Gardening: Lawnmower Maintenance

As February is ending, and March is upon us, it's time to think about tuning up one of your most critical tools throughout the year: Your lawnmower.

When you take care of something, it can last for years. Back in 2001, I purchased my house. It was August, and I was in need of a mower. In the first few weeks, I borrowed my father's lawnmower. This thing was old, the paint was chipping, and it looked like it was on it's last leg. But get this: It started on the first pull. I asked him, "How old is your mower?" He thought about it and said, "I believe it's about 10-11 years..."

Well, I was "sold" right there. First thing I did was to buy what he had - a Craftsman mower from Sears with a Briggs & Stratton engine. I then did some research, and realized you have to take care of it just like you would your own car.

Right now is a critical time: Tune-Up!

Before each mowing season, you need to do several things to your mower. Change the oil, replace the spark plug and air filter, sharpen or replace the blade, and remove any gas that sat in your mower over the winter. I also replace the gas in my gas cans - gas sitting for a long period of time over the winter can get condensation/water. Thus, it becomes less potent and makes your engine work harder.

Now, in the past, I used to do all of this myself. That's fine... most people do. But my laziness, and, more importantly, my desire for a more professional overhaul, has led me to "hire" someone who does this regularly. Thus, I now take my mower to a lawnmower maintenance shop each Spring to take care of these duties.

One thing they do is inspect/repair the carburetor and replace the blade. To me, I don't mind all of this attention to my mower for the price. Most places charge $59 to $79. However, for what they do, it runs much better/smoother than I could accomplish. You can also ask them any questions about your mower, or when they would advise you to change your oil/air filter again in the next few months (typically it's after 10-12 mowings).

Anyway, think about either doing this yourself or taking your mower to a professional fairly soon. Your mower will appreciate the care you give it, and will reward you with years of reliable service.