Spring has arrived, and across Drysdale, the Bellarine Peninsula and surrounding areas, lawns are waking up fast.
After months of slower growth, wet weather and a mower sitting idle in the shed, that first big spring mow can be a serious workout for your lawn and your lawn mower.
But before you fire it up and attack the grass, take a few minutes to give your mower a proper once-over. A little spring mower maintenance can help improve performance, reduce the risk of breakdowns and keep your lawn looking its best throughout the growing season.
Here are our top 10 essential checks to complete before your first big mow of spring.
If you have a petrol lawn mower, checking the engine oil should be the number one job on your list. Low, dirty or degraded engine oil can affect mower performance and, more importantly, contribute to unnecessary engine wear.
To do this, park the mower on a level surface and check the oil according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If it needs replacing, use the correct oil for your mower.
Tip: Don’t wait until the mower starts making strange noises. Regular oil checks are one of the simplest ways to help protect your engine.
A mower can be running perfectly but still deliver a poor cut if the blades are blunt or damaged, so inspecting the mower blades should be the next job on your list.
After sitting unused even for the smallest period of time, you need to inspect the blades for:
- Dull or rounded cutting edges
- Cracks or damage
- Excessive wear
- Bends or other signs of impact
A sharp, properly maintained blade produces a cleaner cut and can make mowing easier on both the mower and your lawn.
Please always follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions and disconnect the spark plug lead or battery before inspecting or working around the blade.
Safety must always be your first priority.
In order for your mower to run properly it needs clean air to run efficiently. A clogged or dirty air filter can restrict airflow to the engine, potentially affecting performance and fuel efficiency. So Spring is a great time to remove and inspect the filter. Depending on the type of filter your mower uses, it may need cleaning or replacing. If you’re unsure which filter your mower requires, check the owner’s manual or speak to one of the Drysdale Mowers Team members who will be able to source the right one for your machine.
For petrol-powered mowers, the spark plug plays a crucial role in starting and running the engine, so make checking the Spark Plug one of the first things you do this Spring. Check for signs of wear, dirt or damage. If the mower has been difficult to start or was running poorly at the end of last season, the spark plug is worth checking. If you’re not confident carrying out the inspection yourself, Drysdale Mowers can take care of it as part of a routine service.
Likewise, Fuel that has been sitting in a mower for months isn’t something to overlook. Old fuel can contribute to starting problems and poor engine performance. If your mower has been stored for an extended period, check the manufacturer’s recommendations for fuel storage and whether the fuel should be replaced. For future storage, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for preparing your mower for periods of inactivity to keep your mower in performance ready action for Spring.
Spring is a good time to make sure your mower is mechanically ready for regular use. Check that the wheels move freely and that the cutting-height adjustment works correctly. You don’t want to discover a seized wheel or broken height adjustment halfway through mowing a large lawn, this can become very time consuming and can be costly. Remember: after winter, your grass may be longer than usual. Avoid trying to remove too much grass in one pass, gradually bringing the lawn back under control can be easier on the mower and the lawn.
Grass, dirt and moisture can build up underneath the mower deck, particularly if it wasn’t thoroughly cleaned at the end of last season. A clean mower deck can help maintain proper airflow and cutting performance while also making it easier to spot damage or corrosion, so make sure the deck is clean and you have removed any debris before mowing.
Important: Never put your hands near the blade, even when the mower appears to be switched off. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning and safety instructions.
If you are using a battery-powered mower, make sure to check the battery, charger and electrical connections before spring mowing gets underway. Make sure the battery has been stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions and inspect it for any visible signs of damage. For cordless equipment, proper battery care can help ensure you’re ready to go when the grass starts growing rapidly.
If you’re considering making the switch from a petrol mower to a battery powered mower, modern cordless outdoor power equipment can provide a convenient option for many residential properties.
If you’re using a self-propelled mower, ride-on mower or zero-turn mower, there are additional components worth checking before the season gets busy. Look for obvious signs of wear on belts, cables and drive components, and make sure controls are operating correctly. For ride-on and zero-turn mowers, a professional pre-season inspection and service can be particularly worthwhile. These machines contain more moving parts and can be significantly more expensive to repair if small issues are allowed to develop into bigger ones.
Sometimes the smartest mower maintenance is knowing when not to DIY.
So if you have tried inspecting your machine and are still unsure, or if your mower:
- Won’t start
- Is blowing excessive smoke
- Is vibrating unusually
- Keeps stalling
- Isn’t cutting properly
- Has damaged or worn components
- Has been sitting unused for an extended period
…it could be time for a professional service or repair.
A mower service can help identify potential problems before the mower has a breakdown in the middle of spring mowing season. Spring is one of the busiest times of the year for lawn care, so don’t wait until your grass is knee high to discover your mower won’t start.
Whether you have a push mower, self-propelled mower, ride-on or zero-turn, a little preparation now can save you time, frustration and potentially an expensive repair later.
At STIHL Shop Drysdale Mowers, our experienced team can help with mower servicing and repairs, as well as advice on choosing the right outdoor power equipment for your property.