How to Get Your Lawn Mower Ready for Spring Mowing

Seasonal maintenance keeps your mower running better, longer.

When spring is just around the corner, the need to mow our grass can't be avoided. And the best way to get ready for spring mowing is making sure that your lawn mower is clean and properly maintained. A few easy tune-up items get your machine out of storage mode and ready for service.

Instructions

1. Complete a seasonal tune-up. Typically this involves changing the oil, replacing the spark plug, and changing or cleaning the air filter. You can easily perform the tune-up yourself, or you can take your mower to an authorized service center that will do the job for you. Refer to the owner's manual for these and other seasonal maintenance items.

2. Clean and inspect the blade. It's important that the blade is sharp and straight for optimal mowing. A dull or bent blade still cuts grass, but it may will cut unevenly and leave patches of longer grass in some areas. Have a dull blade professionally sharpened. If the blade is bent, replace it.

3. Clean all parts of the mower thoroughly. This means removing any old grass left under the mowing deck from the last mowing season, removing any old gas still in the tank, wiping up any oil or gas spills, and (if recommended by the manufacturer) waxing the mower. Waxing helps prevent grass from sticking to the deck and makes for easier cleanup between mowings. To prevent the from starting, always remove the spark plug from your mower before cleaning.

Tips & Warnings

• Always remove the spark plug from your mower before cleaning. This will prevent the mower from starting on its own and ensure safety.