As the grass begins to grow again, it is time to prepare your lawn mower or lawn tractor for another season of use. A little maintenance in the spring ensures that your equipment will be ready when you need it and will cut grass more effectively. Here are the steps I follow at my home.
Engine Oil Maintenance
Start with an engine oil change. Fresh oil is one of the best things you can provide for any small engine, especially after it has sat idle all winter. Over time, oil becomes contaminated and loses its ability to lubricate properly, leading to increased wear, higher heat, and reduced protection for internal components. Drain the old oil and refill with the grade recommended in the owner's manual, typically 10W30. I use full synthetic oil in all my equipment, and an oil change takes only a few minutes. If your lawn tractor has an oil filter, not all do, replace it at the same time. One oil change at the start of the season makes a significant difference.
Air Filter Care
The engine air filter also requires attention. Lawn tractors operate in dusty conditions, and the filter prevents grit from entering the engine and causing severe wear. A clogged filter reduces airflow, increases fuel consumption, and robs power. Pleated paper filters can be cleaned by tapping out dust or blowing them with compressed air. Oiled foam filters should be washed in mineral spirits, re-oiled, and then reinstalled.
Blade Inspection and Sharpening
Sharp blades are the most important factor for a good-looking lawn because they slice the grass rather than tearing it. If the blades are in decent condition, sharpen them with an angle grinder. Remove the blade, secure it in a vise, and grind evenly to maintain balance from side to side. If the blade is badly worn, bent, or cracked, replacement is the only option. Having a spare blade on hand for quick replacement is a good idea.
Tire Pressure and Leak Repair
Tire pressure is another key detail for lawn tractors, especially since all tractors come with tubeless tires. All tires lose air slowly, and if pressure drops too low, the rubber can separate from the steel rim, making reinflation difficult. If that happens, wrap a ratchet strap around the circumference of the tire and tighten it to compress the rubber and push the bead inward toward the rim. Add air as quickly as possible. Once the pressure builds, it forces the tire bead back into place, sealing properly. For tires that keep losing air, a specific sealant can help. I have tried various sealants with poor results, but Muc-Off, marketed for bicycle tires, has always worked excellently in lawn tractor tires and even front farm tractor tires. It stops slow leaks permanently and is much easier than traditional repair.
Battery Maintenance
If you have a lawn tractor, it has a battery. A trickle charger, also called a maintainer, greatly extends battery life, especially when used over winter. Without a steady maintenance charge, batteries often go flat during long-term storage, which shortens their life substantially. A trickle charger also saves you from having to remove the battery and carry it indoors for winter storage. Even an older battery on its last legs can be used for years by keeping it plugged into a battery maintainer between mowings. My 15-year-old lawn tractor battery is currently on this kind of life support.
Conclusion
Fresh oil, a clean air filter, sharp blades, properly inflated tires, and a charged battery form the foundation of lawn equipment that starts easily, cuts well, and keeps working all season. A little care in spring pays off every time the grass needs cutting. Steve Maxwell is currently training one of his grandsons to cut the lawn with a tractor that is as old as his father. Visit Steve online at baileylineroad.com and join thousands of people who receive his free email newsletter.
