Lawn Mower Maintenance

Your lawn mower needs to be well-maintained to provide the quality yard upkeep you want. Dull blades, clogged parts due to clippings, and other issues can impede your mower’s ability to leave behind a manicured lawn that your neighbors envy. Regular upkeep on your end can help keep your equipment running smoothly and reduce the need for a lawn mower service or repair down the line. We've gathered up basic tasks anyone can do below. When you run into something beyond your ability and find yourself in need of lawn mower repair, head over to Birkey's Farm Store. We proudly serve those in Annawan, Arthur, Bloomington, Casey, Galesburg, Gibson City, Henry, Hoopeston, Macomb, Mattoon, Newton, Oakland, Polo, Prophetstown, Shelbyville, and Urbana, Illinois as well as Williamsport, Indiana.

Owner's Manual

Your machine's owner's manual is not going to be the most interesting read, but it will contain valuable information. It'll detail a schedule for how often you need a lawn mower service as well as what aspects need servicing. Sticking to this schedule can help you avoid a host of expensive problems down the road. Preventative maintenance can be your best strategy!

Lubrication

For your machine to run smoothly, its working parts need the proper lubrication. The crankshaft and pistons rely on the oil reservoir to stay lubricated. Check this oil as you do with your car. Use a dipstick to evaluate the amount, consistency, and color of the oil. If it looks sludgy or discolored, it's time for a replacement. When it gets low, be sure to top it off. If you notice any water or metal shavings in the oil, this signals a mechanical problem that likely requires lawn mower repair.

Undercarriage

Grass clippings, mud, and debris can cling to your mower’s undercarriage and cause issues. Clogged lawn mowers can face overheating problems and be less effective at cutting the grass. If you own a push mower, you can tip it over and clean it out. If you own a riding mower, you'll want to drive it on a small ramp or blocks to get better access to the cutting deck. Use a hose with a high-pressure nozzle to clear away the gunk.

Spark Plugs

Your spark plugs can waste away due to excessive use as well as excessive downtime. It's best to replace them at least once a year to keep your engine running well. If your spark plugs aren't pre-gapped, then you will need a plug gap tool to get the gap at the ideal width.

Blade Sharpening

A dull blade struggles to cut grass effectively. All you need is a file, burr, or grinder to whip that blade back into shape! It helps remove dull material and leave behind a sharp blade. It doesn't have to be incredibly sharp. Instead, it just needs to be able to move through the air quick enough to chop the grass.

Storage

Here are steps to properly store your lawn mower when it's not in use for an extended period of time. Begin by draining the gasoline, which can leave a corrosive sludge in your tank if left still for too long. Clean the entire machine to remove any caked-on debris that can damage the paint finish over time. Find a spot where your mower can be protected against the elements, such as a shed or garage.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you need a lawn mower repair or are looking to purchase a lawn mower, visit Birkey's Farm Store. We proudly serve those in Annawan, Arthur, Bloomington, Casey, Galesburg, Gibson City, Henry, Hoopeston, Macomb, Mattoon, Newton, Oakland, Polo, Prophetstown, Shelbyville, and Urbana, Illinois as well as Williamsport, Indiana.