Essential Lawn Mower Maintenance Checklist for a Stress-Free Season

Resolving many issues related to lawn mower usage begins with operator education.

Building on the previous post that outlined basic lawnmower usage, we'll now emphasize the critical maintenance items, particularly those that should be checked before each use.

First and foremost, always consult the user manual for your specific unit. It contains essential instructions on best maintenance and safety practices, ensuring your machine's longevity and your safety.

Alongside the operator's manual, adhere to these general guidelines applicable to most walk-behind mowers:

Locate your unit's air filter and inspect it for cleanliness. Can light pass through it? (if it's the paper type). It might require removing fasteners to open the air filter housing for inspection.

The most crucial information is as follows: Once you've found your air filter, ALWAYS tilt the unit with the air filter facing up. This prevents oil and gas from soaking it, avoiding future starting issues!

On a reasonably level surface, check the oil level on the dipstick to ensure it's within the operating range. Never run an engine with a low oil level indicated on the dipstick.

Tilt the unit correctly (with the air filter facing up!) and examine the blade's cutting edge, as well as the area where the curved portion meets the flat portion, for notches, slots, or other wear. If any are found, replace the blade before using your machine.

Following these inspection points sets a solid foundation for extending your lawn mower's service life.

Never the Norm!