Getting Your Riding Lawn Mower Ready for Summer in 2024

As the summer season approaches, it's important to perform a lawn mower tune-up to keep it in peak condition. Here are the necessary steps to maintain your riding mower.

1. Deck Cleaning and Maintenance

Grass clippings and debris can accumulate on the underside of the deck over time, impacting the mower's performance. Follow these steps to clean and maintain the mower deck.

1. Park the riding mower on a level service and remove the key.
2. Remove the deck from the riding mower as shown in this video: How to Remove the Deck and Replace the Blade on a Riding Mower.
3. Turn the deck over and use a brush or scraper to remove grass clippings and debris build-up from the underside of the mower deck. Use a water hose and sprayer to thoroughly clean the underside of the deck and allow the deck to dry.
4. Spray the underside of the deck with MO-DECK silicone lubricant to help keep grass clippings from sticking to the bottom of the deck when mowing.
5. Check the cutting blades for wear or damage and if necessary, replace them as shown in the above provided in Step 2 above.
6. If the blade belt is worn or damaged, replace it as shown in this video: Replacing a Blade Drive Belt on a Riding Lawn Mower.
7. Clean to the top of the mower deck and reattach it to the riding mower as shown in the above videos.

Level the mower deck as shown in this helpful DIY video: Leveling a Riding Lawn Mower Deck for an Even Cut.

You can find replacement parts such as blades, belts and the mower deck spray at Sears PartsDirect.com.

If all of this seems like a lot of work already, it is. Instead of doing all this yourself, you can have a Sears Home Services technician tune up and perform maintenance on your mower by scheduling Riding Mower Maintenance Service. We’ll send a tech to your home to get your mower in top shape.

2. Engine Tune-Up

Getting your engine ready for the summer cutting season is essential for smooth mower operation. An engine tune-up includes:

• Changing the oil and oil filter.
• Replacing the air filter.
• Changing the spark plug(s)
• Replacing the fuel filter.

This video walks you through the process so you can keep your engine performing at its best.

3. Maintenance of Your Lawn Mower's Battery and Electrical System

Regular maintenance of your riding lawn mower's battery and electrical system is necessary for a hassle-free summer mowing experience. Here's what you can do:

• Battery test and charge: Use a multimeter to check the battery's voltage. If it's below 12.4 volts, charge it to the suggested level. Avoid overcharging to prevent battery damage. Yes, we have a DIY video for this process too. Follow the steps in this video to charge the battery: How to Charge a Riding Lawn Mower Battery.
• Clean and secure battery connections: Clean corrosion from the battery terminals by disconnecting the cables and using a baking soda and water solution. Dry thoroughly before reconnecting the cables. Make sure the connections are secure to avoid electrical problems.

Following these tips to keep the electrical system in top shape will help ensure that your riding mower starts smoothly all summer long.

4. Maintenance of Your Riding Lawn Mower's Tires

The maintenance of lawn mower tires is crucial for a smooth and safe mowing experience. Here's what you need to do:

• Tire pressure and inflation check: Regularly check the tire pressure to ensure proper traction and prevent unnecessary wear. Refer to your owner's manual for the recommended pressure. Inflate or deflate the tires as needed.
• Inspect and replace worn-out tires: Check the tread depth and look for signs of damage. If the tires are worn or damaged, replace them. Sears Home Services offers these helpful DIY videos to help you replace tires on a riding mower: How to Replace a Rear Tire on a Riding Lawn Mower and .
• Wheel bearings lubrication: Regular inspection and lubrication of wheel bearings ensure smooth wheel rotation. Use manufacturer-recommended lubricant to reduce friction, prevent overheating, and prolong the life of the bearings.

Following these tire care tips is essential in getting your riding lawn mower ready for summer. For any replacement tire or other maintenance parts needs, visit our Sears PartsDirect website.

Sears Home Services is your best source for comprehensive guidance on riding mower maintenance. With our top DIY videos and expert maintenance advice, we can help you keep your riding mower in top shape all summer long. If you need us to do it for your, trust our experienced and dependable technicians to tune up your mower for top performance all summer long.