A lawn mower is one of the more expensive pieces of equipment that every homeowner needs, so it’s important to main it properly. When maintained as they should be, a lawn mower can last for many years and will operate well during this time. Unfortunately though, not maintaining your lawn mower can eventually lead to the mower not working properly and in turn, it won’t last as long.

There are certain key aspects of lawn mower maintenance that need to be borne in mind.

Care After Mowing the Lawn

After every use, you should clean the top and also the underside of the lawnmower so it stays free of dirt and help it to stay free of debris that can clog the underside and cause issues for bagging. Another good idea is to clean the grass out from under the wheels each time you cut the grass and also clean the grass that may be trapped under the blade. If you were to leave the grass there, after time the lawn mower will rust and you will need to purchase a new mower. If you own a water cooled mower, make sure to check the coolant level after use and also clean the radiator. For 4 stroke mowers, make sure to check the oil and add oil if it’s low as low oil level will cause the engine to fail.

Winter Storage Maintenance

While you may not be using your lawn mower over the winter its important that you do some important maintenance before putting it away for the season. Make sure to drain the fuel out of the gas tank and then start the engine. This will ensure that all fuel has been cleaned out of the gas line. If gas is left in over the winter, it will cause carburetor issues.

Oiling Your Lawn Mower

Oil and lubrication Most mowers require an oil change every year. It is also a good idea to lubricate the choke and throttle linkages and apply grease to all fittings.

Blade Replacement

Dull mower blades damage the grass and results in uneven cuts. It is therefore important to check the blades regularly for any signs of dullness and replace them accordingly. Usually, blades are replaced at least once a year.