We all know that during the Queensland summer our lawns will require more frequent mowing, usually every two weeks. To ensure a healthy lawn and to reduce the risk of damage to the lawn plants, you need to use a lawnmower that is well maintained. There’s nothing worse than going out to mow and finding that the lawnmower just won’t start!
Whether you use a ride-on, cylinder, hover, rotary, robotic or manual lawnmower and regardless of the power source, whether it be petrol, electric, battery or good old environmentally friendly people power, maintenance is required. If you are using your lawnmower all year round like most of us in South East Queensland, Daleys Turf recommends having your lawnmower serviced twice a year to keep it in tip top condition.
Unless you know exactly what you’re doing, it is best to get the lawnmower servicing centre to take care of the servicing and blade sharpening. However, the maintenance can be taken care of easily, by yourself.
Follow our lawnmower maintenance tips and you’ll be set for mowing all summer long.
Tip 1
At the beginning of summer make sure that your lawn mower is ready to go by changing the oil. The oil is in its own reservoir in a 4-stroke or large lawnmower, so you can use a siphon device (which is available at most automotive stores), to suck the old oil out. Siphon into a container, seal properly and take the used oil to a recycling centre. Replace the oil using the type specified by the manufacturer.
Tip 2
Replace the spark plug. You just simply unscrew the old plug and screw in the new one. If you are unsure which spark plug is for your lawnmower, take the old one with you to your local supplier and they will be able to help you out.
Tip 3
An air filter can become clogged with grass clippings which will place undue strain on the lawnmower’s engine. so you will need to check and clean your air filter. If the air filter you have is an accordion type paper filter, it can be cleaned with a high pressure hose or air compressor. If you have a filter made of foam, you can remove it and wash it in a mild detergent and water solution and dry it. Apply a few drops of machine oil to it before replacing.
Tip 4
Unscrew the spark plug to avoid accidentally starting the mower and inspect the cutting blades. If you find major gashes in the blades upon inspection, then new blades are recommended. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for how to correctly and safely change the blades on your lawnmower.
Blades may need to be sharpened more often, than you change the oil and clean the filters, at least once a month and replaced yearly. You can sharpen the blades using a sharpening stone, metal file or grinder, but remember to always sharpen in the same direction and to follow the existing bevelled edge.
Tip 5
After each use, remove all dirt, grass and grime from the lawnmower and make sure it is dry before storing to prevent corrosion.
Maintaining you lawnmower only takes a little time and effort, but will help you to have a healthy lawn all year round. For other lawn care tips see our helpful articles and blogs or contact the team at Daleys Turf.
I’m glad you talked about removing the grass and dirt from the mower after each use, and to make sure it’s dry before storing it. I haven’t don’t that with our lawnmower after I use it, and is probably making it wear quicker. I’ll be sure to do a thorough cleaning before I put it in the garage from now on.