Starting Your Equipment After Off Season Service

by | Mar 25, 2019 | News, Uncategorized | 0 comments

Preparing your mower for spring

When The Mower Shop services equipment during the off season our technicians prep the engines for dormant periods. We fill fuel tanks with fresh stabilized fuel, charge batteries on mowers with electric start and clean equipment of all debris before returning to your home. Before the mowing season begins we encourage our customers to test start their lawnmowers. If you experience any issues please contact us immediately so your equipment is ready when grass begins to grow.

Before starting your equipment

Clean the dust and debris off your equipment

  • If your mower has been sitting in a garage uncovered or in a storage shed there may be some dust collected around the fan or near the air filter
  • We pressure wash decks and lubricate cables, springs and other moving parts so you really only need to wipe away dust visible on the top of the engine

Inspect the cutting deck and frame

  • A clean deck is essential for the spring season
  • If you store your mower in a garage free of debris don’t spend too much time following this step, but each spring a number of customers experience issues with animal nests and rodent damage.
  • For riding equipment, check under the seat, around the battery and inside wheels for any dirt, debris or nests

Don’t worry about checking under the deck

  • We sharpen and balance blades and clean the deck of every mower before returning to you
  • A sharp, balanced blade relieves engine and belt stress during the peak of mowing season

Don’t worry about engine filters but check fluid levels

  • Most walk power mowers feature an air filter, oil reservoir and spark plug.
  • Many riders will include air filter, oil filter, fuel filter, spark plugs and oil reservoir.
  • We install fresh filters during tune-ups and fill with fresh oil and fuel
  • Always verify oil level before starting and engine

Start with Fresh fuel

  • We filled your fuel tank with fresh fuel
  • Fuel deteriorates within a few weeks.
  • Dispose of all fuel leftover from last season!
  • The primary reason lawnmowers run poorly or won’t start after service is homeowners refilling with old fuel. This is an easy headache to avoid.
  • Fuel left in containers can be added to your car’s fuel tank.
  • Purchase fresh fuel from a high quality fuel retailer.

Starting your equipment

Fresh gasoline, clean oil, new spark plug and a spotless air filter all combine for an easy start.

  • Make sure your equipment is outside before starting
  • Starting on a paved surface will put less stress on the engine
  • Many engines no longer feature manual chokes or primer bulb systems, but always follow your owners manual

For recoil start mowers, use a steady motion rather than brute force

  • When you pull on the rope, you are rotating the flywheel and cylinder of the engine.
  • Try a few easy pulls on the rope to allow fuel and air to move into the carburetor.
  • The flywheel and cylinder may have some dust and debris from the offseason, a few short rotations will clear any blockage
  • It may take a few attempts before the engine catches
  • Steady consistent motion will aide in the starting process and it will keep your shoulder from popping out of socket

For electric start mowers, always charge your battery before starting

  • We charge and test the battery when we service lawnmowers but cold weather may drain the battery
  • A full charge will help if multiple attempts are required
  • Never hold the ignition in the on position for longer than a 3 count
  • Consult your owners manual for full details

 Test operations before mowing

Allow the engine to run for 3 minutes before mowing

  • Listen to the engine
  • Any surging, sluggishness or metallic noise indicates maintenance is required

There may be a lot of exhaust after the dormancy

  • This should pass within a few minutes.
  • Newer mowers especially after we service them tend not to smoke excessively.

Engage the blades and transmission system

  • Test operations on a flat, paved surface.
  • Pay attention to any sluggishness or metallic noise which indicates maintenance is required.

If everything functions properly, you are ready to start the season.

The Mower Shop stands behind our work

If you serviced your mower with us and experience any concerns please contact us immediately. We want to make sure you are confident and happy heading into the mowing season.