The perfect lawn can be difficult to achieve without the right equipment, like a modern ride on mower. When it comes to larger landscaped areas, the riding mower would be the most appropriate and effective method of achieving the ultimate lawn. If you are in the market or already equipped with a mower, there are a few things to consider. Maintenance is important to ensure the longevity and performance of your mower. A poorly maintained machine will tear grass instead of cutting it, leaving your lawn with uneven areas and bare patches.

 

At BS Power, we recognise that efficient machinery can be a considerable financial commitment. That is why in this article, we look at how to keep your powered mower running for longer by showing you how to boost your machine’s longevity. To prevent unnecessary garden catastrophes, we at BS Power created an easy guide with tips to help you maintain your trusty ride on mower. In this guide, we will discuss the critical areas that our professional team of service engineers believes are the most important to ensure you get the best value for your asset.

 

Routine Maintenance Essentials

 

There are routine tasks that make it easy to keep your mower up to par. You can significantly extend the lifespan of your mower by continually making sure to address the small, menial tasks. You can prevent costly repairs caused by wear and tear. Let’s not forget that well-maintained machinery is safer to use.

 

Preventive measures will reduce the risk of accidents. Tasks like sharpening blades provide clean-cut grass and promote growth. These standard procedures might seem daunting at first, but we are sure that in time, they will become habitual practices.

 

Check Oil Levels and Change Oil Regularly

 

Oil is essential to keep machinery components lubricated. Well-lubricated machine parts can extend the machine’s lifespan and reduce friction. Reducing friction ensures smooth operation. Oil is unavoidably contaminated by dirt and debris. Regular oil changes prevent the negative effects of using unclean oil in your mower.

 

We recommend you view your owner’s operation manual, which will indicate how regularly your specific ride on mower needs an oil change. This manual will also clearly specify which oil type your mower requires. Using the right weight of oil and checking your oil level regularly will prevent engine damage.

 

Clean the Air Filter

 

Oil filters are used within machinery to prevent contaminants from combining with the oil. Impurities damage the engine and decrease the mower’s lifespan. As part of routine maintenance, we, at BS Power, recommend cleaning the air filter and, in some cases, replacing it altogether. Dirt, debris and other contaminants are filtered from entering the oil, potentially increasing performance and fuel efficiency.

 

A dirty filter allows these contaminants to mix with the oil and prevents airflow. If there is restricted airflow, the engine will work harder, and if not cleaned, it could cease. This could potentially be a very costly and totally preventive outcome.

 

Inspect and Maintain Spark Plugs

 

Spark plugs’ sole function is to ignite the fuel mix to produce power within the machine. Working spark plugs affect fuel efficiency, engine performance and prevent starting issues. Worn spark plugs can misfire, reduce power and lead to incomplete combustion. If your spark plugs are fouled, they can’t produce the spark for ignition. It is important to replace worn and fouled spark plugs to prevent engine damage.

 

Luckily, it is very easy to maintain. The colour of the spark plug can indicate if it needs replacing. Your owner’s manual will guide you on inspecting and replacing spark plugs, as well as the type of spark plug your engine requires.

 

 

 

Blade Care and Deck Maintenance

 

Sharpening the blade of your riding mower reduces strain on the engine, ensures healthy grass, encourages grass growth and prevents accidents. If your mowing is taking longer than usual, cutting unevenly, shredding grass and working harder in thicker areas, your blade is likely dull. A dull blade can increase fuel consumption and cause the engine to overheat.

 

Sharpen Blades Regularly

 

Sharpening your blades on a regular basis is not only to protect your engine from overheating, but also to reduce safety risk. How does a sharp blade promote a healthy lawn and growth? A clean cut minimises stress on the grass, allows it to heal quickly, reduces diseases, and allows the grass to absorb nutrients. We recommend always using a sharp blade to encourage uniform growth of the grass, enhancing the appearance of your lawn.

 

Clean the Mower Deck

 

Why clean your mower deck? Well, there are a few reasons why we recommend you clean your mower deck. Organic matter and moisture get captured in the deck; this can lead to rust. Ideally, you want to clean your deck after every use to ensure optimal performance the next time you use your ride on mower. Clumps of grass can prevent the mower blades from moving efficiently and can lead to overheating. Moisture left on the deck after cutting your lawn may lead to corrosion.

 

To prevent corrosion and engine burnout, consider cleaning the deck thoroughly and leaving it in a sunny spot to dry before storing the mower. Use a brush or scraper to clean the deck of mud and other debris. Many mowers have a built-in cleaning feature for convenience. When a mower deck is maintained, it will leave your lawn with an even, clean cut.

