Maintain Your Mower

Maintain your mower for the sake of your lawn!

Keeping your mower in good working condition is beneficial for many reasons.  If you maintain your mower properly year round, you will be ahead of the game when the busy mowing season arrives. You can start by reading your owner's manual for the technical information and scheduling your routine maintenance checks.  Remember to keep good records on any repairs and all maintenance performed on your mower.  

An annual service check by a professional is always a good idea to keep the mower in tip top condition so that you don't damage your lawn.  An efficient mower is also good for the environment! The oil and fuel filters must be changed if you want the mower to last.  While manufacturer recommendations may vary, a good rule of thumb is changing the oil every 25 hours of mowing.  For some homeowners this will be once a year, so it may be easier to just remember to change your oil each spring.

A dull mower blade can be devastating to a lawn.  A dull blade will shred the grass which causes a frayed or brown appearance and can create entryways for disease. Routinely sharpen your mower blade to ensure you are mowing with a sharp blade that will not shred the grass.

Annual maintenance checks should include making sure that all nuts and bolts are tightened.  Belts, filters, and safety shields should be clean and in place.  Cleaning the fans and intake screens will also help keep the mower operating correctly.

If your mower is difficult to start, check to see if the spark plug is dirty or damaged. Your owner's manual should have instructions for inspecting and replacing the spark plug. Replacing the spark plug annually is a good way to make sure you have a lawn mower that starts properly!

Storing fuel for your lawn mower should be stored in approved containers.  Do not use bottles or jars. Be sure to label the containers so there is no mistake what is inside.  If you still have fuel in your mower when it is time for winter storage, make sure you add a fuel stabilizer.  This will help prevent clogs in the carburetor.

Proper storage and service will ensure that your lawn mower is ready to go when the busy spring mowing season arrives!

Sunbelt Turf Farm began in St. Clair County. Over 30 years have perfected the art of growing, selling and the delivery of quality turf grass. Customer satisfaction is paramount and we stand behind our turf grass. Expansions into Shelby and Talladega Counties successfully turned cotton fields and pasture land into beautiful green turf. Commercial and retail opportunities, pick-up or delivery, free estimates, fast turnaround and remaining environmentally friendly separate us from the rest.