You mower helps you do the hard work of keeping your yard looking great and takes care of many of the small tasks that you would probably rather not spend your time doing yourself. It’s your friend, right? Then why do we tend to treat them so poorly? Maybe it’s because we never learned how to properly take care of one or maybe it’s because our busy lives mean that keeping up with the maintenance can be challenging, but whatever the reason, there are some things that you should NEVER do to your mower if you want it to serve you well and last as long as possible.
1. Don’t let your engine get low on oil
Maintaining your mower is essential to ensure that it runs smoothly and lasts for years to come. One of the most important steps in maintaining your mower is to make sure you keep the engine oil at the proper levels. Failing to do so can lead to serious damage to your mower’s engine.
It’s important to check your mower’s engine oil level regularly. Oil levels should always be topped up when needed, or at least once per season. It’s also important to change your mower’s oil at least once every year. This helps to keep the engine lubricated and running smoothly, as well as helping to prevent wear and tear on its components.
If you’re using a four-stroke engine, then you should also check the oil level after each use. Doing this ensures that your engine is getting the proper amount of oil, which will help prolong its life. If you notice any strange noises coming from your mower while it’s running, then it’s probably a good idea to check the oil level right away.
It’s important to remember that you should never run your mower if the oil level is low. Doing so could cause serious damage to your engine and potentially even cause it to catch fire. Make sure to always check and top up the oil in your mower before use and to never let it get too low!
2. Don’t hit tree stumps while you cut the grass
When it comes to mowing the lawn, hitting tree stumps should be avoided at all costs. Tree stumps can be a huge problem for your mower. Not only can hitting a tree stump damage the blades of your mower, but it can also cause other problems such as clogging the blades or engine.
Tree stumps are tough, and when you run into them, it’s easy to cause serious damage to your mower. When you’re mowing around trees, look for any potential stumps that could be hidden in the grass. Make sure to steer your mower away from them and take extra caution not to hit them. If you do happen to hit one, inspect your mower carefully for any damage that may have been caused.
3. Don’t let your radiator coolant get low
Your lawnmower’s radiator coolant is essential for keeping your engine running smoothly. But did you know that letting it get too low can cause serious damage to your mower?
That’s right – when the radiator coolant level drops below the recommended level, it can create an imbalance in the system and cause the engine to overheat. This can lead to severe engine damage, and it’s something you should absolutely avoid at all costs
The best way to ensure that you don’t have to worry about this is to regularly check your mower’s coolant level. Make sure it is always filled to the correct level with the correct type of coolant, and top it off if necessary. Doing this will keep your engine running strong and help avoid costly repairs in the future.
4. Don’t try to use your mower to quickly re-spool rope or barbed wire
If you’re a handy homeowner who likes to tackle DIY projects, one area you should stay away from is using your mower to re-spool rope or barbed wire. While this may seem like a convenient way to quickly and efficiently get the job done, it can be extremely dangerous. Not only could you injure yourself with the wire or rope, but you could also cause serious damage to your mower.
Re-spooling rope or barbed wire is an extremely specialized task that should be left to professionals. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy to create dangerous knots or loops that can snag and wrap around blades or other moving parts, causing the mower to malfunction or even break down. This can not only be a time consuming and expensive repair, but could also put you in harm’s way if the mower suddenly stops working while you’re using it.
Instead of using your mower to re-spool rope or barbed wire, consider hiring a professional who has the proper tools and experience to get the job done safely and efficiently. That way, you can rest assured knowing that your mower is safe and won’t be damaged during the process.
5. Don’t allow your children and pests in the lawn as you mow
When it comes to maintaining your lawn mower, there are certain things you should never do in order to keep your mower working properly and safely. One of the most important things to remember is to never allow your children or pets in the lawn while you’re mowing. It’s important to take all necessary precautions to protect your family, as lawn mowers can be dangerous. Not only is there a risk of flying debris and objects, but lawn mowers are extremely loud and can startle children or pets if they get too close. To ensure the safety of your family, always make sure children and pets are at a safe distance while mowing.
6. Don’t suffocate your engine
One of the biggest mistakes you can make with your mower is suffocating your engine. This occurs when the air filter becomes clogged, restricting airflow to the carburetor and keeping the engine from running smoothly. A clogged filter can also cause the mower to overheat, leading to even more problems. To ensure your mower runs optimally, regularly check and clean the air filter to ensure it’s free from dirt and debris. Make sure to replace the filter if it’s too damaged or worn out. You should also periodically check the spark plug and clean it as needed. Keeping these components in top condition will help keep your mower running for years to come.
7. Don’t use unsafe mower blades
When it comes to caring for your mower, safety is paramount. One of the most important safety measures is to use the right kind of blade. Unsafe blades can cause serious injuries or damage to your mower.
It is essential to choose the correct blade for your mower model and use only original manufacturer-approved parts. Using blades that don’t fit your mower can be dangerous. The wrong size or shape can cause unexpected vibrations, resulting in injury or even loss of control.
Sharpening a dull blade can also be dangerous. If you do decide to sharpen the blade yourself, make sure you follow the proper procedures. Otherwise, take your mower to a professional technician who is experienced in mower blade sharpening.
