Tips for Pre-Winter Lawn Mower Maintenance to Avoid Small Engine Repair in Ashland 

SummaryThe mower is an expensive and well-designed piece of machinery. Every manufacturer will advise you to keep it cleaned and well-oiled to lengthen its shelf-life because small engine repair in Ashland can be pricey, not to mention a waste of time. Here are ways to keep your lawn mower winter ready with handy maintenance tips.

Lawn mowers are extremely useful, if you want a manicured lawn. Just as trimming the greens is important, so is the maintenance of the machine which keeps in pleasant and beautiful. To keep your machine up-to date, before winter, here are some important tips.

Clean The Machine: This is the first and foremost thing on the list. If you observe the way a lawn mower works, the deck of the mower is clogged with mud, debris and grass. If the amount of dirt is too much it can affect the engine and give the lawn an uneven cut. While cleaning you can use a scraper to dislodge the dirt if the build-up is too heavy. Alternatively, if the dirt is manageable then you can scrub it with soap and water. The grease and dirt usually goes away, but don’t forget to unplug the spark plug.

Use Only Clean Gas: Just like your car, the lawn mower responds well to clean gas. Every time you mow the clean drain the machine dry unless you are planning to use it within the month. The next time you use the lawn mower fill it up with fresh gas, not the one lying in your garage. Old fuel can damage the machine and ensure a small engine repair in Ashland. It causes moisture to build up along with gum deposits and octane loss.

Get The Engine Oil Replaced: The engine oil needs regular oil change in the way your car does. Monitor the oil level on a regular basis along with the collection of debris. In case the oil seems black and dirty drain it through the drain plug or turn it to a side to side to drain it through the side vent. Every time you change the oil, your machine can run comfortably for another 50 hours or so. Check out the best machine oil available in the market or the variety recommended by the machine manufacturer in the manual.

Check Spark Plug Health: The spark plug is very important for starting the machine and trimming the lawn. Old and dirty ones can be a real trouble for the lawn mower. Thankfully, these are easily replaceable and not very expensive. Ideally, replace it once a year or change after the mower has run for 1000 hours. While installing, make sure that you don’t tighten the bolt too much which might prevent the mower from getting started.

Clean Engine: The engine is the most important part of the lawn mower. When the engine is big or small, it should be maintained properly. Keep the cylinder fin and air screen free from all kinds of debris so that you can utilize its full value and avoid small engine repair in Ashland. These parts can contain gasoline residue. Since gasoline residue is bad for the skin, wear thick protective gloves before cleaning it. If the engine is hot when you start the cleaning, you can also get burns.

Sharpen The Mower Blade: Sharpen cutting instruments after every use because a dull one can cause uneven cuts. For sharpening, use a file or a grinder wheel. Try not to hamper the blade’s balance because that can also lead to a dull cut. It can even affect the engine of the machine and lead to a repair which means additional costs. Begin the sharpening process only after taking off the blade from the mower. Don’t forget to check the balance of the blade by placing it on a nail. If the blade remains even then the balance is perfect.

Check the Machine’s Belt: Motor operated ones usually have belts, so, you should keep an eye for tears and damages. In case of major tears get it replaced immediately. The gear case and the area surrounding it should be kept clean especially the drive cover. This area is very important, so try to keep it clear of major grass build up.

Air Filter: Change the air filter of the machine every 3 months during the mowing period. If you have covered 25 hours of mowing then also you should change the filter. In case of foam air filters service it on a regular basis to prevent drying out. The lawn mower is of immense utility but you need to maintain it properly. Before packing it in for the winter don’t forget to drain out the oil and run the engine till all the oil has burned out. Proper maintenance will help in keeping at bay small engine repair in Ashland. Gum may form in the machine during the winter so it is best to use a fuel stabilizer.

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