March is Mower Maintenance Month

Get your lawn off to a good start this growing season by performing basic lawn mower maintenance at the beginning of the lawn care season. A well-maintained engine not only starts more quickly and easily, but also protects the engine against premature wear. A properly tuned and maintained engine also reduces fuel consumption and emissions.

Before beginning, ensure that the engine cannot accidentally be started by removing the spark plug wire. Always wear appropriate safety equipment such as safety goggles and hearing protection when necessary.

Basic maintenance includes cleaning dust and debris from the engine, cleaning or replacing the spark plug, cleaning the air filter, changing oil and sharpening the mower blade. Dirty oil is a sign that the oil has done its job by suspending dirt and small particles, but dirty oil must be removed and replaced with clean oil. Old oil also loses its original ability to lubricate and carry heat away from the engine. A dirty air filter restricts air intake and results in poor engine performance and reduced power. Clean or replace air filters as necessary. Never use the mower with a damaged air filter.

A sharp-looking yard starts with a sharp blade. Dull blades tear and rip at grass resulting in a rougher look and a duller color. A properly sharpened blade cuts grass cleanly for a better appearance and potentially healthier grass. The cutting surface on a new blade is no accident. It’s important to sharpen the blade to original specifications and to make sure that the blade remains balanced by removing approximately equal material from both sides of the blade. Use a balance point to check balance and rebalance if necessary. A properly sharpened blade cuts grass more easily, and like engine maintenance, a sharp blade yields returns by reducing fuel consumption.

Lawn mower maintenance can be performed with a few simple tools in the garage, but it is often better left to a professional shop for their experience and for your safety.

Do-it-yourselfers will need to learn where to properly dispose of used oil, how to safely remove and re-install blades, how to get the proper cutting edge and how to check the spark plug gap. Often a professional shop can complete the job for a price that easily beats the effort needed to save a few bucks by doing it yourself.

The annual Ag Systems Management Club Spring Lawn Mower and Tiller Tune-up is early this year beginning March 9. Drop-off times are March 9 and 10 from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. on the east side of the Ag Engineering Building. Pick-up is scheduled for March 13 and 14 also from 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. The complete $30.00 service includes steam cleaning, a new spark plug, blade sharpening and balancing, cleaning the air filter, and an oil change. For more information contact Sandy at (573) 882-2731.

Bill Casady
(573) 882-4370