Sharpen Grass-Cutting Skills,
Tools for Efficient Mowing Season

Lawn-care enthusiasts prepare to start your engines. If fuel effi ciency and a healthy lawn are both important to you, consider routine maintenance such as that provided by the Agricultural Systems Management Club at MU.

Nearly all the maintenance items on their list either directly or indirectly reduce your impact on the environment. A properly maintained lawn mower reduces emissions and the fuel needed to get through the grass cleanly and efficiently.

All internal combustion engines need adequate air for complete combustion and top fuel efficiency. That air must also be free of dust and other particulates to protect the engine. Air filters protect the engine by collecting those particles, but eventually, they must be cleaned or replaced when they have done their job. A dirty filter starves the engine of air and leads to poor performance, poor fuel effi ciency, and increased emissions.

In the same way, engines need proper lubrication to protect precision components from premature wear. Potentially damaging particles are collected in suspension in engine oil. Timely oil changes remove those particles and replace worn or dirty oil with fresh oil that better protects the engine and keeps engine components in top operating condition for maximum efficiency.

Spark plugs provide an engineered spark with just the right properties to ignite the fuel air mixture inside the combustion chamber. Not just any spark will do. As spark plugs deteriorate, so does that precise spark and so does engine efficiency.

Any three of these simple maintenance items can be a weak link in efficiency, but their effects can also be additive. Routine engine maintenance increases power, fuel efficiency, and the life of your engine, but maintenance doesn't stop there.

A sharp edge on cutting blades also provides a performance edge for your engine and your lawn. Think of each blade of grass as a tiny solar collector. When you cut too low or damage the solar collector, you damage the ability of the grass to collect its energy from the sun. The clean cut leaves grass healthier and reduces the power, the fuel and the time required to cut the grass.

The four most basic rules for grass cutting are mow often, mow high, keep blades sharp and mow when the yard is dry. Mow often and mow high so that you cut only about 1/3 of the length of the grass whenever you mow. This ensures that there is enough leaf surface left to supply the energy needs of the growing grass.

I've found that the adjustments on most push mowers range from 'way too low' all the way up to 'just about right'. Riding mowers, on the other hand, generally have a maximum deck height that is too high and designed primarily for transport. The highest available setting for the anti-scalp rollers or gauge wheels, however, may be an appropriate guide to finding a suitably high mowing height. If all else fails, read the owner's manual and aim for a relatively high mowing height according the mowing instructions for your mower. Mowing high and mowing often favors healthy grass and keeps weeds in check.

Yard Trimming Safety

Wear appropriate shoes and clothing and use eye and hearing protection when operating mowers and trimmers. Keep family and pets at a safe distance. Pause and let pedestrians pass when mowing near public walks and streets. Keep all shields in place and do not attempt to bypass any safety features. Review the owner's manual for safe operation of all power equipment. Don't think hearing and eye protection aren't important, and yes, you can lose fingers or toes to a lawn mower too. I know too many people who have first hand knowledge not to speak up and say be careful.

Tune-up News and Events

The next Ag Systems Management Club "Spring Lawn Mower and Tiller Tune-up" is the weekend of April 28. For $30.00 members of the team will steam clean the mower, install a new spark plug, sharpen and balance blade, clean air filter and change oil. Look for more details in later newsletters.

For more information about how to protect and prepare your mower for another trouble-free and effi cient season of lawn-care, call (573) 882-2731.

Bill Casady, Associate Professor
and Agricultural Engineering
Extension Specialist
CasadyW@missouri.edu