As you know, lawn service equipment and supplies are costly to purchase, and you should regularly administer basic maintenance checks, or they may become unsafe and too pricey to fix.

Here are some basic lawn care equipment reminders and can be used as a checklist of “actionable items” you should complete at the beginning of each lawn season.  

Lawnmower 

With this back-to-basics checklist, you can tackle spring mower maintenance with confidence. These suggestions apply to both walk-behind and riding mowers.

Change Oil   Each mowing season should begin with an oil change. Before you start, make sure the spark plug wire is disconnected. Before raising the mower, check to be sure the gas tank is empty.

Replace Spark Plug   Check the owner’s manual, but many experts advise changing the spark plug before the mowing season begins.

Clean Air Filter Inspect and clean the air filter if necessary. Sometimes you can blow dust out of an accordion-style paper filter with an air compressor. Keep in mind, if you can’t clean it, it is time to replace it. Therefore, it is a good idea to have additional filters available during the mowing season so you can quickly change them as well. 

Sharpen The Blade   If the cutting tool appears dull, you should sharpen it with a metal file or a sharpening stone. Remember to file the beveled edge in the same direction with each pass.

Tighten Bolts. Inspect all mower bolts and screws for looseness and tighten any that you notice. It’s a nightmare to lose a bolt when mowing, and finding it is virtually impossible.

Add Gas. Start the season with new fuel and make sure your gasoline carries a fuel stabilizer. Modern gasoline usually loses its efficacy rapidly, resulting in sluggish or no starts with old Gas. Check all the owner’s manuals to ensure you are using the appropriate fuel.

Clean Up. Sweep grass cuttings and debris from the mower after each mowing. Make sure the engine intake is clear of debris. Clean up the area beneath the mower a few times during the season, especially if the grass is tall or damp. 

Before raising the mower, disconnect the spark plug wire.

Adjust Cutting Height.  Always double-check the mower’s cutting height. Make sure to elevate the cutting deck before starting a new mowing season, notably if you lowered it last fall for leaf mulching or the previous cut of the season.

Riding Mower Reminders Always inspect belts for fraying or breaking and check tire pressure. Check the owner’s manual for additional checklists to review on riding mowers.

Battery-Powered Mower Reminders   Adjust the cutting height, sharpen the Blade, and charge the battery. Replace a fully charged battery if it doesn’t have the same lasting power as last season. Typically, batteries last four to five seasons.

Edger

As you know, an edger is a crucial piece of equipment in keeping your customer’s lawn looking great. Therefore, if an edger is part of your lawn service equipment inventory, you want to be sure to inspect and perform these tasks before the new season begins.  

Inspect/Repair Pull Cord   Inspect the cord thoroughly and if the recoil cord won’t fully retract or is unusually stiff, remove the cover and blow away any dirt. It may be required for you to lubricate the line. Check the owner’s manual to ensure the type and brand of lubricant to use.

Check Belts   Always examine the lawn mower’s belts. Belts that are broken or frayed should be changed immediately.

Check Oil Level   Before each usage, make sure the oil level is at the appropriate level. Then, if needed, add more oil to it. According to the owner’s manual maintenance plan, you should change the oil at the start of each active season.

Inspect Air Filter  Inspect the air filter and replace it altogether if necessary. As you know, a lawn edger stirs up dirt and grass, putting an extra strain on the air filter.

Clean The Edger After each usage, let the edger cool down and clean it thoroughly. If you can, blow out dirt and grass with an air compressor, paying careful attention to the engine air intake.

Leaf Blower

It’s all about taking care of the little things when it comes to maintaining a leaf blower.

Check Air Filter  Check the air filter at the beginning of the new season, and start with a fresh air filter, especially if you didn’t replace it last season.

Inspect Air Intakes   Keep debris out of the air intake locations. Check the exterior of the motor and clean it if necessary.

Change Spark Plug   Check the manual to be sure, but you should change the spark plug on your leaf blower at the beginning of each active season. More information should be available in the owner’s handbook.  

Add Gas   To begin the active season, fill up gas-powered blowers with new fuel.

As mentioned, lawn care service equipment and tools are costly. So, it is critical to keep them in good operating order. If you follow these maintenance recommendations, it will help you extend the life of your lawn care service equipment and tools while also saving you money.