In addition, never use damaged blades or ones that have cracked or nicked edges. These are a hazard and should be replaced immediately.
Don’t put yourself at risk—make sure you are using the right blade on your mower.
8. Don’t forget regular maintenance
Regular maintenance is the key to making sure your mower runs smoothly and efficiently. Without regular maintenance, your mower may break down or require more extensive repairs down the line. It’s important to follow the instructions that come with your mower, as well as consult the owner’s manual for any further instructions.
9. Don’t operate your mower if it is not working properly
Never operate your mower if it is not working properly or needs repair. A malfunctioning mower can be dangerous, so it’s best to take it in for a professional inspection before attempting to use it. Trying to fix the problem yourself could result in more serious damage.
Additionally, never pull the cord forcefully when starting the mower. Excessive force can cause the engine to flood and could damage other components of the mower. And always be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when starting the engine and using the mower.
10. Don’t leave gas in your lawn mower for than 2 weeks
When it comes to caring for your lawn mower, there are some things that you should never do if you want it to run properly and last a long time. One of those is leaving gas in the machine for longer than two weeks.
It may be tempting to leave the gas in your mower when you’re done mowing for the season, but it’s not worth the risk. Gas left in the engine for too long can start to break down and cause damage to the carburetor, leading to clogging, stalling, and reduced fuel efficiency.
To prevent damage from old gas, it’s best to drain all of the gas from the tank before storing your mower. To do this, turn the mower off and allow the engine to cool down. Then, remove the gas cap and use a container to catch any fuel that might spill out. Afterwards, tilt the mower onto its side and use a wrench to loosen the drain plug at the bottom of the fuel tank. Allow all of the gas to drain into the container, then tighten the drain plug before replacing the fuel cap and storing the mower.
Taking the extra step to drain your mower’s fuel tank before storage will help keep your equipment running smoothly and efficiently for years to come.
11. Don’t let animals live in your mower
Another important thing to remember when it comes to taking care of your lawn mower is to never let animals live in it. While this may seem like a strange suggestion, it’s one that you should pay close attention to as letting animals live in your mower can be extremely damaging and even dangerous.
Animals living in your mower can cause rust, corrosion, and damage to your mower’s engine, spark plugs, and other components. Additionally, they can leave droppings and other debris inside your mower which can also damage the parts and create a serious health hazard.
Finally, having animals living in your mower can also increase the risk of a fire, as any kind of rodent nesting can cause short circuits in the wiring or other components. For these reasons, it’s always important to keep your mower clean and free from any type of animal intrusion.
12. Use common sense while operating lawn mower
When it comes to caring for your mower, common sense is key! You may have heard the saying there’s no replacement for displacement and that couldn’t be more true when it comes to operating power equipment. You should never operate a machine without taking the necessary safety precautions, and you should always use common sense while operating any power equipment.
For example, you should never leave the engine running while unattended or attempt to move the machine while it’s running. You should also take extra caution when going up and down hills, especially if the terrain is uneven or slippery. And don’t forget to check your equipment for any damage or wear before each use – worn blades can cause serious harm if left unchecked.
Using common sense is also important when storing your mower. It’s best to keep your mower in a dry place that is free from debris and other combustible materials. Also make sure to store your mower safely away from children and pets.
Finally, use common sense when disposing of old or damaged mower parts. Make sure to dispose of any oil, gasoline, or other chemicals responsibly according to your local ordinances.
These are just a few examples of common sense practices you should use when operating and caring for your mower. Following these simple guidelines can help ensure you get the most out of your machine while keeping yourself and others safe.
13. Don’t let your mower deck get clogged with grass and debris
Mowing the lawn can be a tedious task, but it is essential for a healthy and well-maintained lawn. To ensure that your mower runs smoothly and cuts evenly, you need to take care of it properly. One of the most common mistakes that people make when mowing is allowing their mower deck to become clogged with grass and debris.
This can not only reduce the performance of your mower, but it can also cause serious damage. Grass and debris can get stuck in the mower blades, making them dull and unable to cut properly. Additionally, clogged mower decks can cause your engine to overheat and fail prematurely.
To prevent this from happening, it’s important to inspect your mower deck before you start mowing. Remove any sticks, stones, or other debris that may have collected in the deck. Also, check for clumps of grass and remove them if necessary. Doing this will help keep your mower blades sharp and your engine running smoothly.
Finally, if your mower deck is severely clogged, consider taking it to a repair shop or using a professional mower cleaning service. This will ensure that your mower is clean and running properly so that you can continue to enjoy a beautiful lawn!
Conclusion
After reading through all of the things you should never do to your mower, it’s clear that taking proper care of your mower is essential in ensuring it runs properly and lasts a long time. It’s important to read the manual of your mower carefully before you start using it, and make sure that you are familiar with all of the safety instructions. Be sure to follow all of the manufacturer’s instructions on how to use and maintain your mower, and never attempt to do any modifications or repairs without consulting a professional. Taking proper care of your mower is essential for optimal performance, and will ensure that it runs smoothly for years to come.