How to maintain your mower for better performance

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Introduction

Is your lawn mower sputtering, leaving ragged cuts, or not starting like it used to? Knowing how to maintain your mower for better performance is the key to a smooth, clean cut every time you mow. Regular mower maintenance saves you money, extends your equipment’s life, and keeps your lawn looking its best. In this guide, you’ll learn how to properly care for your mower, step by step, so you can keep your turf healthy and your mowing hassle-free all season long.

Why Mower Maintenance Matters for a Healthy Lawn

A well-maintained mower doesn’t just make your life easier—it directly affects the health of your lawn. Sharp, balanced blades ensure a clean cut that helps grass recover quickly, while a well-tuned engine runs efficiently, saving fuel and reducing emissions.

Neglected mowers can tear and shred grass blades instead of slicing them cleanly, leading to brown tips, stress, and greater susceptibility to disease and pests. A mower that runs smoothly also helps you mow evenly without leaving missed patches, scalping, or creating ruts in the soil. In short, routine mower care keeps your turf lush, resilient, and beautiful all season long.

Step-by-Step Guide to Maintain Your Mower

1. Read Your Owner’s Manual

Start by reading your mower’s manual. It contains valuable information specific to your model—like the right oil type, blade specifications, spark plug gaps, and maintenance intervals. Knowing your equipment helps you avoid costly mistakes and ensures you do the job right.

2. Clean After Every Use

After each mowing session, take a few minutes to clean your mower:

  • Remove grass clippings stuck under the deck. Built-up debris can cause rust, clog mulching features, and block airflow.
  • Use a plastic scraper or brush—never your hands—to clear out stuck grass.
  • Wipe down the exterior to remove dirt, dust, and moisture that could cause corrosion.

Always disconnect the spark plug wire before doing any cleaning under the mower deck for safety.

3. Check and Change the Oil

Your mower’s engine oil should be checked every 5–10 hours of use and changed at least once a season (or after 50 hours of operation).
Steps:

  1. Run the mower for a few minutes to warm up the oil—it drains more easily.
  2. Disconnect the spark plug.
  3. Remove the oil drain plug or tilt the mower to drain the oil into a safe container.
  4. Refill with the type and amount of oil recommended in your manual.
  5. Dispose of used oil properly at a recycling center.

Clean oil keeps the engine parts lubricated and running smoothly, preventing premature wear.

4. Sharpen and Balance the Blades

Sharp blades are essential for a clean, even cut. Inspect your blades every 20–25 hours of mowing or at least twice a season.
Steps:

  1. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
  2. Remove the blade with a wrench.
  3. Use a file, bench grinder, or sharpening stone to sharpen the blade edge, following the original angle.
  4. After sharpening, check the balance. An unbalanced blade causes vibration and uneven cutting. Use a blade balancer or hang the blade on a nail—if it tilts, remove a bit more metal from the heavy side.

Reinstall the blade securely and tighten the bolts to the specified torque.

5. Replace the Air Filter

A clean air filter improves airflow and engine performance. Check it every 25 hours of operation and replace it at least once per season—or more often in dusty conditions.

Paper filters should be replaced when dirty, while foam filters can be washed with warm, soapy water, dried completely, and re-oiled lightly before reinstallation.

6. Inspect and Replace the Spark Plug

A fresh spark plug ensures easy starts and efficient combustion. Replace the spark plug once a season or after 100 hours of operation.

Steps:

  1. Disconnect the spark plug wire.
  2. Use a spark plug socket to remove the old plug.
  3. Check the gap on the new plug with a gauge and adjust if needed.
  4. Install the new plug, tightening it snugly but not overly tight.
  5. Reconnect the spark plug wire.

7. Check the Fuel System

Use fresh fuel to prevent gumming up the carburetor. Old gas left over the winter can make starting difficult and damage your engine.

Add a fuel stabilizer at the end of the mowing season if you plan to store your mower with gas inside. Also, inspect the fuel lines for cracks or leaks and replace them if needed.

8. Lubricate Moving Parts

Check your mower’s wheels, cables, and other moving parts. Apply a light machine oil or spray lubricant to pivot points, wheel bearings, and cables to keep them moving smoothly. Lubrication prevents rust and reduces friction that can wear parts out prematurely.

9. Store Your Mower Properly

At the end of the mowing season:

  • Drain or stabilize the fuel.
  • Remove the battery (for electric or battery-powered mowers) and store it indoors.
  • Store your mower in a dry, sheltered location away from moisture and rodents.
  • Cover your mower to protect it from dust and debris.

Proper off-season storage ensures your mower starts easily and runs well when spring comes around.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistake #1: Skipping Oil Changes

Solution: Set reminders on your calendar to check and change oil on schedule. Fresh oil is critical for engine longevity.

Mistake #2: Mowing with Dull Blades

Solution: Inspect blades regularly. If you see ragged grass tips or notice vibration, it’s time to sharpen and balance your blade.

Mistake #3: Using Old Gasoline

Solution: Always use fresh fuel and add a stabilizer if storing gas for more than 30 days.

Mistake #4: Forgetting the Air Filter

Solution: Dirty air filters choke your engine. Check and clean or replace filters at least once a season.

Mistake #5: Improper Storage

Solution: Never leave your mower outside exposed to the elements. Store it in a shed or garage, covered and protected.

Extra Lawn Care Tips & Hacks

✅ Keep Spare Parts on Hand: Store extra spark plugs, air filters, and oil for quick mid-season maintenance.

✅ Label Maintenance Dates: Use masking tape on your mower to jot down the last oil change and blade sharpening dates.

✅ Don’t Miss Our Related Guide: Check out our step-by-step guide on sharpening mower blades for a healthier lawn!

Conclusion

Routine mower maintenance is simple but powerful. A few regular checks—like changing the oil, sharpening blades, replacing the air filter, and storing your equipment properly—keep your mower running like new and your lawn looking great.

Remember: a well-maintained mower means healthier turf, easier starts, cleaner cuts, and less money spent on repairs. Bookmark this guide and make mower care part of your regular lawn care routine—your grass, your wallet, and your mower will thank you!