If you have a lawnmower, it’s likely that you’ll need to perform some routine maintenance over the course of its life in order to keep it running optimally and prevent serious malfunctions from occurring. However, there are many things that you should avoid doing to your lawnmower, which can be avoided at all costs. Here are five things NOT to do to your lawnmower if you want it to last.
Preserve Your Lawnmower’s Performance with These Avoidable Mistakes
1. Avoid Mowing Non-Grass Areas
When it comes to taking care of your lawnmower, one of the most important rules is to never mow anything that isn’t grass. This means avoiding things like rocks, leaves, sticks, and other debris. These items can get stuck in the blades, causing damage to both the mower and the lawn. Even if it seems harmless, it’s best to avoid mowing these items to protect your lawnmower from harm. If you find any debris on your lawn, take the time to remove it before you start mowing. Doing so will save you from possible repair bills or costly replacements down the line.
2. Don’t Let The Mower Get Clogged
Maintaining a healthy lawn mower is essential for keeping your grass looking its best. Unfortunately, one of the most common things that can cause your mower to malfunction is clogging. This can occur when small objects like twigs and leaves get stuck in the mower’s blades, preventing them from moving freely. To avoid this issue, you should always make sure to clear any debris or obstructions from the area around the mower before you start it up. Additionally, you should also take the time to inspect the blades after each use to ensure there’s no debris stuck to them. This can help you to avoid potential problems down the road.
3. Don’t Forget to Check The Oil
Lawnmowers require regular maintenance to ensure they last as long as possible and that you get the best results when mowing your lawn. Another important step in caring for your mower is regularly checking the oil levels.
Not checking the oil levels in your lawn mower can be detrimental to its life span. Low oil levels can cause increased friction in the engine, which leads to higher temperatures and accelerated wear on the engine components. Regularly checking the oil and refilling it as needed helps to keep your engine running cooler and extend its life.
It’s easy to check the oil levels in your lawnmower. Start by draining the existing oil from the engine, then clean the dipstick with a lint-free cloth and reinsert it into the engine. Pull it out again and inspect the oil level. If it’s too low, add more oil until it reaches the full mark.
When it comes to lawnmower maintenance, don’t forget to check the oil! Doing so regularly will help you avoid damage to your mower and get the most out of it.
4. Don’t Leave Old Fuel in The Tank
It’s important to make sure that you never leave old fuel in your lawn mower for an extended period of time. Fuel that contains ethanol can start to damage the equipment if it has been sitting in the tank for more than two weeks. To prevent this from happening, add fuel stabilizer when you buy gasoline and if you plan to store your mower for more than 90 days, be sure to drain the fuel or run the mower dry before storing.
It’s also important to remember that even after you run the tank dry, there may still be small amounts of fuel left in the carburetor’s fuel bowl. To make sure your carburetor is functioning properly and won’t be gummed up, take the extra step and drain the gas out of the fuel bowl as well.
In short, make sure you never leave old fuel in your lawnmower and be diligent about draining the fuel tank and fuel bowl completely before storing it away. Taking these simple steps can help ensure your lawnmower will continue to run efficiently and effectively over the years.
5. Don’t Leave The Battery Connected
When storing the mower for a long period of time, such as over winter, it’s important to disconnect the battery. If it’s left connected, it can slowly siphon power from the battery, decreasing its overall life. Make sure to store the disconnected battery in a cool, dry place away from flammable things like gas cans and sources of heat like a water heater.
Conclusion
Maintaining your lawnmower is essential to keeping it in working order and ensuring that it lasts for years to come. Knowing what not to do to your lawn mower can be just as important as knowing what to do. By following these five simple steps, you can ensure that your lawnmower will continue to operate efficiently for a long time.