Spring Mower Tune-Up

Warmer weather is finally here, and that means it’s lawn-mowing season. When was the last time you did a tune-up on your lawn mower, though? Did you know that most lawn mowers should have a tune-up at least once a year, typically in the spring before the busy mowing season begins? In fact, a tune-up will keep your lawn mower operating optimally and cutting grass until the colder months set in. Fortunately, tune-ups are pretty simple to perform and won’t take much time. But what all does a lawn mower tune-up and regular maintenance entail? Let’s find out.

Using the Correct Fuel

While it’s more on the maintenance side of things, you will want to make sure you always use the right fuel for your lawn mower. Many lawn mowers nowadays are gas-powered and require fresh fuel at the start of the season. Using the wrong fuel can wreak havoc on the efficiency of your mower and can actually eat away at certain components, requiring costly repairs or a total mower replacement.

Check the Air Filter

Once you’ve purchased the right fuel for your mower, you can begin the mower tune-up. The first step to any tune-up is to check the air filter. If you’ve noticed your mower acting sluggish or it’s been difficult to start, chances are that your air filter needs to be replaced. Depending on the type of air filter you have, it may need to be replaced more often than others. While you are cleaning out or replacing your air filter, it’s important to never use compressed air to clear out the filter because many are made from paper and can be damaged with compressed air. If the air filter becomes damaged and dust gets through to the engine, the engine can become damaged beyond repair.

Check the Spark Plugs

Once you’ve replaced or performed maintenance on your mower’s air filter, take a peek at the spark plugs. If your mower is running rougher than usual, your spark plugs may be on their last leg. Many manufacturers recommend replacing your mower’s spark plugs after 100 operating hours, or at the beginning of each mowing season.

Clean the Mower Deck

Did you mow the lawn a lot last year and just tuck the mower away without cleaning it during the winter months? If so, chances are that the mower deck has a buildup of dirt and debris that will need to be cleared out prior to the start of a new mowing season.

Sharpen the Mower Blade

You can perform all the tasks above, but if you don’t sharpen the blade, your lawn mower won’t properly cut your grass. In fact, mowing your lawn with a dull blade can actually damage the grass. To sharpen the blade, you will have to remove it and use a mill bastard file to sharpen it. This takes a bit of time and practice to become proficient in blade sharpening, but your yard will thank you for it.

If you’re ever unsure about a tune-up step, don’t be shy about consulting your mower’s operating manual. Lost the manual or not really a do-it-yourself kind of person? Give Ty’s Outdoor Power a call to schedule your maintenance appointment today!