How to Service a Lawn Mower: Fast and Easily Method
If you want your machine to last, you must look after your lawn mower. However, lawn mower maintenance does not have to be a huge, time-consuming job. In fact, over the years, with my lawn mowing business, I have developed a simple, easy way to maintain my mowers.
This article discusses the simple step-by-step system I use at home to look after my mowers so you can spend less time in the garage and more time enjoying your pristine lawn.
Remember
A bad workman blames their tools. A Good workman maintains them.
Schedule time to service your mowers
As a lawn mowing business owner, you know that properly maintaining your equipment is crucial to running your business smoothly.
By regularly servicing your lawnmowers, trimmers, and other equipment, you can avoid costly repairs down the road and keep your fleet running like new.
Not maintaining your equipment can lead to uneven cuts and messy lawns.
Not only is this not a good look, but it also makes your work harder than it needs to be and can lead to more breakdowns.
Simple things like sharpening your blades once a month will make it much easier for something like a wet cut or a new lawn.
Book time to do machine maintenance in your diary.
Scheduling your servicing is easy when you work solo and know how much work your machine does. You can schedule a time to service your machine as you need it.
When I ran many machines and vans, I found tracking hard, so I fitted engine timers (Hour/Tach Meter). They are not hard to install; you can pick them up from a place like Amazon. Checking the timers allowed me to see what machines were due for servicing.
My maintenance routine
I service all my working mowers on the first Saturday of the month.
Step 1
First, Give them all a quick pressure washing, including the catchers. (a low-pressure wash, of course)
Step 2
Disconnect the spark plug, remove the mower blade, and sharpen it with the grinder.
Step 3
Replace any worn or broken parts—Bearings, fans, etc.
Step 4
Check the air filter and the oil dipstick. If needed, I will replace the filter and top up (or replace) the oil.
Step 5
Lastly, lubricate the cables, saving you much money on seized cables.
It takes me a couple of hours to do three mowers, and then I am good to go for another month.
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Two strokes
I don’t bother too much with the smaller two-stroke engines, blowers, weedeaters, etc., as I tend to replace filters, spark plugs, etc., on the job.
I don’t touch the engines as we mutually hate each other, so I leave that to the experts.
Since I started this, I have had fewer breakdowns and, therefore, less downtime.
Carry spare spark plugs.
I would also suggest you always carry spare spark plugs in your wagon. Back in the day, when a machine stopped, I would run it straight into the shop. Then I realized that every time I did this, the first thing they did was replace the plug.
Now, I do this myself on the job. Nine times out of ten, it solves the problem.
These are the basic things you should do when you service your mowers.
7 Tips for Servicing Your Lawn Mowing Equipment
1. Read the owner’s manual.
This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people skip this crucial step. Before you do anything else, make sure you read and understand the owner’s manual for your particular make and model of lawn mower. This will give you a good starting point for understanding how to best care for your equipment.
2. Check the oil level and change it if necessary.
Every lawn mower has an oil reservoir that you must keep filled for the engine to run correctly. Check the oil level regularly and top it off as needed; most manufacturers recommend changing it every 50 hours.
Lately, most of our mower engines claim not to need oil changes. I still change the oil every few months. I can’t quite understand this: “No need to change the oil thing.”
3. Clean or replace the air filter.
The air filter protects the engine from outside debris and dust; over time, it can become clogged with debris, which can reduce engine power and cause damage. Checking and cleaning (or replacing) the air filter regularly will help keep your engine running strong.
Check if your mower stops on the job. You can get a mower or weed eater to start running again by removing the air filter. Your machine will run ok for a day, but you need another filter ASAP.
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4. Sharpen the blades.
Dull blades will not only produce subpar results – but they can also damage your lawn by tearing grass rather than cutting it cleanly. Sharpening (or replacing) the blades on your lawn mower at least once per season will ensure that your mower is always performing at its best.
5. Clean the underdeck area.
The area under the deck of your lawn mower can become caked with grass clippings, dirt, and debris over time. This can impede airflow and prevent grass from being cut effectively. Keeping this area clean will help extend the life of your mower and produce better results.
Also, spend some time cleaning the catcher. It probably needs the vents to be clean to catch. Good airflow is essential right through the cutting area and catcher.
6. Lubricate moving parts as needed.
Many parts of a lawn mower – such as spindles, wheels, levers, etc. – require regular lubrication to function correctly. Refer to your owner’s manual to find out which parts need to be lubricated and how often; in general, it’s a good idea to lubricate all moving parts at least once per season.
7. Tighten loose bolts & screws
Finally, it’s always a good idea to walk around your lawn mower(s) and tighten any loose bolts or screws you may find.
Over time, vibrations for everyday use can cause these components to loosen.
The University of Florida released a paper on Lawn Mower Care and Safety
By now, you know you need to schedule time to service your mowers.
And there you have it! Regularly following these simple tips can keep your lawn mowing equipment running smoothly for years.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you found it helpful, we encourage you to share it with fellow lawn care professionals or anyone else who might find it useful.
Key takeaways: How to Service a Lawn Mower
- You need to service your lawn mower regularly.
- I have provided a simple step-by-step guide.
- The steps include cleaning, sharpening the blade, checking the oil level and air filter, and lubricating moving parts.
- Always have spare spark plugs on hand and spanners for loose bolts.
Frequently asked questions
How Much Oil Should Be Put in a Lawn Mower?
How Often Should You Change Your Lawn Mower Blades?
Why Is Your Lawn Mower Not Cutting Evenly?
How steep can you mow with a push lawn mower?
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