Making sure your mower has sufficient engine oil is essential to peak performance and engine longevity. Never assume that the oil is at its proper level. Have your crew check the oil every day, because running an engine for 8 hours without clean or enough oil can ruin it. Photos provided by The Grasshopper Company.

Riding mowers are the cornerstones of the maintenance side of your business. With the construction and installation market in a bit of a downturn right now, LCN took a look at how to keep your mowers, and therefore your mowing business, running smoothly.

Engine

Change oil after the 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.

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??,,????'???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.

Inspection and Cleaning

Make sure all parts and components are in proper working condition and replace any worn or damaged parts before operating. Inspect and adjust any loose components. Make sure all safety features are installed and functioning.

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??,,????'???t start. Also detach the spark-plug wire so the engine won?EUR??,,????'???t start accidentally.

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.

Cleaning a Clogged Deck

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.

Maintenance Details

.030 : Inches. A bad spark plug is a major cause of a hard-to-start lawnmower engine. Check the spark plug gap (new or used) with a feeler gauge - it should be .030" for most small engines.

15 to 30: Ft.-lbs. When reinstalling the old plug, it is generally a good practice to replace the metal washer. Install the spark plug finger tight and then tighten another 1/2 to 3/4 turn or to 15 to 30 ft-lbs with a torque wrench using the proper deep (spark plug) socket.

Source: repairfaq.org