Of course, your lawn mower is one of the useful investments for both homeowners and professional landscapers. Although the mower is an essential tool in Summer, Fall, and Spring, you don’t need to use it during winter.
So preparing your lawn mower after Winter is a necessary task to ensure that it is in proper working condition when the time comes to use it again in Spring.
Here are 9 effective things you can do to prepare your mower for Spring or after Winter. This guide even can be a perfect process for maintaining your mower throughout the year.
9 Things-To-Do For Preparing Your Mower For Spring
1. Cleaning the deck and undercarriage
The first step in preparing your lawn mower after winter is to strip away all of the excess dirt and grass clippings. A hose with a putty knife will do wonders at cleaning off any unwanted material from around decks or undercarriages, but it’s best if you also use car wash detergent on occasion. Because this type of cleaner can remove oils which could lead to stains and stubborn dirt on your mowing device.
2. Degreasing the mower
The best way to get rid of oil stains on your lawn mower is by spraying a degreaser and letting it sit for 10-15 minutes before wiping it off with fresh water. After you’re done, rinse off any excess liquid with a hose.
3. Checking the blade
Don’t forget to check its blade while preparing your mower for Spring. A bent or dented blade can cause major problems with your lawn mowing equipment. A dull blade that has already been sharpened twice should be replaced.
A blade is important for safety and performance reasons. The manufacturer-recommended one will work best with your lawn mower. Using a universal fit could cause damage and reduce performance. So it is important to use the OEM blades for your lawn mower.
4. Draining the fuel tank
If you want to keep your lawn mower running smoothly, you should always use fresh fuel treated with a fuel stabilizer to prevent clogging in the carburetor. time. In this case, you have to follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how long they recommend leaving it run after draining out of fuel.
5. Cleaning the fuel cap
Be sure to brush away any particles and buildup on the fuel cap before closing it. Do not spray cleaners or degreasers at this point, as they can clog up small air vents that are essential for breathing in order to keep your mower running smoothly. If you find any blockages, replace the cap as soon as possible.
6. Replacing the spark plug
The spark plug is a small but vital component of a lawn mower. Usually, you need to replace the spark plugs when it is damaged or got expired. It’s also important to replace the sparking plugs before storing your lawn mower.
The performance of spark plugs decreases over time due to the weak electrode and carbon buildup. The engine’s performance mostly depends on the spark plug’s performance. That’s why you should always make sure that the spark plugs are performing well.
Most modern spark plugs are sold pre-gapped, so the installation process is fairly easy. You can do it yourself.
7. Lubricating bare metal to avoid rusting
Of course, you should clean your mowing device before storing it for winter. In this case, you can use lubricants such as WD-40 or silicone spray to get rid of all the dirt and debris from your mower.
8. Cleaning or replacing the air filter
Air filters keep dust and debris away from the carburetor and engine of your mower. You can clean the foam filters with water and detergent, but they may tear. Pleated paper air filters can be deteriorated earlier, so it’s better to replace them.
9. Replacing the oil
You should replace lawn mower oil after every 50 hours of use. After its recommended period, it will darken. So changing it immediately is a better way to prepare your lawn mower. When you will change the oil, you should use the manufacturer-recommended oil.
“Draining oil into the soil will create a negative impact on the environment. So it’s better to recycle the old oil. In this case, you can contact local small engine repair shops or auto parts stores, they will do it on your behalf.”
Once you’ve completed all the processes successfully, then your mower is all-set to mow your lawn.