 

Adjust Deck Height Properly

 

Adjusting your ride on mower deck is a simple and important task. Optimal mowing height allows for an even, clean cut and distributes clippings and debris evenly. We recommend you use your owner’s manual to guide you through the process of adjusting the deck height. The process usually involves checking the tire pressure as well as using a measuring tool to measure the height of your powered mower. Measuring the deck height on both sides of the mower prevents scalping. Scalping occurs when the deck height is low and the blades dig into the soil, creating holes and ripping the lawn out.

 

Seasonal Maintenance Tips

 

The seasons influence how often you will use your riding mower. In most cases, mowers are used less often during the winter season. We have some useful tips on maintenance and tasks which can be done before storing your mower for the cold winter months. These tips include winter storage recommendations and tasks like cleaning your mower engine, checking the spark plugs and emptying the fuel tank.

 

Secondly, we have created a spring tune-up checklist for your ride on mower that includes changing or filling up with oil, sharpening the blades and checking the mower tires. Thirdly, we have included summer cooling recommendations, such as cleaning or replacing the air filter, cleaning the deck and lubricating the front axles and rims.

 

Winter Storage Preparation

 

There are a few simple tasks you can follow in preparation for storing your powered mower for winter. Firstly, we recommend you empty the fuel tank or have it run dry before storage. These days, ethanol is added to petrol, which means your fuel is only stable for a few months. Using the fuel after months of storage can cause starting issues. If you have not managed to empty your tank before storage, consider adding a fuel stabiliser to your tank.

 

Secondly, we recommend that you check the spark plugs and decide if they need replacing. Ideally, spark plugs should be a greyish colour. If one or both of your spark plugs appear to have a black gooey substance, it’s time to replace them. Spark plugs are easy to replace and should not take too much time to complete. Your user manual will assist you in choosing the correct spark plugs for your specific model.

 

Thirdly, it is advised to clean your mower engine before long-term storage. Remember to allow the surface to cool before attempting to clean it. Use a brush to rid the engine of all dirt and grass. Clean around the transmission air intake. You can also use a blower to clean the engine if you have one on hand. Check your flywheel for cuttings and dirt. After clearing the exterior, you can remove the blower housing to access the cooling fins. Avoid using water to clean the engine as it can damage critical components. Instead, use a brush to dust off debris and a degreaser on a cloth.

 

Spring Tune-Up Checklist

 

BS Power has created a convenient checklist which can be applied before using your mower again after storing it for winter. The first task on the list is refilling the oil. We have previously mentioned the consequences of running your ride on mower while the oil level is low. Use new, clean oil to fill up the oil. Use your manual to verify which oil is most appropriate to use in your mower.

 

The second task on our checklist is sharpening the mower blades. After a good mowing season and storing the mower for winter months, the blades are due for a sharpening. As mentioned in this article, dull blades create uneven lawns and risk overworking the engine by adding strain to it. There are multiple methods of sharpening your mower blade. Loosen the blade hardware with a wrench to remove the blades.

 

Once the blades are removed, you can use a grinding wheel to sharpen them. If you don’t feel comfortable using a grinding wheel or don’t own one, simply use the second method. The second method, which is advised, is to secure the blade in place and use a metal file to sharpen the blade. Run the metal file along the edge of the blade until you are satisfied with the result.

 

Our third spring tune-up task is very simple. Check the mower tires. The tires could affect the deck height and overall desired lawn appearance. It is also advised to inspect the tires for safety purposes. The manual will advise on the tire pressure. You can easily check your tire pressure with a tire pressure gauge. Ensure the valve caps are secured after using the gauge. You can pump your tires by removing them and taking them to your local garage. If you have a compressor or inflator at home, you can simply attach the hose and inflate the tire to the desired pressure.

 

Summer Cooling Considerations

 

After your winter preparation and spring checklist, we have some tasks to consider during the season when your mower is used most. Airflow is essential to cool the mower during the hot summer months. By keeping the cooling fins clean, checking the air filter and avoiding overworking the mower, you can ensure the longevity of the machine. Remember to store your mower in the shade, ensure proper ventilation and ensure the brakes are functioning properly. Worn brakes can cause the mower to overheat.

 

 

Keep Your Mower in Top Shape with BS Power’s Expert Tips

 

By using our recommendations and expert tips in this article, you will prolong the lifespan of your ride on mower. We at BS Power encourage owners to follow these tasks in routine maintenance and prevent unnecessary costly repairs. Regular maintenance will ensure optimal function and enhance the appearance of your lawn. If you are ready to make this investment, make sure to get a top-quality machine. Visit our website today to find the perfect riding mower for you.