As the arrival of warmer weather gets closer each day, you’re probably starting to think about yard work and outdoor projects you want to accomplish this year. An important machine that keeps your yard looking good is your lawn mower. A well-maintained mower and simple safety precautions can ensure your lawn stays healthy while keeping your family safe from potential injuries. Stay safe and get the most out of your lawn mower by following these important tips.
Clean oil is critical to keeping the engine lubricated and running smoothly. If you didn’t change the oil at the end of the lawn-cutting season last year, be sure to do it now. Changing the oil in your lawn mower is easy. If it doesn’t have a drain plug, simply remove the oil cap, and tip the lawn mower on its side to drain. Before refilling your mower with oil, refer to your owner’s manual to determine the correct oil type. Lastly, follow municipality disposal guidelines for the old oil. It should never be thrown into your garbage.
The air filter protects the engine from dirt and debris. An extremely dirty air filter can lead to engine problems and potentially costly repairs. Typically, you should change your air filter on a yearly basis. If your lawn mower is dusty and dirty after each cut, inspect it regularly. Depending on the filter type, you may be able to use your air compressor or vacuum cleaner to remove the debris.
Your lawn mower blade is critical to maintaining your lawn and keeping it healthy. Hitting debris, such as rocks, stones, sticks, and mulch, can quickly dull the blade. Unfortunately, dull blades tear the grass instead of cutting it, which causes grass to turn brown and can lead to disease. If you prefer not to do this yourself, visit your local hardware store or small engine shop. To prevent downtime, consider buying extra blades to keep on hand.
Grass clippings and other debris can build up underneath the mowing deck. If moisture is present, it can lead to mold growth. Use a putty knife, garden hose, or pressure washer regularly to keep it clean. Don’t forget to dry it off with a rag or blower.
If you’re having a difficult time starting your lawn mower, it may be time to change the spark plug. Over time, deposit buildup can occur, and normal wear and tear can lead to cracked porcelain or electrodes that have been burned away.
During the winter months, mice need a nice, warm place to stay. If they find their way into your garage or shed, it’s likely they’ll snuggle up to an engine. Check your lawn mower and the area around it for evidence of mice, including nesting materials, droppings, or gnaw marks.
Cold weather can reduce tire pressure. Before cutting your lawn, don’t forget to check tire pressure. If a tire has more air than others, it could cause uneven mowing.
If you keep your battery indoors or on a trickle charger, it should be ready to go when the grass starts growing. If you keep it in your mower, check for cracks in the casing or corrosion buildup. Corrosion buildup can be removed simply with baking soda and a wire brush. Lastly, if you’re installing your battery for the first time, ensure the connections are snug.
Before cutting your lawn, take a quick walk around your property. Look for debris that could cause injury if it shot out of your lawn mower, including stones, sticks, mulch, and children’s toys. If you live in a neighborhood with lots of dog walkers, you may also want to make sure there are no unwanted surprises.
If your neighborhood is active, be on the lookout for walkers, runners, strollers, and children riding bikes. If they come near you, stop mowing and shut off your lawn mower. This will prevent debris from flying in their direction and allow parents to be heard if they're giving their children commands like, “stop at the corner” or “watch for cars.”
If you have kids, they may be eager to help you cut the lawn. If they're like many teenagers, an opportunity to earn money may be the motivator. If you let them help, it's recommended that kids be at least 12 years old to operate a push mower and 16 or older for a riding mower. You would never just turn over the keys of your car to a new driver, and the same should be true with the lawn mower.
Explain to your child how the lawn mower works, emphasize safety, and review different scenarios they may encounter. Cut a couple of rows so they can see how it's done. When it's their turn, walk with them and provide instruction. Once you feel comfortable, let them try it on their own, but consider staying close and watching the first few times.
When cutting the lawn, it's important to keep your children out of harm's way. Let them know that when you're cutting, they're not allowed near you. In addition, it's always a good idea to leave your pets inside.
While it may seem harmless to give your kids or others a ride, it's best to avoid this. In the blink of an eye, slips and falls can lead to serious, or even deadly, accidents.
If you have steep slopes in your yard, be sure to drive up and down and not side to side. While the crossing patterns may be more visually appealing, this will help prevent mower rollovers.
It’s always important to wear glasses or goggles when working in your yard, especially if you're cutting around trees with low hanging branches.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but being a flip-flop guy, I know it's tempting to wear them. Instead, wear shoes or boots with good traction and stability. Uneven ground or slippery areas can lead to injuries.
Wear earplugs or safety earmuffs when using your lawn mower, trimmer, or blower. According to Consumer Reports, people should try to avoid extended exposure to sound that's 75 to 85 decibels or more. Above that, hearing protection should be worn. On average, lawn mowers produce sounds ranging from 85 to 95 decibels. Hearing protection is easy to get and affordable.
A sudden clog caused by a clump of grass or other yard debris may tempt you to lift the lawn mower to clear it. Always shut down the mower before conducting a physical inspection.
After a hard day’s work, give your lawn mower time to cool down before storing it. A lawn mower's muffler can reach 240 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause a fire if it's stored next to flammable objects.
Proper maintenance, paired with safety precautions, helps protect your family and prolong your lawn mower's life. Start the season right by following these tips, and enjoy a lush, well-manicured lawn while staying safe.