Getting Your Mower Ready for Spring

Once spring rolls around, it's time to get ready to mow the lawn. Your grass will be in need of watering and mowing. Winter can do a number on a lawn so spring is the time to deliver much-needed care. This means more than just pulling the mower out of the garage and starting the engine.

• Time for a Tune Up. Before doing any safety check on the mower, remove the spark plug. Install a new one when you are done with everything else.
• Clear the Air. If your mower has an air filter, it's time for a cleaning. If it's a paper filter, just go ahead and replace the filter.
• Change the Oil. You'll find the oil drain plug at the bottom of the engine. Remove it and let the dirty oil run into a pan or a container.
• Get Fresh Gas. You should have dumped out the gas at the end of the fall. If you have any leftover gas, it's no good. Fill your mower's tank with fresh gas. Using old gas can damage your mower's fuel system.
• Check Those Cables. Make sure all cables are working and are fully secure. Some cables may need to be tightened or adjusted. It's also a good idea to check all belts.
• Sharpen the Blades. Dull blades can hurt your grass. A sharp cut is better for growing. Blades should be sharpened once or twice a year depending on equipment use.
• Clean the Undercarriage of the Mower. Old grass can get stuck underneath and impact your mower's performance.