Lawnmowers are one of the most essential tools in a homeowner's arsenal. They keep our lawns tidy and help us manage outdoor spaces, but like all tools, they must be used appropriately to work effectively and last long! We want your property (whether new or old) to look its best at all times. Sometimes we can make mistakes when taking care of this task which could lead down dark paths - namely, doing 13 things listed below.
1. DON’T LET YOUR ENGINE GET LOW ON OIL.
You can always appreciate the importance of checking your lawn mower's oil before every use. It might be one small thing that saves you from having a massive problem with overheating and smoking. Still, it will also reduce wear on equipment used in this process, like engines or cutting blades- meaning they'll last longer
2. DON’T LET YOUR RADIATOR COOLANT GET LOW
That's right, people. Your new lawnmower is ready for action and will easily cut the grass if you remember one thing: check your coolant level! If it's low or depleted, this can lead to overheating, leading me into disastrous territory where things start acting weird.
After running all summer continuously, ensure an annual review is done on time. Checking the coolant level before each use will help prevent emergencies from happening too soon! So any disasters that don't occur until past their due date have saved many lives.
3. DON’T SUFFOCATE YOUR ENGINE
Your mower engine needs air circulation to prevent overheating. The fins on it are designed for this purpose, yet when you clean them, they can become clogged with dirt. This clogging leads directly toward an overworked motor which is dangerous for yourself and those around you! It could cause fires.
If there's too much gas inside the lines. So ensure everything stays clear by washing these necessary cooling devices every once in a while. Or risk having a burning sensation whenever we use our lawnmowers.
4. DON’T HIT TREE STUMPS WHILE YOU CUT THE GRASS.
When it comes to lawn care, efficiency is vital. No one wants to spend an entire Saturday afternoon pushing a mower when they could be doing something else. That's why many people invest in riding lawnmowers. They may cost more upfront, but the time and energy they save are well worth the investment. However, even the best mowers can run into problems if they need to be used properly.
For example, if you hit a tree stump with your zero-turn mower, you risk bent blades or damaged spindles. And if your riding lawn mower hits something significant, it could be damaged beyond repair. So if you see any signs that your mower has been running into something, it's best to call a professional. Otherwise, you could spend more money on repairs and lose productivity in the long run.
5. DON’T TRY TO USE YOUR MOWER TO QUICKLY RE-SPOOL ROPE OR BARBED WIRE.
While your mower will get the job done a lot faster than you could, this is not a very cost-effective method. You will probably end up needing a major repair. Here are some signs of a lousy mower spindle.
Uneven grass height after cutting your lawn
Squealing noises while using your mower
Louder than normal buzzing sounds and random vibrations
Broken or bent mower parts
The spindle fails to immediately heat up after starting up your mower
6. DON’T OPERATE YOUR MOWER IF THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT IS NOT WORKING PROPERLY. DO READ YOUR MANUAL AND FOLLOW ALL LAWN MOWER SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.
Mower accidents are actually quite common. In fact, according to a 2022 ScienceDirect Case Study Report, Traumatic Amputation: Healing the Acute Lawn Mower Injurythere are over 84,000 mower-related injuries every year in the United States alone. Most of these minor accidents can still be painful - and even deadly. Following the lawn mower safety instructions in your manual is essential. And if you need help with something, please feel free to ask a professional. After all, it's better to be safe than sorry.
7. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR CHILDREN AND PETS ARE IN THE HOUSE WHILE YOU MOW YOUR LAWN!
It's 7 a.m. on a Saturday, and you're ready to tackle that lawn. The sun is just peeking over the horizon, the birds are singing, and the smell of freshly cut grass is in the air. But before you can start your mower, there's one crucial thing you need to do: make sure your children and pets are inside the house.
Why? Because faulty safety switches and disengaged parking brakes are just two of the many hazards of lawnmowers. Every year, thousands of people are injured by lawnmowers. Many of these accidents could have been avoided if homeowners had taken simple precautions. So before you fire up your mower, take a minute to think about safety - it could save you or your loved ones from a severe accident.
8. DON’T LET YOUR MOWER DECK GET CLOGGED WITH GRASS AND DEBRIS.
After each use, cleaning your cutting deck from any grass cuttings and debris is essential. A build-up of these things can cause your lawn mower to have uneven cutting issues and clog the deck pulleys. The best way to avoid this is to hose off your cutting deck after each use.
Cleaning the deck will also help keep your cutting blades sharper for longer. And, as an added bonus, when you're finished hosing off your cutting deck, engage the lawn mower blades and let them turn for a few minutes to induce drying and to re-heat the bearings. By taking these simple steps, you'll extend the life of your lawn mower and have a more attractive lawn too!
9. DON’T LET ANIMALS LIVE IN YOUR MOWER.
As any farmer knows, critters love to make little homes in equipment. Especially when the equipment is left outdoors or in a barn for the winter. Air filter compartments can make cozy places for mice to live. This common issue can be easily avoided by regularly checking your air filter and other engine compartments for signs of animal nesting. Not only will this help to extend the life of your equipment, but it will also keep your animals safe from harm. So don't let animals live in your mower - it's not worth the risk.
