Guide to Basic Lawn Mower Maintenance

Trying to start your lawn mower after a long winter can be very frustrating. Performing a few routine maintenance tasks before you store your lawn mower for the winter can save you time in the spring, prolong the life of your lawn mower, and save you money over the long run. Even if you have already put your lawn mower into storage for the winter, a few simple maintenance tasks performed before starting your lawn mower in the spring can be very beneficial.

Wash and dry your lawn mower after the mowing season is over. A power blower can be very helpful in removing grass and debris from the underside of your lawn mower and other hard to reach areas. If your lawn mower engine is air-cooled, use a stick or wooden dowel to remove any residue from the cooling fins. If you have a lawn mower with a water-cooled engine, check the coolant level and fill the reservoir if needed. Clean the radiator cooling fins with a strong jet of water. You should also drain the fuel tank and replace the fuel filter. The air filter housing should be cleaned and the air filter replaced.

Remember to check the spark plug(s) for corrosion and wear. Don't attempt to clean the spark plug if it is showing some wear. It is cheap and easy to replace the spark plug. Be sure to remove any debris before removing the spark plug and by using a bit of anti-seize compound when you replace the old spark plug, you will ensure easier removal next year. Clean and lubricate the throttle linkages and the choke, and apply grease to the mower deck and all the fittings. This will be easier if you remove the mower deck and you can sharpen the blades while the mower deck is off. Sharpening the blades after each mowing season will give you a better cut next year and save you the trouble of having to sharpen them in the spring.

Clean the battery terminals and replace your old lawn mower battery if necessary. You can help prevent corrosion of the terminals if you apply grease to the posts at the end of each mowing season. Change the oil in the engine crankcase and replace the oil filter. You should also drain the gas from your lawn mower before storing it for the winter. During the long summer mowing season, remember to wash your lawn mower and remove any debris after the mower has cooled. Keeping your lawn mower clean will add years to its life and make routine maintenance tasks a lot easier.

Lawn mowing is a job most of us face each and every year. A lawn mower that runs great and is well maintained will make this job more enjoyable and easier all summer long. A yearly check up for your lawn mower is the perfect way to prolong its life and keep it running like new, and your lawn will look great when you mow with a machine that is in top working condition. Your lawn mower will perform at the highest level possible if you remember to perform these simple maintenance tasks each and every year. During the summer months periodically check the oil and the condition of the air and fuel filters. You will save money and your lawn mower will work great for years to come

Keith Kingston is a professional web publisher, offering information on swisher mowers and gardening advice

---

Sleeping Beauties: Porches For Dreaming

There's something magical about sleeping outside, drinking in the night... Read More

Everyone Loves Flowers

Flowers Truly Reach Your Soul.Flowers are a heartfelt, natural way... Read More

Granite Flexible Preformed Rock Ponds

More than just a Preformed PondTraditionally, preformed ponds are large... Read More

Garlic: The Stinking Rose

Garlic (Allium sativum) has been used for centuries for both... Read More

Patios And Garden Pavers

Is your concrete or asphalt driveway an eyesore? Do you... Read More

Teak Adirondack Chairs

Outdoor furniture constructed with teak wood is a favorite among... Read More

How to Attract Butterfly Activity...

The flittering of the butterfly through your garden is no... Read More

Wildlife in Winter Ponds

This may seem contradictory, but you want to leave a... Read More

Herbs: Growing Your Own

The first thing you need to do when deciding to... Read More

Three Stumbling Blocks to Growing Grapes in the Backyard

Are you one of those home gardeners that don't know... Read More

Landscape Design

Landscaping is a wonderful pastime enjoyed by many. It provides... Read More

Perfume Your Garden and Home with Gardenias

One of my favorite plants is the large white-flowered Mystery... Read More

The Design Principle of Unity in Gardening and Landscaping

A principle of all art is unity. This means that... Read More

Growing Orchids as House Plants

One of the long standing myths that I still hear... Read More

Mint: The Herb of Hospitality

The Mentha species or mints as they are commonly called... Read More

Drying Roses

There are many reasons why you might want to dry... Read More

Hydroponics Gardening - An Introduction To Hydroponics Gardening For Beginners (part 4) Environment

THE BASICS OF HYDROPONICS.The Success or Failure of Your Plants... Read More

Planting Roses in Pots

In years past, serious rosarians would never consider having a... Read More

Poly Tarps: More Than Meets The Eye

To many people, "tarp" conjures an image of a crumpled... Read More

External vs. Submersible Pumps. Which One Should You Use?

For many people, it's never been a question of whether... Read More

Hummingbirds

Many individuals are fascinated by hummingbirds. So much so, that... Read More

How To Check If Cut Flowers Are Fresh

Fresh flowers should feel crisp or firm. Before you buy,... Read More

Building Liner Ponds

Surprisingly enough, it is usually in mid-summer that many gardeners... Read More

Orange Perennials For Your Garden

Perennials are wonderful because, they bloom year after year. Sometimes,... Read More

Park Benches

One of the best ways to create a warm and... Read More

Why are Adirondack Chairs & Adirondack Furniture a Cottage Favorite?

With summer right around the corner, it's time to sit... Read More

Patio Design and Patio Furniture - The Use of Focal Points

A focal point is an important design element; it is... Read More

Selecting Outdoor Benches

Outdoor benches are an excellent way to enhance a garden,... Read More

Avoiding Unsightly Algae

Excessive organic matter in the pond provides nutrients for algae,... Read More

Gardening During Hard Times or Emergencies - You Can Feed Yourself!

Do you ever worry about always having to rely on... Read More

How To Prune Your Roses For Stunning Results

Pruning and deadheading are essential to proper rose care. Alas,... Read More

Fish Health in Hot Summer Heat

Summer is over, but for many of us - the... Read More

How to Choose the Right Bulbs for Your Spring Flower Garden

Choosing the right bulbs involves more than just selecting colors... Read More