Hit the Grass Mowing: 15 DIY Spring Tune-up Tips for Your Mower

Temps are rising and yard work is right around the corner. BUT, there is nothing worse than a mower that won’t start when you need it most. Don’t sit back and hope the mower that's been stored in your garage all winter is ready to perform. Bob Reinwand, Power Pac Service expert and certified John Deere technician, lists his top 15 tips you can do at home to ensure your mower is ready for work this spring.

Before mowing for the first time in spring:

• Check for pests. Mice often nest in engines and in equipment that has gone quiet for a season. The packed-in nesting material, if gone unchecked, can cause your mower engine to overheat. Check for mice nests under your mower hood and in the deck and clear out. If there is evidence of rodents, also check wires for gnawing.
• Asses blade condition and sharpness. If blades are very thin on the ends they should be replaced or cracking can occur. If blade thickness is ok, check sharpness and consider a sharpening for improved performance.
• Review tire pressure. Inconsistent pressure in mower tires can cause an uneven mowing deck. This results in grass being cut at varying lengths and can leave uneven lines in your yard.
• Check the oil. Review the color of the oil in your mower. If it’s black or a dark color, it’s time for a change. John Deere makes a tune-up kit that includes an oil filter, oil, a spark plug, and an air filter for the mower tune-up DIYers. Pick one up at Power Pac to get you started. 
• Check battery connection condition. Check for white or yellow corrosion where the wires meet the battery. If there is corrosion, clean with baking soda and warm water.
• Review belt condition. Winter can cause drying and cracking. If you see cracking along belts, replace.
• Replace spark plug. These should be replaced annually and spring is a great time to swap out and avoid having to replace during peak mowing season.         

Throughout the summer:

• Regularly clean underside of deck. Use a leaf blower, air compressor or reverse a shop vac to blow out debris from the deck after each mowing. Water can be used sparingly but make sure to keep the top side of the deck dry. Bearings will go bad if water is used each time you mow.
• Check the air filter. A dirty or clogged air filter puts added stress on the engine and burns gas less efficiently. Air filters are most commonly located in the top, front of the engine. Most have a foam outerwear that can be washed with soap and water and put back on.
• Review the fuel filter. This is typically located at the back of the engine on the fuel line. If the inside appears dirty or clogged, it’s time for a filter change.
• Check your fuel cap vent. If your engine stalls in the middle of the yard, a plugged vent on the fuel cap is often the culprit. Another tip: Make sure to always replace your fuel cap! Sounds simple but forgetting to replace the fuel cap after filling the tank happens quite frequently and results in debris in the fuel tank.

Before storing in the fall: 

•  Stabilize your fuel. Before putting the mower away for the season, pour     STA-BIL in your fuel tank and run the machine for 10 minutes to ensure it cycles through the engine. Additional money-saving tip: Don’t stock up on STA-BIL. The product is only good for about two years so stay away from the large jugs or buying in bulk.
•  Clean the deck. Make sure the bottom and top of the mower deck is clean and dry before you put your machine away for the winter to avoid rusting.
•  Lubricate battery terminals. Do this with grease or any typical cooking oil or oil spray like Pam. WD40 would also work. This helps to prevent corrosion.  
•  Schedule a tune-up. Avoid costly, unexpected repair bills. Have a professional tune-up done once a year, typically in the fall or early spring, to ensure your mower is ready to go when you need it. Look for a dealer near you with experienced, certified service technicians that specialize in mower tune-ups and repair. Power Pac in Marshfield even has a Moble Serivce Trailer that comes to you and performs your lawn mower tune-up or mower-to-snowblower change over right in your backyard.

Take action early this spring to make sure your mower is ready to go. For more information or to schedule a mower tune-up, call, visit or fill out a service request form.