10. DON’T USE UNSAFE MOWER BLADES.
If you've been using your lawn mower blades for a while, they might be getting dull. But preventative maintenance goes a long way to keep your lawn mower in good shape! Many things can make a mower blade unsafe.
Dull blade - If you need help sharpening your own mower blades or don't have the time to do it yourself, you can always take them to a repair shop.
Most shops will have a blade sharpening service that can get them back in top condition in no time.
Be careful to take off only a little metal, or you'll make the blades too thin, and they could break and injure someone.
Bent blade – If you notice your cutting height is uneven, it's likely because your blade is bent.
A bent blade will cause your mower to vibrate, ruining your bearings and scalping your yard.
If you're unsure of how to properly straighten a lawn mower blade, contact us, and we'll be happy to help
Cracked blade –Not everyone is naturally gifted in the art of bladesmanship. In fact, many people go their whole lives without ever picking up a knife, let alone using one expertly.
And that's perfectly fine! But for those who choose to wield blades regularly, it's essential to be aware of their dangers.
After all, a sword is essentially a sharpened piece of metal, and if not used correctly, it can easily cause serious injury.
If the edge hits something hard, the crack can extend, potentially causing the blade to break off.
So if you're going to use a knife, be sure to inspect it for any cracks or damage first. And always handle it with care.
Broken blade – No one wants to deal with a broken sword, but it's a real issue that can cause some costly repairs.
If you're not careful, you could end up with a broken blade that's out of balance and ruins your bearings.
Even worse, the edge could break off entirely, and you could damage your property or injure someone.
So, be careful with your blades and keep them in good condition. Otherwise, you might end up paying for it in the long run.
Altering the blade – It's no secret that heavy machinery can be dangerous.
That's why it's fundamental to follow the manufacturer's instructions when operating any machinery, including lawnmowers.
One of the most common lawn mower problems is altering the blade.
Lawn mower blades are manufactured with strict standards and tolerances for your safety.
Altering the edge can cause property damage, personal injury, and death.
So if you're having trouble with your lawn mower, take it to a professional who can safely fix the problem. In the meantime, stay off the lawn!
Regular maintenance is very important. Moreover, your mower and mower accessories will last much longer if they have a tune-up each year by a business that knows how to repair them properly. Following these simple steps can keep your lawn mower running smoothly for years.
Riding Mower/Zero Turn:
This means changing the engine oil and oil filter, air filter, pre-air filter, spark plugs, and fuel filter.
You should also clean the engine cooling fins and mower deck.
In addition, check the deck belts, bearings, and idlers, transmission belts and idlers, tire pressures, charging system, and battery.
Remember to lube all grease fittings, level the mower deck, and sharpen and balance the blades.
Push Mower:
You'll need to change the engine oil, spark plug, and air filter for push mowers.
You'll also want to clean the engine cooling fins and mower deck.
Finally, check the cables, self-propel, and lube machine, and sharpen and balance the mower blades.
12. DON’T LEAVE GAS IN YOUR EQUIPMENT FOR MORE THAN TWO WEEKS.
Make sure to keep your fuel tank full! If you have less than a full tank, the air space in the fuel tank will allow more oxygen to enter the fuel system. That extra oxygen will oxidize the fuel and create fuel system corrosion.
The fuel that sits in the bottom of your fuel tank is also more likely to have water.
Water in fuel is one of the most significant problems that Blended Fuel users face.
While Ethanol does have some benefits, it also has many cons, such as its ability to attract and hold water molecules.
This capacity to absorb water causes many problems, such as decreased power output, fuel system damage, and engine damage.
Substandard power output generated by ethanol fuels blended with gasoline.
The best way to avoid these issues is to use fresh fuel and maintain a full gas tank.
This will help to prevent potential oil leaks and ensure that your equipment runs smoothly.
We're saying that the fuel you're getting is okay. If you follow these rules, you shouldn't have any problems.
Don’t get more gas than you can use in two weeks
Store fuel in a sealed, approved gas tan
Make sure your fuel caps are not cracked, broken, or missing
Agitate your fuel cans before pouring, especially with your mixed fuel
Use a quality 2-cycle oil, adequately mixed, for 2-cycle engine
If a unit is going to sit for an extended length of time, the fuel system should be drained properly
13. USE COMMON SENSE WHILE OPERATING ANY POWER EQUIPMENT!
<<< NOT OKAY!
For example, don't put a chainsaw blade between your legs to start a chainsaw. Not okay! Following these simple tips can help prevent accidents and keep yourself safe while operating any type of power equipment.
This goes for any power equipment, not just chainsaws.
Also, be sure to take breaks if you're operating any equipment for an extended period.
Get up and move around, drink some water, and give your eyes a break from looking at the same thing in the same spot.
And finally, listen to the equipment. If it's making strange noises, that's usually a sign that something is wrong. So shut it off and check it out before continuing to use it.
