Statewide Appliance Spares Blog

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. Need spare parts for your lawn mower? 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. All the latest tips on the Statewide blog Visit the Statewide blog to find our Lawn care tips and pro techniques for expert mowing results. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs easier!

Achieving a lush green, thriving lawn requires regular maintenance and care and proper mowing techniques. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or budding lawn care enthusiast, this comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and pro techniques needed to achieve expert mowing results. Choosing the right mower The right mower will help make your lawn mowing experience a whole lot easier. For a lawn mower to meet your specific needs, consider the following: Lawn size: Assess the size of your lawn. For most suburban yards, a push mower or electric mower should be all you need, while much larger lawns may require a ride-on mower for efficiency. Type of lawn mower: Choose between electric, cordless, petrol or ride on. Do you research and evaluate the pro’s and con’s of each to find out which one will best suit your needs. Cutting width and height adjustment: Consider the cutting width of the mower and whether it aligns with your lawn size and desired mowing time. Also, ensure the mower offers easy height adjustment to accommodate different grass lengths and preferences. Mulcher vs catcher mowing: Determine if you prefer mulching (recycling grass clippings back into the lawn) or catcher (grass clippings are collected and stored in a bag or catcher attached to the mower). Budget: Determine how much you would like to invest while evaluating features, reliability and performance. Best techniques for expert lawn mowing results Proper mowing techniques can make a big difference in the appearance and health of your lawn. Safety first! Wear protective equipment when operating a lawn mower to minimise the risk of injury. Closed toe, non-slip shoes Safety glasses Hearing protection Safety gloves Long, close fitting pants Set the right lawn cutting height Ensure the optimal cutting height for your lawn by adjusting your mower according to the grass type and the season. For cool-season grasses like Bentgrass, Rye, and Fescue varieties, aim for a mowing height of approximately 2.5-10 cm. For warm-season grasses such as Kikuyu, Couch, and Buffalo varieties, maintain a shorter height of 2-7.5 cm. During the warm season, it's advisable to keep the turf slightly longer to help the roots stay cool and retain moisture. During the cool seasons, mow the lawn shorter to mitigate the risk of lawn diseases. Keep blades sharp Regularly sharpen your mower blades to ensure a clean cut and healthier grass. Dull mower blades tear grass rather than cutting it cleanly, leading to a ragged appearance and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases. Follow the 1/3 rule Mow your lawn when it's one-third taller than the desired height. This practice helps maintain a consistent lawn height and promotes healthy growth, while minimising plant stress. Alternate mowing patterns Change your mowing pattern with each session to prevent grass from leaning in one direction and to avoid creating ruts in the lawn. Varying your patterns between horizontal, vertical and diagonal patterns ensures even growth and a professional finish. Avoid mowing a wet lawn Wet grass can damage your mower and lead to uneven cutting so you should mow when the grass is dry to achieve cleaner cuts and prevent clumping. Be patient Avoid mowing too quickly, as this can result in missed spots and uneven cutting. Instead, maintain a steady pace to ensure thorough coverage and a consistent cut. Trim edges and obstacles Trimming will give your lawn a well-cared for and polished look. Use a line trimmer (eg Whipper Snipper) or lawn edger to define borders and maintain clean lines. Keep your mower well maintained Keep your mower well-maintained by cleaning the deck, checking the oil and fuel levels, and inspecting spark plugs, air filters and blades regularly. Replace worn out and faulty parts promptly. Proper maintenance ensures optimal mower performance and longevity. How often should you mow your lawn? The frequency of mowing depends on a few things including grass type, growth rate, weather conditions and the season. For cool season grasses (such as Fescue, Ryegrass) mow every 7-10 days during the growing season (spring and autumn). For warm season grasses (such as Couch, Buffalo and Kikuyu) mow every 5-7 days to keep up with rapid growth during peak season (late spring to early autumn). The mowing frequency may decrease to 2-5 weeks, during non-peak seasons. Monitor and mow as needed to maintain an optimal height. Do's and Don'ts of lawn mowing Do: Mow when the grass is dry. This will help achieve cleaner cuts and prevent clumping Regularly cut lawn to maintain its health and appearance (refer 1/3 rule above) Vary your mowing pattern with each session to promote even growth and prevent soil compaction Trim edges and around obstacles for a neat and polished appearance Sharpen mower blades regularly for crisp, clean cuts and healthier grass Adjust cutting height and frequency according to grass type, season and weather conditions Don't: Mow wet grass to avoid clumping, uneven cutting, and potential mower damage Don’t allow the lawn to get too long between mowing as the long grass will shade and weaken the grass below, leading to brown, unhealthy looking lawn after cutting Scalp the lawn by cutting grass too short, as it weakens the root system and promotes weed growth Neglect mower maintenance, including blade sharpening, oil changes and air filter replacements Rush through mowing, as it can result in missed spots, uneven cutting and a poor finish Don't overlap mowing passes excessively, as it can lead to uneven cutting and scalping in some areas Lawn care tips for a healthy, lush grass Water deeply and infrequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance. Aerate the soil annually to improve air circulation, water absorption and nutrient uptake. Overseed bare or thin areas to promote a dense and lush lawn Fertilise regularly with a slow-release fertiliser to provide essential nutrients Monitor for pests, diseases, and weeds and address them promptly to prevent damage to the lawn. Follow proper lawn care practices based on the specific grass type and local weather conditions All the latest on the Statewide blog Visit our blog for handy hints and troubleshooting guides for all your home appliances. Check out our YouTube channel Need help with your home appliance repairs and maintenance? Check out our DIY videos on our YouTube Channel. All the expert hints and tips to make appliance repairs a breeze! Find your garden & power tool spare parts at Statewide Appliance Spares Statewide Appliance Spares is your one-stop destination for all your power tool and garden tool spare parts needs. We offer an extensive range of spare parts for lawnmowers, hedge trimmers, line trimmers and shredders from trusted brands like AEG, Homelite, Milwaukee and Ryobi. Shop online at Statewide Appliance Spares – spares for all the big brands at unbeatable prices!