From dull blades to neglected oil changes, overlooked mower maintenance tasks can result in costly repairs and unexpected downtime. To help prevent these setbacks, Toro established National Lawn Mower Maintenance Week occurring annually March 1-7.
“It’s not uncommon for a good quality lawn mower to last decades, and potentially into the next generation, if properly maintained and operated,” says Wes Bollingmo, channel and product support manager at Toro. “Without proper maintenance and care, some mowers are hard-pressed to last a full season. This week is a call to action — a reminder that skipping basic maintenance can leave you facing costly repairs or even a total breakdown when you need your mower most.”
By committing a small amount of time next month to focus on maintenance, homeowners can ensure they are fully prepared for the mowing season ahead.
Mower maintenance tasks
While gas and battery-powered mowers have different maintenance requirements, these tips are universally applicable to all types of mowers:
- Inspect screws, bolts and other components. Tighten or replace them if needed.
- Remove battery or disconnect spark plug. Then, while using protective gloves, remove stuck-on grass and debris from the underside of the mower. When tipping the mower on its side, ensure the air filter is facing up and the oil dipstick is facing down. This will prevent oil from getting into the air filter area.
- Check the mower blades for sharpness and sharpen or replace them if needed. Sharpening is recommended for every 25 hours of operation, while replacement is only necessary if the blades are nicked or broken.
“When mower blades have not been properly maintained, they can actually damage grass, leaving it to brown quickly and harm the plant itself. Dull and damaged cutting blades tend to tear the grass blade versus cut it. Blade tears stress the grass, forcing it to expend energy repairing itself,” explains Bollingmo.
Gas-powered mower maintenance
- Inspect the spark plugs to ensure the lead-in connector is clean, in good condition and attached securely to the top of the plug.
- Empty the fuel tank if fuel is left over from last season. Then, fill it with fresh fuel. It’s best to use fuel that’s less than 30 days old.
- Replace the oil and air filter. Doing so keeps the engine in top shape, sparing users from an oil-related repair later.
- Test the recoil system. It should be retracting properly and free of any fraying. If there is damage to the rope, consider replacing it.
Battery-powered mower maintenance
- Test the battery by charging it for 24 hours (or until the battery indicates full charge), then start up the mower.
“While many maintenance tasks can be easily tackled at home, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local dealer for expert assistance,” urges Bollingmo. “Whether it's guidance on specific maintenance needs or sourcing the right parts, dealers are an invaluable resource to ensure your equipment stays in peak condition for the season ahead — and those to come.”
For more resources to gear up for the spring season, visit Toro’s blog, yardcare.com, and join the conversation on social media by using #LawnMowerMaintenanceWeek.
