Spring is almost upon us and that means it’s time to get those mowers tuned up and ready to go now! We’ve put together some helpful tips and guidelines to get you started.
Mower Maintenance Tips
Start with your owner’s manual; make sure you are changing the oil, the filter and those spark plugs regularly and according to your manual specifications. That will maximize the life of your engine, and help you avoid taking your equipment into the shop early on.
Here is a down-and-dirty list of things you can do to keep your mower in tip-top shape!
- Check engine oil and hydraulic fluid levels before each use and check belts regularly for proper tension.
- Regularly check the air pressure in your tires.
- Check and clean/replace air filters every 40-50 service hours (more often in dusty conditions)
- Grease and oil chassis lubrication points.
- Change engine and hydraulic oil at recommended intervals.
- Keep deck, engine/hydraulic cooling fans and intake screens free of grass and leaf buildup.
- Blades should be sharp and balanced.
- Check your machine for signs of leaks and wear or damage.
- Keep a file of maintenance records.
Since the busy mowing season in here, we also included a list of mower safety tips to keep in mind:
- Read and understand the operator’s manual before using your machine, and make sure those operating know how to use it and understand the warnings.
- Do not put your hands or feet near any moving components.
- Keep clear of any discharge opening
- For gasoline-powered models, add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting the machine. Do not add gasoline to a running or hot engine and never leave the machine running in an enclosed area.
- As with other power tools and equipment, do not operate a lawn mower when tired, ill, or intoxicated.
- Wear appropriate clothing including substantial footwear, eye and hearing protection.
- Pick up stones, toys and other debris from the lawn to prevent injuries and damage from flying objects.
- Never allow children to operate mowing equipment or be passengers on ride-on mowers.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance from the area you are mowing, and use extreme caution near blind corners and around objects that might block your view.
- Do not operate without the grass catcher, discharge chute, or other safety devices in place and working.
- Be careful when mowing slopes or operating in wet conditions. Never mow in reverse unless necessary, and carefully look for others behind you when you do.
- Turn off the mower and wait for the blade(s) to stop completely before leaving the mower, removing the grass catcher, picking up debris, or crossing gravel roads or paths.
- Let the mower cool before refueling, cleaning, and storing.
- Follow all directions- including turnings off the engine and disconnecting the spark plug or electric cord- before working on the mower or trying to unclog the discharge chute.
We hope you all have a wonderful spring season and don’t forget that our friends in the horse world can save BIG with us on new Exmark, Toro and Ventrac mowers!
