Did you leave your lawn mower sitting a little too long without performing maintenance? You’re only human. Belmont Equipment is here with some important tips about lawn mower service. If you want to prolong the lifespan of your machine, the best thing you can do is keep up with routine maintenance. We’ve created this guide with some tips to get you started. Read on to learn more. If you’d like assistance with lawn mower service in Clairsville, Ohio, we’d be happy to help. We’re located near Cambridge.

Check The Oil

When it comes to performing maintenance, you can start by checking the oil. It’s the same process you perform on your passenger vehicle. Remove the dipstick, wipe it off, reinsert it, and remove it again to receive a clear reading. If you observe any discoloration or a sludgy consistency, it’s time to change the oil. Additionally, if you find water or metal shavings present in the oil tank, it’s time for lawn mower service. This can be a sign of much bigger problems, so you’ll want to address them right away.

Clean The Mower Deck

If you’ve just recently purchased a lawn mower and you’re performing maintenance for the first time, it’s important to note that the deck can easily become obstructed by mulch and grass clippings. When you add water to the mix, the residue can harden and become even more stubborn. You can avoid this by regularly cleaning your mower deck. This will help you prevent buildup as well as wear and tear to the undercarriage. You won’t have to worry about replacing belts and broken parts, either.

Sharpen the Blade

Keeping your blade sharp and balanced is another key component of lawn mower maintenance. First, you’ll be able to make easier cuts while producing less engine drag. Sharp blades also lead to less fuel consumption. What’s more, you’ll get a clean, precise cut when the blade is sharp.

Replace the Spark Plugs

Your spark plugs will also need attention every now and then. Between intense uptime and extended downtime, your machine can do a number on the spark plugs. As a general rule of thumb, you’ll want to replace your spark plugs every year or two to maintain optimal engine performance.

Post-Season Storage

Don’t forget about postseason storage for your machine. Maintenance is important, but so is the manner in which you store your mower during the offseason. Depending on where you live, you may need to consider winterizing your equipment before you store it to prevent deterioration. This involves draining the gasoline from your machine so it doesn’t separate and break down while it’s in storage. If not, this can lead to corrosive sludge at the bottom of the fuel tank. The other option is to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas in your tank to keep it as fresh as possible.

If you’d like to learn more about lawn mower service, be sure to get in touch with the team at Belmont Equipment. Our skilled team of professionals can also provide equipment service in St. Clairsville, Ohio. We proudly serve those in Steubenville as well.