As with any machinery, lack of care risks shortening the lifespan of your lawn mower.
As leading providers of lawn mower repairs in Perth, we’ve seen what happens when lawn cutting equipment is neglected.
It doesn’t take much effort to keep your mower performing well. A bit of basic care in the here and now can help your mower reach for a double digit lifespan.
Take precautions
Before you begin work of any kind on your mower, research protective protocols. Instructions may differ between mower types.
A few common safety steps:
- Wear protective gloves.
- Wait till the engine is cool.
- Doublecheck that off switch.
- Disconnect spark plugs.
- Take out the battery.
Get rid of grass
Having chunks of grass and dirt stuck in your mower isn’t the best case scenario. With each trim of your lawn, small clumps add to the growing mess and cause havoc.
Cleaning your mower after use, once cooled, makes the process easier. Wipe with a cloth, dust with a brush, or for harder clumps remove with a scraper.
A blower might make cleaning the mower’s deck less of a chore, if you have one on hand.
Don’t flip your mower over completely. Check guidelines for the best direction to tilt without risking harm to engine or parts.
If using water, proceed with caution. Is it a wise move for your make and model? Precautions may be needed to protect from electrocution, or damage of engine parts.
Follow the manual
Today’s market spans a wide range of mower makes and models. Assuming the maintenance routine is the same from mower to mower can be dangerous.
Your manual will help keep your mower in tip-top condition—and further research doesn’t hurt. It’s worth reading up on carburettor maintenance and troubleshooting starter issues.
Identifying the need for an oil change and recognising an air filter requires cleaning are helpful skills. Manufacturers often provide recommendations for maintenance.
Be proactive, not reactive
Don’t wait until your mower refuses to start. Keep a log so you know when a spark plug change is likely due, or how many hours of mowing have taken place since your last service.
The more common way to track the “life” of your mower is hours of usage overall, rather than age in years.
If any parts of the mower appear corroded or damaged, address repair needs or replace immediately so the issue doesn’t damage other parts.
Common culprits
Leaving old fuel in your mower and failing to change the oil are common mistakes.
Neglecting general care this way will call for more repairs, and shorten rather than extend the life of your equipment.
If unpacking a mower for the season, take time to prep. Draining old liquids and checking and changing parts make the top of the list. Now is a good time for a service.
Stick with quality
The type of oil and fuel you use matters, as does the quality of parts. Saving money is great but not if it speeds up the demise of your mower.
Our team can advise you on the high-performing options for your make and model.
Lubrication is also important. While it differs depending on the mower you own, a standard rule of thumb is to lubricate moving parts.
Caring for blades
If trimming your lawn takes longer yet produces average results, chances are the blades need attention. Blunt lawn mower blades can manifest as mediocre mowing.
Like kitchen knives, you have to sharpen them. A sharpener designed for lawnmower blades is a good investment.
How often you need to sharpen is impacted by frequency of mowing, how well you clean and maintain blades between use, and the harshness of the surface area.
Be aware your blades could be damaged instead of dull, meaning they require replacing not sharpening.
If you fail to clean your blades after mowing, they may become vulnerable to rust.
Our team offers servicing as well as repairs for Perth lawn mowers, if you prefer to have experts on board.
Storage
Short-term storage week to week is different to packing away your mower for a few months. Take care your choice of storage doesn’t infringe any laws.
Read the manual to ensure you don’t introduce a fire hazard to your home. It may be necessary to remove the battery or drain fuel.
During storage, avoid exposing your mower to:
- Dust
- Moisture and mould
- Direct sunlight
- Mice, rats and possums
- Pests
Certain mower types can be stored at an angle while others should be stored in an upright position. A fabric covering that breathes is best.
If you plan to store the mower for months, doublecheck water won’t reach the area. Culprits include overflowing drains or gutters during storms and sprinkler system run-off.
Watch what you mow
Passing over rocks and stone as well as general debris is hard on your mower. Likewise, pushing the mower over tree roots is bad for blades.
Mowing when grass is wet risks soggy clippings playing havoc with your mower. Your lawn also won’t appreciate it.
Stay out of the heat
Mowing in the worst of the summer heat can put pressure on your machine and potentially harm the engine, not to mention impact the health of your lawn.
You could also be breaking the law if a Total Fire Ban is in place, depending on your mower type. If uncertain, check with the WA Department of Fire and Emergency Services.
It’s over
Eventually, even the best service and repairs won’t transform an old mower into a top tier performer.
If uncertain whether to upgrade your mower yet, our experts are happy to talk. Know that our mowers come with the guarantee of available spare parts for at least a decade.
Talk to our technicians
Have questions about your mower maintenance routine? Torn between replacing parts or investing in a new mower? Want to book a service?
Whether mowing at home or as part of your business services, we can meet your equipment needs. Drop us a message, at Coastline Mowers we’re ready to help.
