Stay sharp when mowing your lawn with these lawn mower maintenance tips.

To keep your mower in tip-top running condition, have a competent service professional thoroughly inspect your mower at least once a year.

Inspection areas:

Sharpening and balancing the blade [youtube]. A dull blade tears grass and can leave in prone to disease, and an unbalanced blade can cause your mower excess wear and tear.

     Check the air filter. If you are using the mower in dry or dusty conditions, you will need to replace the air filter more often.

                               Check the spark plug. Always ensure that the spark plug is clean and gapped correctly.

    


   


     Check the carburetor and have it adjusted if necessary.






                                Check to oil, and have it changed if needed.  

      Check the wheels, bags, and
belts and replace as needed.

Your lawn mower is likely the most frequently used piece of outdoor power equipment that you own - here's a maintenance calendar that's handy to use. Proper maintenance is extremely important to maximizing efficiency, reducing emissions, preventing costly repairs and extending the life of your lawn mower. By keeping your mower in proper working order, you can help maintain a healthy environment, pocketbook and lawn.

For more information on lawn care, contact your local University of Idaho Extension office!