8 Lawn Mower Maintenance Tips to Keep Your Mower Running at Optimal Performance

Follow these lawnmower maintenance tips to keep your mower in tip-top shape.

Few pieces of lawn care equipment take a beating like the lawn mower, yet this popular machine is often neglected until it won't start or something breaks down.

A lack of preventive upkeep almost guarantees an early termination for your lawn mower, but you don't have to be a mechanic to keep it working all summer long.

1. Read the Owner’s Manual.

The Owner’s Manual is essential to read and understand to keep your customers happy with their product so when it finally wears out in 10 to 15 years they can buy another.

2. Drain the gasoline at the end of each lawn mowing season.

Lawn mower repair technicians say old gasoline is one of the main problems when a mower won’t start. It’s recommended to run the remaining gas out of the mower or drain it at the end of each mowing season, and always use new gas in the spring.

3. Check the oil.

Monitor the oil level in your mower and look for debris or oil that is dark black in color. Old oil should be drained first, then replaced. When changing the oil remove the drain plug beneath the mower and allow it to drain completely. If your mower doesn't have a drain plug, you'll need to carefully tilt the mower on its side and drain the oil through the fill hole. Be sure to consult your owner's manual for the correct method and type of oil to use.

4. Clean the undercarriage.

First, as a safety precaution, always disconnect the spark plug before working near the undercarriage. Grass can get stuck in the undercarriage possibly bottlenecking the mower’s discharge chute. A wire brush can be used to scrape grass and dirt from the undercarriage and wash down the remaining debris away with a hose.

5. Check the air filter.

A clogged or dirty air filter puts added stress on the mower and burns gas less efficiently. Most lawn mowers have a paper or foam air filter that can be easily accessed. Replacement air filters are low-priced, so most pros recommend an annual replacement to ensure optimal performance.

6. Change the spark plug.

Similar to the air filter, the spark plug is very important to a functioning lawn mower, yet economical and easy to replace. It’s recommended to change the spark plug every year to ensure an easy start. Release the spark plug wire and remove the old plug with a socket or spark plug wrench. Install the new plug but make sure not to over tighten it or it could prevent the mower from starting.

7. Keep blades sharp.

Mower blades undergo a great deal of stress due to rocks, branches and other unseen substances. A dull blade rips and tears grass instead of providing a clean cut. Some people sharpen their own blades with a vice and metal file, but it's not recommended for the inexperienced. A mower repair shop can sharpen your blade for a small fee, and it's usually included with mower tune up.

8. Get a professional tune up.

It's a great way to ensure your mower is in top working order for the mowing season. A lawn mower repair shop will drain the old gas from the mower, replace the air filter and spark plug and perform basic diagnostic tests.