Essential spring lawn mower maintenance tips

Spring is officially here and that means your lawn is gearing up for a season of growth. Taking the time to clean, sharpen and inspect your lawn mower will ensure you get better mowing results and prolong the life of your mower. Prepare for the season with our essential spring lawn mower maintenance tips.

Safety first! Before beginning any maintenance on your lawnmower, disconnect the spark plug and ensure the throttle is in the off position. This will make the mower safe to work on. Always perform maintenance when the engine is completely cool.

Cleaning your lawn mower

Dirt, grass clippings, and debris can build up in your lawnmower over time, affecting the performance of your mower and potentially causing blockages. Regular cleaning helps to:

• Improve mower performance. A clean mower can cut your grass effortlessly and efficiently.
• Prevent rust and corrosion, improving your mower’s lifespan.
• Prevent overheating by allowing proper ventilation and reducing the wear and tear to the mower’s motor.
• Minimise the risk of fire hazards caused by dry grass and debris

Steps to clean your lawn mower

• Grass clippings tend to stick to the underside of the mower deck. Use a garden hose or brush to remove debris, dirt and stubborn caked on grass clippings.
• Once you clean the underside, remove any clippings or grass from the blades. Leftover clippings can lead to rust or imbalance.
• Finally, wipe down the exterior of your mower with an old cloth or your air blower.

Check your lawn mower blades

Worn or damaged blades can result in an uneven cut and strain your mower’s engine. Check your blades to make sure they are in top condition.

• Start by turning the lawnmower on its side, ensuring the air filter faces up to prevent fuel leakage. Unscrew the blade carefully using a wrench or socket.
• Next inspect for damage. Look for visible signs such as nicks, dullness, or chips. Bent blades are dangerous and should be replaced immediately to avoid damaging your mower or creating hazards.
• Lastly balance the blades if required. Unbalanced blades can cause excessive vibration and damage to the engine. You can balance the blade by placing it on a blade balancer or a simple nail in a wall. If one side droops, that side needs sharpening or trimming.

Sharpen your lawn mower blades

Dull blades tear the grass rather than cut it, leaving behind ragged edges that increase the risk of lawn disease. Here’s how to sharpen your lawnmower blades for a sharp, clean cut (and healthier grass).

• Sharpen the blade at the same angle it was originally bevelled, using a metal file or grinder, maintaining even pressure throughout the stroke.
• After sharpening, check the balance again using a blade balancer. If the blade is off-balance, grind down the heavier side until it’s level.
•  Once sharpened and balanced, reattach the blade securely to avoid any accidents during operation.

Air filter maintenance

The air filter prevents dirt and debris from entering the engine, which can decrease the engine’s efficiency and potentially cause engine damage.  To check and replace your air filter:

Step 1: Find the air filter on your mower

Depending on your mower, the air filter is usually near the carburettor., enclosed in casing. Remove the casing first to expose the filter.

Step 2: Inspect for dirt or damage

Inspect the filter for any dirt, rust, or blockages. If the filter looks dirty, it’s time for a replacement.

Note: Dirt ridden foam filters can be washed in warm soapy water before drying completely and reinstalling. Paper filters need to be replaced with a new one.

Step 3: Replace the air filter

Remove the old filter and install the new one, paying attention to the arrow that indicates fuel flow direction.

Fuel filter maintenance

Step 1: Find the fuel filter

Depending on your mower, the fuel filter can usually be found along the fuel line between the tank and carburettor. Pinch the fuel line with clamps to prevent leakage, then remove the filter by loosening the clamps holding the filter in place. Then gently pull the fuel lines off both sides of the filter.

Step 2: Inspect the filter

Inspect the filter for any debris, clogs or sign of wear and tear.

Step 3: Replace the fuel filter

Attach the new fuel filter to the fuel lines, ensuring the arrow on the filter (indicating fuel flow direction) points toward the carburettor. Tighten the clamps around your replacement filter and remove the hose clamps from the fuel line.

Spark plug maintenance

A faulty or worn spark plug can make your lawnmower difficult to start or lead to engine misfires. Routine spark plug maintenance keeps your mower running smoothly, especially at the start of the Spring season when frequent use is expected.

• Start by removing the spark plug. Use a spark plug wrench to unscrew the plug. Check for any black carbon deposits or corrosion.
• If the spark plug is still in decent condition, clean it with a wire brush and some carburettor cleaner. If it looks worn or damaged, it’s best to replace it.
• Ensure the spark plug gap is correct using a gap tool, as an incorrect gap can result in poor ignition.
• Lastly, reinstall the spark plug snugly (being careful not to overtighten).

Checking your oil and oil filter

Just like a car, your lawnmower’s engine needs clean oil to function properly. Old or low oil can cause your engine to seize up or wear out prematurely. Inspect the oil level using the dipstick, before every use. Make sure the oil is at the correct level and not dirty.

Inspect your filter

Check the oil filter regularly for dirt or clogs. A clean filter ensures proper engine performance.

How to change the oil in your mower:

• Check oil levels by using a dipstick. Low or dirty oil should be addressed straight away.
• Drain the old oil by placing a container under the mower. Then remove the oil cap or plug and drain the old oil completely.
• After the old oil is drained, refill the engine with the manufacturer’s recommended oil type. Be careful not to overfill.
• Dispose of used oil properly: Take the old oil to a recycling centre or your local council for correct and safe disposal.

How often should you change the oil filter in your lawn mower?

Most lawn mowers use SAE 30 motor oil, but some may require 10W-30 or synthetic oils, depending on the climate. Always refer to your mower’s manual for the recommended oil type to ensure optimal performance.

For regular maintenance, change the oil filter every season or after 50 hours of use, whichever comes first. For new lawn mowers, change the oil and filter after the first 5 hours of operation to clear out debris and metal particles.

Investing time in simple maintenance and care means that your lawnmower will be ready to power through the spring season, keeping your lawn looking at its best.

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From lawn mowers to hedge trimmers, line trimmers, and shredders, Statewide Appliance Spares offers a huge range of garden and power tool spare parts from trusted brands like AEG, Homelite, Milwaukee, and Ryobi. Our extensive selection ensures you’ll find exactly what you need to make garden maintenance a breeze.

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