With proper care, the average lawn mower should last 10 to 12 years. If it’s not maintained properly, however, you can cut that number in half. We’re guessing you don’t want to buy a new mower every few years, so here are some basic tips to keep it running efficiently for years to come:
- Oil check — You should check the oil level of your lawn mower after every 5 hours of use. Warm up the engine first and use the mower’s dipstick to check the level. The oil should be changed after every 50 hours of lawn mower use, as well.
- Inspect the air filter — To improve the performance of the mower’s engine, you should replace the air filter at least once a season. A dirty or clogged filter puts stress on the engine.
- Check the undercarriage — Grass gets stuck and caked on to the undercarriage of the mower and can clog the discharge chute. Scrape off the grass with a brush to keep it clean.
- Replace your spark plug — If your lawn mower isn’t working, it might be the spark plug. Replace it every season or after 100 hours of lawn mowing use. Make sure to use the spark plugs recommended by the manufacturer of your particular mower.
- Sharpen the blade — If you notice that the mower is ripping or tearing the grass instead of cutting it cleanly, it may be time to sharpen the lawn mower blade. We recommend getting it professionally sharpened at a mower repair shop.
- Regular tune ups — Like any mechanical equipment, having a lawn mower repair professional take care of these issues can keep it running at peak performance. They’ll inspect it for problems that you might not be aware of.
A properly functioning lawn mower and lawn irrigation system are the most important factors in maintaining a healthy lawn. At Challenger Irrigation, we look forward to helping homeowners in Hernando, Pasco, Pinellas, and Citrus counties with their irrigation systems .
