You finally have the yard of your dreams. You’ve got a plan for taking care of it -fertilizing, watering, weeding, mowing, etc., but what about caring for your equipment? Mainly, the lawn mower?
While prices for lawn mowers do vary, regardless of what you pay, you expect to get your money’s worth. Like most products, there are good, better, and best. But like most products, when properly taken care of, a “good” product can last just as long as the “best” product. Here are some tips to improve the longevity of your lawn mower.
What can you do to maintain your lawn mower?
First and foremost, read the owner’s manual
Believe it or not, the owner’s manual wasn’t included just to go straight to your recycling bin or fire pit, they are there for a reason. The maker is 
telling you how to keep your machine running as long as they intend it to. They do not want to sell you a mower that lasts two times and then is done. That doesn’t do them any good. The more negative reviews pile up, the less they sell. Read the manual and their recommended care techniques.
Monitor the oil levels
Through out the year, but especially during periods of heavy use, be sure to monitor the oil level and quality in your mower. If the oil is dark black, and/or contains debris, it should be replaced. Consult your manual for instructions on how to change the oil. If you do not have your manual, a general guide is to remove the drain plug and allow it to drain completely, then refill with the proper oil. If your mower doesn’t have a drain plug, gently tilt the mower on it’s side and drain it through the fill hole.
Drain the gas after each mowing season
One of the main reasons a lawn mower won’t start in the beginning of a new mowing season is old gas. For more information on why old gas is bad for your mower, check out this article.
Sharpen the blades
Mower blades are built tough in order to endure the rocks, branches, tennis balls and other hidden objects they encounter. A dull blade tears grass instead of providing the clean cut we expect. While a small fee is usually involved, taking your mower blades to be sharpened at a lawn mower repair shop provides a better cut and extends prolongs their usability.
These are just a few tips to help keep your mower in tip-top shape so that you can keep your beautiful yard beautiful. If you don’t have the sod or hydroseed just yet, contact us and we’ll help you get the yard you’ve been imagining.