Are you a proud homeowner who loves to take care of your lawn mower? Then you know that regular maintenance and repair can help keep your machine in top shape and running smoothly. But sometimes, taking your mower to an expert mechanic can be expensive, inconvenient, or just plain impractical. That’s where DIY lawn mower maintenance and repair can help.
A lawn mower is a valuable asset to anyone who cares for his or her own lawn. It can last for several years when a basic maintenance routine is followed. Most of the problems you may have with a lawn mower can be fixed by you.
The right maintenance for lawn mower
Even a cheap lawn mower can last you many years with the right maintenance. The upkeep of a lawn mower is fairly easy in most circumstances, as long as you have the right information. The following are some of the procedures that you can perform yourself.
Lawn Mower Tune-up
It is highly recommended that you perform a tune-up annually on your lawn mower. To do a tune-up you need to change the spark plug, replace the oil, and the air filter. You can read more details about these parts below.
Parts – Spark Plug, Nuts, and Bolts
Every year before you begin using your lawn mower, you should check to see if it is working properly. One of the first parts to look at is the spark plug. Look to see if it has signs of wear on it; if it does, replace it. When there are no signs of wear on it, you could clean it and replace it. You should also be sure to check every nut and bolt on your lawn mower annually. Tighten any that you find loose.
Parts – Oil and Air Filters
You should always replace the oil in your lawn mower at the beginning of the season. Some lawn mowers are two-cycle engines, which uses oil mixed in with the fuel. These types of mowers do not require an annual oil replacement, but care must be taken every time you mix the oil and gas. The proper ratio must be used each time, or you could damage the engine. Any four-cycle engine should have the oil checked every time you plan to use it, for the correct level. If you find the oil low, add oil before you begin to use it. If you find the oil dirty (or at the beginning of every season), you should replace it. The best time to do this is after the mower has been on for a while. This will allow the oil to get warm, and then it will drain easier. Drain all of the oil first, and then replace it with the proper amount and recommended type.
The filter on your lawn mower could be either foam or paper. The paper lawn mower filters have to be replaced with new filters. If your mower has a foam air filter, you could clean it and replace it, instead of getting a new one.
Maintenance for the Blades
The blades on your lawn mower should be maintained during the season. It is recommended that you sharpen them every month or two. Before you begin; remove the spark plug to prevent it from starting accidentally. Use a wrench to remove the nut, which holds the blades in place. Remove them from the housing unit. You should use a file to sharpen the blades. Use the file at an angle of forty-five degrees and follow the blades edge cut. Replace the blades back in the housing unit when done, tighten the nut, and put the spark plug back in place.
Maintenance for the Tires
There are multiple lawn mowers available today that you can replace the tires on without a lot of trouble. First thing you should do is secure the lawn mower, to prevent it from moving, and then raise the tire you are replacing. Take off the black boot cover that is over the spindle; be very careful when doing this, to not rip it. Remove the C clip that is securing the tire by using a flathead screwdriver. Keep track of the clip when you are removing it, as they have a tendency to come off fast. Pull the tire forward to remove it. Once you have the tire off you can replace it with the new one, put the clip back on, and gently put the boot cover back on.
Cost of Lawn Mower Care
In the end, it will cost a considerable amount less, if you can perform most of the care for your lawn mower yourself. You will also find that most of the maintenance can easily be performed by you. Do not attempt to do any work on your mower that you are not completely sure about doing; use a professional instead. You can ask your family and friends for tips, a repairman, or shop to use.
It may cost you more to have someone else do it, but if you try to do it and it does not work; you could pay more then if you went to them in the first place. Something else you need to consider for bigger problems is, if it would be more cost efficient to replace the lawn mower, instead of repairing it. You will have to weigh the repair cost, future cost, and other possible problems against the price of a new mower. It may be a better choice to replace it, if the future is uncertain on its reliability.
You can easily have your lawn mower for several years when proper maintenance is performed on a regular schedule. Many of the troubles can be avoided by following the correct upkeep of your mower. The most common problems were detailed above and can be performed by you. If you are willing to take the time to care for your lawn mower, you will have it to use for a long amount of times.
DIY lawn mower maintenance and repair offers you the convenience and cost savings of tackling the job yourself. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or just getting started, these tips will help you keep your mower running the way it should.
Start by ensuring your mower is in good condition. Check for signs of wear and tear, such as loose or worn parts, cracked or broken parts, and loose bolts. Inspect the blade for sharpness and look for cracks in the housing. If you find any issues, replace the part or get it repaired.
Next, clean the mower and make sure it is free from debris and dirt. This can be done by wiping the deck, cleaning the air filter, and lubricating the moving parts. It’s also important to check the oil level and make sure the correct type of oil is being used.
Changing the spark plug is also a great idea, as it helps with engine performance and can reduce emissions. And don’t forget to check the fuel filter and air filter to make sure they’re not clogged.
Another important step is to check the battery and make sure it’s charged. If the battery is old or failing, it may be time to replace it.
Finally, check the blades to make sure they are sharp and in good condition. If you find any damage, it’s best to take your mower to an expert for repairs. Otherwise, sharpening the blades yourself can be a great way to save money.
DIY lawn mower maintenance and repair can be a great way to save time and money. So take a few moments to inspect your mower and make sure it’s running properly. With regular maintenance and repair, you can keep your machine in top condition for many years to come.
