Removing you mower from storage
As the first day of spring approaches, many of us will pull our lawn care equipment out of storage. A lot of engines are difficult to start after the winter layoff. The Mower Shop offers complete tune-up kits, repower kits and blades for Honda, Toro, Hustler, Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki and Kohler. Proper maintenance and care will improve the life and quality of your lawn equipment. Here is a checklist to make sure your mower and handheld equipment is ready to start.
Before starting your equipment
Clean the dust and debris off your equipment
- Clean the engine by hand making sure to keep water away from the air filter
- You can use a garden hose to clean the frame and cutting deck, but keep water away from cables, springs and air filters
Inspect the cutting deck and frame
- A clean deck is essential for the spring season
- You can use water or a plastic putty knife to clean any debris
- For riding equipment, check under the seat, around the battery and inside wheels for any dirt, debris or nests
Sharpen or replace the blade
- While cleaning the deck, remove the blade for sharpening or replacing with a new OEM blade
- A sharp, balanced blade relieves engine and belt stress during the peak of mowing season
Prepare the engine fluids and filters
- 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.
- Change all of these items according to your owners manual.
- No matter how much or how rarely you use a mower, these affordable parts will keep your engine running
Start with Fresh fuel
- Fuel deteriorates within a few weeks. Dispose of all fuel leftover from last season.
- If there is any fuel in the tank from the prior season, drain the fuel or bring the mower to a professional to clean the tank.
- Fuel left in containers can be added to your car's fuel tank.
- Purchase fresh fuel from a high quality fuel center.
Check the deck level
- Move the mower outside before starting
- Check the deck level on a flat, paved surface
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
- New mowers do not need to be choked or primed, but 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 will 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
- 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.
- If the exhaust does not dissipate or seems excessive, consult a professional
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.
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