Our top tips for looking after your mower!
Before you get started, dig out the owner's manual that came with your mower. If you can't find it, you should be able to locate one online by typing the make and model of your mower and the key word 'manual' into a search engine.
Use fresh fuel
The performance of your lawn mower is affected by the quality of the fuel you use. If you've got a can of petrol that's been sitting in your back shed for months, don't expect good things from your mower - as moisture buildup and loss of octane can compromise the performance of the engine. This is the most common cause of petrol engines not starting.
Instead, keep a small can of fuel on-hand for your mower and try to replace or refresh each month (fuel can become stale after 30 days).
If your engine won't go, remove the fuel from your lawn mower, you can siphon it out or tip the mower over to drain the fuel (catch it in a suitable container). Once you've done this, add fresh fuel and hopefully the engine will start.
Change your oil and check oil filters
Just as your car loves an oil change, your lawn mower will thank you for clean oil, too. Drain your engine oil after every 50 hours of operation - check your owner's manual for how to do this, and to see which oil is best for your mower.
Likewise, your oil filters will need to be replaced at least once a year, too.
Check and replace spark plugs
The spark plug on your lawn mower should be replaced after every 100 or so hours of operation. The type of spark plug you need can be found in your owner's manual, as should guidelines on how to replace it.
Remember, don't reconnect the spark plug until you've completed all the other maintenance tasks on your list.
Change the air filter
With repeated use over summer, the air filter on your lawn mower may become clogged. If you have a paper filter, it's easy to unscrew the filter cartridge and replace it. If yours is a foam filter, you can wash it out using detergent and then douse in engine oil before replacing.
Sharpening your blades
Keeping your blades sharp is important if you want a beautifully cut lawn. Before you look at or touch your blade, make sure the spark plug is disconnected. Then, tip your mower on its side to check the blade. If it looks blunt, cracked, bent or dented, it's time for a new blade. Otherwise, you can give it a clean and sharpen, it if you've got the appropriate equipment (a blade grinder and some safety goggles, for starters). Sharpening of blades is included in a lawnmower service, it may be time to book your lawnmower in for a service.
General cleaning and care
The cleaner you keep your machine, the sharper it will perform. Remember, when cleaning your lawnmower, disconnect the spark plug first. Then, you can tip it over and brush out the cutting deck. Check all the fastenings, repaint any rusty components, and rinse out the bag or catcher.
It may seem like a lot of work, but if you do a little bit every week, you'll make sure your mower keeps going for much longer.