Lawn Mowing Cape Girardeau is one part of comprehensive lawn care that also includes treatments and practices to improve grass density, health, and appearance over time. But mowing alone doesn’t prevent debris build-up or address root causes of poor lawn health.
Keep your mower in top condition with regular maintenance. Doing so prevents mid-season breakdowns, saves on fuel and reduces engine wear.
Change the Oil
A lawn mower isn’t a cheap item. It’s important to keep it clean and functioning properly. The engine requires oil, which keeps the internal parts lubricated and cools them. Without this, the engine could overheat and ruin the machine. It’s important to change the oil regularly so the mower runs smoothly and efficiently.
Changing the oil is easy to do, and it’s one of the most important maintenance tasks for a lawn mower. Generally, an oil change should be done every 50 hours of use. This schedule can be adjusted based on temperature and conditions, however. For example, if you live in Livingston, where the weather is extremely hot or dry, more frequent changes may be necessary.
In addition to changing the oil, it’s important to check and clean the air filter. A clogged air filter will reduce engine efficiency, leading to poor performance. It’s also a good idea to change the blades on rotary mowers regularly, and to sharpen cylinder mowers frequently to ensure they have a clean, crisp cut.
Another benefit of regular mowing is that it helps to prevent the buildup of dead grass clippings, leaves, and other debris. When these items pile up on the ground, they can damage your mower’s engine and create ruts in your lawn. A clean lawn can be a beautiful, welcoming space for friends and family members, as well as an attractive focal point for your property.
The last major benefit of regular mowing is that it fights the growth of weeds. Weeds are much more difficult to deal with than healthy, lush grass. The more often you cut your grass, the weaker the weeds become, and they are unable to compete with your grass for nutrients and water.
Regardless of whether you have a push, pull, or riding lawn mower, the engine will need oil. Follow the instructions in your manual to change the oil. Make sure you drain the old oil and dispose of it properly. You should also replace the filter and use a funnel to add new oil. Remember to warm up the engine for one or two minutes to help it drain more easily.
Clean the Air Filter
An air filter ensures clean, healthy air flows through your mower’s engine and into the blades. It’s one of the smallest parts on your lawn mower, but it’s essential for maintaining proper engine function. Unfortunately, many lawn mower owners don’t take the time to regularly inspect and clean their air filters. This leads to dirty mowers and costly repairs down the road.
A dirty air filter restricts the flow of air into the engine and can lead to overheating, decreased power output, and even permanent damage. A clean filter allows the engine to operate at maximum efficiency, so you’ll have a more reliable mower with less risk of mechanical issues.
Whether your mower is a push mower with a simple design or a riding mower equipped with advanced technology, there’s an air filter that will work for it. Check the mower’s manual to find out which type is right for your lawn. You can also use the “sunlight test” to determine whether your filter is clean or needs replacement.
Local yards often face clay-heavy soil, heavy grass growth, and periods of both wet and dry weather, so filters clog quickly. This is why it’s important to regularly inspect and replace your air filter. If you notice it looks discolored or feels gritty when you squeeze it, it’s likely time for a new one. Be sure to wipe down the foam pre-filter and clean the paper filter according to your mower’s manufacturer guidelines. Once your filter is clean, you’ll be ready to start mowing!
Check the Belts
The drive belt is the essential link between your mower’s engine and its wheels and cutting blades. Without it, your mower can’t roll or cut, so it’s important to check it regularly for damage or excessive wear. This maintenance can save you from a costly breakdown and help your lawn look its best.
Whether you use a push or riding mower, a properly functioning belt is crucial for a smooth mowing experience. A worn-out belt will stress the engine, causing it to work harder, which could lead to overheating and reduced lifespan for other mower parts.
If you notice a burning smell or squealing sound when using the mower, or it becomes difficult to start or stop the engine, these are signs that it’s time for a new belt. Other signs include a lack of power when turning the mower and uneven cuts. If you’re unsure how to tell if the belt needs replacing, check your owner’s manual or ask a lawncare professional for advice.
A well-maintained mower will have a clean, sharp mower blade that gives the grass a cleaner and healthier appearance. Regular cleaning and sharpening of the blades with a tool or by a professional will help you to avoid the cost of expensive repairs. If you do have to repair a mower blade, be sure that it is switched off and/or unplugged before touching the blades and make certain that the lawn is completely dry.
It’s also a good idea to vary the direction in which you cut the lawn on a regular basis, so that ruts do not form from going backwards and forwards in the same place too often. You can do this by alternating straight and diagonal stripes, or by using a pattern that suits your own garden’s layout. In addition, it’s a good idea to avoid mowing in the hottest part of the day. This will prevent the lawn from becoming overly stressed by hot temperatures and abrasive contact with the mower. This will also enable the grass to heal more quickly between mowing sessions.
Check the Battery
Whether your mower is a gas or electric powered model, a fully charged and healthy battery is key to smooth operation and extended battery life. Test your battery’s voltage regularly to support optimal performance and reduce the risk of power struggles.
There are several types of battery testers on the market, each with its advantages and ideal use cases. For example, a multimeter is an inexpensive option that provides a simple and straightforward assessment of battery health. However, a more advanced tester such as an analog load tester applies a specific load to the battery and measures its voltage response to help identify problems with internal circuitry.
Lead-acid batteries (used in older lawn mowers) benefit from a regular maintenance regimen, including distilled water addition and testing the voltage. Modern electric mowers are powered by lithium batteries, which require a more careful approach to care. Lithium batteries are happiest when stored at between 20% and 80% charge. Storing them at 100% generates excess heat that degrades capacity, and continuous charging can cause chemical stress that reduces their lifespan.
When a test reading is below the expected value, it may be time for a replacement battery or charger. To maximize battery life, it is recommended to charge a new battery when the mower is not in use and to avoid recharging a partially-discharged one for long periods of time.
To prevent damage to your battery, it is also important to ensure that the terminal connections are tight. Loose connections create resistance that generates heat and lowers the battery’s charging efficiency. You should check the terminals for white, green, or blue crusty buildup and use a wrench to tighten them as needed.
Whether you use a gas or electric lawnmower, you can improve your yard’s appearance and reduce the number of rodents and ticks that inhabit it with regular maintenance and good lawn mowing practices. By following these simple tips, you can get the most from your lawnmower, extend its lifespan, and enjoy a well-kept garden for years to come.