Sunday 23 October 2016

Basic Riding Lawn Mowers Maintenance Tips

Proper maintenance is just as important as the good deal that you got on your riding lawn mowers in Ashland for sale. This will keep the equipment running efficiently and reduces any chances of it breaking down frequently.

riding lawn mowers in Ashland,
Getting the best deal on lawn mowers for sale is just the beginning of self serviced lawn maintenance. However, a lawn mower that is hardly maintained is a bigger recipe for disaster. You don’t have to be an expert in mechanics to give your mower the basic maintenance that it needs. Despite how intimidating it looks, it is actually quite easy to maintain your mower. Keeping it in good running condition will help eliminate chances of it giving up on you unexpectedly. So, now that you have got a good deal for your riding lawnmower at the sale, it’s time to learn to take good care of it. All you need is a good working knowledge of some basic tools and you are basically all set.

Step 1: Make sure to disconnect the battery/ spark plug wires before you begin working on it. This will reduce chances of you accidentally turning on the machine when working on it. This is possibly the only intimidating aspect of the basic lawn mower maintenance. So, once you have decided to work on the parts and interiors of the lawn mower, keep it in a well lighted place away from any electricity point or wires. Once done, you are ready to get things underway.


Step 2: Check the condition of the shields and deflectors. This is especially important if you have opted for a second hand lawn mower for sale. If these parts seem to be damaged, then have them fixed or replaced. These shields and deflectors ensure that the spent grass does not come in the way of your riding lawn mower when mowing, and hence have to be in good working condition.

Step 3: Check the tyre pressure. An underinflated tyre results in reduced fuel efficiency, and it will put unnecessary stress on the mower engine as well. Overworking these low powered engines can lead to faster wear and tear, and will end up costing you in the long run. Its best to get them inflated to the right degree, or replaced with new tyres, as the situation demands.

Step 4: Check if the engine has enough fuel and oil in its reserves. If you are bringing the riding lawn mower out of hibernation, then it is recommended that you replace these fluids with fresh ones. If you are putting away the riding lawn mower away for the winter, it is recommended that you remove the residual fuel in the machine.

Step 5: Clean any dirt and debris that is accumulated on the shell of the equipment, particularly near the fuel tank, after each use. Use a soft cloth so as prevent any scratches on the riding lawn mower. Do not use oil stain remover when cleaning spills/ leaks around the oil fill areas, instead clean it with a piece of rag.

Step 6: Once the maintenance work is done, inspect the mower to check if you have covered all the cleaning and maintenance aspects, before reinstalling the outer shell, the deflectors and other accessories. Then you can go about reconnecting the battery/ the spark plug. Make sure to follow the instructions given in the owners-manual when removing and reconnecting the spark plug / battery to prevent any mishap.

Step 7: Once you are done mowing, it is recommended that you disconnect the battery/ the spark plug to prevent it from accidentally turning on, especially if you have kids around the house. Make sure to clean away any debris and dirt that may have accumulated after each mow. This needs to be done to keep your riding lawn mower looking good and to prevent moist and dirt from caking up on the machine.

Putting your mower to hibernation in winter

Arrival of the winter months indicates the end of the lawn mower season. The first sign of snow is also the first sign to put away your riding lawn mower for a few months. Here are some tips to prep your mower to be stored until winters last.
  • Store it in a dry place. It is generally recommended that you place the mower on an elevated platform with enough air space between the floor and the underbelly of the mower. Make sure to cover it with a tarp or associated protective covering to keep it safe from the elements.
  • Remove the battery. Removing the battery will keep it from draining quickly and you will still have enough power when firing up the mower after its brief hiatus. Detach the spark plug wire and seal the end with a tape.
  • A final clean up is necessary to remove all the dirt and grime on the mower. This will prevent any chances of rusting when the equipment is kept idle. 
  • Make sure that the fuel tank is full before the machine is stowed away temporarily; adding a fuel stabilizer is recommended. The full tank of fuel will prevent moisture from accumulating on the inside walls of the tank. Then, run the engine for a couple of minutes so that the stabilizer is spread throughout the carburetor as well. The stabilizer will help keep the fuel fresh for up to six months at a stretch. If you do not use the mower for over six months, it is a wise choice to replace the fuel with a fresh batch before operating it.
Starting a lawn mower after winter

Bring your lawn mower out of a winter hibernation results in its own set of problems. If you had given your mower the right treatment before setting it aside for the winter, then it becomes easier to restart the mower and you can have it up and running in no time. Check the oil and the fuel before starting the mower. It is always better to drain the existing engine oil and replace it with a new batch before starting the machine for the first time.

Replace the batteries and the spark plug. You might have to tug the spark plug wire and tinker with the spark plug set up for a bit for the riding mower to start. If the mower has a choke, then turn it on while you start it. This will give it an added boost. This should get your mower started. If it still doesn’t, then you ought to avail the services of a lawn mower technician to assess and correct the problem with the engine. 

The maintenance for your riding lawn mower might differ slightly, depending on the make and model of your machine. However, the basic approach stays the same. In case of any confusion, make sure to check the owner’s manual. Always perform the maintenance in a well-lit and ventilated area. Engage the parking brake on, and make sure that the machine is on a hard, stable surface before you go tinkering about it. Saving money and picking up a new hobby was never this easy! 

So, are you ready to check out other riding lawn mowers for sale for your loved ones, or yourself?

For more information visit our website www.metrowestlawnandpower.com

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