Your complete guide to spring mower prep

Believe it or not, warm weather is on the horizon. And before you know it, your spring lawn is going to be full and ready for that first cut of the season.

But after sitting for three or four months in the shed or garage, there’s a very good chance your mower or tractor is going to need a check and some maintenance. In fact, routine maintenance on all lawn and garden equipment is a very good idea to extend their lifespans.

So as we move into spring weather and begin working on creating a lush, beautiful lawn, take a look at our tips for getting your mower ready. Obviously, the best (and easiest) way to get a complete maintenance check is to bring your mower to Snappy’s Outdoor Equipment. However, if you want to perform the prep yourself, here are the steps to do it:

First: Always read your owner’s manual. Your mower model may have additional or different needs to run at full capacity. So read your instructions!

Second: Give it an oil change. Again, refer to your owner’s manual for the right oil grade and amount it needs. Drain the old oil and pour in the new to the correct amount. Be careful, overfilling can damage seals and cause overheating.

Third: Grease it up. Using a light-duty lubricant, grease contact surfaces for wheelbearings, cables and the height adjusters. Also, spray silicone under the mower deck. This prevents rust and keeps grass clippings from sticking. Don’t lubricate surfaces a drive belt can come in contact with while in use.

Fourth: Replace the spark plugs once a season. This is an inexpensive way to give yourself insurance everything will fire on all cylinders — literally.

Fifth: Clean or replace the air filter. Air filters get soaked in dust, oil and dirt. It’s a good idea to regularly check it and clean it when necessary. To clean it, just soak it in warm, soapy water and let it dry. Cardboard filters should simply be replaced but sponge filters can be cleaned and re-used.

Sixth: Sharpen up those blades once a year. If they’re bent, replace them. If they’re not sharp, you should sharpen them because dull blades rip the grass and can lead to problems with the look of your lawn.

Seventh: Change the belts and remove any grass that has built up under the deck. Take a look at the belts to see if they’re cracking or worn out. Replace them if they are.

Eighth: Charge the battery if there is one. Again, take a look at the manual for instructions on charging and replacement procedures.

A properly maintained and smooth-running mower will not only help you get the perfect cut the first time out this spring, but it will save you money in the long run. Make sure you follow our checklist to keep your mower humming perfectly.

As we stated at the top, the absolute best way to make sure your mower is ready, or if you need any replacement parts or even that perfect new mower? Snappy’s Outdoor Equipment has everything you need to get your lawn ready for spring. Stop by our store at 2120 N. Dixie Hwy, Lima, OH 45801 or call 419-879-1196.