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Maintenance For Lawnmowers and Tractors
Whether you are new to owning outdoor power equipment or a pro who wants to ensure your equipment is kept in tip-top shape, these recommendations and accessories will help you set a schedule for regular maintenance with mowers and tractors. Here are some helpful tips, from storing your machine in the winter to keeping fuel systems clean and preventing problems associated with using modern fuels.
1. Purchase new fuel every season.
- Avoid using fuels containing alcohol-based additives wherever possible. Do not use E85 blended fuels or gas containing more than 10% ethanol.
- Treat fresh fuel with a fuel stabilizer in an approved fuel container before filling the tank. Add fuel stabilizer to your fuel every time you fill it all year long. Stale or out-of-season fuel is the first cause of hard starting in small engines.
2. Store your fuel in clean, small-volume, UV-protected plastic containers approved for gasoline storage. Keep fuel containers away from areas with high humidity.
- Completely seal fuel containers when storing.
- Clean debris from fuel container lids and fuel caps before opening.
- Place fuel caps on a clean surface while refueling the container.
- Check and change the oil and oil filter before winter storage.
3. Install and change the fuel filter and spark plug to help prevent any contaminants from reaching the carburetor. Never store an engine without the spark plug. Dirt can get into the engine and cause damage. Spraying some oil into the cylinder will help protect it during storage.
- Clean or change engine air filters regularly to prevent contaminants from entering the fuel system via the air intake.
4. If your lawn mower has a battery , now is the time to remove it.
5. Store your equipment with a full, fresh, stabilized gas tank. Run your engine for 3-5 minutes to get the fresh fuel with a stabilizer into the carburetor. After running the engine, top off the fuel tank again.
- Beware of stale or contaminated oil. It can cause various engine issues, such as varnish build-up, clogged openings, sticking or broken valves, corrosion, fouled spark plugs, and the deterioration of rubber, polymer, and metal components.
6. Use a lawn mower or tractor cover before storing it away for the winter.
Below are examples of a schedule for maintaining your mower or tractor.
Learn more about common FAQ’s regarding lawn mowers and tractors here:
FAQ's For Lawn Mowers
Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions about lawnmowers. These should help you understand whether it's worth fixing the mower you have or whether it's time to start thinking about upgrading to a new mower. Read more at our Lawn Mower Buying Guide.
If pulling the cord out gently and then slowly allowing it to recoil doesn't solve the problem, something blocking the blade and preventing movement could be the reason your starter rope feels stuck. Disconnect the spark plug, look under the deck, and remember never to dislodge debris using your hands.
It might be a fuel issue if your mower has trouble starting. Double-check that you have gas, that the gas you have is fresh, and that your gas is reaching the engine. If it's not reaching the engine, a new fuel filter might be the trick. The next thing to check on is the status of your spark plug. Clean it if it's dirty, tighten it if it's loose or reconnect it if it's been disconnected. If your mower still won't start, ensure you use a clean air filter.
A dirty spark plug or debris build-up are common reasons for losing power in the middle of a mow. In each case, clean the area causing the problem (and/or replace the part, such as an air filter or spark plug).
If your mower is struggling to cut grass, check the condition of your blades to ensure they are sharp and not broken. Also, ensure there isn't a build-up of clippings and debris on the deck.
Your mower might be smoking for several reasons, and they're generally not serious. Most often, smoke results from an oil chamber that's too full – oil that spills over can burn when it meets a hot engine. If other problems accompany your mower smoke issue, find a service centre near you for professional help.
If your mower sounds like it is surging, it could indicate water entering your fuel system and choking the engine. Try draining the fuel tank and refilling it with fresh gas. If the sound persists, ensure your air filter and carburetor are clean and tight enough to prevent an air leak.
A sputtering machine generally means a disproportionate mixture of fuel, air and spark. Moisture in the tank, a damaged spark plug or a dirty air filter could be the culprit. If a fresh tank of fuel, spark plug replacement and clean air filter do not resolve the issue, sputtering could indicate a problem with your carburetor.