Despite the recent wet weather, it won’t be long before the sun is out and your lawn is ready for its first mow of the year. However, many of us get our mowers out of winter storage, only to discover they don’t work, or need repairing, so now is a good time to check.
Before putting your lawn mower away, you should always drain it of fuel, or add a fuel stabiliser, as well as ensure it is stored in an upright position. Depending on how often you use your lawn mower will depend on how often it needs servicing and how well it works. If you use it regularly on a small lawn, it should only need checking once a year, but if you have a large uneven lawn with long grass and lots of dry areas, then it may need checking more often.
The organisers of the popular, annual Harrogate Flower Show are planning a special event this year to mark 100 years.
Petrol
Always ensure you use the best fuel for your machine. The alcohol content in some of the fuels can cause problems with the engine and erode the plastic components, so opt for high octane fuel which is alcohol free.
Air Filter
If your lawn mower feels slow, or starts choking, it could be the air filter. Foam filters should be replaced every 25 hours and paper filters every 100 hours. Briggs and Stratton parts are simple and easy to get hold of. If you require Briggs and Stratton parts, you can order online and get the exact part you need.
Spark plugs
Spark plugs should be replaced every 100 hours, or at least once a year to ensure your lawn mower performs efficiently and effectively.
Cleaning
Often a lawn mower doesn’t perform properly because it is clogged up with debris. To clean, make sure the engine is off and the fuel tank is removed or empty. Lift it onto a clean surface and scrape away any dirt with a blunt putty knife, or a wire cleaning brush.
Blade sharpening
Blades will blunt over time and this will affect the quality of the cutting. Refer to the owner’s manual for how to disconnect and sharpen the blade safely, as well as how to reconnect it correctly.
