Lawn Mower Care
There are some key components of you lawn mower that need looking after: the motor and the blades. But there are a few other items that let your motor and blades do their work.
Also, when planning to maintain you lawn mower, take note of your particular place in the world and what you weather is like. In the warmer months, your grass will grow quick, meaning more cutting, meaning you need more maintenance. If you place in the world has a cold winter your grass might not grow at all and your mower will just sit there for long periods. Meaning you need to plan to have it safe while it's not running and that first run after an long period will need some special steps.
Motor
Fuel
- Use the right Fuel. Two Stroke is only for two stroke engine etc. It will be too rich or weak and will either just not work or damage the engine.
- After about 30 days impurities (Moisture / octane loss / separation) can develop in the fuel. If your mower has not been out in the last month get some fresh fuel for it. And if you don't ever use it much, Just get enough for each individual use.
Oil
- After about every 50-60 hours of use drain off the oil in the motor (if any) and replace with fresh fuel.
Air Filter
- If the mower's air filter is dirty or at least once a year clean it or if you can't, get a new one.
Spark Plug
- Give them a clean every year and use some oil when you put them in so you can get them out next year.
- Replace the spark plug after every 100 hours of operation.
Before and After each use, clean the dirt and debris from the engine air screen and the engine's cylinder fins.
Blades
Sharpening
- Lawn mower blades can be sharpened with a file or on a grinder wheel. Always remove them from the mower before you sharpen them.
Balance
- Mower blades should also be balance to ensure a smooth, efficient run and evenly cut grass. To check a blade's balance, there should be a center hole in the blades. Hang the blade from this center hole by a hook or a nail and it should sit horizontal. If it doesn't, sharpen the lower end and repeat until even.
The rest
Store your mower in a dry ventilated area, raised off the ground.
Annual Once over
Once a year it's a good idea to give your mower a good clean. Disconnect the battery and remove the spark plug and clean the motor housing thoroughly with soap and water. After your finished wipe all moving parts with a lightly oiled rag to prevent rusting.
If there are drive belts or chains clean them of debris regularly and watch for ware and tear.
Drain the petrol and oil tanks and clean the spark plug. Fill oil tank with clean oil but only refill the petrol when you need to use the
Fasteners - Mowers can vibrate quick a bit and bolts etc may come loose. Once a year, check them over and tighten them if it is needed.