Products, Vendors, CAD Files, Spec Sheets and More...
Sign up for LAWeekly newsletter
With proper maintenance and repair, your mower can last a lifetime, with proper maintenance and repair. No, that wasn?EUR??,,????'?????<???EUR?t a typo. Like with cars, maintenance is everything, and you should know, as a maintenance professional! Here are some important tips in taking care of your mower.
Check the oil regularly. Add oil as needed. Change oil after first 5 hours of use, then after every 50 hours or at the beginning of the season. Change air filters at least every 3 months or 25 hours of use. Always use factory air filters to assure optimum performance and maximum protection for your engine.
Keep spark plugs clean; and have an expert adjust the carburetor. Always keep the blades professionally sharpened. Do not leave the blades engaged on riding mowers or tractors while the mower is stopped. This stretches the belt and decreases the belt life. Be sure to regularly sharpen rotary mower blades, which operate on the principle of a sickle. It?EUR??,,????'?????<???EUR?s advisable to have an extra blade on hand so a replacement is available when you detect poor cutting Use FRESH fuel in a clean, approved container. Keep fuel fresh year round with gasoline additive to prevent gum deposits in fuel system parts.
When accessing the underside of the mower for inspection or cleaning, always turn it so that the air-filter side of the mower is up. Otherwise, oil will drain out into the air filter and the engine won?EUR??,,????'?????<???EUR?t start. Also detach the spark-plug wire so the engine won?EUR??,,????'?????<???EUR?t start accidentally.
Shredded or brown tips of grass blades is an indication of a dull or damaged mower blade. You can sharpen rotary mower blades with a grinding wheel and file, but be careful not to destroy the balance. To determine which end of the mower blade is out of balance, put a nail in the wall and hang the blade from the hole in the center of the blade. File more off the blade on the heavy end.
Excess vibration is an indication of a damaged blade, mounting, or crankshaft.
Frequently tighten the blade and engine mounting bolts, as well as any other nuts, bolts and screws. Check mower wheels, bearings and axles for wear and lubrication. If there are grease fittings, check them every couple of months. Replace loose, wobbly wheels. Be sure to keep the drive mechanism on self-propelled mowers in good working order. Check belts and gears for wear and fit.
After each use, clean the underside of the mower with a strong stream of water. The metal deck can rust out if residue builds up. To reduce fire hazard, keep the engine free of grass, leaves and excessive grease. Check the grass-catcher bag for wear or deterioration, and replace when necessary. At the end of the mowing season, be sure to drain the gas and follow the winterizing instructions in your owner?EUR??,,????'?????<???EUR?s manual. To keep your mower in tip-top running condition, have a competent service person thoroughly inspect your mower at least once a year.
With the spark plug lead removed from the engine, use a garden hose to wash away any residual grass clippings. Once the majority of the grass clippings have been removed, it will be easier to identify a clump of grass that may be interfering with blade motion. Using a wooden stick or other implement other than your hands and feet, remove the offending material and wash the deck thoroughly.
Reprinted with permission from Briggs & Stratton and Colorado State Extension. Visit https://www.ext.colostate.edu
Keep dirt and debris off the engine to avoid overheating. Regularly check to be sure all nuts and bolts are tight. An experienced service technician should give your mower a seasonal tune-up, and safety and maintenance inspection. Always store equipment in sheltered area to prevent water in fuel and rust on the frame.
50: Percent, the approximate number of rear-engine riding mowers that are used on lawns 1/2 to one acre in size. 70: Percent. With an emphasis on reduced emissions and alternative fuels, power equipment today is about 70 percent cleaner than 1990s equipment. 35: Percent. ?EUR??,,????'?????<?With new EPA Phase 3 regulations, ground supported exhaust emissions will be reduced an additional 35 percent of current levels by 2010,?EUR??,,????'?????<? according to Fred Whyte, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute?EUR??,,????'?????<???EUR?s immediate past president. Source: Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.
Source: Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Inc.
Francisco Uviña, University of New Mexico
Hardscape Oasis in Litchfield Park
Ash Nochian, Ph.D. Landscape Architect
November 12th, 2025
Sign up to receive Landscape Architect and Specifier News Magazine, LA Weekly and More...
Invalid Verification Code
Please enter the Verification Code below
You are now subcribed to LASN. You can also search and download CAD files and spec sheets from LADetails.