Riding Lawn Mowers: Tips for Maintain Mower for Longer Life

A riding lawn mower can make maintaining your lawn much easier than a push mower. However, like any other mechanical device, a riding lawn mower requires basic maintenance to keep it running smoothly and prolong its life. Following these simple tips, you can keep your riding lawn mower in top shape for years to come.

Tips to Prolong the Life of Your Riding Lawn Mower

If you want your lawnmower to live a long life, keeping it in good working order is critical. You can lengthen the life of your lawnmower and ensure that it operates smoothly by taking good care of it and following a few simple guidelines.

Read the Manual

This might appear like an obvious tip, but it’s often overlooked. Your riding lawn mower likely came with an owner’s manual containing important information about your mower’s care and maintenance. Read it carefully to understand the requirements for keeping your mower in good shape. Ignoring the manual’s recommendations could void your warranty or cause problems down the road.

Clean it After Each Use

After each use, it’s always best to give your lawn mower a good cleaning internally and externally. This is important if you have used it on wet grass. This will help prevent grass clippings or debris from causing corrosion or other damage to the mower.

Be sure to clean the underside of the mower deck, the engine cooling fins, and the air intake screen. These areas are especially susceptible to build-up and can cause problems if not kept clean.

Sharpen the Blades Regularly

These are the most important tips for prolonging the life of your riding lawn mower. In addition, the blades on your mower should be sharpened at least once per season (more often if you use it frequently). Sharp blades not only result in a better-looking lawn, but they also put less stress on the mower’s engine.

If you don’t feel comfortable sharpening the blades yourself, you can take them to a professional. However, it’s not difficult to do if you have the right tools. You’ll need a file or blade grinder and some patience.

Lubricate all Moving Parts

A small amount of oil is necessary to keep your lawn mower running efficiently. Apply a light coat of oil to all moving parts, including the wheels, gears, and pulleys. This will aid keep them running smoothly and prevent rust or corrosion.

Check the Oil

If the oil level in your lawn mower is low, it can cause damage to the engine. Check the oil level regularly (according to the recommendations in your owner’s manual) and add oil as needed.

When Not in Use, Store Your Mower in a Dry Place

This is an essential tip for any electric lawnmower owner, but it becomes increasingly crucial during winter when moisture can wreak havoc on your mower. Water can cause corrosion, rust, and other damage to the mower’s components.

If you can, store your lawnmower in a garage or shed during winter. If that’s not possible, cover it with a tarp or sheet to keep it as dry as possible.

Read here to know how to choose the right mower for your terrain.

In Conclusion

Following these simple tips, you can keep your riding lawn mower in excellent condition for years to come. Regular care is key to prolonging the life of your mower and ensuring that it runs smoothly. So, clean it after each use, sharpen the blades regularly, lubricate all moving parts, and store it in a dry place when not in use. With a little TLC, your riding lawn mower will provide you with years of reliable service.