When spring arrives, it is also means the beginning of lawn-mowing season. Chances are good that your push mower has sat undisturbed for the past several months, and it probably needs attention to get it ready to go. Below are four important maintenance and service steps that will prepare your push lawn mower for months of reliable grass-cutting duty.
Clean the Lawn Mower Chassis
Hopefully, you will have cleaned the mower before you put it up for the winter, but in case you didn't, now is the perfect time to clean it up. Cleaning is easy, but you will want to focus on a few critical areas.
First, turn the mower on its side and examine the underside for clumps of grass clippings and dirt. Scrape the clumps from the mower with a long screwdriver or similar tool; be especially careful to remove debris built up around the blade or the area where clippings exit the mower.
Once you have removed the grass and dirt, wipe down the underside with a dry shop towel. Finally, spray the cleaned metal with a lightweight oil to provide an extra layer of protection against corrosion and to help prevent grass from sticking to the metal.
Replace or Sharpen the Blade
Lawn mower blades should be replaced or sharpened once per mowing season. A dull blade will tear grass and leave a jagged, ugly cut instead of a clean incision.
To remove the lawn mower blade, turn the mower on its side and use a heavy block of wood to jam the blade against the chassis of the mower. Be sure the blade is not able to move before continuing with the removal process.
Next, find the appropriate sized wrench or socket to fit the nut holding the blade to the shaft, and remove the nut. Be careful not to allow the blade to slip to prevent possible accidents and injuries. Once the blade has been removed, have it sharpened or replace it with a new one.
Replace the Spark Plug
The spark plug provides the electric jolt that causes the cylinder to fire, and it can go bad after a period of lengthy use or if it is exposed to harsh internal engine conditions. Spark plugs can be cleaned and adjusted by widening or narrowing the "gap," but the low cost of spark plugs, in general, makes simple replacement easier.
To replace a spark plug, begin by removing the old plug using a matching socket and ratchet. If the plug sticks, spray penetrating oil around its edges and allow it to soak for a few minutes. This should loosen the plug sufficiently to remove from the cylinder.
When replacing the spark plug, be sure to match the model number of the old plug with store inventory to determine which one to purchase. Insert the new plug into the cylinder opening, and use your hands to tighten it as much as possible. Finish tightening the plug with a wrench or socket, but do not overtighten the plug to prevent stripping the threads.
Change the Oil
The oil in your lawn mower will also need regular attention. During the course of a mowing season, your engine "inhales" millions of times and traps tiny debris particles that work their way into the engine oil supply. These minute particles can lead to disastrous consequences for the inside of the engine.
If you wish to change the oil yourself, you will find the process isn't difficult. Your mower's manual will provide a detailed guide for changing the oil, but the steps below are mostly the same across manufacturers.
First, drain the old oil into a waste-oil container for recycling purposes. Next, identify the specified brand and oil viscosity for your mower and purchase a single quart. Carefully pour the new oil into the engine, and replace the filler cap once you have finished.
If you'd rather have a professional handle your lawn mowing and yard care this year, contact a company like Jack's Four Seasons for assistance.
