The summer is here and your mower whether walk behind or sitting, has been getting some work in since Spring. Make sure you use the following tips to improve your maintenance routine and to keep your mower running all summer long.
Clean your engines
Clean engines run cooler. Remember to remove the spark plug before you begin, and use it as a socket wrench. This ensures that the lawn mower doesn’t start accidentally while you’re cleaning it. Your favourite engine degreaser and some clean water are great ways to get your engine clean. Be sure to avoid the air filter area.
Change the oil filter in your lawn mower
If your lawn mower uses paper filters, remember to exchange it with a new one, and make sure that the paper ends face outward. Your mower may use an oil soaked sponge filter, wash it gently with some soap and water and allow it to dry entirely. When it’s dry, add some clean oil to the filter before entering it into the lawn mower.
Empty the fuel in your lawn mower
Empty all the fuel from the tank and fill it with fresh fuel. Remember, before starting your unit (at the end of your maintenance routine), you should prime the unit to start. If it surges or runs on the primer alone, further fuel system work will have to be completed. In the event that this happens, you should contact the small engine service department with your engine model, type and code numbers for additional directions.
Clean the undercarriage of your mower
In order to prevent rusting and to clear the passage to the discharge chute, you should be sure that the bottom of your mower is just as clean as the inside. You will then need to thoroughly clean the debris from the undercarriage. Yan can use a wire brush and putty knife to remove the grass and mud build-up.
Sharpen the blade to improve your mower’s cutting ability for less work!
Wear your thickest pair of gloves and a pair of goggles to do this. Remove the mower blade by unscrewing the bolts that keep it in position. Put the blade in a vice. Use a hand grinder to grind the blade parallel to its original angle, removing as little metal as possible. When you’re finished, clean the dirt and debris from the blade.
Clean and inspect belt of your lawn mower
If it’s a self-propelled mower, remove the belt cover, clean and inspect the belt and pulley assemblies. If you find the belts to be worn out or cracked, you should have belts replaced.
Replace the spark plug in your lawn mower
Before putting the spark plug back in place, remember to check its gap. You should then screw the new plug in finger-tight. Try tightening it 1/4 to 1/3 turn more with a spark plug socket and attach the spark plug wire.
Change the oil in your lawn mower
You should turn on the engine just about 10-15 minutes before changing the oil. This is supposed to loosen any sludge and contaminants within the engine and provide a more effective oil change. If your unit has a dipstick, tilt it slightly on its side and drain it using the dipstick tube. If your unit does not have a dipstick, find the drain plug beneath the unit, put a drain pan underneath it and drain the oil from the lawn mower. Finishing up by replacing the drain plug and refill with lawn mower oil.
In Summary
To finish up, examine your mower for any noticeable fuel or oil leakages or damages. If you take advantage of these lawn mower care tips you will ensure that your mower cuts grass like a brand new, off the shelf lawn mower which will safe you time and make your job easier when cutting your grass. Additionally you will preserve the life of your lawn mower to keep your equipment running in tip top shape for many summer seasons to come. For the best results, give us a call and we can tune-up and repair anything on your lawn mower if necessary. It’s fast, easy and very affordable for our lawn mower services in Ottawa and surrounding areas. We’re here to help keep your small engines running in top shape and optimal performance.
If you are looking for small engine repair services and lawn mower maintenance in Ottawa, then give us a call to book your mobile small engine repair today. We fix, repair, and tune-up small engines such as lawnmowers and snow blowers. The best part is that we come to you so no more waiting in line or traveling back and forth to fix your small engine equipment.