How to maintain and protect your lawn mower

How to maintain and protect your lawn mower

Looking after your small engines is similar to looking after a car or motorcycle. A well-maintained lawn mower cuts more effectively and has a longer lifespan.

Here are a few key things to include in your maintenance routine

Regular Lawn Mower Maintenance Tasks

Check and Replace the Oil

Regular oil changes are essential. Check the oil level before each use and change it according to the manufacturer's recommendations, usually after every 20-50 hours of use.

Clean or Replace the Air Filter

A clean air filter ensures efficient engine performance. Check it regularly and clean or replace it if it’s dirty or clogged.

Sharpen the Blades

Sharp blades cut grass more efficiently and reduce the strain on the engine. Sharpen the blades at least once per season, or more often if the mower gets heavy use.

Inspect and Clean the Spark Plug

The spark plug should be checked regularly for wear and cleaned or replaced every year to ensure reliable starting.

Use Fuel Stabiliser

Fuel stabilisers, like those from Sta-bil, are important for preventing fuel deterioration. Add Sta-bil fuel stabiliser to your fuel tank to keep the gasoline fresh and prevent the formation of gum and varnish, which can clog the fuel system.

Clean the Deck

Grass clippings and debris can build up under the mower deck, affecting performance and creating rust. Clean the deck after each use.

Seasonal lawn mower maintenance tips

To keep your lawn mower running smoothly and efficiently throughout the year, follow these tips designed for each season’s specific needs:

Spring lawn mower maintenance

Before the mowing season starts, perform a thorough inspection of the following:

  • Change the oil
  • Replace the air filter
  • Check the spark plug
  • Ensure the blades are sharp and balanced

Summer lawn mower maintenance

During the peak mowing season, maintain your mower by:

  • Regularly checking the oil level
  • Cleaning the air filter
  • Removing grass clippings from the deck

Autumn lawn mower maintenance

As the mowing season winds down, you should do the following:

  • Clean the mower thoroughly
  • Sharpen or replace the blades
  • Change the oil
  • Add fuel stabiliser to the petrol tank

Winter lawn mower maintenance

Before storing your mower for the winter, it’s a good idea to:

  • Add a fuel stabiliser to the fuel tank and run the engine for a few moments to circulate the stabiliser through the fuel system. This will prevent the fuel from deteriorating and clogging the engine.
  • Store the mower in a dry, protected place.

Tips for extending the lifespan of your mower

Use these tips to extend the lifespan of your lawn mower.

Follow the manufacture's maintenance schedule

Following the recommended maintenance schedule ensures all components are checked and maintained regularly.

Store properly

Protect your mower from the elements by storing it in a garage or shed. If indoor storage isn’t possible, use a waterproof cover.

Use high-quality fuel and oil

High-quality fuel and oil reduce engine wear and improve performance.

Regular inspections

Routinely inspect your mower for loose bolts, frayed cables, and other potential issues. Address any problems straight away to prevent further damage.

Operate carefully

Avoid mowing over rocks, large sticks, and other debris that can damage the blades and engine.

Using Sta-bil Products for Maintaining Your Lawn Mower

Sta-bil products are designed to keep small engines running smoothly. For winter storage, we suggest using STA-BIL Storage. If you plan to run your engines through the colder months, use STA-BIL 360 Protection to ensure they stay in top condition.

For Diesel engines, use STA-BIL Diesel, it’s a specialised additive designed to keep fuel fresh for smooth starts and optimal engine performance.

Sta-bil Fuel Stabiliser

Add sta-bil fuel stabiliser to your fuel tank to prevent gasoline from deteriorating. This is especially important if the mower will sit unused for more than 30 days.

Sta-bil 360° Protection

Sta-bil 360 Protection provides protection against ethanol-related issues, moisture, and corrosion. It’s particularly useful for engines using ethanol-blended fuels.

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