Spring is here and time to get mowing. You had your mower serviced already, right? NO? You want to do it yourself? Well, you’re much more brave than me, as I think it’s worth the $75 or so to have a professional make sure my mower is up to top level mowing performance. Nevertheless, if you’re going to do this one on your own, here’s a few things I think are most important to get that mower ready for the lawn:
-Still have the owner’s manual? If so, most have a check-off list of things to do to service your mower. If not, remove the sparkplug and take it from there:
-Overall inspection of cables (worn, do they move well, etc), wires, bolts and nuts tightened, wheels firmly attached and not worn, etc. If it’s a pull starter, give the rope an easy pull just to make sure all is well. Electric start – make sure the battery has been charged and ready to go. Lubricate moving parts that need a little lube. If you’d like to do a little touch up on the paint job, here’s a good time to do that. And make sure the height adjustments are locked into place (remember to mow higher than lower).
-Did you clean out the underside of the mower when you put it away last fall? If not, get ‘er cleaned out!
-While you’re there, did you have the blade sharpened? If not, remove the blade, go get a new one, and drop off the old one to be sharpened. That way you have two blades and no down time waiting to have one sharpened!
-Okay, now let’s go for the engine. Take a look at in the oil…look good? No floaters? Fill or replace as needed. Inspect the air filter and replace if needed. (Just do it.)
-Now let’s replace that sparkplug with a new one, make sure all connections are good, and fill with new gasoline. You’re ready to give it a shot. Fire it up and let’s get mowing!
Ps…if it doesn’t start, and you’re like me (not a mechanic), get your mower to the local mower repair shop and have it serviced by the professionals. I think we may have mentioned that at the beginning.
Ron Wilson