The Essential Guide for Lawn Mower Maintenance

Whether you own a landscaping company or you’re a facilities manager, keeping your commercial lawn mower in excellent condition protects your asset. However, you may not know the required maintenance to keep your lawn mower working its best. We’ll break it all down for you here.

These tasks should be performed with every use. 

Check Your Tire Pressure

Did you know that your lawn mower’s tire pressure is extremely important to the overall performance of your machine? It is! If your tire pressure is uneven, your mower deck will be slanted and the grass will be cut in an uneven fashion. Before you or your crew start mowing, make sure you have adequate tire pressure.  

Clean Your Mower Deck

When grass clippings and mulch accumulate under the deck, a residue forms that’s difficult to remove. Do yourself a favor and clean the deck after every use—it’s essential for keeping the mower’s parts in good condition. 

While you may not need to perform these tasks after every use, it’s important to check off these tasks at least once per month to keep your machine in good working condition. 

Replace the Air Filter

Commercial lawn mowers need their air filters replaced more frequently than residential mowers. If your environment is especially dusty or dirty, you’ll need to change your air filters even more frequently. 

Check the Spark Plugs

Spark plugs in your commercial lawn mower work just as they do in your car or truck—they serve as the ignition source for the gasoline. When spark plugs fail, you’ll notice right away. Simply inspect them monthly to ensure your mower will work when you need it to.

Inspect and Sharpen Your Mower’s Blades (If Needed)

When your lawn mower blades aren’t sharp and balanced, your mower’s motor has to work harder. Dull blades tear the tips off grass as opposed to making a smooth cut. Keep your blades sharp and balanced to avoid these unwanted scenarios.

Perform these tasks at the end of every season that you’ve used your commercial lawn mower. 

Change the Oil and Filter

While oil doesn’t break down as quickly as gasoline, it’s still important to change the oil and filter so that your mower is ready to go in the spring. 

Remove the Battery

Remove the battery and wipe it clean of any organic debris. Clean the battery’s terminal with a terminal cleaner and store the battery in a cool, dry place away from heat.

Inspect the Spark Plugs

Take out the mower’s spark plugs and inspect them for damage. If your spark plugs have not been replaced all season, now’s a good time to get some new ones. 

Add Fuel Stabilizer to the Gas Tank

If you add a fuel stabilizer, you won’t have to drain your fuel tank. A full gas tank helps prevent rust from developing on your carburetor. 

Properly Store Your Mower

If you’re storing your lawn mower over winter, consider getting a cover to protect it. Make sure to store your mower in a dry place such as a storage unit or garage.

Are you ready to stock up on lawn mower maintenance supplies? Zoro has everything you need to keep your mower in top condition. Shop Zoro.com for everyday low prices on groundskeeping equipment and so much more.

Product Compliance and Suitability

The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness, or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand, and follow all manufacturer instructions.