Lawn mower problems are often quick fixes

Just like car issues, you can prevent most lawn mower problems with a little proactive maintenance.

Generally speaking, a gas or electric powered lawn mower should last at least 8-10 years if you take care of it.

A reel mower can easily last 20 or more years.
Obviously, some models are better than others but a little TLC will go a long way.

Let’s go over a bit of maintenance for your lawn mower.
At the end of the grass cutting season (or at the beginning of a new one) you should drain the fuel (and replace it with fresh stuff if it’s spring).
I readily admit my hypocrisy here, because unless I happen to run out of gas late in the fall, I have never drained the gas out, even for the first mow in the spring.
Though I have never had a problem…yet, I know that I should start with fresh gas in the spring. So, I may learn a costly lesson someday, who knows.
Back to what you should do.

Typically, for one who mows the lawn 4 to 6 months per year, you should be changing the oil at least once. If you cut your grass twice a week and have lot to mow, wouldn’t hurt to do it twice.
For most mowers, you need to turn it o it’s side and drain the oil through the plug on the bottom.

Change the sparkplug. This is another quick, easy and inexpensive way to keep the lawn mower running at its best. Disconnect the spark plug wire and then remove the plug You can sometimes get away with just cleaning it, but since they cost a few dollars at the most, why not just replace it with a new one?
You may need to alter the gap on the plug. If you still have your owner’s manual, it should be in there. If you don’t, check labels on the mower itself. My local hardware store has a listing with various mowers listed and their specs.

The biggest,and in my opinion, most important task is sharpening the blade. A dull blade will show on your lawn. We talked about this on our lawn care tips page.
You can take it in to a local hardware store (usually) or do it yourself with a metal file or a grinder if you’re familiar with how to use one.

I sharpen mine usually twice or sometimes three times per season and my lawn looks good.
Not sharpening the blade will give a messy cut and will hamper any mulching that should be going on.

Occasionally, the blade can get bent or chipped on a rock or something else it shouldn’t be mowing. If this happens, you will need to replace the blade. Not a big deal.

Lastly, to avoid lawn mower problems like uneven mowing or piles of grass that get spit out in clumps, clean or brush off the mower after each mow.
Take a peak underneath and using a stiff brush or blower, get off the grass stuck in there.
Don’t use a hose though, that will just lead to rust and nobody wants that!

Read up on tips for cutting the grass.

Engine won’t catch: make sure there is gas (really, it’s like making sure the radio is plugged in before you toss it in the garbage), make sure ignition is on (if there is one) change the spark plug, fuel filter needs replacing.

Engine dies after a while: needs more gas, oil is old and needs replacing, clogged fuel filter.

Clumps of grass left on lawn: if you are using a bag, it is probably full, if you aren’t, check for grass clumped up underneath (especially if the grass is wet) or your blades need sharpening.

Uneven cutting: blade needs sharpening or replacing.

There is probably a lawn mower repair place or small engine repair shop not too far away, so if you’d rather leave the lawn mower problems to them, or have them prevent your lawn mower problems, bring it in at the beginning of each lawn mowing season.

I love the smell of a freshly mowed lawn, don’t you?