Which usual maintenence is really necessary for a lawn mower?

Question

if you read the owners manual they trick you into thinking that you must treat it like a spoiled child.

what really are the necessary things that you must regularly check up on?

blades sharpened once a year?

making sure clumps of grass debris is cleaned out from under the mower?

oil changed and filter changed once or twice a year?

I am sure the spark plug and battery should be checked perhaps once a year, but I think you would begin to notice any lack of power when trying to start. dont you think?

what else is there that you should definitely check on throughout the year for regular maintence?

why and how so?

thanks for your answers!

Answer 1

this is a low priority for me . i clean the filter,and replace it regularly because i stir up lots of dust when i cut. i change the oil 1 time a year, i had to replace the diaphragm in the carburetor,and the flywheel brake cable, and i replaced 2 wheels on the back ,and  i leave it in the rain under a tree all the time,i have never sharpened the blade , have not changed or gaped the plug ,my mower is going on 4 yrs of service,it's a cheap murray push mower strictly no frills...............tom

Answer 2

Well, I would make sure the blades are kept sharp regularly, and  grass etc. cleaned away after each use. Plus the battery and spark plug checked at the end of each year.

Answer 3

It depends on how long you want it to last, among other things, but sharpening the blades each winter is a good idea, check the oil often, fill it with gas when it needs it...check the filter if it starts to run poorly.  You can treat them pretty badly and still get about the same performance as one that is pampered.  My dad used to "winterize" his each fall and tune it and clean out the cutting well a few times a summer but we just put the liquids in and use it - that and sharpening the blade do the trick just fine.

Answer 4

the main thing to do with a lawn mower each year is keep the oil topped up and dont store it with petrol in it or it will turn to jelly over the winter and bung up your carb

Answer 5

we just take ours in at the beginning of every mowing season and get the blades sharpened and make sure it's tuned properly.

Answer 6

Well, you're pretty much listed them all.

Hopefully you drained the gas at the end of the year and will use fresh gas this year.

Also people dont understand that it's a good idea to wash out the underside of the mower after each use, to keep it running smoothly.  (Dont tip it too much so the oil/gas spills!)

and, yes, get new spark plugs every year.  Dont start cutting your grass in August and THEN have to replace them; just do it in spring.

re, filter - If you've got a healthy green lawn, and not huge, you can probably just do this once a year. If it's dusty, (and a long season) you will need to change the oil & filter twice a year..

And, always protect the gas nozzle so nothing drops in while you're filling it with gas. eg, use clean hands/gloves; wipe off area around nozzle.

These can be done by a "handyman" but can also be done fairly cheaply by a lawnmower guy. You dont have to go to Sears. Every town has a small lawnmower company that sells and maintains them. They usually have a "yard full of mowers" waiting to be tuned up.

enjoy your lawn!