Getting Your Lawn Mower
Ready For The New Season

So spring has arrived, and it’s time to pull out the old mower. Before you get started though, there are a few things you should do to ensure your mower lasts all season long, and even longer

Prepare Your Lawn

If your lawn isn’t healthy or producing a sufficient amount of grass, you really don’t need a lawn mower. So it’s important you take time with your lawn after winter has passed to promote its beauty. The first thing you might want to consider is raking, or thatching your lawn to remove any leftover debris from the winter season. Next, you can go to your local home store and purchase fertilizers, seeds and even crabtree preventive to make sure your lawn is growing grass. Once your lawn is raked, sprinkle the fertilizer or seed across it, or just on the dead areas and water it often. Your lawn should be receiving about an inch of water per week to stay healthy.

Prepare Your Lawn Mower

Preparing your lawn mower for the new season can be a pain in the neck. It’s much like getting a tune-up on your car or truck. Here’s a list of the things you should do to prepare your mower for the entire season.

Change the oil and oil filter. You can dispose of your old oil by taking it to your nearest mechanic shop. They’ll usually dump it for free, and it’s safe.

Drain the gas and replace it with new gas. Again, you can take your old gas to any mechanic shop for disposal. Old gas can really mess up your engine and cause it to run inefficiently.

Change the air filter. The air filter prevents debris and dirt from getting sucked up into the engine. Also, dust has probably collected while sitting throughout the winter season.

Sharpen the blades. Sharpening your blades is crucial when promoting a healthy lawn. If the grass blades are torn instead of cut, they can die and cause dead spots throughout your lawn. Sharpen the mower blades with a metal file, or a metal drill bit, or if it’s too difficult take it to a professional or buy new ones.

Change spark plugs. Many people will say that if your spark plugs are clean and undamaged to leave them alone. However, changing them at least once annually is always a great idea. Just disconnect the wires, remove the plugs and take the old ones with you to buy new ones, because size does matter.

Check belts. If your belts are worn, cracked or dry-rotted, replace them. There’s no fixing them or healing them, just replace them.

Clean your mower. Spray your entire motor with degreaser and let it sit for a few minutes. Then spray it off with water from a garden hose.

Lubricate moving parts like the motor, wheels and blades. You can use lubricating oil or grease.