Before the first cut of spring
A little preparation in March or April prevents most mid-season problems.
- Check the blade for nicks and sharpen or replace it — a blunt blade tears grass and browns the tips
- Petrol mowers: change the oil, fit a fresh spark plug and clean or replace the air filter
- Cordless mowers: inspect the battery contacts and give the pack a full charge
- Check tyre pressures on ride-ons and tractors, and look for perished belts
Through the season
Brush or scrape the underside of the deck after cutting damp grass, keep the collector vents clear, and raise the cutting height in dry spells to protect the lawn. Mow little and often rather than removing more than a third of the grass height in one go.
Putting the mower away
At the end of the season, clean the machine thoroughly and store it somewhere dry. For petrol engines, either run the tank dry or add a fuel stabiliser, as untreated petrol degrades over winter and is the most common cause of a mower that will not start in spring. Store lithium batteries indoors at roughly half charge, away from frost.
