This week’s blog is going to focus on lawn mowers. Not just lawn mowers but the proper care and maintenance to keep your machine running at top notch performance for years to come.  A few simple pre-winter maintenance steps can reduce the likelihood of engine failure and lower the cost of repairs when you pull your mowers out again come spring.

1. CLEAN THE DECK & UNDERCARRIAGE – remove all dirt and grass clippings
   • This can and should be done frequently during peak season
   • Grab a hose, putty knife and car wash cleaner for easy removal
   • Clean it down to the painted metal
2. DEGREASE THE MOWER – remove any oil stains
   • Spray degreaser on oil stains and allow it to sit for 15 minutes
   • Wipe with a clean cloth
   • Rinse with a hose
3. CHECK THE BLADES – look for any dullness or damage
   • Bent blade: replace it
     • Can cause premature wear to the engine and/or spindle bearings
   • Dented and/or gouged: replace it
     • Can increase the risk of pebbles being propelled at high speeds in the air
   • Dull blades: sharpen
     • Can tear grass rather than cut it
     • Blades should not be sharpened more than twice before being replaced
   • Use manufacture-recommended blades as listed in the owner’s manual
     1. Never use a universal-fit blade!
4. DRAIN THE FUEL TANK?
   1. Read your owner’s manual for specific instructions
   2. Be sure to use fresh fuel treated with fuel stabilizer if you will be leaving fuel in the tank
   3. The most common cause of lawn mowers failing – being stored with fuel that become stale and clogs the carburetor
      1. This can be a costly fix so make sure to follow the manual’s recommendations
5. CLEAN THE FUEL CAP
   • Use a paintbrush to remove any small particles that can cause build up on the cap
     • NEVER use cleaners or degreasers as they can clog the cap’s small vents
6. REPLACE SPARK PLUGS
   • Spark plugs should be replaced, at a minimum of, 1 time every season
     • the small spark plug is imperative to a properly working mower
     • over time, the plugs will begin to degrade due to carbon buildup which results in the engine using more fuel to properly run
7. CHECK FOR RUST
   • Any exposed metal parts of the undercarriage should be sprayed with WD-40
8. CLEAN OR REPLACE AIR FILTER
   • Air filters prevent debris and dust from entering the mower’s carburetor and engine
     • Foam filters can be cleaned with water and small amount of detergent
       • If the filter tears, replace immediately
9. REPLACE OIL
   • Mowers should have their oil replaced after 50 hours of cut time.
     • Oil should be a golden or amber color
     • Always use the oil recommended in your user manual
       1. Recycle used oil
10. STORAGE
    • The area that you store your mower should be dry and covered.
      • Garage, warehouse or shed
    • Do not store your equipment around chemicals that could spill and cause damage to the mower.