12 Days of Mower Maintenance.

Tips for Mower Maintenance and Keeping Your Mower Ready for Spring.

Getting your lawn mower ready for spring starts well before the grass begins to grow. Proper maintenance during the colder months ensures your mower runs smoothly, lasts longer, and delivers a clean cut when the season arrives. Follow this 12-day guide to keep your mower in top shape and avoid last-minute headaches.

Day 1: Check Your Oil Level and Top Up if Needed

The engine oil is the lifeblood of your mower’s motor. Low or dirty oil can cause serious damage and reduce performance. Start by checking the oil level using the dipstick. If it’s low, add the recommended type of oil for your mower model. Changing the oil completely is also a good idea if it hasn’t been done recently. We recommend a complete change once a year. Clean, fresh oil keeps the engine lubricated and running smoothly.

Day 2: Clean Under the Deck and Blades

Grass clippings, dirt, and debris build up under the mower deck and on the blades. This buildup can cause rust and uneven cutting next season. Use a stiff brush or scraper to remove all debris. If possible, wash the deck with water and mild detergent, then dry it thoroughly. Keeping this area clean prevents corrosion and helps your mower cut evenly. On a service at MAD Mowers, we also apply Lanoguard, a rust inhibitor, to extend the life of your mower's deck.

For safety, remove the sparkplug cap before working under your mower.

Day 3: Sharpen Those Blades

Dull blades tear grass instead of cutting it cleanly, which stresses your lawn and invites disease. Remove the blades and sharpen them using a file or a bench grinder. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, we at MAD Mowers and many hardware stores offer blade-sharpening services. Make sure the blades are not just sharpened but also balanced. This prevents vibration and can extend the life of your engine. Sharp blades improve the look of your lawn and reduce the effort your mower needs.

For safety, remove the sparkplug cap before working under your mower.

Day 4: Inspect the Air Filter

A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, making it work harder and reducing fuel efficiency. Remove the air filter and check for dirt or damage. Foam filters can often be washed with soap and water, while paper filters usually need replacing. A clean air filter helps your mower breathe better and run more efficiently.

Day 5: Check Your Spark Plug

The spark plug ignites the fuel in your engine. A worn or dirty spark plug causes hard starts and poor running. Remove the spark plug and inspect it for carbon buildup or damage. Clean it with a wire brush or replace it if necessary. Installing a new spark plug can make starting your mower easier and improve performance.

If your spark plug is black or oily, you might have a carburettor issue or oil getting into your engine. Drop it into MAD Mowers or your local mower service shop and get it checked out.

Day 6: Inspect Belts and Cables

Belts and cables control important mower functions like blade rotation and drive. Look for signs of wear such as cracks, fraying, or looseness. Replace any damaged belts or cables to avoid breakdowns during the busy mowing season. Proper tension and condition keep your mower running reliably.

For safety, remove the sparkplug cap before working under your mower or on the belts.

Day 7: Grease Moving Parts

Lubrication reduces friction and wear on moving parts like wheel bearings, pivot points, and spindles. Use a grease gun or apply the lubricant recommended by your mower’s manufacturer. Regular greasing prevents squeaks and mechanical failures, saving you costly repairs later.

At MAD Mowers, on a regular service, if there is no grease point on the front wheels, we remove them and grease the shaft. On self self-propelled walk-behind mower, we take the drive mechanism apart that is inside your back wheels and lubricate the free wheel system, as this often gets dry or dirt builds up and stops it from working correctly.

Day 8: Clean or Replace Your Fuel Filter

A clogged fuel filter restricts fuel flow, causing engine hiccups or failure to start. Locate the fuel filter and check for dirt or discoloration. Replace it if it looks dirty or hasn’t been changed in a while. Clean fuel flow keeps your mower running smoothly and prevents damage to the engine.

Day 9: Check Tyre Pressure

For ride-on mowers or larger models, tyre pressure affects handling and cutting quality. Use a pressure gauge to check each tyre and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended level. Properly inflated tyres reduce wear on your mower and make mowing easier and more efficient.

Day 10: Test the Battery

If your mower has an electric start, the battery needs to be in good condition. Test the battery voltage with a multimeter or take it to a local shop for testing. Charge it fully or replace it if it no longer holds a charge. A healthy battery ensures your mower starts quickly when spring arrives. Fully charge or use a battery saver to keep it charged over the winter. If the battery goes flat over winter, this can damage the battery.

Day 11: Store Your Mower Properly

Proper storage protects your mower from moisture, frost, and damage. Clean the mower thoroughly, drain old fuel or switch to Aspen fuel before the last cut of the year. Store the mower in a dry, sheltered place off the ground if possible. Cover it with a breathable tarp to keep dust and pests away. Good storage habits extend the life of your mower and reduce maintenance needs.

Day 12: Schedule a Full Professional Service

If all this seems a little too much to do, book a full professional service at MAD Mowers or your local garden machinery workshop.

MAD Mowers - serving gardeners and professionals in the Yeovil, Dorchester, Sherborne and Bridport area.

Also serving: Odcombe, Montacute, Tintinhull, Chilthorne Domer, East Coker, West Coker, Bradford, Trent, Closworth, Charminster, Winterborne Abbas, Affpuddle, Tolpuddle, Piddletrenthide, Puddletown, Fordington, Martinstown, West Stafford, Allington, Bradpole, Salway Ash, Symondsbury, Walditch, Powerstock, Burton Bradstock, Puncknowle, Broadwindsor.