Lawnmowers are valuable tools for homeowners and landscapers alike. Whether you’re a weekend enthusiast or a landscaping pro, keeping your mower in good shape is essential for a well-organized lawn and a long-lasting machine. Regular riding lawn mower maintenance helps it run smoothly and extends its life to about 10-15 years!
Taking just a few hours each year to care for your mower can make a big difference in its performance and your lawn’s health. You can tune-up yourself or rely on Diamond B Tractors & Equipment, your trusted dealer for the popular Bad Boy Mowers. Either way, you can keep your mower in top shape and ready for mowing. Keep reading the blog post to find some steps for a hassle-free lawn mower maintenance routine!
The Best Time to Carry Out Lawn Mower Maintenance
Keeping your lawn mower in good shape gives you a healthy lawn, and learning when to do maintenance is necessary! You can clear your mowing area of twigs, stones, and toys and avoid mowing in the dark.
While you can do seasonal lawn care at any time, the best times to take care of your lawn mower are at the beginning of the mowing season, just before your first cut. Perform end-of-season lawn mower maintenance when you’re getting ready to put it away for winter. The fall is for annual maintenance because it prepares your mower for months of inactivity.
Take your time to winterize the mower now, you’ll guarantee it’s ready to go when spring arrives, preventing issues like dull blades and engine trouble that could spoil your mowing experience.
Basic Lawn Mower Care Tips You Must Follow to Keep It in Best Condition:
The question is: how to maintain your lawn mower? Caring for your lawn mower is essential for maintaining its performance and longevity. While there may come a time when you’ll need to replace it, you can extend its life by following these lawn mower maintenance tips. These practices help keep your mower running smoothly and also save you from expensive farm equipment repairs in the future.
Step 1: Ensure That Your Fuel is Stabilized
Fuel that sits in the mower for extended periods can lead to carburetor issues, which can be costly to fix. Aim to use your mower regularly during the mowing season to keep this from happening. If your mower goes unused for over 30 days, consider adding a fuel stabilizer, which is an affordable solution found at garden stores. Aside from this, it’s wise to add a stabilizer before storing the mower for winter to prevent headaches when the mowing season begins again.
Step 2: Make a Habit to Change the Oil Regularly
Changing the oil in the lawn mower is essential for maintaining a healthy engine. The moving parts inside the engine generate friction and heat, which causes wear and tear if not lubricated properly. Always ensure you refill the oil to the recommended level on the dipstick, as too much and too little oil can lead to engine problems. Using high-quality oil will improve engine performance as well as fuel efficiency, so be sure to consult your owner’s manual for oil change intervals.
Step 3: Maintain a Good Battery for Your Lawn Mower
A well-maintained battery is required for the efficient operation of your lawn mower. A freshly charged battery ensures that your mower has enough power to run its lights, sensors, blades, and starter effectively. Keeping an eye on your battery’s health will significantly enhance the performance of your equipment. If you see any issues with the battery, consider replacing it to avoid interruptions during your mowing sessions.
Step 4: Keep the Lawn Mower Deck Clean
Regularly cleaning the underside of your mower deck is key to preventing rust and maintaining overall performance. Grass clippings and debris can build up, slowing the mower’s efficiency. Rinsing the deck with water is effective, but remember to dry it afterward to avoid moisture-related problems. Using a blower or a scrub brush can help get rid of stubborn buildup, and applying silicone spray can create a barrier against future mess.
Step 5: Replace The Spark Plugs of Your Lawn Mower as Needed
Spark plugs are components that ensure your mower starts and runs effectively. Generally, they should be replaced every 100 hours of use to maintain optimal performance. If your mower starts to run roughly or struggles to start, it might be a sign that the spark plug needs changing. Always refer to your owner’s manual for specific instructions on spark plug replacement, as proper maintenance can save you time and trouble down the line.
Step 6: Select The Blades That are Sharp and Balanced
Sharp blades are used for achieving a clean, healthy cut when mowing your lawn. Dull blades can tear grass instead of cutting it neatly, which can lead to a brownish appearance on your lawn. To ensure the best results, sharpen your mower blades frequently, especially if you’re mowing often. Keeping an extra set of blades on hand is a good idea, so you’re always prepared to tackle your lawn care tasks without delay.
Step 7: Inspect and Clean the Air Filter Thoroughly
A clean air filter lets your mower’s engine get the air it needs for optimal combustion. Over time, dust and grass clippings can clog the filter, which can affect performance. To keep your mower operating smoothly, clean the air filter with mild detergent or replace it if it’s too worn out. Make sure to check your service manual for guidelines on how often you should clean or replace the air filter to keep your engine in peak condition.
Step 8: Change the Fuel Filter When Necessary
A functioning fuel filter is essential for ensuring your riding lawn mower runs smoothly and efficiently. It cleans the fuel as it moves from the tank to the engine, removing any dirt or particles that have entered. While smaller mowers might not have a fuel filter, larger models usually do, and it’s essential to check and replace it regularly. Always refer to your service manual for recommendations on how often to clean or replace the fuel filter to maintain optimal performance.
Are you still waiting to replace your fuel filter? Diamond B Tractors & Equipment offers riding lawn mower parts, including a fuel filter to keep your mower in working condition.
Step 9: Monitor the Tire Pressure System Regularly
Proper tire pressure is often overlooked, affecting how evenly your lawn is cut. If one or more tires are low on air, it can lead to an uneven cut and make mowing more difficult. Inspecting tire pressure regularly ensures a smoother mowing experience and reduces strain on the engine. Maintaining the correct pressure improves performance and contributes to a more comfortable ride while you mow.
Step 10: Inspect and Service the Mower’s Belts
Regularly inspecting your mower’s belts is essential for maintaining power and efficiency. Worn or cracked belts can cause problems with the mower’s ability to cut grass, particularly on slopes. These belts are responsible for turning the pulleys that drive the blades, so ensuring they are in good condition is critical. Make a habit of checking for signs of wear and replacing any damaged belts to keep your mower running at its best.
Get Expert Assistance to Keep Your Lawn Mower Operating Smoothly for Years!
Taking care of your lawn mower ensures it performs well and lasts long. By following all the manufacturer’s instructions in the service manual and implementing these ten maintenance steps, you can enjoy a reliable mower for many seasons.
If you need assistance with farm equipment repair or maintenance, visit Diamond B Tractors & Equipment. Our knowledgeable Bad Boy Mowers dealers are keen to address your servicing needs. We’re dedicated to providing fast, effective service that enables you to protect your investment.
By staying proactive with maintenance, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your mower maneuvering, making lawn care a breeze!