Keeping a Mower in Great Condition

The sounds and smells of summer are often so vivid that they come to mind almost instantly, even in the dead of winter. The sound of children playing outside, the smell of barbecues, watermelon and freshly cut grass are all brought to mind when people think of summer. Less common is the memory of the work it took to plan and set up the barbecue or cut the grass. Nevertheless, mowing the lawn is also a defining part of summertime. If you have a riding mower, then there are a number of things that will keep it in good working condition.

One of the most defining parts of a riding mower is the blades. Without them, you would just be driving a small vehicle over your lawn. In order for riding mower blades to cut cleanly through blades of grass they need to remain sharp. Otherwise they will simply tear the grass, leaving it vulnerable to pests and disease as well as detracting from the attractive emerald look of healthy grass. One way to avoid dulling the blades of your riding mower is by only cutting grass when it is dry. Wet grass can dull the blades; furthermore, because it clumps more easily and can clog the engine of a riding mower. It is recommended that you have your riding mower blades sharpened at least a couple of times every season. You can do this by taking the blades to be sharpened at a riding mower repair shop or you can learn to do it yourself at home.

Another way to keep your riding mower in the best shape possible is by cleaning it regularly. The best way to clean the riding mower deck is by using high powered air such as a leaf blower to remove most of the dirt and grime and then a cloth to do the rest. It is best to avoid using water to clean a riding mower because if it doesn't dry quickly, its presence can cause metal parts to rust.

If you want to avoid any unnecessary damage to your riding mower, it is a good idea to check it often to see that it is safe to use and in good repair. Check to make sure riding mower blades turn evenly and are balanced correctly. This will keep them from hitting each other and denting or chipping and will keep them from hitting the riding mower deck. Also see that the bolts are sufficiently tight and that the spacers and washers are in good condition. Because one small part can initiate a chain of problems in your riding mower, doing general safety checks on your riding mower and replacing small parts when they become compromised will help you avoid larger problems.

Finally, make sure to use high quality fuel in your riding mower. Low quality fuel and oil can be corrosive both in a car and in a riding mower and can break down the engine and other parts. It is also a good idea to remove fuel from the tank if you will be storing your riding mower for the winter because gasoline turns to varnish if it sits for a long period of time. By following these few tips, you can keep your mower in great condition.

Riding Mower