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| Photo Credit: Rachel A. Margolis |
| Is it time to change your spark plug? Don’t know where (or what) it is? Look in your owner’s manual to help you locate it on your machine. |
Sputter, sputter, sputter…kick, kick, kick. Does this sound like the relationship between you and your lawn equipment? If so, it’s time for some tender loving care. No, not for you (although that’s never a bad idea), but for your lawn equipment. Before your lawn mower, weed eater and other machinery go into hibernation, you should winterize them so they’re “spring ready” for next year.
The basic maintenance most equipment needs is fairly easy to tackle. Your car needs regular attention (oil changes, new filters, etc.), and so does your lawn care equipment. Regular inspections and maintenance keep them running smoothly, as well as cuts down on repairs and replacement costs. If this is new territory for you and you cringe at the thought of getting your hands greasy, stay with me and just keep reading. Trust me when I say you’ll think, “I can do that!” It’s just a matter of getting more familiar with your equipment. Let’s start with the spark plug. Without the spark plug (alias, “Sparky”), your machine won’t start. The spark plug provides the electrical spark that ignites the gasoline/air mixture. Typically, you need to change the spark plug in any lawn maintenance tool once a season. If you’re pulling and pulling the chord on your machine and it’s still not starting, there’s a good chance that ol’ Sparky is the culprit. Each lawn equipment model requires a different spark plug and spark plug gap. To find out which one you need, just pull out the spark plug that’s in the machine right now, or check your operator’s manual. (You can also buy an inexpensive spark plug gap tool to have at your disposal. It sure comes in handy.) | Add Photo to Journal |  | | Photo Credit: Rachel A. Margolis | | Check your oil on a regular basis – and change it once a year to keep your lawn care equipment running smoothly. |
Next, let’s talk oil. First, you need to make sure you’re using the right kind. Again, your operator’s manual will explain your machine’s specific oil requirements – and you must pay attention to them. Putting the wrong oil in your lawn equipment is like the pharmacist filling your prescription incorrectly. It could mean the death of your machine.
The next step is to actually look at the oil and the oil level (which you should do regularly throughout the season). If the oil is low or dirty, your machine won’t run like it should. Plus (just like cars), if the oil gets dangerously low, the engine will burn up. Not good…not good at all. Most machines have a number of hours of minimal operation before changing the oil is necessary. Even if you don’t find yourself using your mower or other machinery that often during a season, it’s a good habit to change your oil once a year to keep your equipment running smoothly. (And remember to dispose of your old oil safely by taking it to your local hazardous-material recycling location.)
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| Tips |
- It’s important to clean the underside of lawn mowers by removing grass clippings and dirt at least once a year. (Be careful when cleaning!) While you’re under the machine, be sure to check the blades, too. Dull blades can damage your grass. The off-season is a good time to sharpen them (which should be done once a year) or replace them, so you’ll be prepared for mowing come spring.
- Try not to leave any gas in your lawn mower over the winter – it can gum up inside your carburetor, causing a trip to the repair shop next spring. If you’ve got a lot left in the tank, try to siphon some out. Then just let the mower run (supervised, of course) until all the fuel is used up.
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| Faqs |
- Q: I have no idea where my owner’s manual is. Now what?
A: Even if you don’t have your owner’s manual, it shouldn’t be a problem. Just jot down the model name and number of your lawn equipment and use everyone’s favorite resource: the Internet! Most manufacturers’ Websites allow you to save and/or print the operator’s manual for your personal use. The manual should also have a regular maintenance schedule to follow so you can keep your particular machine running smoothly year-round. - Q: Where can I get the right parts to help me maintain my outdoor equipment?
A: Any store that sells lawn care tools like mowers, trimmers, leaf blowers, etc., should carry some of the parts needed for regular maintenance. If your part isn’t in stock, ask if it can be ordered.
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| Resources |
- Have no idea where the spark plug, air filter or fuel line is? Check your owner’s manual – all the information should be in there.
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