Save Money with Spring Lawnmower Maintenance

Each year, many people throw their money away on new lawnmowers because their old ones needed a little maintenance. Sometimes, the solution can be as simple as getting a new spark plug or air filter. Another, often-neglected, aspect of lawnmower ownership is oil changes. Simple maintenance can save time, money, and ensure an old lawnmower will get the job done. In fact, most of the things that can be done for a mower can be achieved at the same time each year as part of an annual “tune-up.”

Replace Air Filters for Better Performance

One simple way to make sure a lawnmower is working as efficiently as it should is to replace its air filter. Dirty filters can cause mowers to gasp for air, which is necessary for gas engines to operate properly.

Compared to the cost of a new mower, this can be one of the cheapest ways to make sure a lawnmower does what it was designed to do. Even if a filter cannot be immediately replaced, some can still be cleaned with a brush or compressed air to the point that it will let the mower continue on for time-being.

Replace Spark Plugs to Ensure Maximum Efficiency

Spark plugs can get damaged or fouled by many different factors. Old, worn-out or dirty spark plugs can rob a mower of its power or cause it to quit working altogether. Experts suggest that it’s a good idea to replace the plugs in mowers at least once a year.

Stabilize the Mower’s Fuel Supply

Gas can go bad over time. Gasoline that is stored in a lawnmower’s tank for months can degrade to the point where it is unusable. By using fresh gas or adding fuel stabilizer to the tank before a long storage period, this problem can be avoided. typically, a couple ounces is sufficient to treat the gallon or so of gas in the average walk-behind lawnmower.

Change the Oil Each Year in a Lawnmower

Some people will keep the same oil in their lawnmowers for years without ever changing it. But just like the oil in a car, the oil in a lawnmower should be changed due to viscosity breakdown and the buildup of contaminants. When changing the oil in a lawnmower, proper disposal is also an important consideration.

Inspect the Cutting Blade for Sharpness, Cracks and Nicks

Very important: For your safety, disconnect the spark plug before ever turning over a mower or getting near the cutting blade. If this is not done, a blade that is rotated by hand could cause the mower to fire up on its own and injure the person inspecting it. For those who are not willing or able to do this, a small engine repair shop or other lawnmower repair shop is still a better, cheaper option than running out to buy a new mower.

One of the most important things to consider when tuning up or otherwise inspecting an old mower is the condition of the blade. Dull, worn-out or damaged blades won’t cut as well as a new or well-maintained one. Does the blade have many nicks or cracks? Is it rusted? Is it sharp?

What About Electric Lawnmowers?

When the need to replace an old mower becomes unavoidable, there are many options to consider. There are new gas models, of course. Even old-style manual push mowers are purchased and used my some, especially those with smaller yards.

Electric lawnmowers, however, have become an increasingly popular alternative for people concerned about the environment. With zero emissions and no need to make a trip to the local service station for a gallon of gas on a Saturday morning, these machines also offer convenience and more power than they have in the past.

Electric lawnmowers come in different shapes and sizes. Another thing to consider when looking at these is the issue of power cords. Some electric lawnmowers require them, while others use batteries.

Those who may be considering a new lawnmower because of problems with their old one, there are several things to consider that could save them hundreds of dollars. Simple maintenance and repair in the form of oil changes, new spark plugs and air filters may be all that is required to keep an old lawnmower running another year.