It's been a long winter for most of us. But warm weather is quickly
approaching. And with warmer temperatures and longer days, comes the
inevitable duty of mowing the lawn. Chances are your lawn mower has been
sitting in one place for several months, but that doesn't necessary
mean that it's ready to roll out and use. Before cranking up your push
or riding lawn mower, take a moment to inspect it with our lawn mower
maintenance checklist.
Can you remember the specifics of what
happened the last time you used your lawn mower? Being that it was
several months ago, chances are you can't. That's one reason why it's
important to inspect a lawn mower before using it. There may be
something lodged inside that will come loose as you mow. Moreover,
there's no telling what may have found its way beneath, or inside of,
the mower while it sat idle.
With that in mind, follow this simple lawn mower maintenance checklist to prevent any dangers or malfunctions.
Inspect for critters
- An unused lawn mower can make a warm home for a small animal or
rodent. Before using, inspect beneath the mower and in the air filter
compartment for signs of nesting. Even if an animal has left the lawn
mower unoccupied, it's important to discard their nesting materials to
prevent fire.
Clear any debris - If the lawn mower was
put away for the winter without being cleaned, now is the time to clean
it. All leaves, pine needles, dry grass, and other debris needs to be
cleared away completely before use. When the bottom of the mower is left
clogged, it decreases air circulation and can pose a fire hazard.
Inspect the blade
- A damaged lawn mower blade can lead to a dangerous situation. Check
the blade for any cracks, bends, or breaks. A cracked blade is
especially dangerous as it can break off and cause injury when the lawn
mower is in use. If you see any sign of damage, replace the blade for
safety sake. A dull blade should be sharpened to ensure a clean cut.
Change the oil
- Part of regular lawn mower maintenance is to change the oil once a
season. Before initial use is the perfect time to do so. An annual oil
change will help keep the motor healthy and running its best. Be sure to
discard of the old oil in a responsible manner.
Clean or replace the air filter
- There are two types of air filters for lawn mowers, foam and paper.
Foam filters should be cleaned thoroughly, while paper filters can be
replaced. Cleaning or replacing the air filter is a simple way to get
the lawn mower ready for spring, and keep it running great all year
long.
Check the oil - This is a lawn mower maintenance
task that should be done before every use, not just in the spring. If
you're low on oil, or out altogether, do not use the mower! A quick trip
to the store for more oil will save a lot of money down the road.
If there will be someone new using the lawn mower this year, such as
an older child, be sure they understand the basic operating instructions
to your particular mower. It's a good idea for them to read the manual
and be supervised during their first use to prevent injury. More about lawn care? Chek out the next article A Lawn is Your Welcome Mat: Tips for Improving the Lawn and Reducing Maintenance
