5 parts you should check when doing a service, which if not carried out, could cause your Lawnmower to fail!

Why is it important to service your Lawn Mower?

Like most machines, if your lawn mower is left unserviced and uncared for; this may result in costly issues. In every season, we want to make sure our lawns are looking in “tip top condition”, however this usage can put a lot of strain on our mowers. By regularly servicing and replacing simple parts and components on your mower, this can dramatically extend the life of your machine, saving both time and money.

Here are 5 things to check regularly:

Number 1: The Blade

Over time your blade can become damaged and blunt by hitting stones & other foreign objects. As well as, catching the material in the undercarriage, that may have built up causing the blade to not turn efficiently. As you will know, the blade is the major part that will dramatically change the appearance and cut your lawn. Especially over spring and summer months, you will want to keep your grass trimmed and looking clean cut! You have an option to purchase a Non Genuine or Genuine Blade, this again will be personal preference. Whilst changing or sharpening your blade, make sure you are cleaning the debris underneath that is clogging up all the components. This can prevent your blade from turning, and will dramatically damage your machine. Clean out the undercarriage using a jet wash to help to release the build up of grass and soil. Whilst replacing, make sure that you fasten the blade so that it is perfectly balanced, if one side is heavier, you have the option to file down the edge.

Number 2: Fresh Oil

Oil becomes contaminated with particles over time as the engine wears and needs to be changed on the recommended service frequency. Over time the oil will darken due to the heat, dirt and agitated air in the crankcase. The oil being dark doesn't just indicate that it is dirty, but it has a reduced ability to coat and protect the engine components. Therefore you will need to drain the oil with an extractor and dispose of it correctly. This should be practiced every 50 hours of operation or season. When replacing you will need to make sure the engine is still warm, disconnect the spark plug and if tipped remove the fuel as this can leak out. Fill the oil to the min and max markings on the dipstick. Be careful as over filling could cause significant damage to the engine.

Number 3: The Air Filter

As air filters can get trapped with dirt and grime and even rip and tear, this could have a large effect on the efficiency of your lawn mower. Most air filters are very cheap to purchase and should be replaced at the annual service. There are two types, Standard or High Capacity filters, you will therefore need to determine which type your engine takes. Briggs and Stratton recommend after 25 hours to check to see if the air filter is clean, then annually to replace this part. Do not use pressurised air or solvents as pressurised air can damage the filter and solvents will dissolve the filter. Also, coat the standard filter with recommended air filter oil.

Number 4: The Spark Plug

If you find that your mower just won't start or you have to constantly pull on the rewind to start the engine, this can identify a damaged spark plug. Having these issues can cause excessive fuel consumption, deposits on the cylinder head and oil dilution. Briggs and Stratton recommend this part should be serviced every year. Spark plugs can become extremely hot as they provide the spark that ignites the air and fuel mixture within the cylinders.When changing, you will need to make sure that the spark plug is placed back securely. You can also test your spark plug with a spark plug tester, however do not check the spark with the spark plug removed. Sometimes we may have to reset or check the gap, for instance the 450 series 09T502-0134-B1 engine, the spark plug gap needs to be 0.030 in (0.76 mm).The correct specification of the spark plug gap will be enough to not burn and so it doesn’t skip or miss at high speeds. If not changed, they can cause issues with the engine. Check your manufacturer's specification guide to make sure you are purchasing the correct spark plug.

Number 5: Changing the Fuel

If you didn't already know petrol can go off as petrol is normally fresh for only a month. Fuel contains ethanol which can dramatically damage engines by attracting water in the tank which consequently, creates a corrosive mix for the various engine parts. As the petrol evaporates, it can form deposits which can block the carburettor and fuel lines. After every season, especially when storing for the winter, the fuel can have a major impact on the engine. This can cause severe damage with the change of temperature. As a result, the fuel will need to be drained and replaced, with quality unleaded gasoline.

You can extend the life of your petrol up to three years, by using a fuel stabiliser. Fuel stabilisers fabricate a coating in the engine, protecting the parts. Briggs and Stratton advise 100ml of Fuel Fit to treat up to 10 litres of unleaded fuel, however old fuel must be drained.

So why not make this a yearly task to check potential issues before they become major, and prevent paying for a new lawn mower.

This is only just a few minor tasks you may want to check, there are obviously many more parts that could cause issues. We recommend if you are still unsure or not confident, to take your lawn mower to a professional.

5 Common Reasons Why Your Lawn Mower Might Be Failing Video

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'How To' Related Videos

How to change a Blade on a Mcculloch M40-450c Lawn Mower How to change the Oil on a Mcculloch M40-450c Lawn Mower How to change an Air Filter on a Mcculloch M40-450c Lawn Mower How to change a Spark Plug on a Mcculloch M40-450c Lawn Mower How to change the Fuel in a Mcculloch M40-450c Lawn Mower