipment with ethanol fuel.
Ethanol causes moisture to collect in the fuel tank and when equipment sits dormant with ethanol fuel, water separates from the ethanol and the fuel becomes layered with water and ethanol sitting at the bottom of the fuel tank.
Water in the tank results in the rust and corrosion of fuel system components, including the carburetor and fuel lines. It degrades rubber, plastic, and metal parts, causing leaks and other mechanical issues that lead to expensive repairs and reduces the life of the engine.
To prevent unnecessary, costly damage, only use ethanol-free gasoline. If you don’t have a gas station near you that sells ethanol-free fuel, your outdoor power equipment dealer likely carries 93 octane gasoline that you can buy to fuel your engine. And before you get ready to store your gas-powered lawn mower, make sure to change the fuel and fuel filter and fill the tank with 93 octane.
Need Help? Just Call
Regular maintenance is key to keeping your lawn mower running at peak performance. By following the basic maintenance steps we’ve outlined, you can extend the life of your lawn mower to maximize your investment.
About
Established in 1990 by Carl and Beth Levien, Carl’s Mower & Saw remains a family-owned and locally operated business to this day. We’re committed to providing an exceptional customer experience to both contractors and homeowners. Whether you’re looking for sales or rentals, you’ll discover top-notch outdoor power equipment brands known for their durability and dependability, including brands like Exmark, Gravely, Honda, Husqvarna, STIHL, and BCS America. For inquiries, feel free to reach out by calling 360-384-0799 or emailing info@carlsmower.com.
