
The air filter needs to be clean and in good condition in order to stop dirt, dust, and debris from getting into the engine. It is recommended that you clean or change the air filter every 25 hours or once a season, whichever comes first. Pleated-paper air filters have to be replaced, they should not be cleaned and reused. Foam air filters can be cleaned with hot water and dish detergent then wrung dry and saturated with engine oil before reinstalling into the mower.


Fuel filters can be removed and cleaned of residue, however if there is debris clogging the mesh screen inside the filter, replace it. Some fuel filters are located in the fuel line and others are located inside the fuel tank.


The oil level in lawn mowers should be checked after 8 hours of use and changed every 50 hours of use or once every season. Fresh oil is a golden or amber color and as it gets old and used it will turn darker.


Before storing the lawn mower, spray a degreaser on greasy and dirty areas, let the degreaser sit for 10-15 minutes then wipe the sprayed area with a clean cloth. Rinse off the lawn mower with a hose and dry completely.


Use a small bristle brush to remove any debris from the cooling fins. In most cases the blower housing will need to be removed to access the cooling fins.


Lawn mowers require clean, fresh fuel for best performance from the engine. During the off season when your lawn mower is being stored the fuel should either be drained from the lawn mower or a fuel stabilizer should be added to prevent clogs in the carburetor.


If the fuel cap air vent holes are blocked replace the fuel cap. During the off season cover or close the fuel cap vent.


The cutting blade located under the deck should be checked regularly for damage, bends, and dullness. Blade(s) can be sharpened several times before they need to be replaced. It is recommended to change the blade(s) every 1-3 years, depending on the amount of use it gets.


Wash off any grass and debris on the deck and the undercarriage of the lawn mower with a hose and car wash or dish detergent, if needed, after every use to prevent buildup. Remember to tip the lawn mower so that the carburetor is up in the air.


Some lawn mowers have a battery which should be charged regularly for optimal performance. At the end of the season or when being stored the battery should be removed and stored in a cool, dry area.


Checking the tire pressure of inflatable tires on the lawn mower will prevent uneven or poor cutting. Check the tire pressure periodically with a tire gauge to make sure it is at the correct inflation pressure, fill with air when necessary.


Spray WD-40 onto parts that might rust or seize; this will help to prevent parts from rusting.


Spray a lubricant, like WD-40, on engine brake linkages to prevent them from binding and getting covered with dirt and debris.


Clean all cables, gears, wheels and the transmission of dirt and debris and make sure they are properly lubricated to prevent slipping or stopping of the mechanism.


It is important to make sure the gear case has the correct amount of lubricant so that the internal parts are not damaged. Check the owner’s manual for exact specifications.


Check the pulley system to make sure the pulleys are not rusted causing the belts to slip, test the tension of the belts and pulleys periodically. Also check all the belts for damage and wear, replace them if needed.


Lubricating moving parts periodically will make sure all parts turn and move correctly.


Lubricating moving parts periodically will make sure all parts turn and move correctly.
